Latest news in Cuba? September 2nd, 2026

New School Year Opens Amid Severe Shortages Over 1.4 million students returned to classrooms on September 1 as the new academic year began under extreme conditions. The government reported covering only around 73% to 75% of teaching positions due to low pay and mass emigration, forcing emergency transfers of hundreds of educators to Havana. Severe shortages of fabrics left uniform production at roughly 12% of demand, while widespread lack of fuel and cooking provisions left many schools reliant on parents to provide basic meals and transportation. WLRN+ 1Deepening Energy and Infrastructure Gridlock Rolling blackouts continue to paralyze the island, with outages frequently lasting 20 to 30 hours per day in several provinces and across parts of Havana. The lack of power and fuel has compounded running water deficits, grounded school transit, and forced families to sleep outdoors or rely on portable, rechargeable appliances. Hindustan Times+ 1U.S. Sanctions and Diplomatic Standoff Tensions with Washington remain elevated after the U.S. administration formally extended authorities under the Trading with the Enemy Act through September 2027. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez strongly condemned the extension, denouncing it as an ongoing attempt to economically suffocate the country.Sharp Downturn in Tourism Cuba’s tourism sector has experienced a severe contraction, declining by an estimated 60% as international visitor numbers drop sharply amid persistent power grid failures, reduced flight routes, and heightened financial restrictions. The Independent