Luis Rodríguez Pérez, representing political prisoners María Cristina Garrido Rodríguez and Angélica Garrido Rodríguez, received the Patmos Award for Religious Freedom on their behalf after a State Security orchestrated boycott in October. The award, given collectively for the first time, also recognized Jorge and Nadir Martín Perdomo, all imprisoned for participating in the July 2021 protests in Mayabeque. The ceremony was initially planned for October 31 but was prevented by State Security. Rodríguez Pérez had to secretly receive the award due to surveillance. He shared the struggles of the political prisoners and their families, emphasizing the suffering of their children. He expressed no desire for dialogue with the regime, calling them 'beasts' with 'diabolical instinct' and urged the international community to raise their voices for Cuban prisoners.

Cuban authorities have set a deadline for electric scooter and moped owners to register their vehicles, with penalties starting January 2024 for those without license plates. Despite the urgency, inefficiencies at the Registro de Vehículos (RV) have led to long lines and disinformation, with many owners unable to begin the process. The law requires electric scooters to be registered, and the process began in October 2019 but has been extended multiple times due to low turnout and the COVID-19 pandemic. As the deadline approaches, owners face bureaucratic hurdles, such as non-functional phone lines for appointment booking and limited daily reservations. A source from the RV attributes the slow process to understaffing and the sudden influx of applicants. The ultimatum is part of a phased plan to register all unlicensed vehicles by 2024.

In Havana, Cuba, football fields become a place of transformation for young people at risk of delinquency. The initiative, led by Pastor Guillermo Sánchez Zárate, is part of the 'Ministerio Deportivo Honrar al Padre', which aims to break stereotypes and harmful beliefs associated with violence and crime. The ministry, described as an 'inter-denominational academy', provides a safe space for interaction and teaches moral values through the sport. Individuals like Yaniel García Linares and Darío Ray Lafargue share their stories of overcoming adversity and now lead efforts to guide others. The program has seen success in changing lives, with many youths leaving behind drugs and violence for a better path.

Ketty Méndez Molina found medical assistance for her daughter, Jennifer Larrea Méndez, in a clinic in Cali, Colombia, after facing unfulfilled government promises and political harassment in Cuba. Jennifer, who has severe health issues including congenital torticollis, craniofacial asymmetry, central nervous system damage, severe mental retardation, epilepsy, and autism, has not received adequate medical care in Cuba. Dr. Miguel Ángel Ruano Sánchez, a Cuban doctor in exile, has offered to treat Jennifer once she and her mother can leave Cuba. The main obstacle is funding for travel, for which Méndez has started a GoFundMe campaign. Despite the hardships, Méndez is hopeful about the medical care and rehabilitation Jennifer will receive from the exile community.

The Community League 'Soñamos' is an independent soccer project in Havana's Puentes Grandes neighborhood, fostering local talent with the belief that 'mass participation yields quality.' The league maintains the Estadio La Polar, where it plays, through a mutual agreement. José Luis Sotelo Fernández, the founder, has seen the league grow from four to sixteen teams. Despite a FIFA agreement and subsequent funding for stadium renovations, the project remains the most delayed in Cuba, with incomplete infrastructure. The league's self-sufficiency and community support are highlighted, with contributions funding maintenance and improvements. The league is recognized for its organization, discipline, and quality, attracting national referees and players, and is considered the best in Havana. Calls for support from INDER and the Cuban Football Association are made to further enhance the league's impact on national soccer.

Ariadna Cantillo Tundidor, Cuba's best skater, has achieved remarkable international results despite the lack of popularity for her sport on the island and no support from the national sports entity, INDER. She has a historic seventh-place world ranking, a sixth place in Colombia's National Interclub Valid, a Pan American bronze, and a silver medal from the XXIV Central American Games in San Salvador. Ariadna is sponsored by Canarias, a leading skate brand in Colombia, which provides her with essential equipment. She is preparing for the upcoming Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile 2023, where she will compete as the only Cuban skater. Despite the challenges, including inadequate training facilities and no international training opportunities, Ariadna remains focused on performing her best at the competition.

Judo, historically a successful sport for Cuba in the Olympics, is facing a decline in international results, with only Idalys Ortiz winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Cuban Judo Federation's limited participation in foreign events due to financial constraints and the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation's (INDER) economic management are contributing factors. Yosvani Pérez Hernández, a coach at the Havana Judo Academy, attributes the decline to the progressive loss of training areas and calls for better support at the grassroots level. Josué Bravo Blanco, a talented young judoka, highlights the personal sacrifices athletes make to train and compete. Pérez Hernández suggests economic incentives for athletes and criticizes outdated mentalities hindering the sport's development.

Residents of the Managua Popular Council in Arroyo Naranjo, Havana, are dealing with uncollected garbage that has been piling up since late June, leading to the formation of micro-landfills in the streets. The situation is causing health and sanitation concerns, with reports of rats and cockroaches becoming a common sight. Despite complaints to authorities and the negative impact on daily life, including the risk to children and the spread of waste by stray dogs, the issue persists. A Comunales employee cited a lack of fuel for the garbage collection tractor as the reason for the delay, which also affects workers' salaries.

The baseball rivalry between Industriales and Santiago de Cuba, once a celebrated classic, has been reignited with passion. This season's playoff game at the Latinoamericano Stadium in Havana marked a significant change from previous encounters, drawing large crowds and reviving the sociocultural clash between Havana and the eastern part of the island. The series highlighted historical tensions stemming from migration and showcased the resilience of both teams. The latest game ended with Santiago de Cuba's victory, keeping their hopes alive and forcing Industriales to travel for a decisive match in Santiago, with the winner to face Los Leñadores de Las Tunas in the final of the 62nd National Series of Baseball.

Cubans are experiencing extreme heat in Havana, with some attributing it to a heatwave, while in reality, it's due to a heat dome phenomenon. Despite the health risks, the Cuban government has not issued any alerts or safety measures. A dust cloud from the Sahara was predicted to sustain the extreme heat conditions, but many were unaware of its arrival and potential health impacts. The lack of public amenities for hydration and the continued extreme heat even after the dust cloud's departure are causing distress among the population.

The 2nd Local Development Fair Havana 2023 concluded, focusing on non-state economic management forms approved by the regime, with an emphasis on youth and exports. Despite the presence of MSMEs and other private sector representatives, attendees criticized the high prices of goods, which were not reduced for the fair and reflected the ongoing inflation. The private sector has long demanded wholesale stores for necessary materials to offer better prices, but the state's inaction has led MSMEs to become the main suppliers, with prices rising due to inflation. The fair showcased the same products found in city eateries without price differentiation, and the public expressed disappointment, highlighting the disparity between average wages and the cost of goods.

Daniel Alejandro Llamo Hidalgo, born in July 2009 in Havana, Cuba, was a healthy child except for congenital glaucoma treated at the Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology 'Ramón Pando Ferrer'. After a decade of successful surgeries, medical malpractice left him bedridden. His condition worsened after a surgery in September 2019 due to high ocular pressure and lack of emergency equipment. Subsequent hospital transfers, surgeries, and medical complications, including a hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, further deteriorated his health. His mother, Anabel Hidalgo Rosabal, faced challenges obtaining proper medical care and equipment, including a wheelchair donated by Limay Blanco. Despite seeking help from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP), she has not received adequate support. Anabel believes with proper care, her son's condition could improve, but is hindered by systemic apathy and negligence.

In Havana, Cuba, private taxi drivers are experiencing a new 'ordering' as authorities have capped fares for the third time in recent years and opened an additional service station, 'El Futuro', to prioritize fuel sales to licensed private carriers. The new rates, effective June 9, replace those set in 2021 to stop public transport price hikes. Taxi drivers went on strike, protesting the current prices as insufficient to cover vehicle maintenance and inflation. The strike was further fueled by difficulties in purchasing fuel due to a shortage crisis. Despite the opening of 'El Futuro', long queues and limited supply hinder the drivers' ability to refuel efficiently, leading to continued reliance on the black market for diesel, priced at 150 pesos per liter. A failed protest attempt on June 9 against the Ministry of Transport was quickly dispersed, with threats of vehicle confiscation and license cancellation.

Havana's public transportation is in a severe crisis, exacerbated by a fuel shortage since April, with over 50% of buses not operating due to lack of diesel. Despite expectations for improvement in May, the situation remains unchanged. Routes P6 and P8 have been reduced to three or four trips a day, with some days only making a single round. Private sector transportation has become a faster alternative, but prices have surged due to the fuel crisis. An anonymous inspector from the Ministry of Transport (MITRANS) revealed that over 30,000 private vehicles are involved in transportation, with at least 20,000 operating without a license. Over 4,000 'boteros' have surrendered their licenses due to the inability to work without fuel. Private transporters are forced to buy fuel on the informal market at high prices, leading to significant fare increases for routes across Havana.

In Cuba, gasoline prices on the informal market have surged up to 40 times their original cost due to a fuel shortage that began in late March. Prices range from 350 pesos in Havana to 1,000 pesos elsewhere. Drivers face long queues at servicentros, and the government has limited sales to 40 liters per vehicle. 'Coleros' and resellers are exploiting the situation by controlling queues and reselling fuel at high prices. Social networks, particularly Facebook, have become the main platform for underground gasoline trade. The crisis has also impacted public transportation and private taxi services, which have had to double fares to maintain profitability.

Residents of El Cerro in Havana, Cuba, are facing longstanding issues with water leaks and garbage accumulation. The water leaks, dating back 30 years, result in thousands of liters of water wasted daily, causing damage to infrastructure and affecting water supply to homes. Aguas de La Habana has been ineffective in addressing the leaks, with residents like Aimara Alcántara Rodríguez expressing frustration over the increasing number of leaks. The waste management situation is equally dire, with Empresa Aurora struggling to collect the daily 6,000 cubic meters of garbage due to resource shortages and social indiscipline. The lack of proper sanitation equipment exacerbates the problem, leading to concerns about public health as pests become a common sight. Residents like José Luis Mederos Pérez and Amarilis Acevedo Curvelo share their experiences of inconvenience and health risks due to these unresolved issues.

The article discusses the dilapidated state of the once luxurious Tarará Beach neighborhood in Cuba, which has seen better days as a thriving recreational spot for American tourists and the Cuban upper and middle classes. The neighborhood, built between 1912 and 1943, was the first gated community in Latin America. However, after the Cuban revolution, properties were seized by Fidel Castro's government, and the area was repurposed for various government programs. Despite a restoration program, only a fraction of the houses have been restored, with many occupied by government officials and foreigners. The article includes personal stories of families who lost their properties and the current state of the area, which is now mostly rented to Cuban nationals due to a drop in international tourism. The article concludes with a disclaimer stating that the opinions expressed are the sole responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of CubaNet.

Pablo Miguel Echavarría Suárez, a Havana driver and victim of a violent robbery attempt, reported to CubaNet the existence of a criminal gang in the La Jata neighborhood of Guanabacoa. The gang, posing as small business vendors, lured victims to a secluded area to rob them. During one such incident, Echavarría Suárez managed to fight off the attackers, leading to the arrest of one, Yoandry Bárbaro Barcárcel Escarra. Despite this, Echavarría Suárez was accused of causing injuries and had to pay bail. He criticizes the police for their poor handling of the situation, noting that the gang is well-known in the area and that other victims have come forward with similar stories. Guanabacoa has become a hotspot for violence, with another gang recently arrested for posing as dollar sellers to rob their victims.

Mileydis Vaillant Despaigne, a Cuban woman, has faced increased harassment from housing officials after her case was publicized by CubaNet in January. She has been living in a two-story building in Nuevo Vedado, Havana, for five years and is fighting for her property rights, which have been denied despite being documented in her home exchange contract. Vaillant Despaigne's situation worsened after Manuel Alejandro Cordoví Gutiérrez, who also desired the property and is the son of a former public health official and Communist Party leader, allegedly used his influence to expel her. Government officials have reportedly acted against her, and new legal processes have been initiated. Cordoví Gutiérrez has filed a lawsuit claiming water damage from Vaillant Despaigne's property. Despite a previous ruling in her favor, the case was reopened with a new judge, and Vaillant Despaigne was not notified of a repeat inspection, denying her legal representation. She has also been detained by police and suffered health issues due to the stress of the ongoing conflict.

Mileydis Vaillant Despaigne, a Cuban woman, has faced increased harassment from housing officials after her case was publicized by CubaNet in January. She has been living in a two-story building in Nuevo Vedado, Havana, for five years and is fighting for her property title and access to common areas and utilities, which are part of her legal contract. Manuel Alejandro Cordoví Gutiérrez, who also desired the house, has allegedly used his influence to expel her. Government officials have reportedly acted against her, and recent legal actions have been taken against her without proper notification, including a lawsuit for alleged water damage caused by her property. Vaillant Despaigne has sought help from various government agencies and the independent press but has faced detentions and threats. Her health has deteriorated due to the stress and harassment.

Expocuba, once a popular family recreation site in Havana, is now in a state of decay with closed pavilions, rusty structures, and limited offerings. Despite being a key fairground inaugurated by Fidel Castro in 1989, it has suffered from mismanagement and neglect. Attendance has plummeted, with some days seeing as few as 50 visitors. The fairground escaped economic restructuring and remains a budgeted unit of PALCO, but the lack of public sales and allegations of black market diversions by administrators highlight its issues. The amusement park, once a major attraction, is now virtually inoperative due to outdated Chinese technology and neglected maintenance.

The Christ of Havana, a 20-meter tall statue on a three-meter base, stands as a symbol of faith overlooking the city. Commissioned by Marta Fernández Miranda de Batista after a failed assassination attempt on her husband, dictator Fulgencio Batista, the statue was sculpted by Jilma Madera from marble blessed by Pope Pius XII. Despite initial neglect by Fidel Castro's atheist regime and damage from weather, the statue has been restored and declared a National Monument, attracting visitors for both its religious significance and historical value.

Independent journalist Osniel Carmona Breijo, a contributor to Cubanet, was detained at the International Book Fair of Havana. His colleague, Alejandro Hernández Cepero, managed to escape police and notify Cubanet. Carmona was conducting interviews on the fair's last day when he was approached by a plainclothes individual and taken away by officers of the Policía Nacional Revolucionaria. More than four hours have passed since the detention, and Carmona remains unreachable and his whereabouts unknown, leading to concerns of enforced disappearance. This is not the first time Carmona has been detained; he was previously held for around 18 hours without light or ventilation at a police unit.

Cuba's baseball team, set to compete in the V Clásico Mundial, demonstrated its strength by defeating the Agricultores team, which will participate in the Serie del Caribe Gran Caracas 2023, in two preparatory matches. Despite the national team's success on the field, fans remain skeptical about the team's prospects in the World Classic, citing concerns over the quality of play and the absence of some top players due to past grievances. The Cuban team will continue training before heading to Japan for further preparation games ahead of the World Classic.

Cuban political prisoner Carlos Manuel Pupo Rodríguez, aged 70, is recovering from pneumonia at the Abel Santamaría Provincial Hospital in Pinar del Río after being urgently transferred from the 5 1⁄2 prison following a fainting episode. Pupo's health has been compromised due to a 36-day hunger strike he conducted in 2022 to demand a review of his case and justice for detainees of the July 11 and 12 protests. His daughter, Hanet Rodríguez Bulnes, reports that his condition is delicate, exacerbated by poor prison conditions and inadequate medical attention until his recent hospitalization. Pupo was arrested during peaceful protests on July 11, 2021, in San Antonio de los Baños, and later sentenced to six years for public disorder.

The inaugural Cuban Baseball Elite League (LEBC) concluded with mixed reactions, characterized by more negative aspects than positive. The final game saw a victory for Agricultores over Portuarios, with Carlos Martí achieving a unique record as an undefeated manager in Cuban baseball finals. Criticisms of the LEBC included the team naming process, logistical issues such as delayed equipment, and low fan engagement. The league faced numerous challenges, including transportation problems, poor scheduling, and inadequate player conditions. Despite the league's shortcomings, the champions are set to represent Cuba in the upcoming Caribbean Series in Caracas. Experts and fans alike have expressed disappointment, highlighting the need for fundamental improvements in Cuban baseball.

Cubans are struggling with inflated food prices that limit their ability to purchase quality provisions, leading to a heightened sense of scarcity. The economic reforms of 2021 intended to balance purchasing power have failed, causing the peso to devalue amidst rising living costs. The basic food basket, which is supposed to last a week, is insufficient, and prices for staples like rice and beans have soared. The end-of-year festivities are particularly affected, with traditional meals now costing more than 10,000 pesos, far beyond what many can afford.

Around 20 families were forced to evacuate a building on Bernaza Street in Old Havana due to a collapse risk, following police, housing officials, and municipal government orders. Despite previous attempts to evacuate after Hurricane Ian, residents stayed due to lack of alternative housing. The building, declared uninhabitable since the late 1990s, has been further compromised by recent winter rains. Residents, uncertain of their relocation, expressed frustration with the government's lack of assistance.

In Havana, after a year marked by hunger, the sale of pork and a food module including cigarettes and rum has begun, while the provincial commerce company is catching up on the distribution of delayed basic basket products. Last year, the government sold pork to each family unit, but this year, only some will be able to purchase it at high prices. Long lines and overnight waits have been reported, with some consumers being overcharged. Basic goods like soap, coffee, sugar, powdered milk, chicken, and eggs have also faced systematic distribution delays throughout the year. The end-of-year supply is seen by some as a government strategy to prevent protests by appeasing the population with food.

The annual pilgrimage to Saint Lazarus's sanctuary in El Rincón, Havana, is a cultural tradition where Cubans seek health and blessings. Fidel Armenteros Valdés is fulfilling a promise to the saint for saving his nephew's life. This year, prayers also focus on the safety of family members migrating to the United States. Florist Nilda Fernández Roca hopes her sales will fund her son's journey from Honduras to Mexico. The pilgrimage saw fewer attendees compared to the previous year, affecting local vendors like Gaspar Noroña Castillo and Ada Savón Peña, who face challenges with unsold goods and legal fines. The article also touches on the syncretism of Saint Lazarus with the African orisha Babalú Ayé, blending Catholic and Yoruba beliefs.

Cuba's criticized management of groups fighting against queue jumpers ended on December 1st, with the Provincial Commerce Company now overseeing product control in Cimex and Caribe chain markets. Despite being classified as freely sold items, chicken, minced meat, sausages, oil, and detergent are now distributed periodically through ration books and other controls. The new system requires consumers to present identification and sign for purchases, with commerce representatives determining product quantities for stores. Initial results show the system has removed queue jumpers but issues with disorder, shortages, and corruption persist. Consumers face difficulties with the assigned shopping schedule, and OFICODA has been exposed for irregularities such as duplicate ration books and manual record-keeping errors.

The traditional Havana Provincial Baseball Series has been replaced by the First Baseball Cup Benito Camacho 'In Memoriam' due to a lack of resources. The new tournament features a quadrangular format with four teams and 12 games, a reduction from the usual 15 teams. An anonymous INDER official criticized the event as a step backward for Havana baseball, citing insufficient resources for transportation, food, uniforms, and sports equipment. Over 200 athletes were excluded from the tournament, which serves as a precursor to the Industriales team pre-selection. The organization of the competition and the lack of publicity and audience attendance were also highlighted as issues. The INDER has been criticized for not providing timely sports licenses for athletes, resulting in incomplete team rosters, except for Gran Habana. The overlapping of national championships with the World Baseball Classic 2023 and the Elite League is further complicating the planning and development of players.

Cubans traditionally honor Santa Bárbara on the eve of her day, with devotees also seeking the divine favor of Shangó, the Yoruba orisha of war and thunder. Santa Bárbara, a figure from early 3rd-century Nicomedia, is associated with the Catholic Church, while Shangó is a deity from the Yoruba pantheon. The blending of these figures is a result of African slaves hiding their gods within Catholic saint imagery. Both figures are prayed to for justice, lost causes, protection against enemies, and danger of death. Religious practitioner Raidel Blanco Lazo and devotee Herminia Girón Toledo express their personal practices and prayers. Despite the cultural fusion, church leaders like Father Yasmani Rodríguez and Father Félix Hernández emphasize the importance of distinguishing between the two and maintaining the Catholic faith. The church also supports community services such as a communal dining hall and educational programs. Attendance at the sanctuary was noted to be lower than usual, potentially due to rain or it being a Saturday. The article also mentions home celebrations with drum touches and a song by Celina y Reutilio in honor of the saint.

Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented exodus due to the economic, political, and social crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Cubans are selling their belongings to fund migration, primarily to Nicaragua, which does not require a visa, and then undertake a perilous journey to the United States. The cost of this journey can exceed $10,000, which is unaffordable for many. The first step to leaving Cuba is obtaining a passport, a process fraught with physical and mental endurance challenges due to inadequate facilities and services at the offices of the Ministry of the Interior (MININT). Rumors about potential restrictions on passport issuance for minors and the resumption of deportation flights to the U.S. have increased urgency and fear among those seeking to leave.

Cuban activist Ketty Méndez Molina launched 'Presos por qué', a song and personal project aimed at raising awareness and support for Cuban political prisoners. The song serves as a plea for freedom for the prisoners of the July 11th protests and others incarcerated by the regime. Méndez Molina, who has faced harassment from Cuban authorities for over 15 years due to her advocacy for her daughter with autism and malnutrition, sees music as a powerful communication tool to spread her message and provide tangible help to the prisoners. Prisoners Defenders reports that there are at least 1,015 political prisoners in Cuba, including 36 children, with 718 people sentenced for political reasons, 124 of whom have been given sentences exceeding 10 years.

Havana residents are experiencing a worsening transportation crisis, exacerbated by bus breakdowns and insufficient fuel supply. Despite official tariffs, private taxi services have significantly increased their prices, exploiting the situation. The shortage of fuel, particularly diesel, has been blamed for the rise in taxi fares, but some argue that the real issue lies in administrative mismanagement and the cannibalization of bus parts. The governor of Havana, Reinaldo García Zapata, acknowledged that only 30% of public transport was operational, with the fleet size halving within months. Workers in the sector, speaking anonymously, describe the dire state of bus terminals and the inability to maintain regular service, leading to public frustration and further strain on the few operational vehicles.

Over 10 families living in a dilapidated building in La Víbora, Havana, fear for their lives as the structure is on the verge of collapse. Despite being declared uninhabitable over 30 years ago, residents have nowhere else to go. The building's deterioration has been ignored by authorities, with no official data on the number of people seeking help. Independent press, such as CubaNet, has reported on the situation, but no changes have occurred. Residents have faced partial collapses and live in constant fear, with some having experienced attempts at eviction. The government's promises of relocation have largely been unfulfilled, leaving residents with the choice of staying in danger or living without shelter.

Residents of Arroyo Naranjo in Havana, Cuba, are facing health and environmental crises due to the contamination of the Orengo and Martín Pérez rivers. The situation has been exacerbated by recent hurricane rains, causing the rivers to overflow and contaminate homes with diseases such as cholera and giardiasis. Despite decades of complaints and requests for action to municipal and provincial governments, as well as to the water and sanitation companies, there has been little response or action taken. The residents have also faced backlash for disposing of waste in the river, although they argue that there are no alternatives provided. The government's lack of effective environmental policies and the ongoing pollution by state industries continue to pose a threat to both the environment and public health.

The Cuban Elite Baseball League's inauguration faced delays and criticism over uniform logistics and the organization of teams. Despite the controversy, the league aims to concentrate talent and improve international competitiveness. The first games saw mixed attendance and were affected by weather. Critics argue for the need to open sports borders and learn from professional players abroad, while others highlight systemic issues such as player development and conditions.

Early Monday, a partial building collapse at No. 466 Sol Street in Old Havana resulted in five people being rescued, including two minors. One elderly man suffered severe injuries. The rescue was challenging, requiring the use of a saw to clear obstructions. The building had been declared uninhabitable for years, but residents were reluctant to leave, fearing they would never have a home again. The incident is a common occurrence in Old Havana. Official Cuban media reported the collapse, and by 10:00 AM, two women and a minor were receiving hospital care.

The Virgen del Camino park, located at the intersection of several major roads in San Miguel del Padrón, Havana, Cuba, is a significant local landmark known for its statue sculpted by Rita Longa. The park's history is intertwined with legends, the most prominent being its association with a wood trade business from the late 19th century. The statue, funded by public donations, was unveiled on May 20, 1948, and has since become a site for both believers and non-believers to seek miracles. Despite its cultural importance, the park has faced neglect, with its caretakers laid off during the pandemic and the area now prone to crime at night, though volunteers like Rogelio Pérez Valdés and Sandalio Pons Vega strive to maintain it.

In Central Havana, waste is accumulating due to the inactivity of garbage collection teams from Empresa Municipal Aurora, which lacks resources for maintenance and spare parts. Four trucks donated by Japan, a forklift, and a catolina were allocated for sanitation in 2019, but they are mostly out of service. Operators like Aníbal Verdecia Gil and Arnaldo González Batista face issues such as insufficient fuel and lack of equipment, leading to reduced salaries and growing waste piles. The situation is exacerbated by summer rains, creating breeding grounds for disease vectors like the dengue-transmitting mosquito.

Alejandro Hernández Cepero, an independent journalist and pastor collaborating with CubaNet, was physically assaulted in front of his children on Calzada de Belascoaín, Havana. The assailant's identity and motive are unknown, but Hernández Cepero links the attack to increased political harassment against him. He has faced death threats, arbitrary arrests, beatings, and other repressive acts by the State Security and the Revolutionary National Police. The Cuban regime has heightened surveillance and repression of independent journalists and activists since the peaceful protests of July 11 and 12, 2021. Hernández Cepero expresses fear for his and his children's safety.

The Colón Cemetery in Havana, Cuba, has become a marketplace for the living, with sales of tombs and mausoleums circulating on social media and conducted in person. Despite being a National Monument and one of the most important open-air museums in the world, the cemetery is plagued by theft and vandalism, particularly of graves of families who emigrated around 1959. Grave robbers target valuable items buried with the deceased, and security personnel struggle to prevent desecration. The deterioration of the cemetery and the mishandling of exhumed remains are also significant issues, with administrative staff citing a lack of resources for maintenance and proper disposal of remains. The situation has led to a sense of abandonment and desolation among those who visit the graves of their loved ones.

Cuban soccer fans are increasingly critical of the Cuban Institute of Radio and Television (ICRT) for not broadcasting the Champions League for two seasons. Discussions on social media and improvised neighborhood fields question why Tele Rebelde, the sports channel in Cuba, broadcasts over 12 hours of deferred, recycled, or low-audience content instead of the Champions League. The ICRT previously used signals from platforms like Sky or Direct TV without paying, which led to problems. The UEFA sells Champions League broadcast rights directly to broadcasters in different regions. In Spain, Telefónica Audiovisual Digital (TAD) holds the rights until 2024, while in Latin America, various operators handle the broadcasts. Cubans resort to watching games in hotels or bars that receive the signal, at houses with clandestine antennas, or online platforms that stream matches with a slight delay.

Capoeira, an Afro-Brazilian martial art, faces institutional challenges in Cuba despite its growing popularity. Alfredo Ernesto Sánchez Candó, a practitioner and interim teacher of the group Simplesmente Capoeira, discusses the group's autonomy and resistance against the polarization of national institutions. The group, which originated from Caimán Capoeira, has no government ties and maintains a unique style and philosophy. They face difficulties such as misconceptions about capoeira, lack of materials for uniforms and instruments, and lack of media and institutional support. The national sports institute, INDER, and the Cuban Capoeira Association (ACC) impose restrictions that conflict with the groups' principles, hindering their growth and exposure. Alfredo advocates for openness to foreign masters and a shift in perspective to recognize capoeira's positive impact on youth and society.

Cuba resumed in-person education on October 4, 2021, with over 84,000 students returning to classrooms, making it the first Latin American country to do so post-COVID-19. The 2020-2021 academic year ended in late February 2021, and the 2021-2022 year began on March 7. The Ministry of Education (MINED) faced challenges in recovering three lost academic cycles, implementing remote education methods despite expected negative outcomes. Issues included unequal learning opportunities due to technology and family support disparities, poor results from teleclasses, and violations of health protocols in schools. The quality of education is at risk, with students advancing despite not meeting learning objectives. The lack of educational materials forced reliance on the black market, and parents like Irma Losano expressed concerns over the costs, contradicting claims of free education in Cuba.

Ketty Méndez Molina, a Cuban mother who has been harassed by authorities for 15 years for demanding specialized medical attention and better living conditions for her daughter, is now experiencing the deficiencies of the Cuban Public Health System herself. She has been suffering from vomiting, nausea, and severe pain without a diagnosis due to the lack of resources in the healthcare system. Her daughter, Jennifer Larrea Méndez, who has autism, anemia, and intestinal candidiasis albicans, has also been neglected by the healthcare system. Méndez Molina has become a critical voice against the regime on social media, which has led to police harassment and arrest. The stress from this harassment is believed to have triggered her diabetes. The public health services are described as inadequate, while clinics for foreigners are well-resourced. After years of advocating for her daughter, Méndez Molina found a gastroenterologist in one of these clinics who will consult her daughter for $50.

Construction material stores in Havana have authorized the sale of products such as cement, blocks, and steel, which were previously only available to individuals with assigned subsidies or through authorization by the Municipal Administration Council (CAM). The measure's duration is unspecified, but it requires a magnetic card for digital payments. The lack of materials has led to a decrease in monthly revenue, affecting sales plans and salary payments. For over two years, purchasing construction materials required a subsidy or a purchase request approved by the CAM president. Workers and citizens express frustration with the bureaucratic process, scarcity of materials, and alleged corruption in the distribution system.

The National Shrine of Saint Lazarus in Havana's El Rincón has implemented health protocols to reduce COVID-19 transmission during its annual pilgrimage on December 16-18. Measures include outdoor placement of Saint Lazarus's image to prevent indoor crowding and mandatory sanitizing gel for pilgrims. Despite pandemic restrictions, attendance is rebounding, with over 19,000 visitors on December 12, similar to 2020 figures. The shrine supports a dermatological hospital and social programs for vulnerable groups, maintaining its community aid even during the pandemic. The shrine's rector, Eloy Ricardo Domínguez Martínez, emphasizes the church's role in providing spiritual assistance to all, and the museum, led by Maricel Hernández Fonseca, has seen a steady increase in visitors. Maylín González Delgado notes a significant rise in pilgrims from various provinces since travel restrictions eased.

A Lada Niva vehicle caught fire in Havana at the intersection of Vento and 100 streets, with the two occupants escaping unharmed. The car, dating from the 1970s, was consumed by flames but did not explode despite carrying two gallons of gasoline. Frequent incidents like this occur in Cuba, where over 70% of vehicles undergo makeshift adaptations due to lack of proper maintenance. A private carrier, Aldo Romero, commented on the precarious state of most vehicles in the country.