EXPLAINED: Havana | Vintage Vibes

Panama Offers Neutral Ground for U.S.-Cuba Talks as Diplomatic Progress Stalls in 2026

Panama formally offered to host U.S.-Cuba talks, and Havana accepted. But Washington hasn't committed — and the hemisphere is watching.

Latin Times · Oct 31

Tensions Between Cuba And The U.S. Are Rising. Washington Just Expelled One Of Havana's Diplomats.

The UN voted on Wednesday to condemn the U.S. embargo on Cuba for the 34th time. In the buildup to the vote American and Cuban diplomats engaged in a highly-publicized spat that has led to the expulsion of a Cuban diplomat from the U.S.

International Business Times · Oct 30

Rubio's CIA Pitch to Cuba Raises the Stakes in Washington's Pressure Campaign

Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly urged Cuban civilians to work discreetly with the CIA, hours after President Trump renewed military threats against Havana, intensifying U.S. pressure on Cuba.

Latin Times · Oct 24

Miami airport passenger had ‘unexplained bulge’; 10 live birds found in underwear

A Miami International Airport passenger returning from Cuba was arrested after US Customs and Border Protection officers found 10 live birds concealed in plastic tubes sewn into his underwear. Alberto Hernandez Castillo, 40, a Cuban national and permanent resident of the US, arrived from Havana on October 4 aboard World…

The Times of India · Oct 9

Man fowls around and finds out while sneaking 10 birds through Florida airport in his pants

Alberto Hernandez Castillo had traveled from Havana to Miami with 10 live birds stuffed into his underwear, federal authorities said

The Independent UK · Oct 8

The backstory: When Che Guevara failed to bring revolution to Bolivia after Cuba

“I know you are here to kill me. Shoot, you are only going to kill a man.”

The Times of India · Oct 8

This October Cuban Entrepreneurs Say They're Ready to Invest in Cuba — But the Embargo Says Not Yet

Miami's Cuban-American business leaders have capital ready for Cuba — stalled by the embargo, $9B in property claims, and the wait for democracy.

Latin Times · Oct 7

Miami Airport Passenger Charged After 'Unexplained Bulge' Leads to 10 Live Birds Allegedly Found in Underwear

A Miami airport passenger has been charged with smuggling goods after authorities allegedly found 10 live birds concealed in containers sewn into his underwear after a flight from Havana.

International Business Times UK · Oct 7

How Much Do Cuba's New Neighborhood Markets Really Cost Against a 3,210-Peso Minimum Wage?

Havana's bodegas are closing or changing hands. What the rules say, what Neighborhood Markets cost and what's left of Cuba's ration book.

Latin Times · Oct 6

'It Is Not a Weapon, It Is a Phone': Influencer Anna Bensi and her Mother Lose Their Freedom After Recording Official in Cuba

Cuban influencer Anna Bensi and her mother were found guilty and handed two years of restricted freedom Thursday in a case that began with a cellphone video and has since drawn support from Cuban stars, religious leaders, U.S. lawmakers and Washington's diplomatic mission in Havana.

Latin Times · Oct 2