Cuba Pressure Campaign: The U.S. imposed new sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his family and allies, escalating threats that Havana says are pushing the island toward collapse. Intelligence & Surveillance Fight: The Senate blocked a key extension of a foreign surveillance program, complicating efforts to keep it running as lawmakers clash over President Trump’s intelligence pick, Bill Pulte. North Korea Watch: China announced Xi Jinping will visit Pyongyang next week, as Kim Jong Un highlights plans to expand nuclear bomb materials. Foreign Policy Clash: Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced blunt grilling from lawmakers over a “dumpster fire” foreign policy, with Cuba and Iran dominating the exchange. Defense & NATO Tension: The U.S. is expected to scrap a Tomahawk missile plan for Germany, citing concerns about Russia retaliation and depleted missile stocks. Immigration Funding Rift: Senate Republicans advanced a major ICE and Border Patrol funding package, but infighting over Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund spilled into the vote-a-rama. Energy Reality Check: Despite record U.S. oil output, experts say higher gas prices won’t ease quickly because supply disruptions can’t be replaced fast. Tech & Jobs: Verizon is hiring Deutsche Telekom’s Abdu Mudesir as networks and technology exec, underscoring continued AI-era telecom competition. Health & Science: The FDA granted a breakthrough therapy designation for Biogen’s salanersen in spinal muscular atrophy. Agriculture Threat: A new world screwworm case was confirmed in Texas, triggering quarantines and raising costs for cattle producers. World Stage: The U.S.-led “Genesis Mission” adds Japan as its first international partner for AI-driven research.