Cuba’s Economic Pivot: Cuba’s National Assembly approved 176 market-oriented measures, the biggest overhaul since the 1950s, expanding private business, allowing private banking, ending the foreign-trade state monopoly, and replacing broad ration subsidies with targeted aid—while many Cubans remain skeptical. Vietnam–US Balancing Act: A separate analysis frames Cuba’s crisis as a test for Vietnam’s long friendship with Havana versus its growing, vital partnership with Washington. Press in the Digital Era: Vietnam’s National Press Festival 2026 opened in Hai Phong with a push for “loyalty, creativity, responsibility,” highlighting restructuring and faster digital transformation across media agencies. HCMC Mega Projects: Ho Chi Minh City approved PPP transport and urban redevelopment projects worth nearly VND155 trillion, including a cross-sea road linking Can Gio and Vung Tau and a Ho Tram–Long Thanh airport expressway. AI, Semiconductors FDI Focus: HCMC is shifting toward higher-impact tech investment—semiconductors, AI, data centers and R&D—aiming to deepen the local high-tech ecosystem. Vietnam–Russia Cooperation: Vietnam and Russia discussed practical steps to strengthen cooperation after meetings in Kazan, with multiple priority areas confirmed. Vietnam’s Press Strategy Draft: A draft plan targets building eight key multimedia press agencies by 2030, including major national outlets and Hanoi/HCMC agencies, to form digital platforms and boost competitiveness. US Medal of Honor Spotlight: US President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to three veterans for Vietnam and Afghanistan heroism, including Marine Col. John W. Ripley (posthumous) and Maj. James Capers Jr. MH370 Debris Update: US officials said debris found in Mozambique appears to match a Boeing 777 part type linked to MH370, though it’s not yet confirmed.