Salem, a 21-year-old Cuban influencer known for her political posts on Facebook, was detained on January 10 by state security forces. With less than 10,000 followers across her four profiles, she used avatars instead of personal photos and shared reflections critical of the Cuban regime. Her real identity, Sulmira Martínez Pérez, was thinly veiled online. After her father's death three years ago, she became more reserved, spending most of her time in her room. Her mother, Norma Pérez, was unaware of the extent of Salem's online influence. Following Salem's arrest, her mother sought her at various police stations, eventually learning she was held at Villa Marista, a notorious state security facility. Legal experts Frank Ajete and Eloy Viera highlighted irregularities in the case, such as lack of information and transparency. Salem faces charges of 'propaganda against the constitutional order' under the new Penal Code, which could lead to a prison sentence of two to ten years. The case underscores the Cuban regime's crackdown on internet dissent, especially following the social unrest on July 11 and 12, 2021, and the subsequent legal measures to curb online protest.

Armando Suárez Cobián, known as Mandy, reflects on his life and the profound impact of his daughter, Mila Rufina, on his existence. Mila has become the center of his world, and her birth has brought a new dimension of love and purpose to his life. Mandy, a 65-year-old writer living in Brooklyn, has faced various challenges, including immigration and economic hardships, but remains committed to his craft and fatherhood. He is currently working on a book titled 'El libro de Mila,' which is based on his conversations with her. The article also touches on Mandy's unique sense of style and his deep connection to New York, a city he considers his own despite being an immigrant.

In Cuba, trials for the July protests have been taking place, with accusations of sedition against demonstrators, including Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, who faces a 23-year sentence. The trials, often held behind closed doors, have been criticized for lacking transparency and fairness. Independent organizations like Justicia 11J and Cubalex are the only sources of information on the detentions and trials, as the government does not release official statistics. At least 1,379 people were detained following the protests, with 727 still in jail, and 400 judged in summary and ordinary trials. The conditions in prisons are described as inhumane, and families of the incarcerated face economic hardships. The article includes personal stories of those affected, such as the father of Walnier Luis Aguilar Rivera, who denounces the injustice and suffering experienced by many young people and their families.

In January 2019, a tornado hit Havana, leading to an unprecedented civil mobilization in Cuba facilitated by mobile data, which the government had activated just a month prior. This connectivity enabled greater citizen solidarity with the affected families. Subsequent events, including protests against animal abuse and for LGBT rights, utilized the internet for organization, despite government repression. Independent media and opposition groups found in the internet a space to spread their ideas, exemplified by the viral song 'Patria y vida.' The government responded with internet blackouts and repression, particularly during the July 11 protests, which were the largest against the Cuban government since the 1990s. The protests were extensively documented online until the government restricted internet access. Despite this, the hashtag #SOSCuba became a global trend, and the U.S. is considering providing free internet support to Cuba. The Cuban government has since temporarily lifted import taxes on food, hygiene products, and medicines until December 31, 2021, in response to the protests.

The article investigates the long-term lead poisoning issue in the San Miguel del Padrón neighborhood of Havana, Cuba, where former lead smelting operations have left a legacy of contamination. Residents, including children, have suffered various health issues potentially linked to lead exposure, such as convulsions, developmental delays, and other serious conditions. Despite some families being relocated and the area undergoing a cleanup, there is still uncertainty and fear among the remaining residents about the safety of their environment. The government's response has been inconsistent, with some families receiving housing elsewhere while others have been left behind. The article highlights the lack of transparency and definitive action from the authorities, leaving the community with unanswered questions and ongoing health concerns.

The article discusses various rumors surrounding the death of a woman, with the community speculating about the motives behind the killing. The rumors range from infidelity and jealousy to forced prostitution and religious sacrifice. The article highlights the wild speculation and storytelling that can occur in the absence of confirmed information about such a tragic event.

Mónica Baró Sánchez, a Cuban journalist, discusses a range of topics relevant to Cuban society and culture. She reflects on the political landscape, emphasizing the need for freedom over political agendas. Baró critiques a public health resolution that restricts personal expression, delves into the effectiveness of mass COVID-19 diagnosis, and considers the social costs of school closures due to the pandemic. She shares her experience of arbitrary detention in Guantánamo, explores the unique interaction between Cuban audiences and cinema, and offers personal musings on nostalgia and the film industry. Additionally, she touches on gender issues, imagining a world where men experience menstruation, and provides commentary on various films, including a critique of the 'Blade Runner' sequel.

Mónica Baró Sánchez is a Cuban journalist and writer born in Havana in 1988. She graduated from the University of Havana in 2012 and has worked with various independent Cuban media outlets such as Periodismo de Barrio, El Estornudo, Rialta, and CiberCuba. She was a finalist for the Gabriel García Márquez award in 2016 and won it in 2019. Facing threats of imprisonment from Cuban authorities, she moved to Madrid in January 2021 and lived there for almost two years. She is currently residing in Brooklyn and pursuing a Master's degree in Literary Reporting at New York University.