The article discusses the severe milk shortage in Cuba, a crisis that reflects the broader economic hardships the country is facing. Yohana Perdomo's struggle to find milk for her child illustrates the daily challenges Cubans endure due to food scarcities. The Cuban government's promise of milk for every child, a legacy of the 1959 Revolution, is failing amidst the worst economic crisis in 30 years. Factors contributing to the crisis include the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on tourism, increased U.S. sanctions under Trump, and reduced aid from Venezuela. The government is attempting to stimulate agricultural production and has allowed some private business operations. However, the lack of resources, infrastructure, and the U.S. embargo, which restricts credit purchases, exacerbate the situation. Despite recent reforms, the article suggests that it will take years to see significant improvements, and the current U.S. administration has only partially lifted some restrictions. The story of Perdomo and her community exemplifies the daily struggle for basic necessities in Cuba and the government's struggle to meet its citizens' needs.

Cuba is making extensive preparations for President Obama's historic visit, the first by a U.S. leader in nearly 90 years. The visit has prompted a flurry of activity, including street repairs and the relocation of tourists to accommodate the presidential entourage. The visit coincides with significant events such as a baseball game between the Tampa Bay Rays and a Cuban all-star team, and a concert by the Rolling Stones. While the influx of visitors and journalists is putting a strain on Cuba's infrastructure and logistics, the mood among Cubans is one of excitement and hope, viewing the visit as a symbol of Cuba's reintegration with the world. Taxi driver Jorge Perez sees the visit as a positive moment, contrasting it with the destructive nature of a hurricane.

The article describes the juxtaposition of old and new in Cuba, highlighting the country's contradictions and the tension between change and tradition. It paints a picture of a nation where vintage cars and revolutionary icons coexist with modern restaurants and entertainment venues. This duality is underscored by the recent restoration of relations with the United States after decades of estrangement. The public's push for openness is contrasted with the government's reluctance to relinquish control, and the disparities within Cuban society are evident in the stark differences between the lifestyles of the affluent and the conditions of the less fortunate.