CASTRO WARNS OF TOUGH TIMES

President Raul Castro has warned Cubans to prepare for tough economic conditions in 2016 despite warmer relations with the United States. Castro said that while tourism is booming, low oil prices have damaged the outlook of an economy that depends on billions of dollars of subsidized oil and cash from Venezuela.

The US says it is close to an agreement with Cuba on restoring regularly scheduled, commercial flights between the countries.

Gov. Greg Abbott enjoyed dinner and a private concert in Havana but made little progress in finding opportunities for Texas businesses on the second day of a three-day trip to Cuba. The Texas Republican was at least the third US governor to travel to Cuba since the declaration of detente with the US last year. He appeared to be trying to maintain a low profile, announcing the trip at the last minute and declining to speak with international media based in Cuba.