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Biden Moves to Relax Cuba Sanctions Ahead of Trump Presidency

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Biden Moves to Relax Cuba Sanctions Ahead of Trump Presidency

In his final days in office, U.S. President Joe Biden is taking steps to ease sanctions on Cuba, aiming to secure the release of political prisoners in Havana. The moves mark a significant departure from the hardline measures imposed by his successor, President-elect Donald Trump. 

The Biden administration announced plans on Tuesday to reverse several key restrictions implemented by Trump, including Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and limits on financial transactions involving military-linked entities. These steps are reportedly tied to ongoing talks between the Cuban government and the Catholic Church regarding the release of a “significant” number of political prisoners.  

“These actions are necessary to advance the national interests of the United States and expedite a transition to democracy in Cuba,” Biden said in a letter to Congress. 

Key Sanction Rollbacks 

The Biden administration plans to: 

– Remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list, reversing Trump’s 2021 designation that accused Havana of harboring fugitives and rebel leaders.

– Suspend property claims in U.S. courts for assets confiscated after Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution. 

– Lift restrictions on financial transactions involving certain military and government-linked individuals. 

While these measures provide relief to Havana, the decades-old U.S. economic embargo on Cuba remains intact, requiring congressional action for removal. 

U.S. officials said the easing of sanctions was contingent on the Cuban government’s release of political prisoners, although no specific numbers or timelines were provided. The Cuban government has not commented on the matter. 

Talks with the Vatican have reportedly been instrumental in negotiating the potential amnesty. The Church played a similar role in brokering the historic restoration of U.S.-Cuba relations under President Barack Obama in 2015. 

“This will facilitate important dialogue between the Catholic Church and Cuba on human rights,” said a senior U.S. official. 

The move has drawn criticism from opponents of the Cuban government, including members of Trump’s incoming administration. Trump, who assumes office on January 20, has pledged a tougher stance on Cuba and nominated Senator Marco Rubio, a vocal critic of the Cuban regime, as Secretary of State. 

Trump’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

Economic experts and human rights advocates have reacted cautiously. Some see Biden’s actions as a step toward mitigating Cuba’s severe economic crisis, marked by food shortages, fuel scarcity, and a record exodus of over 1 million Cubans since 2020. Others worry the measures might lack the bipartisan support needed for long-term change. 

Biden’s decision to reverse Trump-era sanctions reflects his broader efforts to re-engage with Cuba while addressing human rights concerns. However, with the transition of power imminent, Trump’s administration could reinstate the restrictions. 

The easing of sanctions and potential prisoner releases signal a renewed attempt to balance diplomacy and accountability. Still, the ultimate success of these measures may depend on the incoming administration’s willingness to continue the dialogue. 

Trump Proposes Creation of ‘External Revenue Service’ to Collect Foreign Tariffs

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Trump Proposes Creation of ‘External Revenue Service’ to Collect Foreign Tariffs

President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to establish a new federal agency, the “External Revenue Service” (ERS), to oversee the collection of tariffs and duties from foreign sources. Trump said the department would be launched on his first day in office, January 20. 

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described the ERS as a key step in reshaping U.S. trade policy. “Through soft and pathetically weak trade agreements, the American economy has delivered growth and prosperity to the world while taxing ourselves. It is time for that to change,” he wrote. “We will begin charging those that make money off of us with trade, and they will start paying, FINALLY, their fair share.” 

Trump compared the proposed department to the Internal Revenue Service, which collects domestic taxes in the U.S. 

Creating the ERS would require congressional approval, but Trump enjoys significant backing in Congress, with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate. 

Critics, however, note that the ERS’s proposed functions overlap with existing agencies like the Department of Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which already manage tariffs and duties. 

Trump’s announcement comes amid his promises to impose steep tariffs on trading partners, including Canada, Mexico, and China. He has called for a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican exports to the U.S. and a 10% tariff on global imports, as well as a 60% tariff on Chinese goods. 

Economists warn that such measures could raise consumer costs and invite retaliatory tariffs against U.S. exports. According to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, the U.S. trade deficit last year stood at $67.9 billion with Canada, $152.4 billion with Mexico, and $279.4 billion with China. 

Economic experts and Democratic lawmakers criticized Trump’s proposal. Heather Long, an economic columnist at *The Washington Post*, called it “clever marketing” but warned, “American consumers will end up paying these higher tariffs.” 

Senator Ron Wyden, the top Democrat on the Senate Finance Committee, said, “No amount of silly rebranding will hide the fact that Trump is planning a multi-trillion-dollar tax hike on American families and small businesses to pay for another round of tax handouts to the rich.” 

The ERS proposal is part of Trump’s broader plan to reshape the federal government. He has also proposed creating a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a nongovernmental advisory group aimed at streamlining bureaucracy and reducing federal spending. 

Despite Trump’s campaign pledge to reduce the size of the federal government, the proposed agencies and advisory boards mark a shift toward expanding its infrastructure. 

Indian Police Arrest 44 Men in Kerala for Alleged Rape of Teenager Over Five Years

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Indian Police Arrest 44 Men in Kerala for Alleged Rape of Teenager Over Five Years

Police in Kerala, a southern Indian state, have arrested 44 men accused of raping an 18-year-old girl over a span of five years, a case that has sent shockwaves through the coastal tourist region. 

The victim, an athlete from the Dalit community—one of India’s most marginalized groups—alleged in a statement to police that she was sexually abused by 62 individuals. 

Authorities have identified 58 suspects so far, with 44 arrested in the last two days, officials said. “We have identified the remaining 14, and they will be arrested soon,” said P.S. Nandakumar, Deputy Superintendent of Police in Pathanamthitta district, where the crimes reportedly occurred. 

The case surfaced when the victim disclosed the abuse during a gender awareness program. According to her statement, the assaults began when she was 13 after being allegedly raped by a neighbor. Police are still investigating the details of how the crimes were committed. 

Local media reported that four of the accused are minors. Under Indian law, individuals accused of rape against lower-caste victims are not granted immediate bail. 

India recorded over 31,000 reported rapes in 2022, according to the latest official data. Conviction rates, however, remain alarmingly low. 

The victim’s case comes amid growing outrage over sexual violence in the country. Last year, the rape and murder of a medical trainee in Kolkata sparked nationwide protests, with demonstrators calling for stricter enforcement of laws and swift justice for victims. 

Zelenskyy Open to Exchanging North Korean POWs for Ukrainian Soldiers Held by Russia

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Zelenskyy Open to Exchanging North Korean POWs for Ukrainian Soldiers Held by Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed willingness to hand over two captured North Korean soldiers to Pyongyang if North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, facilitates an exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia. 

Zelenskyy revealed that one of the North Korean soldiers has expressed a desire to stay in Ukraine, while the other wishes to return to North Korea, as confirmed by interview videos released by Ukrainian authorities. 

“If Kim Jong Un even remembers these citizens of his and is capable of organizing an exchange for our warriors being held in Russia, we are ready to transfer such soldiers. Undoubtedly, there will be more POWs from North Korea,” Zelenskyy said during an address late Sunday. He added on the social media platform X that there could be “other options” for North Korean prisoners who do not wish to return to their home country. 

South Korean Response and Legal Considerations 

South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed in a closed-door briefing at the National Assembly that it participated in the questioning of the North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian officials. According to lawmakers present at the meeting, the captured soldiers have not requested to resettle in South Korea. 

The NIS stated it would consider discussions with Ukrainian authorities if the soldiers later express a desire to seek asylum in South Korea. Since the late 1990s, approximately 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea, fleeing economic hardship and political repression in their home country. 

Koo Byoungsam, spokesperson for South Korea’s Unification Ministry, said facilitating the asylum of the North Korean soldiers would require legal and international consultations. “There’s nothing we can say at the current stage,” Koo stated. 

The North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces during fighting in Russia’s Kursk border region, where they were reportedly serving alongside Russian troops. According to South Korean intelligence, the soldiers have not indicated any intention to seek asylum in South Korea. 

apnews.com

Mali Seizes Three Tons of Gold from Canadian Company Barrick Amid Revenue Dispute-AP

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Mali Seizes Three Tons of Gold from Canadian Company Barrick Amid Revenue Dispute-AP

Mali’s military government has seized three tons of gold from Canadian mining company Barrick as part of an escalating legal dispute over the share of revenue owed to the West African nation, according to an internal company letter obtained by The Associated Press. 

The letter, sent Monday by Barrick CEO Mark Bristow to Mali’s Mining Minister, stated that the company is “awaiting official confirmation of the proper receipt by the Malian Solidarity Bank,” a government-run financial institution. 

The seizure follows a warning issued earlier this month by Mali’s senior investigating judge, Boubacar Moussa Diarra, who announced that three tons of gold would be confiscated. 

A senior Barrick manager, speaking on condition of anonymity due to lack of authorization, confirmed that the military government had seized the gold, which was transported from a mine near Kayes in western Mali to the capital, Bamako, by plane and truck late Saturday. 

Malian authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 

The seized gold, valued at approximately $180 million, is at the center of a dispute regarding revenues owed to Mali by Barrick. The country’s government previously issued an arrest warrant for CEO Mark Bristow in December, accusing him of money laundering, though no evidence was provided. At the time, authorities also ordered the seizure of Barrick’s gold reserves. 

Barrick has offered to pay $370 million as part of negotiations to resolve the dispute. Four senior executives from Barrick remain in custody as part of the ongoing investigation. 

Mali, one of Africa’s top gold producers, has increased pressure on foreign mining firms since the military took power in 2020. The government is seeking additional revenue amid challenges such as jihadist violence, widespread poverty, and hunger. 

In a similar case in November, Mali arrested the CEO and two employees of Australian mining company Resolute Mining. The company secured their release by paying $80 million to resolve a tax dispute and committing to an additional $80 million payment in the coming months. 

Hamas Accepts Ceasefire Draft for Gaza, Hostage Release Pending Approval

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Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages, according to officials involved in the negotiations. Mediators from the United States and Qatar on Tuesday said Israel and Hamas were closer than ever to finalizing a deal that could potentially end 15 months of intense conflict.

The Associated Press reviewed a copy of the proposed agreement, confirmed by an Egyptian official and a Hamas representative. An Israeli official also acknowledged progress but said final details were still being worked out. All officials spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations.

“We are on the brink of achieving a ceasefire,” U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday. “It’s closer than it has ever been before.” Blinken noted that an official announcement could come within hours or days, contingent on Hamas’s final approval.

Proposed Agreement Details

The three-phase ceasefire plan, based on a framework proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, would begin with the release of 33 hostages over six weeks. These include women, children, elderly individuals, and injured civilians. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women and children.

In the first phase:

– Five female Israeli soldiers would be released, with each exchanged for 50 Palestinian prisoners.

– Israel would gradually withdraw forces from Gaza population centers while humanitarian aid enters the territory at an accelerated pace, with 600 trucks delivering food and medical supplies daily.

Details of subsequent phases remain under negotiation. The second phase would involve the release of the remaining hostages in exchange for additional prisoners and a complete Israeli military withdrawal. A third phase proposes returning deceased hostages’ remains in exchange for a multi-year international reconstruction plan for Gaza.

The conflict, which began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a large-scale attack on Israel, has led to devastating casualties. The assault killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians, and resulted in 250 hostages being taken into Gaza. Around 46,000 Palestinians have since been killed in retaliatory Israeli strikes, with over half reported as women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

In Gaza, more than 90% of the population of 2.3 million has been displaced, many facing famine-like conditions amid widespread destruction.

The proposed deal requires approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet. Previous attempts to mediate a truce have failed, with both sides blaming each other for delays. However, officials are optimistic this time, citing international pressure and humanitarian concerns.

In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, families of Palestinian prisoners have expressed hope for their loved ones’ release. Meanwhile, displaced residents in Gaza are waiting anxiously for an agreement to bring relief and stability.

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have committed to ensuring the negotiations progress and that hostilities remain paused during the ceasefire’s implementation.

One Indian National Killed, Another Injured While Serving in Russian Army

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One Indian National Killed, Another Injured While Serving in Russian Army

An Indian national recruited by the Russian army has been killed, while another is undergoing treatment for injuries in a Moscow hospital, India’s foreign ministry said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has raised the issue with Russian authorities in Moscow and the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, reiterating its demand for the early discharge of remaining Indian nationals serving in the Russian armed forces, the ministry said in a statement.

“We are working with Russian authorities to ensure the early transportation of the mortal remains to India,” the ministry said. “We have also sought the immediate discharge and repatriation of the injured individual.” Both individuals are from the southern state of Kerala, the statement said.

In May, Indian police arrested four individuals linked to a human trafficking network suspected of luring young Indian men to Russia under false pretenses of lucrative jobs and education opportunities, only to coerce them into fighting in the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Following the deaths of Indian nationals in Ukraine last year, the Indian government demanded an end to the recruitment of its citizens into the Russian army. Authorities have also urged Indian citizens to exercise caution when seeking employment in Russia.

According to the foreign ministry, 45 Indian nationals have been discharged from Russian military service since then, with efforts ongoing to secure the release of an additional 50 individuals. In September, the ministry renewed its warning against such recruitments.

TikTok Users Migrate to RedNote Amid Looming U.S. Ban

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TikTok Users Migrate to RedNote Amid Looming U.S. Ban

TikTok users across the United States are flocking to RedNote, a Chinese social media app, as the possibility of a nationwide ban looms. The app surged to become the most downloaded on Apple’s U.S. App Store on Monday, driven by users calling themselves “TikTok refugees.”

RedNote, a platform popular in China, Taiwan, and other Mandarin-speaking regions, combines features of TikTok and Instagram. It boasts 300 million monthly users, predominantly young urban women, who use the app to share lifestyle tips on topics like dating and fashion.

The migration follows an impending Supreme Court ruling on a law that mandates TikTok to sell its U.S. operations or face a nationwide ban. The deadline for compliance is set for January 19.

TikTok has maintained it will not sell its U.S. business, with its legal team arguing that such a ban violates the free speech rights of its 170 million American users.

Meanwhile, RedNote has embraced the influx of U.S. users, with thousands sharing advice on topics like navigating the app and learning basic Mandarin phrases. Posts under the hashtag “TikTok refugee” have gained traction, with users joking about their transition.

“To our Chinese hosts, thanks for having us—sorry in advance for the chaos,” one U.S. user wrote.

Concerns of censorship have also surfaced. Some users reported restricted content critical of the Chinese government. In Taiwan, officials have limited the use of RedNote due to alleged security risks associated with Chinese software.

RedNote, also known by its Chinese name Xiaohongshu, translates to “Little Red Book,” though the company denies links to Mao Zedong’s famous text.

Despite security concerns, many Americans are undeterred. Sarah Fotheringham, a school canteen worker from Utah, joined RedNote, calling it a way to “snub” the U.S. government.

“I don’t have anything that China doesn’t already have. If they want my data, they can take it,” she said in a message on the app.

Fashion designer Marcus Robinson of Virginia created a RedNote account to promote his brand. “I was slightly hesitant about the terms and conditions since they were in Mandarin, but I decided to take the chance,” he said.

While TikTok’s ban won’t cause an immediate shutdown, it would require app stores to cease offering the platform, potentially curbing its growth over time.

For many users, RedNote has already become a favorite. Tennessee-based tech worker Sydney Crawley gained 6,000 followers on the app within 24 hours and plans to maintain her growing platform.

“I will continue to build a following there and explore the connections and opportunities it offers,” Crawley said.

Fotheringham echoed similar sentiments, describing her newfound connection with Chinese culture. “I’ve learned so much about regular Chinese people, their culture, and their daily lives,” she said.

Robinson added, “I love RedNote so far … I just need to learn how to speak Mandarin.”

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LADWP Sued Over Alleged Water Shortages During Deadly Palisades Fire

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LADWP Sued Over Alleged Water Shortages During Deadly Palisades Fire

A lawsuit filed against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) alleges the utility failed to maintain adequate water supplies crucial for fighting the devastating Palisades Fire, which has scorched thousands of acres and claimed multiple lives. 

The complaint, submitted Monday in Los Angeles Superior Court, accuses LADWP of negligence for allowing the Santa Ynez Reservoir—a key water source for Pacific Palisades—to remain empty since February 2024. The reservoir, capable of holding 117 million gallons (443 million liters) of water, was dry when the fire erupted last week. 

“The water supply system servicing Pacific Palisades failed miserably, leaving residents and firefighters with little to no water to fight the blaze,” said Roger Behle, an attorney representing the plaintiffs. 

LADWP, the nation’s largest municipal utility, did not immediately respond to requests for comment outside regular business hours. 

The Palisades Fire has killed at least eight people, destroyed thousands of homes and businesses, and burned more than 23,700 acres (96 square kilometers). As of late Monday, the blaze continued to threaten surrounding neighborhoods. 

Officials have yet to determine the cause of the fire, which has also prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to call for an investigation into reports of insufficient water and low pressure hampering firefighting efforts. 

FILE – Southern California Edison workers service a utility pole in the aftermath of the Eaton Fire, Jan. 12, 2025, in Altadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, file)

LADWP acknowledged the investigation and said it would conduct an internal review. “As we face the impacts of climate change and build resilience, we welcome a review of codes and requirements if city water systems are to be used in fighting extreme wildfires,” LADWP spokesperson Ellen Cheng said in a statement Monday. 

According to LADWP CEO Janisse Quinones, firefighting efforts at lower elevations impeded the utility’s ability to refill water tanks at higher elevations. Three storage tanks in Pacific Palisades were reportedly emptied within 24 hours of the fire’s start. 

The lawsuit claims LADWP’s cost-cutting measures delayed essential repairs to the Santa Ynez Reservoir, further exacerbating the water shortage during the emergency. 

The legal action adds to a growing number of lawsuits tied to California wildfires, including a recent case against Southern California Edison over the ongoing Eaton Fire near Pasadena. 

Special Counsel Report: Trump Would Have Been Convicted Without 2024 Re-Election

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Special Counsel Report: Trump Would Have Been Convicted Without 2024 Re-Election

A partially released report by Special Counsel Jack Smith reveals that former President Donald Trump would likely have been convicted of illegally attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election had he not been re-elected in 2024. 

The report states that the evidence against Trump was “sufficient to obtain and sustain a conviction at trial.” However, the U.S. Constitution prohibits the prosecution of a sitting president, leading to the dismissal of the case following Trump’s 2024 electoral victory. 

Trump responded on his Truth Social platform, calling Smith “deranged” and the findings “fake.” He has consistently denied wrongdoing. 

Trump, accused of pressuring officials to reverse the 2020 election results, knowingly spreading false claims of election fraud, and exploiting the January 6 Capitol riot, spent four years out of office before his re-election in November 2024. His imminent return to the presidency prompted the dismissal of legal actions against him. 

Smith, appointed in 2022 to oversee U.S. government investigations into Trump, asserted in the report that he “stands fully behind” the strength of the evidence and the decision to bring the case to trial. 

The report highlights Trump’s alleged “unprecedented efforts to unlawfully retain power” through threats and encouragement of violence. It also details “significant challenges” faced by investigators, including Trump’s use of social media to target witnesses and judicial officials. 

The 137-page document, sent to Congress early Tuesday, followed months of legal disputes. Judge Aileen Cannon allowed the partial release but scheduled a hearing on whether to disclose the second part, which addresses allegations that Trump illegally retained classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. 

Trump faces separate allegations regarding classified government documents. Two of his associates, Walt Nauta and Carlos De Oliveira, are accused of assisting him in concealing the materials. Their cases remain active, while Trump maintains his innocence and has dismissed all charges as politically motivated. 

Smith’s report underscores the constitutional limitation preventing the prosecution of a sitting president, stating, “The department’s view that the Constitution prohibits the continued indictment and prosecution of a president is categorical.” 

The report concludes that the 2024 election raised unprecedented legal questions about prosecuting a private citizen who becomes president after indictment. 

Posting online, Trump reiterated his innocence and mocked the special counsel, claiming, “THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!” He accused Smith of failing to bring the case to trial before the election. 

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