U.S., Cuba near deal for direct air flights
WASHINGTON – The United States and Cuba are close to an agreement on restoring regularly scheduled, commercial flights between the countries, a senior American diplomat said Tuesday, as talks on the matter were ongoing.
Jeffrey DeLaurentis, who heads the U.S. Embassy in Havana, described an aviation deal as one of several in reach for the former Cold War foes in their wide-ranging discussions to improve relations. The Obama administration has been trying to wrap up an agreement on flights before the year’s end.
Right now, American and Cuban travelers must fly on charter flights that are complicated to book, rarely involve an online portal and often force prospective travelers to email documents and payment information back and forth with an agent.
Teenager convicted in rape, death of teacher
SALEM, Mass. – A Massachusetts teenager was convicted Tuesday of raping and killing his high school math teacher.
Philip Chism was 14 when he followed his algebra teacher, Colleen Ritzer, into a school bathroom, strangled her, stabbed her at least 16 times and raped her.
During his trial, his lawyer admitted Chism killed Ritzer but said he was suffering from severe mental illness and was not criminally responsible for his actions. A psychiatrist who testified for the defense said Chism was hearing voices and in the throes of a psychotic episode when he killed Ritzer.
Chism, now 16, was tried as an adult.
Associated Press
