In March, when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez revealed that the city would bring on Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief, to head its Police Department, Suarez told the local newspaper that the hire was “like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.”

His star pick lasted barely six months.

On Monday, Miami officials said they had decided to suspend Acevedo with the intent to terminate him, showing the chief the door after a contentious tenure in which he clashed with powerful elected commissioners who laid out their grievances against him in a series of City Hall meetings that frequently devolved into spectacle.

“The relationship between the chief and the organization has become untenable and needed to be resolved promptly,” Art Noriega, the city manager, said in a statement. “Relationships between employers and employees come down to fit and leadership style and unfortunately, Chief Acevedo is not the right fit for this organization.”

Acevedo made a series of decisions and comments that enraged commissioners, including dismissing or demoting several of the department’s top officers, investigating a City Hall sergeant-at-arms and posing for a selfie at a pro-Cuban democracy protest with a prominent member of the Proud Boys, whom the chief said he did not know.

The chief also said the Police Department was being run by a “Cuban mafia” — as a joke, he said — and later compared the reaction of commissioners to his actions to “the repressive regime and police state” of Communist Cuba. A majority of commissioners are Cuban American, as is Acevedo, although he grew up in California, not in the Cuban exile stronghold of South Florida.

Noriega had initially required Acevedo to submit an improvement plan of sorts, which the chief did. But at least one city commissioner declared that step insufficient. It had been clear for weeks that Acevedo had never won over commissioners, who had been taken aback by his surprise hiring. Noriega did not strongly defend Acevedo before the commission at its meetings. Suarez did not show up at all.

Acevedo has not spoken publicly as his tenure unraveled over the past weeks, despite his outspoken nature. (His national profile came in part from his frequent Twitter posts.) He thanked the department in a letter Monday evening.

“It has been a privilege serving with you and fighting for you,” he wrote, according to a copy of the letter posted online by WPLG, the local ABC News station.

Acevedo had accused several city commissioners of improperly meddling in personnel decisions, and he did not back away from that position in his memo.

“I promise to continue to fight the good fight to rid MPD of the political interference from City Hall that unfortunately continues to negatively impact this organization,” he wrote.

In March, when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez revealed that the city would bring on Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief, to head its Police Department, Suarez told the local newspaper that the hire was “like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.

In March, when Miami Mayor Francis Suarez revealed that the city would bring on Art Acevedo, Houston's police chief, to head its Police Department, Suarez told the local newspaper that the hire was “like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.” His star pick lasted barely six months. On Monday, Miami officials said they had decided to suspend Acevedo with the intent to terminate him, showing the chief the door after a contentious tenure in which he clashed with powerful elected commissioners who laid out their grievances against him in a series of City Hall meetings that frequently devolved into spectacle. “The relationship between the chief and the organization has become untenable and needed to be resolved promptly,” Art Noriega, the city manager, said in a statement. “Relationships between employers and employees come down to fit and leadership style and unfortunately, Chief Acevedo is not the right fit for this organization.” Acevedo made a series of decisions and comments that enraged commissioners, including dismissing or demoting several of the department’s top officers, investigating a City Hall sergeant-at-arms and posing for a selfie at a pro-Cuban democracy protest with a prominent member of the Proud Boys, whom the chief said he did not know. The chief also said the Police Department was being run by a “Cuban mafia” — as a joke, he said — and later compared the reaction of commissioners to his actions to “the repressive regime and police state” of Communist Cuba. A majority of commissioners are Cuban American, as is Acevedo, although he grew up in California, not in the Cuban exile stronghold of South Florida. Noriega had initially required Acevedo to submit an improvement plan of sorts, which the chief did. But at least one city commissioner declared that step insufficient. It had been clear for weeks that Acevedo had never won over commissioners, who had been taken aback by his surprise hiring. Noriega did not strongly defend Acevedo before the commission at its meetings. Suarez did not show up at all. Acevedo has not spoken publicly as his tenure unraveled over the past weeks, despite his outspoken nature. (His national profile came in part from his frequent Twitter posts.) He thanked the department in a letter Monday evening. “It has been a privilege serving with you and fighting for you,” he wrote, according to a copy of the letter posted online by WPLG, the local ABC News station. Acevedo had accused several city commissioners of improperly meddling in personnel decisions, and he did not back away from that position in his memo. “I promise to continue to fight the good fight to rid MPD of the political interference from City Hall that unfortunately continues to negatively impact this organization,” he wrote.

Miami will fire police chief who likened leaders to Cuban dictators 

There has been little to laugh about in Cuba lately. But on a recent episode of "El Enjambre," a weekly podcast produced on the island, the three hosts were howling at the latest form of censorship by the state-run telecommunications company.

“If you send a text message with the word freedom, the message doesn’t reach the recipient,” Lucía March told her incredulous co-hosts, referring to the Spanish language word 'libertad'. “It evaporates, vanishes! I’m serious.”

The exchange was funny, informative and lighthearted, traits that have made "El Enjambre" one of the biggest hits among the scores of new Cuban-made podcasts that are now competing for residents’ attention and limited internet bandwidth.

Cubans began having access to the internet on smartphones only in 2018. Since then, podcasts about politics, current events, history, entrepreneurship and language have upended how Cubans get their information, expanding the middle ground between the hyperpartisan content generated by government-run media outlets and American government funded newsrooms that are highly critical of the island’s authoritarian leaders.

“There has been exponential growth, and I predict it will continue to multiply,” said Yoani Sánchez, a Cuban journalist who records a daily news podcast plugging stories from the independent news portal she runs, 14yMedio.

Cuba’s government blocks access to several news websites — including 14yMedio — and recently passed a measure making it a crime to post content that is critical of the Cuban state on social media. But the authorities have not yet taken action to censor or block access to the more than 220 podcasts that are produced in Cuba or cater largely to Cuban audiences, said Carlos Lugones, founder of Cuba Pod, a platform that promotes and catalogs Cuban podcasts.

“It’s very difficult for a government to censor a podcast because there are many ways of distributing it,” said Lugones. “Podcasts spark debates in society all the time. They cause people to reflect.”

A desire to do just that prompted Carlos Condis, an industrial engineer, to launch "El Enjambre" — Spanish for swarm of bees — in late 2019. The heart of the show is a spirited, spontaneous conversation among Condis and his co-hosts, March and Yunior García Aguilera.

No subject is off limits.

"El Enjambre" provided detailed coverage of the remarkable July 11 anti-government protests in Cuba and searing criticism of the ruthless crackdown that followed.

There has been little to laugh about in Cuba lately. But on a recent episode of "El Enjambre," a weekly podcast produced on the island, the three hosts were howling at the latest form of censorship by the state-run telecommunications company.

There has been little to laugh about in Cuba lately. But on a recent episode of "El Enjambre," a weekly podcast produced on the island, the three hosts were howling at the latest form of censorship by the state-run telecommunications company. “If you send a text message with the word freedom, the message doesn’t reach the recipient,” Lucía March told her incredulous co-hosts, referring to the Spanish language word 'libertad'. “It evaporates, vanishes! I’m serious.” The exchange was funny, informative and lighthearted, traits that have made "El Enjambre" one of the biggest hits among the scores of new Cuban-made podcasts that are now competing for residents’ attention and limited internet bandwidth. Cubans began having access to the internet on smartphones only in 2018. Since then, podcasts about politics, current events, history, entrepreneurship and language have upended how Cubans get their information, expanding the middle ground between the hyperpartisan content generated by government-run media outlets and American government funded newsrooms that are highly critical of the island’s authoritarian leaders. “There has been exponential growth, and I predict it will continue to multiply,” said Yoani Sánchez, a Cuban journalist who records a daily news podcast plugging stories from the independent news portal she runs, 14yMedio. Cuba’s government blocks access to several news websites — including 14yMedio — and recently passed a measure making it a crime to post content that is critical of the Cuban state on social media. But the authorities have not yet taken action to censor or block access to the more than 220 podcasts that are produced in Cuba or cater largely to Cuban audiences, said Carlos Lugones, founder of Cuba Pod, a platform that promotes and catalogs Cuban podcasts. “It’s very difficult for a government to censor a podcast because there are many ways of distributing it,” said Lugones. “Podcasts spark debates in society all the time. They cause people to reflect.” A desire to do just that prompted Carlos Condis, an industrial engineer, to launch "El Enjambre" — Spanish for swarm of bees — in late 2019. The heart of the show is a spirited, spontaneous conversation among Condis and his co-hosts, March and Yunior García Aguilera. No subject is off limits. "El Enjambre" provided detailed coverage of the remarkable July 11 anti-government protests in Cuba and searing criticism of the ruthless crackdown that followed.

Despite censorship and poor internet, Cuban podcasts are booming

Havana's main avenue on Monday saw a rainbow flag draped over a government building as lawmakers prepared a new code that could allow same-sex marriage in Cuba.

Gay pride flag unfurled on Cuban gov't building for first time

Cuba's government put an end on Sunday to a week-long hunger strike staged by a leading dissident - the head of a group that has protested state censorship of artistic works - and was reported by authorities to be in stable condition.

A note published by the Havana Department of Public Health said Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara was 'referred' to a local hospital early on Sunday for "self-imposed food deprivation" and arrived by ambulance "and walking without difficulty."

He had spent seven days without food or fluids.

The San Isidro Movement led by Otero Alcantara, a performance artist, is a dissident group that includes a few dozen artists, writers and activists.

The health department said the hospital had found no sign of malnutrition or other chemical imbalances but said Otero Alcantara had been admitted, was in stable condition and was being attended to by physicians.

Members of the San Isidro movement said state security had forced Otero Alcantara from his home and that he was in custody, presumably at the hospital. They questioned the report and demanded more information.

"How is it possible he has no signs of malnutrition or dehydration after being on a hunger and thirst strike for more than 7 days" the group asked in a Twitter post.

Otero Alcantara's home had been surrounded by police for days with no one allowed in or out during his hunger strike.

The US&nbsp;State Department in a Twitter post on Saturday had expressed concern over Otero Alcantara's health and urged "the Cuban government to take immediate steps to protect his life and health."

People can survive more than a month without food, but rarely more than 10 days without food or fluids.

Members of the San Isidro Movement in November had staged a hunger strike against censorship and harassment of independent creators and activists by the Communist government. Police ended the hunger strike, prompting a rare protest by around 300 people in front of the Culture Ministry in Havana.

Authorities since then have vilified members of the group as outside agitators working with the United States. Its members repeatedly have been temporarily detained and often told they cannot leave their homes, with communications cut.

Otero Alcantara was arrested a few weeks ago as he protested a Communist Party congress by sitting in a garrote. Authorities seized or destroyed some of his art.

In his hunger strike, Otero Alcantara was demanding a return of his art, compensation, freedom of expression and an end to police harassment.

The dissident group has been appealing for support since his hunger strike began, gaining little traction in Cuba but notice some abroad including from human rights organisations and the US&nbsp;government.

Cuba's government put an end on Sunday to a week-long hunger strike staged by a leading dissident - the head of a group that has protested state censorship of artistic works - and was reported by authorities to be in stable condition.

Cuba's government put an end on Sunday to a week-long hunger strike staged by a leading dissident - the head of a group that has protested state censorship of artistic works - and was reported by authorities to be in stable condition. A note published by the Havana Department of Public Health said Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara was 'referred' to a local hospital early on Sunday for "self-imposed food deprivation" and arrived by ambulance "and walking without difficulty." He had spent seven days without food or fluids. The San Isidro Movement led by Otero Alcantara, a performance artist, is a dissident group that includes a few dozen artists, writers and activists. The health department said the hospital had found no sign of malnutrition or other chemical imbalances but said Otero Alcantara had been admitted, was in stable condition and was being attended to by physicians. Members of the San Isidro movement said state security had forced Otero Alcantara from his home and that he was in custody, presumably at the hospital. They questioned the report and demanded more information. "How is it possible he has no signs of malnutrition or dehydration after being on a hunger and thirst strike for more than 7 days" the group asked in a Twitter post. Otero Alcantara's home had been surrounded by police for days with no one allowed in or out during his hunger strike. The US State Department in a Twitter post on Saturday had expressed concern over Otero Alcantara's health and urged "the Cuban government to take immediate steps to protect his life and health." People can survive more than a month without food, but rarely more than 10 days without food or fluids. Members of the San Isidro Movement in November had staged a hunger strike against censorship and harassment of independent creators and activists by the Communist government. Police ended the hunger strike, prompting a rare protest by around 300 people in front of the Culture Ministry in Havana. Authorities since then have vilified members of the group as outside agitators working with the United States. Its members repeatedly have been temporarily detained and often told they cannot leave their homes, with communications cut. Otero Alcantara was arrested a few weeks ago as he protested a Communist Party congress by sitting in a garrote. Authorities seized or destroyed some of his art. In his hunger strike, Otero Alcantara was demanding a return of his art, compensation, freedom of expression and an end to police harassment. The dissident group has been appealing for support since his hunger strike began, gaining little traction in Cuba but notice some abroad including from human rights organisations and the US government.

Cuban government ends leading dissident artist's hunger strike

The United States has placed a Cuban bank on a list of restricted entities, saying its profits "disproportionately benefit the Cuban military" and help fund "Cuba's interference in Venezuela."

The State Department announced the addition of the Banco Financiero International (BFI) to its Cuba Restricted List, which generally prohibits direct financial transactions with listed entities.

"BFI is a Cuban military-controlled commercial bank that benefits directly from financial transactions at the expense of the Cuban people" while giving "preferential access" to military and state companies, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement.

To this end, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a tweet: "I reject new punitive measure of #US State Department to tighten blockade against #Cuba.

"The inclusion of Cuban entities in its lists is intended to reinforce an economic siege that has failed to destroy the Cuban Revolution after 62 years."

Washington's move came amid speculation that the Trump administration is weighing whether to redesignate the island as a state sponsor of terrorism. Such a move, which would severely impede foreign investment, could hinder the diplomacy of President-elect Joe Biden.

January 3 will mark the 60th anniversary of the United States severing relations with the island following its communist revolution.

Tensions eased under President Barack Obama, who established diplomatic relations and removed Cuba from the terror list in 2015.

Biden, who was Obama's vice president, has given only broad details of his Cuba policy but has indicated he would again relax some restrictions while still raising concerns on human rights.

The United States has placed a Cuban bank on a list of restricted entities, saying its profits "disproportionately benefit the Cuban military" and help fund "Cuba's interference in Venezuela.

The United States has placed a Cuban bank on a list of restricted entities, saying its profits "disproportionately benefit the Cuban military" and help fund "Cuba's interference in Venezuela." The State Department announced the addition of the Banco Financiero International (BFI) to its Cuba Restricted List, which generally prohibits direct financial transactions with listed entities. "BFI is a Cuban military-controlled commercial bank that benefits directly from financial transactions at the expense of the Cuban people" while giving "preferential access" to military and state companies, Secretary of State Michael Pompeo said in a statement. To this end, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in a tweet: "I reject new punitive measure of #US State Department to tighten blockade against #Cuba. "The inclusion of Cuban entities in its lists is intended to reinforce an economic siege that has failed to destroy the Cuban Revolution after 62 years." Washington's move came amid speculation that the Trump administration is weighing whether to redesignate the island as a state sponsor of terrorism. Such a move, which would severely impede foreign investment, could hinder the diplomacy of President-elect Joe Biden. January 3 will mark the 60th anniversary of the United States severing relations with the island following its communist revolution. Tensions eased under President Barack Obama, who established diplomatic relations and removed Cuba from the terror list in 2015. Biden, who was Obama's vice president, has given only broad details of his Cuba policy but has indicated he would again relax some restrictions while still raising concerns on human rights.

US sanctions Cuban bank for links with military

The Silva twins were supposed to be on an international tour with their dance company last week, performing for large crowds to cheers and applause. Instead, they found themselves on their terrace, practising to the sound of the ocean in the light of the sunset, occasionally interrupted by their two rambunctious dogs.

Dance on rooftops, seaside sunsets: Cuban artists find inspiration in coronavirus quarantine

It looks like Labour Day holiday means private time for Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West. 
 
The couple was spotted on a date night on Saturday at Cafe Habana, a Cuban and Mexican restaurant in Malibu, reported People. 
 
Kardashian was dressed in a sleek all-black outfit including a sleeveless top, leather pants and sunglasses, while West opted for a black jacket and brown pants. 
 
The date comes after the pair spent two nights a row dining at a local Cheesecake Factory in Dayton, while they were in town for West`s Sunday Services event. 
 
On Thursday, the `Keeping Up with the Kardashians` star posted a cryptic photo on Twitter with the title of her husband`s new album, `Jesus Is King.`The photo, which features a copy of the Bible opened to Psalm 57:6, a flashlight, a jar of lemons and multiple rough drafts, focuses on a sheet of notebook paper teasing the album title and a potential tracklist.The list ends with a note of Sept. 27 -- the album`s slated release date.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

It looks like Labour Day holiday means private time for Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West. The couple was spotted on a date night on Saturday at Cafe Habana, a Cuban and Mexican restaurant in Malibu, reported People.

It looks like Labour Day holiday means private time for Kim Kardashian and husband Kanye West. The couple was spotted on a date night on Saturday at Cafe Habana, a Cuban and Mexican restaurant in Malibu, reported People. Kardashian was dressed in a sleek all-black outfit including a sleeveless top, leather pants and sunglasses, while West opted for a black jacket and brown pants. The date comes after the pair spent two nights a row dining at a local Cheesecake Factory in Dayton, while they were in town for West`s Sunday Services event. On Thursday, the `Keeping Up with the Kardashians` star posted a cryptic photo on Twitter with the title of her husband`s new album, `Jesus Is King.`The photo, which features a copy of the Bible opened to Psalm 57:6, a flashlight, a jar of lemons and multiple rough drafts, focuses on a sheet of notebook paper teasing the album title and a potential tracklist.The list ends with a note of Sept. 27 -- the album`s slated release date.

Kim kardashian spents private time with husband Kanye in Malibu

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