http://www.newser.com/2008 - Newseren-usNewser Feed GeneratorThu, 20 Nov 2008 1:17:04 CSThttp://www.newser.com/story/33415/cuban-youth-prefer-facebook-to-revolution.html?refid=rss_all_defaultCuba's youth are restless, but many are more concerned about access to Facebook, flat-screen TVs, and trips abroad than political change, reports the Christian Science Monitor . Young people say that they pressured Raul Castro to allow cell phone and computer ownership, but they remain disillusioned about the prospects for greater change.http://www.newser.com/story/33415/cuban-youth-prefer-facebook-to-revolution.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSat, 26 Jul 2008 2:14:57 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/31718/cuba-rebuilds-spy-network-in-fla-agent-says.html?refid=rss_all_defaultCuba has rebuilt its spy network in Florida to its highest level in 10 years, a US Army expert on Cuban agents tells the Miami Herald . The FBI rounded up more than a dozen spies in 1998, but they have all been replaced, bringing Florida’s spy population to around 210, Lt. Col. Chris Simmons said. His revelation is the first in recent years by a US official on Cuban spies.http://www.newser.com/story/31718/cuba-rebuilds-spy-network-in-fla-agent-says.html?refid=rss_all_defaultSat, 05 Jul 2008 12:51:36 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/30484/europe-votes-to-lift-cuba-sanctions.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThe European Union has agreed to lift sanctions against Cuba, much to the annoyance of the White House. "We see encouraging signs in Cuba and I think that we should show the population in Cuba that we are ready to work with them," an EU official tells the AFP. It's a largely symbolic victory for Cuba and Spain—which lobbied for the change—because sanctions have been suspended since 2005.http://www.newser.com/story/30484/europe-votes-to-lift-cuba-sanctions.html?refid=rss_all_defaultFri, 20 Jun 2008 2:44:01 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/29814/hard-workers-in-cuba-will-finally-get-their-due.html?refid=rss_all_defaultRaul Castro has ordered employers to create new salary structures that include extra pay for increased productivity—a bold departure, by Cuban standards, from Socialist orthodoxy, the Miami Herald reports. Under the current system, workers get a flat fee based on their job descriptions with no hope for incentives. Low productivity is common, and Fidel's brother is anxious to kick-start the economy.http://www.newser.com/story/29814/hard-workers-in-cuba-will-finally-get-their-due.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThu, 12 Jun 2008 1:55:43 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/29429/cuban-prez-oks-sex-change-operations.html?refid=rss_all_defaultCubans can now have free sex change operations, Reuters reports. The latest legal change under President Raul Castro was pushed by his daughter, Mariela Castro, who heads a sex education center and says she has a 28-person waiting list. Cuba allowed a sex change 20 years ago, but sparked so much outcry that Havana canceled the program.http://www.newser.com/story/29429/cuban-prez-oks-sex-change-operations.html?refid=rss_all_defaultFri, 06 Jun 2008 18:18:57 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/25976/raul-castro-empties-cubas-death-row.html?refid=rss_all_defaultNew Cuban president Raul Castro has commuted all but three of the country's death sentences to prison terms of 30 years to life, reports Reuters. Castro, who also has been gradually easing the country's restrictions on daily life, said the death penalty would remain on the books to deter "imperialist mercenaries." The three prisoners remaining on death row are charged with terrorist offenses.http://www.newser.com/story/25976/raul-castro-empties-cubas-death-row.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 29 Apr 2008 14:09:16 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/24250/cuba-loosens-limits-on-home-ownership-salaries.html?refid=rss_all_defaultRaul Castro continues to lighten up on some of Cuba's least popular restrictions, ending salary caps and allowing retiring state workers to take title to the homes they live in. Government employees, including members of the military, sugar and construction workers, doctors, and teachers, will now be able keep their places after retirement, and legally pass them on to their children, the AP reports.http://www.newser.com/story/24250/cuba-loosens-limits-on-home-ownership-salaries.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 29 Apr 2008 14:09:16 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/23032/castro-lifts-hotel-ban-for-cubans.html?refid=rss_all_defaultRaul Castro has lifted a ban on Cubans staying at hotels designated for foreign tourists, Reuters reports. The prohibition, which had been criticized as "economic apartheid," had frustrated many Cubans since the country was opened up to tourism in 1990. "Cubans can now stay at our hotels," one hotel manager said. "Our doors are open to local tourism."http://www.newser.com/story/23032/castro-lifts-hotel-ban-for-cubans.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 29 Apr 2008 14:09:16 CDThttp://www.newser.com/story/22830/cuba-ends-cell-phone-ban.html?refid=rss_all_defaultThe Cuban government said today it will lift restrictions on mobile phones for the first time, the BBC reports—a sign new leader Raul Castro is following through on reform pledges. Cell phone service will be made generally available next week; service fees will have to be paid in foreign currency, however, effectively narrowing access to richer Cubans.http://www.newser.com/story/22830/cuba-ends-cell-phone-ban.html?refid=rss_all_defaultTue, 29 Apr 2008 14:09:16 CDT