Jun 16, 2017

Trump revises Obama's Cuba deal

Evan Vucci / AP

President Trump announced Friday that he is "cancelling the last administration's completely one-sided deal with Cuba" and replacing it with a new policy that seeks to both promote human rights as well as drastically limit travel to the country. His speech comes roughly a year after Barack Obama unveiled his own Cuba policy designed to strengthen U.S.-Cuba relations.

"To the Cuban government, I say put an end to the abuse of dissidents. Release the political prisoners. Stop jailing innocent people ... We will enforce the ban on tourism, we will enforce the embargo, we will take steps to make sure that investments flow to the people" so they can begin to build and invest in their future. ... We challenge Cuba to come to the table with a new agreement that is in the best interest of both their people and our people."

Go deeper: What to know about his new policy.

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The downsides of remote work

Data: Reproduced from Prudential/Morning Consult "Pulse of the American Worker Survey"; Chart: Axios Visuals

The coronavirus pandemic has forced a large-scale experiment in working from home. It has gone well enough that many companies are expanding their remote work expectations for the foreseeable future, and remote employees want to continue to work that way.

Yes, but: The downsides of remote work — less casual interaction with colleagues, an over-reliance on Zoom, lack of in-person collaboration and longer hours — could over time diminish the short-term gains.

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Hong Kong's economic future hangs in the balance

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

As Beijing forces a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong, the once semi-autonomous city's status as one of Asia's largest financial hubs is at risk.

Why it matters: Political freedoms and strong rule of law helped make Hong Kong a thriving center for international banking and finance. But China's leaders may be betting that top firms in Hong Kong will trade some political freedoms for the economic prosperity Beijing can offer.

Go deeper (3 min. read)Arrow13 mins ago - Economy & Business

Why space is good politics for Trump

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

President Trump's exuberance around today's scheduled SpaceX launch — including his decision to travel to Florida to watch — goes beyond a personal fascination with astronauts, rockets, and how to make money and wield power in the next frontier.

The bottom line: There's a presidential election in November, and the U.S. space program enjoys wide support across party lines. It's good politics for Trump, at least for now.

Go deeper (2 min. read)Arrow23 mins ago - Science