U.S. eases rules on travel to Cuba

The U.S. has issued new regulations to ease travel and trade opportunities in Cuba for U.S. citizens. The Treasury and Commerce Departments say the rules go into effect Sept. 21, simplifying procedures for tourism, telephone and Internet business and money transfers to the island. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said Friday that the U.S. is helping Cuban citizens “achieve the political and economic freedom necessary to build a democratic, prosperous and stable Cuba.”