United Wants NJ-to-Cuba Flight Despite Gov Protest

Airlines and tourism companies have been excited about eased travel restrictions to Cuba ever since President Barack Obama thawed relations last December. United has submitted a request for approval with New Jersey’s Port Authority for a route from Newark to Havana. But if permission is granted, it will be over the loud protest from Governor Chris Christie, who is against any loosening of U.S./Cuba relations until the Castros extradite Joanne Chesimard, who fled to the island nation after a 1973 conviction of killing a police officer in the state. “I will not tolerate rewarding the Cuban government for continuing to harbor a fugitive,” wrote Christie in a letter the Port Authority. “I will continue to exercise my authority to ensure that Chesimard is returned.”