Island with warm sunny days, cooling trade winds, and the crystal blue caribbean sea. Nonstop flights are available from most major airports. More information for your vacation planning is available at aruba. Com. And now, bbc world news. Anchor this is bbc world news america. Donald trump secretary of health and Human Services has resigned tom price is out after charter flights created a firestorm. The u. S. Is getting staff in cuba by more than half and warning americans not to visit after it says an attack injured embassy staff. And hopping a rocket ship for your commute. Big ideas, but what are their chances of becoming a reality elon musk has big ideas, but what are their chances of becoming a reality . Anchor welcome to our viewers on Public Television in america and around the globe. Mike, a member of Donald Trumps cabinet has resigned. The secretary of health and Human Services has quit after his use of private charter flights created a firestorm of controversy. The president made his displeasure known and then we got news that mr. Price was out today. Another one bites the dust. Why did he have to go . Reporter if you get elected on a slogan of draining the swamp, having your Health Secretary take 1 million worth of private jet flights, some two dozen since may, is hardly going along with that kind of ethos. I think he was in an impossible position. The moment i realized he was in serious trouble was when donald trump came out this afternoon, spoke to reporters and said what a fine man he was, i will make a statement later. When you get fine man and a statement is to come, if he is safe, you endorse him again and you dont need to say that. I thought the fine man thing, price laugh to go. And he is gone. Anchor hes not the only member of the cabinet under fire for excessive expenses. Reporter theyre all sorts of other ministers who as well are having harsh questions asked about why they needed to take private jets as well, from the treasury secretary Steven Mnuchin going on honeymoon with his wife apparently on a private jet, to others within the administration preferring to fly privately and having to mix like people like you and me. Those sort of people are under pressure. You also have the situation where some have used private emails. A separate story, and it does not quite drive with the messages quite jibe with the messages the donald trump was saying all those months ago. With tom price, i think he felt it was becoming a distraction, and embarrassment, the optics were bad and so he had to walk the plank. Anchor how damaging could this be for President Trump . Think donald i trump is hoping it will be seen that he acted quickly and dispatched the beleaguered Health Secretary could donald trump also made the point that others already have their own private planes. But the optics were absolutely terrible. The bluecollar americans put you in the white house and you on privateg around jets at taxpayer expense, it does not look good. Anchor thank you for a much for bringing us the latest. The u. S. Diplomatic presence in cuba will be cut by more than half. American citizens have been warned not to visit. That was the announcement on the state Department Today after what they called mysterious attacks, which have caused dizziness, hearing loss and fatigue. Cuba has responded saying the decision is hasty and will affect relations. The bbc state Department Correspondent reports. Reporter this was supposed to mark the beginning of better relations between cuba and the United States, but little more than a year after the mission was formally reopened, u. S. Employees again began having hearing loss and Mystery Health problems. The u. S. Is now saying diplomats are being attacked. They dont know by whom or by what exactly did they know it is no longer safe for them. Only a skeleton staff will stay. It will also be a blow for u. S. Travelers. Many were excited for the u. S. Opening to cuba. The state department is warning they could be at risk. President obama took a risk by renewing ties with cubas communist leaders. He was convinced it was in americas interest. The cuban government has denied any role in this episode. It has been helping with the investigation. Secretary of state Rex Tillerson has pointedly remind havana it has an obligation to protect u. S. Government employees and their families. Until a government of cuba can inshore safety of diplomatic human, our embassy will be reduced to a Emergency Personnel to minimize the number of employees at risk, he said. Relations had already began to strain under the new president , would began to roll back some of the top some of the detente. Trump said this will ther affect ties did affect ties. This was a legacy moment for president obama. Now, sabotaged by what could have been written by a cold war spy novel. Anchor joining me is the president of the interamerican dialogue. Thank you for joining us on the program. Cuba has denied involvement in this. Realistically, who could be behind this is not cuba . There is a lot of speculation. Nobody really knows. Cuba could be behind it or not. I think what really is hard to reconcile is whether they did not know if Something Else is involved. They are very good at these kind of intelligence and monitoring. If another party, a thirdparty, was responsible, it is likely they would know about it. Anchor cuba has said this could affect the relationship between cuba and the u. S. In a negative way, it could strain things. How do you see things in the relationship now . I think this is clearly a setback in the relationship. The cubans did not want this to happen. The foreign minister met with secretary tillerson on tuesday, came up to washington because there was a suggestion the closing of the embassy in havana, the u. S. Embassy, was under review. The cubans to not want this to happen. A want to avoid this kind of decision. It is clear the embassy is open, but personnel has been reduced by 60 . They are no longer issuing visas at the u. S. Embassy to cubans. This is sends a strong message, and more than anything, it is a psychological blow with possible economic implications and costs for a company for a country already in dire straits. Anchor relations were already strained given that President Trump said he would roll back some of the relaxations some some of the relaxations president obama brought in. Absolutely. It was a partial relaxation. A partial rollback. Cubans thought they could live with that. They are waiting for the regulations on that announcement, which should be published in the next couple of weeks. I think this sets it back even further. It is a tremendous disappointment i think. For the cubans, they want to get to the bottom of it. There is a lot of guessing being done by a lot of people as to what exactly happened. Clarifiedsituation is , we will be in this limbo, a difficult situation. Anchor can we expect any other action from the cuban government . Any retaliation . I dont think so at this point. There was talk that the u. S. Would ask cubans reduce their personnel at the embassy, but washington is not made that request. The cubans are in a difficult position. They want good relations with the United States, the economy is in terrible shape. The cubans are looking to try to get back on solid footing. They need the investment, the business, the tourism from the United States. Anything that cuts into that will be a problem for them. Anchor thank you very much for joining us. Turnedning rushhour deadly in mumbai today when a stampede at a Railway Station left at least 22 people dead and many others injured. Eyewitnesses said the crush happened when heavy rainfall led to crowding on a narrow bridge. The accident comes as the government is under pressure over for Safety Standards on indian railways. We have this report from the scene. Reporter this is the flight of stairs at the station where the stampede occurred this morning. It leaves to a Little Bridge across it leads to a Little Bridge acrossstairs the stationn important stop on the western railway line. It is not rush hour right now but you can see how crowded it is even now. This incident occurred shortly after rush hour this morning. Authorities are still trying to figure out what triggered this. Many people said it was raining heavily at the time and that is why people rushed up this flight of stairs, they were rushing from the platform, and that is what caused the stampede. If you can see this group of people standing around, you can see shoes of people that have been left behind because it is from this little hole that a lot of people were trying to jump out and save their lives. The injured and dead have been rushed to a hospital nearby. I have seen Police Authorities and Railway Authorities coming here to find out what actually triggered the incident. This once again puts the spotlight on mumbais transport infrastructure, which has been heavily criticized for being insufficient. It transports more than 7 Million People per day. This is an important station for many people because of this area is where a lot of commercial complexes, buildings, offices are located. You can see, the flight of stairs is so small that it is always crowded. Some people who use the station everyday told me that Something Like this was just waiting to happen. Anchor reporting there from mumbai. News, the United Nations agreed to send war crimes investigators to yemen. The Human Human Rights Council senddopted a resolution to what is described as experts to examine violations by all parties in the human complex. They are trying to identify those responsible. The president of the European Commission has reiterated it will propose new rules next year to ensure Companies Trading online pay their fair share of tax. There has been widespread criticism in europe for the levels of tax paid by tech giants. Is to attend a summit of southeastern nations. China, the at nine, the philippines vietnam and the philippines. North korea is likely to dominate the conversation. In puerto rico, most people are enduring their 10th day without power and many are struggling to find clean water and fuel. Federal officials are on the ground trying to distribute aid, that it is not getting to those who need it most. For more on the challenges and criticisms on the response, i spent some time with the former administrator of the federal Emergency Management agency. Thank you for joining us. How would you assess the response with millions of people saying they have not got access to bases two basic things like food and water . Folks have to put this in perspective. When you have an island the size of puerto rico with so many people on it that has been totally ravaged by a hurricane, maria in this particular case, patience is going to be a virtue. It will take time. Sadly to say, but the smart thing that was made, the decision not to move and all of the supplies, which are moving in now. Had they brought in the supplies in advance of the storm, everything Everyone Wants right now, they wouldve been damaged also. Ships are headed that way, folks are on the ground. Yes, it will be a struggle to clear the streets, clear those highways, make sure bridges are safe for trucks to pass to distribute food that is needed. Anchor what does fema have to do before they can go in . A lot of assessment by the sounds of it before they can go in. I believe the United States army and the rest of the Defense Department is already on the ground, making those assessments with partners at fema. The damage assessments. Toy are making ground game distribute everything they have already received at the main port. This is going to take time. It will not happen overnight. Mistake thatt is a this is a good news story that some have been talking about. This is not a good news story, this is a total disaster. It will be months before puerto rico is back on its feet. It will take a lot of people pulling together and putting their egos on the sideline. We need people to put their shoulder to the wheel and do what is right and quit nipping at one another. Anchor quit knitting at one another might be what you say, but there are people on the dire need of help and that is why people are so critical of the response. I understand that, but you have to keep in mind also that essentially all Government Services were decapitated in this particular storm. It did not happen those Government Services were still around in the States Affected by the hurricane, but here it is a totally different situation. State government has to rebuild itself. In this case, it is the commonwealth of puerto rico. They have leaders in place, it is a good thing they have leadership to make tough decisions. They are working in concert with fema, the department and the rest of the u. S. Agencies to deliver the goods as quickly as they possibly can and safely. Anchor quickly, President Trump is due to visit early next week. What do you think he needs to say and do . Showing up shows his interest and demonstrates we are not going to be leaving these people behind in any way, shape or form. I believe the happy island are u. S. Citizens. There is a lot invested in him showing up. Im not sure the calming the timing is correct, but that is not my decision. Things have to start moving, they will start moving. Folks need to hold onto hope. I know that is easy to say while i am here in oklahoma city, but do not give up. Hope is all we have. Anchor thank you for joining us. You are watching bbc world news america. Still to come, and independents vote in the spanish region of catalonia sparks a constitutional battle. The latest on sundays ballot. Anchor there has been another huge rockfall in Californias Yosemite National Park a day slab a massive granite fell from the famous el capitan rock formation, killing a british man and thursday injuring his female companion. Officials say the second rockfall injured one person there, who was taken to hospital. James cook sent this report. Reporter it is a climbers worst nightfall worst nightmare, joint rockfall, the second in as many days. Forcing people to flee any way they could. Earlier, at the same spot, more than 1000 tons of granite had crashed in the face of el capitan, killing a british climber. He was andrew foster, just 32 years old, originally from gloucestershire. His wife lucy was hurt and remains in hospital. The couple called themselves weakened worriers and had posted online that yosemite was an awesome place and one of the many places to go before you die. The second rocks line rockslide injured many, including rachels husband, who was struck on the head. One person was flown to hospital for treatment. Sister had ar terrifying escape. It sounded like thunder. Thereoked back and said, is smoke coming out of the mountain. I said, the mountain is smoke . She said, it is falling. My husband reached up and said, my head. Because it was bleeding profusely and hurting. Drawser el capitan people because it is untamed, because of the risk. This tragedy will not stop climbers from gambling in the wilderness. James cook, bbc news, yosemite in california. Anchor thousands of people in the spanish region of catalonia have again taken to the streets tonight ahead of a selfdeclared independence referendum and a constitutional battle with the central government. They say the vote violates the constitution and will not go ahead. We report. [chanting] reporter tonight, a call to vote. On a yesno question. Should their region break away from spain . It is true a lot of people are waiting for this moment lots of years. Reporter to vote. To vote and hope it will be yes. But beyond the fiesta, there is deep uncertainty, and in the palace at the heart of catalonias devolved government, the leader, disobeying spains courts and government. A referendum on sunday, he says, will go ahead. Overwhelming majority of people in catalonia want to devote to decide. What other option did we have . We offered to negotiate. Reporter but there is a catch. Many in spains richest region only want a referendum with madrids consent. Like jose gonzalez. Our salon has been his home for 66 years. Barcelona has been his home for 66 years. Our family and friends are divided, he said. We can barely talk about politics anymore. In madrid today, a mock vote. They want catalonia to remain part of spain. And like their government, they dont recognize sundays referendum. It is not a question of stopping people voting. Reporter but thats what you want to do this weekend. No, let me be clear. In catalonia, they vote, they vote in local elections, european elections, according to the law. What they are trying to do is an illegal selfdetermination consultation. Reporter this evening, after school activities, a bit i parents to occupy polling stations and prevent police from shutting them down. Region walkingts into the unknown. Listen to this nightly ritual. A protest reporter of pots and pans ringing out across the city. People who say they will vote. Bbc news in barcelona. Likes a longy commute, so how about traveling from london to new york and less than half an hour . Sounds good, doesnt it . Thats just one of the ideas proposed today by on to newer elon musk. The main focus of his plans are getting people to mars in smaller rockets than originally proposed. How feasible is this . I spoke with nokia drake, nadia drake, a contributing writer at national geographic. Good to have you with us. Travel to space and under an hour, london to new york in under half an hour. How realistic is it . Would love to go from london to new york in less than half an hour. The feasibility of elon musks plan, and of course traveling around the earth in not that much time is just part of it. The grander plan is to establish humansustaining settlement on mars. He first suggested it last year and said that according to his plan, as many as one million humans could be living on mars 2060s. That seems ambitious. Of thefinetuned aspects plan related to the rocket that will be doing the bulk of the heavy lifting. Literally and metaphorically. The feasibility is going to depend in my mind on two things. One is the technology and the other is the finances. Anchor you mentioned the technology. This Technology Already in place to maybe make this a reality in the future . Yeah. Elon musk and spacex, the plan they put together, they have not broken any of the laws of physics that we are aware of. The technology is there. In fact, if you talk with Aerospace Industry experts, they will to you that spacex has already done very good job demonstrating it has the capability to achieve a lot of what this plan is already asking for. The question now is, where is the money going to come from to build the technology they need . Anchor should humans be planning to inhabit mars one day . It depends on who you ask. One of the reasons elon musk is so interested in putting humans on mars as he considers it to be an axis digital imperative. He says if humans want to survive, we must become a multiplanetary species. If you subscribe to that idea, there are scenarios in which you could imagine having a second planet being beneficial. For example, if an asteroid were coming to earth and it were be humongous lee destructive, it were going to be very destructive, it would be good to have some place else. But we have not done a very good job of taking care be humongouss planet. Many people are asking whether it is a good idea to go to a completely different planet and try to turn it into a place that would be comfortable for humans to live in a selfsustaining way. Anchor maybe life on mars one day but not anytime soon. Thank you for joining us. Thank you. Anchor whether you are watching on earth or mars, you can find more of all the days news on our website, including the latest on our top story, the resignation of President Trumps secretary of health and Human Services. Thank you for joining us on bbc world news america, have a very nice weekend. With the bbc news app, our vertical videos are designed to work around your lifestyle, so you can swipe your way through the news of the day and stay up to date with the latest headlines you can trust. Download now from selected app stores. Funding of this presentation is made possible by the Freeman Foundation and kovler foundation, pursuing solutions for americas neglected needs. Planning a vacation escape that is relaxing, inviting, and exciting is a lot easier than you think. You can find it here, in aruba. Families, couples, and friends can all find their escape on the island with warm sunny days, cooling trade winds, and the crystal blue caribbean sea. Nonstop flights are available from most major airports. More information for your vacation planning is available at aruba. Com. Bbc world news was presented by kcet, los angeles. Captioning sponsored by newshour productions, llc woodruff good evening. Im judy woodruff. On the newshour tonight tom price becomes the first trump cabinet official to step down. The health and Human Services secretary is out, after criticism he used taxpayer money for expensive charter flights. Then we have done an incredible job, considering there is absolutely nothing to work with. Woodruff urgent calls for help. Millions of puerto ricans, desperate for basics like food and water, leads to rising frustration over President Trumps response. And, its friday. David brooks and ezra klein talk n. F. L. Protests, what alabamas Senate Primary says about the