Hopes cool for freedom of American jailed in Cuba

HAVANA (AP) — A standoff between former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson and the Cuban government stretched into a second day Friday, with the U.S. statesman insisting he will not quit the island until he is allowed to meet with a jailed American he says is ailing and ought to be sent home.

Richardson said Friday that he was concerned about the health of 62-year-old Alan Gross, who has reportedly lost 100 pounds since his arrest in December 2009, and had no timetable for leaving Cuba unless he sees him.

"There are reports of Mr. Gross's health deteriorating," Richardson said. "I have decided to stay in Cuba until I see Alan Gross."

Richardson, who had described Gross as …