HAVANA (AP) — CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials including Raúl Castro’s grandson during a high-level visit to the island Thursday, Cuban and U.S. officials said.

Ratcliffe met with Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and the head of Cuban intelligence services, and discussed intelligence cooperation, economic stability and security issues. A CIA official confirmed the meetings to the AP.

Ratcliffe was there “to personally deliver President Donald Trump’s message that the United States is prepared to seriously engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba makes fundamental changes,’’ the CIA official said.

An official statement from Cuba’s government noted that Thursday’s meeting “took place … against a backdrop of complex bilateral relations.”

While the U.S. stressed that Cuba cannot continue to be a “safe haven for adversaries in the Western Hemisphere,” the Cuban delegation insisted that the island presents no threat to U.S. security. Cuban officials also took issue with the nation’s continued inclusion on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism.

Rodríguez Castro previously secretly met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of a Caribbean Community summit in St. Kitts in February. While he’s never occupied a government post, he served as his grandfather’s bodyguard and later as head of Cuba’s equivalent of the Secret Service.

U.S. and Cuban officials also met earlier this year i n Cuba. The ongoing meetings between U.S. and Cuban officials mark the first U.S. government flights to land in Cuba other than at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay since 2016.

Thursday’s meeting comes weeks after the Cuban government confirmed that it had recently met with U.S. officials on the island as tensions between the two sides remain high over the U.S. energy blockade of the Caribbean country and as Cuba’s power grid has collapsed and energy to its eastern provinces has been cut. The U.S. blockade of fuel to the island has heightened its economic woes, with reduced work hours and food spoilage as refrigerators stop working.

Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department reiterated that the U.S. will provide Cuba with $100 million in humanitarian assistance and support for satellite internet “if the Cuban regime will permit it.”

In late January, Trump threatened tariffs on any country that sells or supplies oil to Cuba. Though Trump also has threatened to intervene in the country, and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said recently that his country was prepared to fight if that should happen, sources told the AP earlier this month that military action is not imminent.

___

Follow AP’s coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america

___

Tucker reported from Washington, D.C.

___

This version is corrected to show that the U.S. aid offer is $100 million.

Labour Mayor David Skaith said a visitor levy, otherwise known as a tourist tax, would raise funds that could be reinvested into communities and used to support businesses.

But firms and organisations including the national Confederation of Business and Industry (CBI) have warned against charging for overnight stays at a time when hospitality is hard-pressed.

The Government unveiled plans for the charges, with an Overnight Visitor Levy Bill among those set to be tabled in the coming Parliament following Wednesday, May 13’s King’s Speech.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Readers shared their views on the Press website following the news and the mayor’s reaction.

Anna Gramme said: “The cost as a percentage of a stay will be negligible, people staying overnight aren’t unduly phased by the cost of living crisis anyway.

“The impact of tourist taxes elsewhere is nothing other than beneficial for the host city.”

Bean1234 said: “Wouldn’t it be good if our mayor actually listened to the hospitality sector, they don’t want this and the money raised wont be ringfenced for hospitality.”

It’s only a turnip said: “I reckon the actual cost per night won’t be as much as an average pint of beer in York, so in reality it shouldn’t effect visitors financially.

“But the cost will be in reputation and of visitors feelings of being taxed, why not apply this fee to overseas visitors only?”

Keith Roworth said: “It always amazes me that the man in the street advocates hitting themselves with yet another tax, isn’t the cost of living high enough as it is?”

EyeofYork said: “Call me a cynic but that money will just go into the pot for general expenditure, so why not admit it?”

Drago said: “I don’t care if it does, as long as it’s spent on city improvements it’s all good.”

Mulgrave said: “David Skaith must be unaware of the sentiment about the cost of living in this country, he can’t fail to realise that it won’t just be him applying this levy as mayor.

“How much more do people want to pay for their trips away in the UK on top of the raised prices for petrol and diesel and hotel and hospitality rates?”

Wildorchid1 said: “It’s common if not universal practice to pay a small city tax in Europe, it hardly adds anything to the bill.

“York has huge numbers of tourists and the tax will help the city stay liveable while continuing to welcome tourists.”

Dementia said: “If the tax is to support the already booming industry what is the point?

“Trust in politicians to spend funds raised widely is not exactly at a high point, can the money be predicated to non-tourist needs?”

The Glasgow hardman vanished after the shotgun murder of pub worker Thomas Cameron in 2007.

Scotland’s most wanted man Derek “Deco” Ferguson had his left ear bitten off in a savage street brawl.

The 5’3ft hardman lost the tip of his ear during a violent fight years before the notorious Auchinairn Tavern murder that sent him on the run.

Original police mugshots show the gruesome injury – which became a distinctive feature used during public appeals to track him down.

Underworld sources claim his torn lug also became part of Ferguson’s feared reputation as he rose through the city’s gangland ranks.

He fled Scotland after barman Tam Cameron, 49, was shot dead outside the Auchinairn Tarvern, in Bishopbriggs, Glasgow, in 2007. Fellow suspect Billy Bates was found dead in the Clyde weeks after the murder.

Detectives believe Cameron was lured into the tavern car park before being executed at point-blank range following a minor dispute linked to organised crime figures.

Before police could arrest him, Ferguson fled Scotland — with reports claiming he escaped hidden in the boot of a car before surfacing among expat gangsters on Spain’s Costa del Sol.

An international warrant is in place for Ferguson’s arrest and he remains high on the UK and Spain’s Most Wanted list.

It’s been long believed by police and underworld figures that the bald Scot may have drastically altered his appearance to stay hidden. Investigators believe he may have undergone hair transplants, facial surgery and cosmetic procedures to repair the mutilated ear that once made him instantly recognisable.

E-fits released by in recent years along with a £10,000 rewards show dramatically different versions of the ageing fugitive — including images with wigs, facial hair and a reconstructed ear. Officers also believe he may have taken elocution lessons and adopted a fake Irish accent to disguise his Glasgow roots.

Over the years, investigators have tracked sightings of Ferguson across Spain, Ireland, Portugal, Turkey and the Netherlands as he allegedly hid under false identities while working for the Kinahan cartel.

The Record first linked the Possil-born gangster to the payroll of Irish cocaine super-cartel boss Christy Kinahan in 2015, with Ferguson believed to have operated as an enforcer in Marbella and Calahonda.

The Dublin born mafia boss, 69, started the lucrative global crime empire built on drugs, arms smuggling and money laundering and is said to be the richest criminal in Irish history.

Last month, his son Daniel Kinahan, who had become the leader of the crime group was arrested in the United Arab Emirates.

Despite high-profile appeals – including Crimestoppers’ Operation Captura – Ferguson, now 62, remains at large.

Yesterday the National Crime Agency warned expats living in Spain that Ferguson could be living amongst them in plain sight.

Spanish police warned the ex-pat community: “These are not the people you want in your neighbourhood.”

He was named among the UK’s 12 most most wanted fugitives with links to Spain.

Get more Daily Record exclusives by signing up for free to Google’s preferred sources. Click HERE

Another batch of flight data heralds a grim summer holiday season for 2026, with flights canned and routes dumped en masse – with challenges continuing to rise for major airlines

Thousands of UK holidaymakers are facing a fresh wave of travel-induced headaches after more than 40 flights were cancelled at major hubs across Britain, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester airports.

Services operated by airlines including British Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, easyJet and WestJet have been pulled from schedules, disrupting journeys to major destinations including New York, Toronto, Mumbai, Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin.

The latest wave of cancellations has piled further pressure on Britain’s busiest airports, with Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester continuing to battle weeks of disruption heading into the busy summer getaway season.

Flight-tracking data and passenger-rights monitoring services recorded a sharp rise in cancellations on May 14, with dozens of departures disappearg from airport boards over a short period.

The latest bout of cancellations follows repeated disruption incidents earlier this spring which saw travellers stranded and long-haul routes severely affected. Heathrow has once again borne the brunt of the problems due to its packed international schedule, while Gatwick and Manchester have also seen significant disruption across both European and long-haul networks.

Passengers travelling to North America have been among the hardest hit. Flights between London and New York JFK operated by British Airways and American Airlines have faced cancellations and lengthy delays, while services to Toronto and Calgary involving Air Canada and WestJet have also been disrupted.

Travellers heading to India have also faced major issues, with services linking the UK and Mumbai hit by cancellations and timetable changes. Aviation analysts warned that when a single long-haul aircraft falls out of rotation, the knock-on impact can quickly spread across multiple routes.

Short-haul European routes have not escaped the turmoil either. Flights from Heathrow, Gatwick and Manchester to Paris, Amsterdam and Dublin have all seen cancellations, causing missed onward connections for passengers travelling internationally.

Budget carriers and flagship airlines alike have struggled to keep schedules intact as mounting operational pressures, aircraft shortages and crew availability issues continue to squeeze the aviation sector.

Disruptions are already sparking concern ahead of the peak summer holiday period, with experts warning airlines and airports may have little room for error as passenger numbers surge through June and July. Travellers affected by cancellations are being urged to check airline apps regularly and act quickly to secure alternative flights before replacement seats are snapped up.

Under UK air passenger rules, many passengers departing from British airports could be entitled to assistance, accommodation and potentially compensation depending on the cause of the disruption. Carriers can now sidestep compensation obligations by scrapping flights with a minimum of two weeks’ advance warning, allowing them to postpone summer decisions while avoiding financial penalties.

The latest data, compiled on May 14 using a number of flight-tracking platforms, coincides with another batch of flight data released on Tuesday by aviation analytics company Cirium. Cirium found that airlines have dramatically ramped up flight cancellations for May as jet fuel costs soar and supply concerns mount. In total, Cirium recorded 296 departures from UK airports scrapped this month as of Tuesday; a sharp rise from 120 cancellations just six days earlier.

Data for the busy summer period indicates week-on-week timetable cuts remain modest. Outbound services for June are down by 48 compared with a week ago, following the axing of 0.2 per cent of flights. July’s week-on-week decrease sits at 31, while August has seen just four fewer departures. Across Europe, Lufthansa’s airline group revealed in April it would axe 20,000 flights over the subsequent six months to conserve fuel.

Last week, British Airways’ parent firm IAG cautioned its profits would take a hit as it anticipates spending approximately €2bn (£1.72bn) beyond budget on fuel this year, with BA boss Luis Gallego saying that IAG does not believe there will be “any interruption for the summer” in terms of jet fuel supplies.

Earlier this month, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander indicated summer holiday arrangements would not face significant disruption because of shortages. She disclosed that additional fuel has been brought in from the United States, while UK refineries have ramped up their output. The government has also implemented a short-term regulatory adjustment permitting airlines to consolidate passengers from various flights onto a reduced number of aircraft in order to conserve fuel.

Developments come following jet fuel costs more than doubling since the Middle East conflict began, with Iran continuing to control tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing multiple carriers to revise their schedules.

BEIJING (AP) — As President Donald Trump wraps up his whirlwind visit to China on Friday, he’s insistent that relations between the world’s two biggest powers are good and getting better despite deep differences on Iran, Taiwan and more.

Trump started his last day in Beijing by insisting in a social media post that Chinese leader Xi Jinping had “congratulated me on so many tremendous successes” and had been referring only to his predecessor, former U.S. President Joe Biden, when he “very elegantly referred to the United States as perhaps being a declining nation.”

But Trump’s rosy outlook on the U.S.-China relationship collides with some difficult truths about the thorniest issues between the two superpowers.

Beijing has shown little public interest in U.S. entreaties to get more involved in solving the conflict in Iran, even though Trump said in an interview with Fox News’ Sean Hannity that Xi had in their conversations offered to help. And the White House believes China can still do more to stem the flow of Chinese-made precursor chemicals into Mexico used to make illicit fentanyl that has wreaked havoc on many U.S. communities.

Xi, meanwhile, warned Trump during private talks that their differences on the self-ruled island of Taiwan, if handled poorly, could hurtle the world’s dominant powers toward “clashes and even conflicts,” according to Chinese government officials.

Trump and Xi are set to have more time together at Xi’s official residence in Beijing on Friday before the U.S. leader makes the long journey back to Washington.

Taiwan remains the most important issue for China

Xi’s sharp language on Taiwan loomed large over Thursday’s talks, even as Trump sought to play up the notion that the U.S. and China share a “special relationship.”

But Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NBC News that U.S. policy toward Taiwan was “unchanged” and cautioned that it would be “a terrible mistake” for China to try to take Taiwan by force. He also framed Xi’s comments as standard practice.

“They always raise it on their side. We always make clear our position, and we move on to the other topics,” said Rubio, who was among senior aides to join Trump for the talks.

China in recent weeks has sought to put more focus on its view that Taiwan sits at the “core” of its interests and is key to ensuring a stable relationship with the U.S.

Trump has demanded Taiwan increase defense spending, and in December, the White House announced an $11 billion weapons package for Taiwan, the largest ever to the island democracy.

But the U.S. has yet to begin fulfilling the arms sales, and Trump had said he expected to discuss the matter with Xi in Beijing. He’s also groused that Taiwan “stole” America’s semiconductor business and called on Taiwan to pay the U.S. for protection.

All the while, Trump has, with the threat of hefty tariffs and Biden-era incentives, prodded Taipei to agree to massive investments in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and to purchase billions of dollars’ worth of U.S. liquefied natural gas and crude oil. The attitude toward Taiwan has raised questions about whether Trump might be open to dialing back support for the island democracy.

Ma Chun-wei, an expert in China-Taiwan relations at Taiwan’s Tamkang University, said the elevated defense relationship between Washington and Taipei has caused China to toughen its rhetoric over Taiwan.

“For Xi Jinping, he must show that the Taiwan issue is in China’s hands. He must demonstrate this image, or else he would be criticized,” Ma said.

China wants the Strait of Hormuz opened

Iran was on the agenda when Trump sat down with Xi on Thursday for their two-hour meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

The leaders agreed that the Strait of Hormuz — effectively closed since the start of the Iran conflict — needs to be reopened to support global energy demands, Trump told Fox News in an interview. About 20% of the world’s oil flowed through the strait before the war started on Feb. 28.

Trump said in the interview that Xi privately offered assistance on resolving the war, though it was unclear what that would mean, given China’s strategic partnership with Iran.

“He’d like to see the Hormuz Strait open,” Trump said. “He said if I can be of any help whatsoever, I would like to help.”

The president also said Xi was also opposed to any implementation of tolls on vessels crossing the strait and expressed interest in China potentially purchasing more U.S. oil to reduce Chinese dependence on Gulf oil in the future.

Trump earlier this week had downplayed the importance of talks with Xi on the 11-week-old Iran war that has led to surging energy prices and threatens to plunge the global economy into recession if the conflict does not conclude soon.

“We have a lot of things to discuss. I wouldn’t say Iran is one of them, to be honest with you, because we have Iran very much under control,” Trump told reporters Tuesday shortly before flying to Beijing.

But before Air Force One could land in Beijing, Rubio said administration officials would make the case to the Chinese officials about why they should be invested in prodding Iran to come to terms to end the war.

“Economies are melting down because of this crisis,” Rubio offered aboard the presidential plane as he flew with Trump to Beijing. That dynamic, the secretary added in an interview Wednesday with Fox News’ Sean Hannity, will result in consumers “buying less Chinese product.”

“So it’s in their interest to resolve this,” Rubio said.

Indeed, the Chinese, who have been critical of the U.S. and Israeli bombardment of Iran, hold unique leverage as Iran’s biggest trading partner. The Chinese government has managed to weather the economic damage caused by the war with the help of its strategic oil reserves, but that backstop is not limitless. Economists say the Iran conflict could still have a big impact on China’s export-driven economy.

Will Trump announce any major business deals?

The White House, ahead of the visit, insisted that Trump wouldn’t be making the trip without an eye toward securing results before he leaves, suggesting there could be announcements coming on trade.

Those could still come, with the U.S. side hoping to nail down Chinese commitments to buy U.S. soybeans and beef. Trump told Fox News that Xi had indicated a commitment for China to buy 200 Boeing jets from the U.S.

The leaders on Thursday discussed increasing U.S. agricultural purchases by the Chinese and opportunities for both sides to expand investment into each other’s markets, according to the White House. Trump administration officials also want to work toward establishing a Board of Trade with China to address commercial differences between the countries.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang stressed the need for friendship and cooperation in U.S.-China ties as he spoke with U.S. business titans, including Tesla’s Elon Musk, Apple’s Tim Cook and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who were part of Trump’s delegation in Beijing.

“China and the United States have been able to maintain frank and smooth dialogue and communication and actively safeguard a stable and healthy bilateral relationship” despite international turbulence, Li said.

___

Associated Press writers Huizhong Wu and Simina Mistreanu in Bangkok and Darlene Superville and Josh Boak in Washington contributed to this report.

The Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond has received Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026, consistently ranking in the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide.

Jo Mawhinney, chief executive of the Georgian Theatre Royal, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive the Travellers’ Choice Award for a third consecutive year.

“It is a real reflection of the fantastic feedback we receive from our audiences and tour visitors, and we are extremely grateful to everyone who takes the time to share their experiences online.

“This recognition also speaks volumes about our brilliant team of staff and volunteers, whose knowledge, enthusiasm and friendliness are consistently highlighted in visitor reviews.

“They are at the heart of everything we do.”

The award is based on recent, first-hand reviews left by visitors on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, and reflects consistently high levels of visitor satisfaction.

With more than 500 reviews and a 4.9-star rating, the theatre is currently ranked number one out of 31 ‘Things to Do’ in Richmond.

Among the glowing Tripadvisor feedback, visitors have praised the theatre’s guided tours and historical insights, with one reviewer commenting: “Highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic… we learned a lot about the history of this specific theatre as well as theatre generally… We would recommend this guided tour and are looking forward to returning to the theatre as audience members.”

The Georgian Theatre Royal is Britain’s oldest working theatre in its original form and draws thousands of visitors each year.

Alongside its live performance programme, the theatre offers guided tours exploring the auditorium, backstage areas, and exhibitions, including the UK’s oldest surviving stage scenery – the restored Woodland Scene.

Tours are available Monday to Saturday from mid-February until the end of October, running from 10am until 4pm, with the last tour leaving at 3pm.

Booking is not required.

For more information about tours and live events, visit www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk or call 01748 825252.

He went on: “However, this was a second successive monthly contraction as concern over the implications of the situation in the Middle East weakened consumer confidence and as households came to terms with higher outlays on water charges, council tax, and at the petrol pump.

Curtis Bihari will take on the role in 2026/27, having previously served as mayor in 2023/24.

He succeeds councillor Angus Ferguson, with councillor Craig Johnson now serving as deputy mayor.

Mr Bihari said: “Ferryhill has given me so much throughout my life, from my childhood and education to my career and public service.

Curtis Bihari, pictured, has been elected mayor of Ferryhill for 2026/27, succeeding Angus Ferguson, with Craig Johnson appointed as deputy mayor (Image: Ferryhill Town Council)

“To now serve the town again as Mayor is a huge honour.

“I’m incredibly proud of where I come from and I’m determined to give everything I can to the role and to our community.”

Born and raised on Bertha Street in Ferryhill, Mr Bihari attended Broom Cottages Primary School, Ferryhill Comprehensive, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form, and later graduated from Newcastle University with a first-class degree in politics and sociology.

After university, he returned to Ferryhill and worked at the town’s Sport and Education Centre, helping to keep the facility running alongside his family.

He has also served as a county councillor for Durham.

Outside of his professional and public life, Mr Bihari is involved in local sport, having played cricket for Mainsforth Cricket Club since childhood and football for Ferryhill Miners United.

The new mayor is currently considering which charities to support during his term and plans to announce his decision along with details of fundraising events.

Further details about the mayor’s chosen charities and upcoming events will be announced along with details of fundraising events.

Mark Wright was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.

A Lanarkshire business adviser has been chosen to receive a Business Gateway Impact Award for the second year running.

The Impact Awards, which took place at Business Gateway’s recent all-staff conference in Edinburgh, celebrated the exemplary service, commitment and impact made by Business Gateway’s local staff in supporting business owners across the country.

Mark Wright was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.

Business owners praised Mark for “consistently going above and beyond with practical, knowledgeable and patient support”, with several people saying he had helped them secure funding, navigate complex processes and build confidence from start-up through growth.

Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA Spokesperson for the Environment & Economy and Chair of the Business Gateway board, said: “The Impact Awards were designed to shine a light on those who empower the local business community in Scotland, helping individuals and organisations to navigate challenges, reach new milestones and achieve lasting success.

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Mark on receiving an Impact Award. Mark and the rest of the Business Gateway network go above and beyond every day to help businesses thrive, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and the tangible difference they make.

“We’re delighted to have been able to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”

With around 350 staff located around the country, Business Gateway’s teams are the backbone of Scotland’s business support system.

READ MORE: North Lanarkshire Provost joins local childminders and families at Teddy Bear Picnic

Available free of charge to anyone looking to turn their idea into reality or grow their business, Business Gateway offers online and in-person support on everything from building the foundations of a strategy to setting up an e-commerce website, to help with marketing and budgeting.

In 2025-26, Business Gateway supported over 50,000 customers, managed over 30,000 enquiries and celebrated the launch of over 7,200 new businesses.

For more information on Business Gateway and its services, please visit https://bgateway.com.

*Don’t miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Wishaw electrician sent photo of private parts to young female customer

Which? found Waitrose to be the cheapest for several of the products included in the analysis, including Dolmio Bolognese Sauce Onion And Garlic 450g, which was £1.50 on average in Waitrose compared with £2.60 at most other supermarkets, including Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco for those without a loyalty card – a difference of 73%.