WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Friday that the U.S. is in talks with Havana and raised the possibility of a “friendly takeover of Cuba” without offering any details on what he meant.

Speaking to reporters outside the White House as he left for a trip to Texas, Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in discussions with Cuban leaders “at a very high level.”

“The Cuban government is talking with us,” the president said. “They have no money. They have no anything right now. But they’re talking to us, and maybe we’ll have a friendly takeover of Cuba.”

He added: “We could very well end up having a friendly takeover of Cuba.”

Trump didn’t clarify his comments but seemed to indicate that the situation with Cuba, a communist-run island that has been among Washington’s bitterest adversaries for decades, was coming to a critical point. The White House did not respond to requests for more information Friday.

The president also said that Cuba “is, to put it mildly, a failed nation” and “they want our help.”

His remarks came two days after the Cuban government reported that a Florida-registered speedboat carrying 10 armed Cubans from the U.S. opened fire on soldiers off the island’s north coast. Four of the armed Cubans were killed, and six were injured in responding gunfire, according to Cuba’s government. One Cuban official also was injured.

Cuba has been on Trump’s mind since at least early January, after U.S. forces ousted one of Havana’s closest allies, Venezuela’s socialist President Nicolás Maduro. Trump suggested in the aftermath of that raid that military action in Cuba might not be necessary because the island’s economy was weak enough — particularly in the absence of oil shipments from Venezuela that stopped after Maduro was taken into custody — to soon collapse on its own.

“We’ve had a lot of years of dealing with Cuba. I’ve been hearing about Cuba since I’m a little boy. But they’re in big trouble,” he said Friday.

Then, noting the exile community from the island living in the U.S., Trump said there could be something coming that “I think (is) very positive for the people that were expelled, or worse, from Cuba and live here.” He did not elaborate.

The U.S. has maintained a strict trade embargo on Cuba since 1962, the year after a failed, CIA-sponsored invasion of the island at the Bay of Pigs. Trump nonetheless indicated earlier this month that talks with Cuban officials were underway.

Cuba’s government confirmed earlier this week that it was communicating with U.S. officials following the shooting of the American boat. Rubio has said the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Coast Guard are investigating what happened.

An executive order that Trump signed in late January pledged to impose tariffs on countries providing oil to Cuba, threatening to further cripple a country already plagued by a deepening energy crisis, though U.S. authorities have since indicated that oil from Venezuela can be sold to Cuban interests in some cases.

Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister, posted, then later deleted on Friday that “the US maintains its fuel embargo against Cuba in full force, and its impact as a form of collective punishment is unwavering.”

“Nothing announced in recent days changes this reality,” he wrote on X before the post was removed. “The possibility of conditional sales to the private sector already existed and does not alleviate the impact on the Cuban population.”

Meanwhile, 40-plus U.S. civil society organizations sent a letter to Congress on Friday asking that it “press the Trump administration to reverse its aggressive policy towards Cuba” and saying that efforts to cut oil shipments to the Caribbean island would spark a humanitarian collapse.

Signees included the Alliance of Baptists, ActionAid USA and the Presbyterian Church.

“Policies that deliberately impose hunger and mass hardship on millions of civilians constitute a form of collective punishment, and as such are a grave violation of international humanitarian law,” the letter reads.

___

Associated Press writer Dánica Coto contributed from San José, Costa Rica.

“As well as whale and seal-spotting in Northumberland, Bamburgh Castle is a must-see,” the Countryfile host said.

“When you have finished building sandcastles and paddling in the sea, you can take a tour of the imposing 12th-century fortress.”

Bamburgh is not only famous for its stunning beach and impressive castle but also boasts a vibrant food scene that attracts both locals and visitors.

Here are three of the best places to eat in this beautiful coastal town, according to TripAdvisor reviews:

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The Potted Lobster, Bamburgh
Location: 3 Lucker Road, Bamburgh NE69 7BS
Opening times: Sunday to Saturday: 12:00 – 21:00
Rating: 4.4

The Potted Lobster in Bamburgh is a popular choice for many, who often recommend booking in advance due to its high demand.

Guests frequently praise the fresh, high-quality seafood and creative specials.

One reviewer on TripAdvisor said: “This was our second visit after enjoying it so much at Christmas. (We are 150 miles away) There is a friendly, cosy atmosphere, the place is sparkling clean and the staff are friendly, helpful and attentive. Nothing is too much trouble and things happen without prompting. My meal of chowder followed by breaded salt and pepper squid as a main was outstanding.”

Copper Kettle Tearoom
Location: 21 Front Street, Bamburgh NE69 7BW
Opening times: Sunday to Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Rating: 4.1

Copper Kettle Tearoom is often praised for its friendly and helpful staff.

The homemade cakes, scones, and sandwiches earn high marks for flavour and size.

The atmosphere is generally seen as cosy and inviting, particularly in the sunlit courtyard.

One satisfied customer said: “Had a few hours on Thursday afternoon in Bamburgh and after looking at various places to eat, decided on Copper Kettle Tearoom and I am glad we did.

“Service was instant and I ordered a Cheese and Tomato Toastie with side salad and a drink.

“Very tasty and just enough for Me. Not likely to be in Bamburgh again (from London) but I will certainly highly recommend it to anybody I know whom may be in the area.”

The Lord Crewe Bamburgh
Location: Front Street, Bamburgh NE69 7BL
Opening times:

• Sunday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 16:00, 17:30 – 21:00
• Monday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 21:00
• Tuesday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 21:00
• Wednesday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 21:00
• Thursday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 21:00
• Friday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 21:00
• Saturday: 09:00 – 10:30, 12:00 – 15:00, 17:30 – 21:00
  Rating: 3.9

The Lord Crewe Bamburgh, for many travelers, offers a warm and charming atmosphere with its stylish decor and cozy bar.

Many reviewers praise the fresh seafood dishes.

One customer said: “We’ve been to Bamburgh many times and always popped in here for a few drinks in the late afternoon and early evening but never eaten in here for some reason.

“So this time we decided to give it a try. Glad we did. A really warm welcome with polite and smiling staff, not rushed at all.

“The scallop starter was delicious and the mains – sea bass fillet and fish pie were superb. The fish pie especially was really very good.”

With these delightful dining options, Bamburgh continues to attract food lovers eager to enjoy a meal close to its breathtaking views and historical heritage.

Lindsey Chiswick, the Met’s lead for facial recognition, told the LDRS: “We are set to trial operator‑initiated facial recognition, an innovative tool which will help our officers take photos to help confirm the identities of people quickly and accurately, avoiding the need to detain people for longer than needed.

Three people have been killed and more than 20 injured after a tram derailed in the centre of Milan, before slamming into a building.

The Number 9 tram was supposed to have continued straight along the central Vittorio Veneto avenue, but it suddenly swerved at a switch track that is used by another tram line, according to a video of the crash broadcast by Sky TG24.

The video shows the tram nearly flipping onto its side as it takes the curve before crashing.

Milan mayor Beppe Sala suggested human error was to blame, saying the driver had apparently failed to switch tracks to keep the tram going straight.

He described the driver as an experienced employee who had only been on his shift for an hour.

However, he said the driver had skipped a stop before the crash and would be questioned from the hospital where he was being treated for his injuries.

Emergency services said three people had been killed. Mr Sala confirmed that among the victims, one passenger had died on the tram and one on the street.

He said none of the other injured were in a life-threatening condition.

Dozens of ambulances, fire engines and police cars responded to the crash, with crews escorting passengers in thermal blankets away from the scene.

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ATM, the Milan public transport company, said it was cooperating with prosecutors “to precisely establish the cause and dynamic of the incident”.

The incident came as the city is hosting its seasonal fashion shows and is in the interim between hosting the Winter Olympics and Paralympic Games.

The heartwarming programme Marvellous Miniature Workshop is coming back for a new series and producers are now looking for people to appear on the popular show, and say they would love to find some stories in the Bolton area.

A spokesman said: “Sara Cox and her team of expert model makers could bring a cherished place form your past back to life in miniature. It might by a childhood home that’s been lost or sold, the pub where you firt fell in love, of the workplace that helped shape who you are .

“If it matters to you, please tell us about it.”

Those interested should apply to apply.miniatureworkshop.uk

In the last series Sara and miniaturist Hannah Lemon recreate Manchester’s Crumpsall Library for Leah, a retired social worker who met her late husband there as a teenager. Though the library now lies derelict, Hannah’s intricate model – parquet floors, stained-glass and even Neil’s school cap – brought back its splendour and the love story at its heart.

Two places Sara said she would like recreating is her father’s farm house and the inside of The Pineapple Pub which her mum used to run at one time.

The right-wing government of Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has taken a tough stance against international and Palestinian NGOs as well as UN agencies, some of which have operated in the region for decades, citing security reasons. It has also passed legislation banning the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, from operating in Israel, impacting its work in the West Bank and Gaza.

Jen Lloyd, head of mortgages at Skipton Building Society, said the biggest financial shock for many first-time buyers doesn’t just come from the deposit itself, but from the wave of costs that hit in the first few months of homeownership.

“People budget meticulously for the purchase price but are often caught off guard by everything that comes with actually moving in,” she explained.

“Rent overlap, stamp duty, removals, council tax, furnishings and set-up costs can all land at once.

“Turning those ‘unexpected’ expenses into expected ones by researching them upfront – and building a realistic ‘move-in buffer’ – can help make the whole process far less stressful.”

She added having a little breathing room at the start can make a big difference, particularly for first-time buyers navigating those early costs.

The comments follow a poll of 1,000 first-time buyers, which found facing multiple upfront costs in a short space of time was the number one part of the homebuying process they wished they could avoid.

Other major frustrations included the physical act of moving, the long gap between exchange and completion, and overlapping rent and mortgage payments.

Jen, from Skipton Building Society – which commissioned the research to mark the enhancements of its Delayed Start Mortgage, which enables first-time buyers to delay their first mortgage repayment for up to three months – also warned against trying to do everything at once, a mistake she sees time and again among eager buyers.

“From surveys to furnishing a home from scratch to removals and renovations, it’s easy to feel like every decision has to be made immediately – and rushing often leads to unnecessary spending and avoidable stress,” she said.

“Buying your first home is exciting, so it’s natural to want everything done as quickly as possible.

“But slowing things down where you can, and prioritising what genuinely needs doing now versus what can wait, usually saves money, time and a lot of anxiety.”

The experience proved frustrating for many, with 64 per cent of those renting at the point of purchase finding the process challenging.

One in three (35 per cent) ended up paying rent and a mortgage at the same time, while 30 per cent said they felt financially strained while covering multiple housing-related payments at once.

A third (32 per cent) reported an overlap between their rental payments and mortgage payments lasting one to two months, while eight per cent said this overlap stretched beyond three months.

A further 24 per cent had to give notice on their rental before securing a confirmed completion date, and 23 per cent feared they could be left without anywhere to live for a period.

The survey also explored some of the quirkier pain points buyers become accustomed to during the process, with 35 per cent constantly refreshing property apps ‘like it was a full-time job’.

A third (32 per cent) confessed to spending far too long browsing properties they couldn’t afford at the start of their journey, according to the OnePoll.com figures.

While 27 per cent were left baffled by how to avoid offending sellers when deciding how low to offer on a property listed as ‘open to offers’.

And when it came to moving in, 35 per cent found themselves awkwardly introducing themselves to new neighbours and 34 per cent suddenly cared deeply about things like bins and thermostats.

Jen Lloyd added: “Buying your first home should be an exciting milestone, yet our research shows that early costs can easily overshadow that moment.

“A bit of breathing space at the beginning can make a real difference when so many expenses arrive at once.

“Which is why we’ve enhanced our Delayed Start Mortgage to give buyers greater flexibility around when their repayments begin, whether that’s one, two or three months after completion, helping to ease some of the immediate pressure.

“This can also be added onto our 100% Track Record Mortgage, which recognises strong rental payment history and removes the need for a deposit.

“Everyone’s route onto the property ladder is different, and offering fairer options that reflect those individual circumstances can help make the move into homeownership feel far more manageable.”

TOP TIPS FOR FIRST-TIME BUYERS TO AVOID COSTLY HOMEBUYING MISTAKES:

1. Don’t underestimate the cost of the first few months

The biggest financial shock for first-time buyers often isn’t the deposit, but the cluster of costs that arrive all at once – from rent overlap and legal fees to removals, furnishings and set-up expenses. Research these early and seek advice to help build a realistic “move-in buffer” to make the transition far less stressful.

2. Don’t try to do everything at once

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by surveys, solicitors and removals and assume everything needs doing immediately. Prioritise what genuinely needs action now and what can wait – slowing the process where possible can save money, time and unnecessary stress.

3. Look beyond the mortgage repayment

Focusing solely on the monthly mortgage figure can give a false sense of affordability. Factor in council tax, utilities, insurance, service charges and ongoing maintenance to build a true picture of monthly costs before making an offer.

4. Protect your credit score before you apply

Avoid taking on new credit in the months leading up to a mortgage application and clear any outstanding debts where possible. Even small commitments, such as phone upgrades, can affect affordability.

5. Get your paperwork ready early

Missing documents are one of the biggest causes of delays. Having payslips, bank statements, ID and proof of deposit organised from day one can speed up the process and give buyers a competitive edge.

It’s been claimed that the BBC ‘knew’ about John Davidson’s involuntary use of the N-word at the Baftas, yet it still ended up in the final broadcast.

Last Sunday, Tourette’s campaigner Davidson, 54, attended the annual film ceremony in London with the cast and crew of I Swear, a biographical drama based on his life.

Robert Aramayo, 33, who plays the Scottish activist in the movie, took home the leading actor trophy, as well as the EE rising star, while I Swear also bagged the casting gong.

It was a huge night for all involved in making the biopic, which chronicles Davidson’s upbringing in Scotland in the 80s when his severe Tourette’s syndrome was widely misunderstood.

However, the dazzling success was soon marred by controversy when the Baftas aired on BBC One, as Davidson could be heard yelling and swearing throughout the first half due to his condition.

This included him shouting the N-word while Sinners actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented an award, raising questions about why it wasn’t edited out, given that the awards are not live.

Now, it’s been claimed that the broadcaster ‘knew what happened’ with plenty of warning, with an insider telling Deadline that a Bafta representative informed producers at Penny Lane TV of the incident after it occurred.

‘The BBC knew what happened,’ said the source.

Once the alarm was raised, Bafta’s position is that responsibility then fell to the BBC to ensure that the ceremony (which has a two-hour time delay) did not feature offensive language that breached broadcasting regulations.

An investigation is currently underway to get to the bottom of what the BBC has since called a ‘serious mistake’.

Amid rising anger and criticism, when contacted for a comment on the latest claims, a BBC spokesperson reiterated their initial statement.

‘The BBC has been reviewing what happened at Bafta on Sunday evening,’ they told Metro.

‘This was a serious mistake, and the Director General has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants.’

The inclusion of the racial slur in the broadcast has been branded ‘completely unacceptable and harmful’ by culture secretary Lisa Nandy, while the Commons culture, media, and sport committee has written to outgoing director general Tim Davie for answers.

Inside the BBC, there is also said to be concern about how the ceremony was allowed to remain on BBC iPlayer for so long with the slur in it.

Coverage remained on the streaming platform for 15 hours before it was taken down and edited later on Monday. Clips of the moment had long been circulating online by this time.

As for Davidson, Jordan, and Lindo themselves, Tony-nominated actor Lindo, 73, said he wishes that a higher-up at the Baftas had spoken to them afterwards.

Jordan, 39, has not commented publicly, but an industry source exclusively told Metro that he was ‘disgusted, repulsed, and grossed out’ by hearing the slur.

The insider added that it reminded him of ‘how much work has to be done to drive racism underground,’ since he did such extensive research into the psychological impact it has for his role in Sinners.

Meanwhile, Davidson, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s as a teen, gave an interview to Variety, explaining that he reached out to the movie stars to apologise.

He expressed how ‘deeply mortified’ he was and that it is ‘upsetting’ to read endless comments on social media from people calling him ‘racist deep down’ and claiming he wouldn’t say such things ‘unless he thought them’.

‘The only time I became aware that my tic had reached the stage was when Delroy and Michael B. Jordan appeared to look up from their role as presenters, and soon after that, I decided to leave the auditorium,’ he told the publication.

Davidson then attempted to calm himself down and ‘breathe,’ but he left of his own accord to avoid causing ‘any more upset’.

Bafta provided him with a private room where he could watch the rest of the awards via a monitor.

Still, he has questions, realising in hindsight that there was a microphone ‘just in front’ of him in the auditorium.

‘I have to question whether this was wise, so close to where I was seated, knowing I would tic,’ he asked.

Davidson went on to say that, initially, his tics were noises and movements, but the more nervous he got, ‘the more [his] tics ramped up.’

This led to his coprolalia tics (socially inappropriate and derogatory remarks) coming out, at which point his ‘stomach just dropped’.

‘As always, I felt a wave of shame and embarrassment hit me all at once. You want the floor to swallow you up. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to hide — just get away from all the eyes.’

I Swear director Kirk Jones has vocalised his support for Davidson, saying the film’s subject was ‘let down’ at the weekend.

Jones told The Telegraph that he thought the slur was contained inside the venue, not considering that it would be broadcast to the nation.

He only learned that it had been aired at around 3am, receiving messages from the US after it began making headlines over there.

Nanny McPhee director Jones then ‘didn’t sleep for two nights,’ having said he understands ‘both sides of the argument,’ but ‘the overriding irony is that this is the reason why [they] made the film in the first place.’

‘I think John was let down on many, many levels,’ said the filmmaker.

‘And I think the fact that that [tic] went out for broadcast was perhaps one of the worst ways in which he was let down on the night.’

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If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

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Adventure Cinema’s destinations offer a full evening experience, with a variety of on-site food and drink options available.

Adventure Cinema is heading to Chatelherault Country Park this summer.

It is visiting 57 destinations across the UK, bringing the big screen to life in some of the country’s most iconic and awe-inspiring settings.

This year’s tour will include breathtaking venues such as Chatsworth House, Althorp House (the childhood home of Princess Diana), London’s iconic Kew Gardens and The Eden Project, to name a few.

Screening everything from sing-a-long favourites and family films to cult classics, blockbuster hits and spectacular concert screenings, Adventure Cinema offers something for everyone.

With locations spanning castles, stately homes, gardens and cultural landmarks, the 2026 tour will also include stunning locations such as Wakehurst (Kew’s wild botanic garden), Castle Howard, Burghley House, Hylands House, Scone Palace, National Trust Attingham Park and Chatelherault Country Park.

Dirty Dancing, an Encanto sing-along, Mamma Mia! ExtrABBAganza, and Jurassic Park are among the films being shown in July.

Whether guests are packing a picnic with friends, planning the ultimate family night out, or heading to an open-air disco beneath the stars, Adventure Cinema’s destinations offer a full evening experience, with a variety of on-site food and drink options available.

Tickets for Adventure Cinema start from £9.80 and are available at www.adventurecinema.co.uk

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Cain Dingle (Jeff Hordley) knows Sarah Sugden (Katie Hill) means well in Emmerdale, but he’s getting increasingly irritated at the fact she’s not actually listening to him.

Sarah and Liam Cavanagh (Jonny McPherson) are currently the only two people close to Cain who know about his prostate cancer diagnosis. Graham Foster (Andrew Scarborough) also knows, but there’s absolutely no chance Cain is going to remotely consider listening to the advice he keeps trying to give him.

With Liam generally quite busy, Sarah has spent the most time with Cain going to hospital appointments. She keeps telling him that he will feel better if more of the family know about his health problems, but Cain doesn’t agree.

Sarah took a different approach to helping her Granddad last week by suggesting they nick high end cars. She believed it would provide a distraction for Cain, and the money they earnt from selling the vehicles could help struggling Butler’s Farm.

The duo happily stole Joe Tate’s (Ned Porteous) DeLorean a couple of days ago, but Cain was adamant that even if he did continue thieving, Sarah wouldn’t be a part of it.

He didn’t get a choice this week though, as Sarah turned upin the evening and went along with Cain’s latest plan. They stole a posh car and in this evening’s episode, they very nearly got caught.

Cain and Sarah were in the car chatting about the success of the theft, but had to sink further into their seats when a police car zoomed by. Sarah enjoyed the thrill that came with breaking the rules, while Cain grew annoyed that Sarah wasn’t recognising how much of a risk they were taking.

Sarah told Cain that he needs to continue stealing the cars as it’ll be an excellent way to fix all the money issues on the farm.

She could sense that Cain would continue thieving, but couldn’t understand why he didn’t want her help.

Sarah really loves her Granddad and does just want to be there for him, but the problem is that Cain now feels frustrated at her not listening to the many times he’s said that he’s fine.

If Sarah doesn’t back off, will Cain end up saying something to her that he regrets?

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