Dan Ronan

From member station KERA, Tulawani Osibamowau reports.

And from Washington, you're listening to NPR News.

Richard Grinnell is being replaced as head of the Kennedy Center this after numerous artists canceled performances at the iconic Washington, D.C., performing arts venue after President Trump named himself the chairman and took over much of the operation of the facility.

Grinnell's departure comes as Trump said the Kennedy Center will close for two years this summer.

for renovations.

Grinnell was a key figure in the Trump efforts to overhaul the facility in his image, which included removing the leadership, installing a handpicked board, and naming himself as the chairman.

Cuba says it's in the middle of negotiations with the United States.

NPI's Arne Peralta reports it comes amid a U.S.

oil blockade.

Stocks finished the week lower amid concerns about the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.

The Dow dropped 119 points, the S&P lost 40, and the Nasdaq lost 206.

I'm Dan Ronan, NPR News in Washington.

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Dan Roan.

Talks between U.S.

and Iranian officials have wrapped up in Oman with no conclusive outcome.

Iran's foreign minister described the talks as a good start and said both sides agreed to resume negotiations at a later date.

The talks come as the U.S.

has built up an enormous military force in the region.

NPR's international affairs correspondent Jackie Northam has more on what the U.S.

is seeking in these talks.