Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes. They cited the scarcity of government rescuers as they tried Friday to find people buried in collapsed buildings. Meanwhile, the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing. Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas hit hardest by the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday. That's despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response.
Ex-national security adviser John Bolton pleads guilty to illegally retaining classified information
GREENBELT, Md. (AP) — Former national security adviser John Bolton is pleading guilty to illegally retaining classified information. Bolton pleaded guilty to a single count of illegally retaining classified information. His plea deal with federal prosecutors could help him avoid prison time. Bolton, a critic of President Donald Trump, faced 18 counts related to classified information, including sharing notes with relatives while writing a memoir. The investigation began before Trump’s second term. Bolton served in Trump’s first administration before being ousted in 2019. Trump celebrated the plea on his social media platform late Friday, calling Bolton a “terrible person” and writing, “Hopefully, he will be dealt with harshly!”
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in 'first step' toward peace, Rubio says
WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio has joined Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the U.S. to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The agreement does not include Hezbollah and prompted one of the group’s officials to warn of civil war. The U.S. State Department said the framework establishes a process for dismantling Hezbollah and for Lebanon to regain territory that was taken by Israeli forces. The U.S. will facilitate a new military coordination group to implement the framework. It's also committing $100 million in humanitarian assistance.
US strikes Iran in response to a drone attack on a ship
WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. has struck Iran to respond to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a provocation that President Donald Trump said violated the ceasefire. It’s the most significant test yet to an interim understanding reached a week ago by the two countries to begin working to end their months-long war. U.S. Central Command said the military struck missile and drone locations and coastal radar sites in Iran. Ebrahim Azizi, who heads the Iranian parliament’s national security commission, responded to Trump's social media post about Thursday's drone attacks. Azizi said that “this is not a violation of the ceasefire."
Trump threatens 100% tax on European imports if countries impose tax on digital services
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is threatening a 100% tariff on imports from any country that imposes a tax on digital services provided by United States companies. In a post on social media Friday, Trump took aim at European countries that he said are discussing “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies. He wrote, “Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America."
OpenAI and Anthropic limit new AI models to Trump-approved customers during cybersecurity review
OpenAI has restricted the release of its new AI model at the request of President Donald Trump's administration. This move is part of a government effort to vet AI products for cybersecurity risks. OpenAI's rival, Anthropic, announced that the administration has approved a limited release of its cybersecurity model. Both companies will only provide access to small groups of trusted partners. OpenAI's new model, GPT-5.6 Sol, will be available to about 20 customers approved by the administration. The government’s actions have sparked criticism, with some experts warning that unpredictable intervention could hinder U.S. companies.
Lawmakers subpoena billionaire Leon Black after contentious interview on Epstein payments
WASHINGTON (AP) — The House Oversight Committee has served subpoenas to a billionaire investor who made payments to Jeffrey Epstein. House lawmakers questioned Leon Black on Friday in a voluntary interview about his Epstein ties, but they say he refused to answer some questions. Black denied any criminal wrongdoing in his opening statements and claimed he was deceived by Epstein. Black was formerly the chief executive of Apollo Global Management and paid Epstein $158 million from 2012 to 2017 for tax and estate planning services. Lawmakers told reporters that Black refused to answer questions about non-disclosure agreements. They issued subpoenas for documents and for Black to testify under oath in July.
Disagreements between Supreme Court justices bubble into public view as major rulings loom
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions are evident in a rare display among the Supreme Court justices at the end of the term. On Thursday, conservative Justice Samuel Alito read a majority ruling limiting asylum claims at the southern border. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor then read her dissent, highlighting the struggles of asylum seekers and referencing a historical tragedy involving Jewish refugees in 1939. A surprised Alito defended the majority's decision, emphasizing policy continuity across administrations. A court spokesperson later the exchange stemmed from a misunderstanding on Alito's part. It comes as the court prepares to release more significant opinions next week. Signs of tensions have emerged at other points this term.
Utah declares a state of emergency and restricts fireworks as US largest wildfire grows
Utah is restricting fireworks as the largest wildfire in the nation grows, fueled by dry conditions and gusting winds. The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah was burning unchecked Friday across more than 112 square miles. The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for a section of Utah on Friday, urging preparation for rapid fire growth. Firefighters reported that the flames were racing through the tree tops, and strong winds grounded air support on Friday afternoon. Red flag warnings also are in effect for parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Idaho. Authorities are urging caution as extreme conditions persist around the West.
Last-place Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza. Team owner Steve Cohen says 'fans deserve better'
NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Mendoza has been fired as manager of the underperforming New York Mets and replaced by Andy Green. Last-place New York was 34-47 halfway through a miserable season, 15 games behind NL East-leading Atlanta and 9 1/2 games back of the final NL wild-card berth. Mets owner Steve Cohen had high expectations for a team without a World Series title since 1986. The club opened the season with baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and was projected to pay an additional $124 million in luxury tax. A former major league infielder, Green had been working in the Mets' front office running the farm system. He was given the title of interim manager for the rest of the season.
