Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuelans are taking the search for missing loved ones into their own hands in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes. Many of them complained Friday that they had not seen state rescue teams despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response. The devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday killed at least 920 people and left thousands injured. Desperate families across northern Venezuela searched in the ruins of buildings for family members and whatever remained of their lives. The number of dead was expected to climb, with thousands of people reported missing.

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. His book, “The Room Where it Happened,” was controversial for its portrayal of Trump.

Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says

WASHINGTON (AP) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio along with Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors is announcing a framework agreement Friday that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The officials did not share details on the agreement that was signed by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, ambassador of Lebanon to the United States.

Trump blames Iran for a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump is blaming Iran for carrying out a drone strike on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. He calls it a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement with the U.S. Trump says one drone damaged the upper deck of the ship, but it was able to proceed. He said the U.S. shot down three other drones. His post on social media did not identify the ship or the time of the strike, but on Thursday the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman. The development comes as the U.S. and Iran work to negotiate a permanent end to the war.

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 limits its latest ChatGPT product to Trump-approved customers during cybersecurity review

OpenAI is restricting the release of its new AI model, GPT-5.6 Sol, at the request of President Donald Trump’s administration. The model is currently available only to a small group of trusted partners approved by the government. OpenAI said Friday this is a temporary step toward broader availability in the coming weeks. This move follows actions against OpenAI rival Anthropic, which took two AI models offline to comply with a Trump directive. Concerns have grown over AI models being weaponized by hackers. Earlier in June, Trump signed an executive order for AI oversight to vet national security risks.

Billionaire Leon Black defends $158M paid to Epstein: ‘I knew Jekyll. I didn’t know Hyde’

WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers are questioning billionaire investor Leon Black as part of their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and the powerful people around him. Black denied any criminal wrongdoing in his opening statements and claims that 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. That’s according to a 2021 review commissioned by Apollo. Black stepped down from Apollo in 2021 amid fallout over his ties to Epstein. With his closed-door deposition on Friday morning, Black will become the latest high-profile figure to appear before the House Oversight Committee.

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. Alito, surprised by her dissent, defended the majority’s decision, emphasizing policy continuity across administrations. This exchange comes as the court prepares to release more significant opinions next week. Tensions have surfaced before, with Sotomayor previously apologizing to Justice Brett Kavanaugh for past remarks.

Utah governor restricts fireworks as largest US wildfire surges uncontained

Utah’s governor has restricted fireworks as the largest wildfire in the nation continues to grow. The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah, which started Monday, has reached nearly 111 square miles and is zero percent contained. Dry, windy conditions are fueling wildfire growth across much of the western United States. The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for a section of Utah, urging preparation for rapid fire growth. Red flag warnings are also in effect for parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona. Authorities are urging caution as extreme fire conditions persist.

Last-place Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza. Owner Steve Cohen says ‘fans deserve better’

NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Mendoza was has been fired as manager of the underperforming New York Mets and has been replaced by Andy Green. New York is 34-47 following a six-game losing streak, 15 games behind NL East-leading Atlanta and 9 1/2 games back of the NL’s last wild-card berth. Mets owner Steve Cohen had high expectations for a team without a World Series title since 1986. The team opened the season with baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and projected to [pay an additional $124 million in luxury tax.