Activist in Costa Rica denies plot to assassinate president

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica (AP) – A Costa Rican activist and government critic accused of plotting to kill President Rodrigo Chaves said Wednesday that the allegations were ridiculous and politically motivated. Costa Rica’s national security chief Jorge Torres told prosecutors Tuesday that a hitman allegedly received a payment to assassinate the president.

US stocks hold near their all-time high

NEW YORK (AP) - Few ripples washed through Wall Street Wednesday after the Federal Reserve decided to hold its main interest rate steady, just like investors expected. The S&P 500 was nearly unchanged and inched down by less than 0.1% from its all-time high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 12 points, or less than 0.1%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2%.

Plot to assassinate Costa Rica's president uncovered

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica (AP) – Costa Rica’s national security chief on Tuesday revealed details of an alleged plot to assassinate President Rodrigo Chaves ahead of presidential and legislative elections.

Germany Hails Europe as 'Alternative to Imperialism and Autocracy'

BERLIN (AP) – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz hailed the European Union on Thursday as an “alternative to imperialism and autocracy” that can forge deals with like-minded partners in a world of increasing great power rivalry.

Today in History: December 28, U.S. Afghan war formally ends

Today is Sunday, Dec. 28, the 362nd day of 2025. There are three days left in the year. Today in history: On Dec. 28, 2014, the U.S. war in Afghanistan came to a formal end after 13 years with a quiet flag-lowering ceremony in Kabul, marking the transition of fighting from U.S.-led combat troops to the country’s own security forces.

Pope Tells Vatican to Uphold Truth, Justice and Charity

VATICAN CITY (AP) – Pope Leo XIV told the Vatican’s doctrine office on Thursday to uphold truth, justice and charity when deciding clergy sex abuse cases, confirming a calibrated approach to dealing with a scandal that has tarnished the Catholic Church’s credibility worldwide.

Venezuelan migrants sent to El Salvador demand justice after judge ruling

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) – Men who were part of the group of Venezuelan migrants that the United States government transferred earlier this year to a prison in El Salvador demanded justice on Friday, days after a federal judge in Washington ruled that the Trump administration must give them legal due process.

Editorials from The Washington Post, New York Times, Wall Street Journal and others

Jan. 19 – The Washington Post says Congress has dropped the ball regarding oversight of ICE, DHS. Geraldo Lunas Campos died at a Texas detention center on Jan. 3 while pleading for air as guards choked him, according to a fellow detainee. The local medical examiner’s office is considering classifying his death as a homicide, The Post reports.

Trump candidate Nasry Asfura wins Honduras presidential vote

TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) – Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura won Honduras’ presidential election, electoral authorities said Wednesday afternoon, ending a weeks-long count that has whittled away at the credibility of the Central American nation’s fragile electoral system.