US sanctions Costa Rican drug network, including a beauty salon

WASHINGTON (AP) – The U.S. imposed sanctions on five Costa Ricans and five Costa Rican entities for allegedly helping to transport tons of cocaine from Colombia, storing the drugs in Costa Rica, then shipping them to the U.S. and Europe.

Wall Street has its worst day since the war with Iran started

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks had their worst day since the war with Iran started. The S&P 500 fell 1.7% Thursday. The index is headed for a fifth straight losing week, which would be the longest such losing streak in almost four years. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.4%.

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.

How the Iran war is landing with Republicans, according to new AP-NORC poll

It’s costing more and more to gas up the hot rods that Donnie Beson has spent a lifetime tinkering with. He’s not questioning his support for President Donald Trump, but he feels as though the war in Iran has distracted the Republican president from the issues that got him elected. “Come on, Trump. Worry about us,” said Beson, 68, of Woodland Park, Colorado.

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.

What we know about diplomatic efforts to end the Iran war

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened Iran with devastating attacks unless it accepts a 15-point White House peace plan, possibly through indirect talks brokered by Pakistan. Pakistan’s top diplomat confirmed those negotiations were ongoing as military activity – and rhetoric – continued to escalate.

Kilmar Abrego Garcia to remain free while Judge considers immigration issues

GREENBELT, Md. (AP) – A federal judge on Monday questioned whether government officials could be trusted to follow orders barring them from taking Kilmar Abrego Garcia into immigration custody or deporting him.

Editorials from The Washington Post, New York Times, The Guardian and others

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

Costa Rica's congress blocks prosecution of president for election interference

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) – Costa Rica’s legislature on Tuesday blocked an effort by the country’s electoral authority to make President Rodrigo Chaves face charges that he has been using his power to meddle in upcoming elections.