NEW YORK (AP) - A surge for Intel following a blowout profit report led the U.S. stock market to more records Friday, while oil prices kept yo-yoing in the wait for what's next with the Iran war. The S&P 500 climbed 0.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 79 points, or 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rallied 1.6%.

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.

WASHINGTON (AP) – The White House Correspondents’ Association dinner is one of Washington’s enduring, if somewhat awkward, rituals. There is inherent tension in the room, with journalists dressed in finery sharing drinks and food with many of the subjects they cover.

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.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he told his top envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner not to travel to Pakistan to negotiate with Iran, stating on Fox News that “they can call us any time they want.” Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country won’t negotiate while the United States imposes a blockade on its ports.

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.

Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad:

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.