NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks rose after surging on optimism about a ceasefire in the war with Iran. The S&P 500 erased its dip and rose 0.6%. The Dow Jones climbed 0.6%, and the Nasdaq added 0.8% after Israel's prime minister authorized direct negotiations with Lebanon. Oil prices pared some of their earlier gains but remained higher.

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.

MANILA, Philippines (AP) – The Philippines unveiled a major coast guard base Thursday on an island in the South China Sea to serve as a “steadfast sentinel of our sovereignty” in a disputed region closely guarded by China’s forces.

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.

BEIRUT (AP) – Lebanon reeled Thursday after the deadliest day of the renewed war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militant group, with the death toll exceeding 300 people as more remains were pulled out of the rubble and bodies identified at hospitals.

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.