Venezuelans take search for missing

into own hands as quake toll soars

LA GUAIRA, Venezuela — Venezuelans took the search for missing loved ones into their own hands in the aftermath of back-to-back earthquakes.

They cited the scarcity of government rescuers as they tried Friday to find people buried in collapsed buildings.

Meanwhile, the human toll of the disaster climbed to at least 920 dead and more than 51,000 missing.

Citizens digging through the rubble of their homes said they have seen few state rescue teams in the areas hit hardest by the devastating 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes that struck late Wednesday. That’s despite authorities projecting an image of a robust government response.

Ex-national security adviser Bolton pleads guilty to retaining information

GREENBELT, Md. — 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 Friday.

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, Lebanon sign framework pact

with US in ‘first step’ toward peace

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has joined Israel and Lebanon’s ambassadors to the U.S. to announce a framework agreement that was described as a first step toward peace following months of conflict between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The agreement does not include Hezbollah and prompted one of the group’s officials to warn of civil war. The U.S. State Department said the framework establishes a process for dismantling Hezbollah and for Lebanon to regain territory that was taken by Israeli forces.

The U.S. will facilitate a new military coordination group to implement the framework. It’s also committing $100 million in humanitarian assistance.

Trump threatens 100% tax on

countries imposing digital taxes

WASHINGTON — 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.”

Utah declares state of emergency,

restricts fireworks as wildfire grows

Utah is restricting fireworks as the largest wildfire in the nation grows, fueled by dry conditions and gusting winds. The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah was burning unchecked Friday across more than 112 square miles.

The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for a section of Utah on Friday, urging preparation for rapid fire growth. Firefighters reported that the flames were racing through the tree tops, and strong winds grounded air support on Friday afternoon. Red flag warnings also are in effect for parts of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Idaho.

The Associated Press