News for June 26, 2026
Venezuelans take search for the missing into their own hands as earthquake death toll climbs
LA GUAIRA, Venezuela (AP) — 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 the human toll of the disaster climbed Friday 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. The lack of help compounded families’ desperation as the pressure to find buried survivors increased with each passing hour.
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement with US in ‘first step’ toward peace, Rubio says
WASHINGTON (AP) — 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 officials did not share details on the agreement. It does not include Hezbollah and prompted one of that group’s officials in Lebanon to warn of civil war. The agreement was signed in front of Rubio in Washington by Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the United States, and Nada Hamadeh, the Lebanese ambassador to the United States.
Trump threatens 100% tax on European imports if countries impose tax on digital services
WASHINGTON (AP) — 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.”
OpenAI limits its latest ChatGPT product to Trump-approved customers during cybersecurity review
OpenAI is restricting the release of its new AI model, GPT-5.6 Sol, at the request of President Donald Trump’s administration. The model is currently available only to a small group of trusted partners approved by the government. OpenAI said Friday this is a temporary step toward broader availability in the coming weeks. This move follows actions against OpenAI rival Anthropic, which took two AI models offline to comply with a Trump directive. Concerns have grown over AI models being weaponized by hackers. Earlier in June, Trump signed an executive order for AI oversight to vet national security risks.
Billionaire Leon Black defends $158M paid to Epstein: ‘I knew Jekyll. I didn’t know Hyde’
WASHINGTON (AP) — House lawmakers are questioning billionaire investor Leon Black as part of their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and the powerful people around him. Black denied any criminal wrongdoing in his opening statements and claims that he was deceived by Epstein. Black was formerly the chief executive of Apollo Global Management and paid Epstein $158 million from 2012 to 2017 for tax and estate planning services. That’s according to a 2021 review commissioned by Apollo. Black stepped down from Apollo in 2021 amid fallout over his ties to Epstein. With his closed-door deposition on Friday morning, Black will become the latest high-profile figure to appear before the House Oversight Committee.
Disagreements between Supreme Court justices bubble into public view as major rulings loom
WASHINGTON (AP) — Tensions are evident in a rare display among the Supreme Court justices at the end of the term. On Thursday, conservative Justice Samuel Alito read a majority ruling limiting asylum claims at the southern border. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor then read her dissent, highlighting the struggles of asylum seekers and referencing a historical tragedy involving Jewish refugees in 1939. A surprised Alito defended the majority’s decision, emphasizing policy continuity across administrations. A court spokesperson later the exchange stemmed from a misunderstanding on Alito’s part. It comes as the court prepares to release more significant opinions next week. Signs of tensions have emerged at other points this term.
Utah governor restricts fireworks as largest US wildfire surges uncontained
Utah’s governor has restricted fireworks as the largest wildfire in the nation continues to grow. The Cottonwood Fire in southern Utah, which started Monday, has reached nearly 111 square miles and is zero percent contained. Dry, windy conditions are fueling wildfire growth across much of the western United States. The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” for a section of Utah, urging preparation for rapid fire growth. Red flag warnings are also in effect for parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona. Authorities are urging caution as extreme fire conditions persist.
Last-place Mets fire manager Carlos Mendoza. Owner Steve Cohen says ‘fans deserve better’
NEW YORK (AP) — Carlos Mendoza was has been fired as manager of the underperforming New York Mets and has been replaced by Andy Green. New York is 34-47 following a six-game losing streak, 15 games behind NL East-leading Atlanta and 9 1/2 games back of the NL’s last wild-card berth. Mets owner Steve Cohen had high expectations for a team without a World Series title since 1986. The team opened the season with baseball’s highest payroll at $358 million and projected to [pay an additional $124 million in luxury tax.
