AP News Summary at 3:00 a.m. EST

Iran and US set for talks in Oman over nuclear program after Tehran shaken by nationwide protests

MUSCAT, Oman (AP) — Iran and the United States are poised Friday to hold negotiations in Oman at least over Tehran’s nuclear program. The talks follow a chaotic week that initially saw plans for regional countries to take part in talks in Turkey. Previous rounds of meetings turned to ash following Israel’s launch of a 12-day war against Iran back in June. The U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during that war. Meanwhile, nationwide protests have shaken Iran's theocracy. It responded with a bloody crackdown that killed thousands and reportedly saw tens of thousands arrested. President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the country in the time since, spurring the talks.

FACT FOCUS: Trump says tariffs have created an economic miracle. The facts tell a different story

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump claims his tariffs have revived the U.S. economy, calling it an “American economic miracle.” He argues that tariffs have boosted growth and reduced inflation. However, the facts tell a different story. The U.S. economy was already growing before his second term. During the first three quarters of the year, Trump’s tariffs — or the threat of them — delivered mixed results for the American economy. Inflation figures are skewed by data disruptions, and tariffs have actually increased core goods prices. Trump also claims foreign producers bear most tariff costs, but studies show U.S. consumers and firms are affected.

In Minnesota, sending a child to school is an act of faith for immigrant families

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — For many immigrant families in Minnesota, sending a child to school each day requires faith that one of the thousands of federal immigration officers deployed around the state won’t detain them. Thousands of children are staying home, often for lack of door-to-door transportation — or simply trust that they'll make it to school. For some families, the fear has turned into reality. Many parents and at least some children have been detained. Schools, parents and community groups have mobilized to help students get to class so they can learn, socialize and have consistent access to two meals.

Savannah Guthrie's demand for mom's 'proof of life' is complicated in this era of AI and deepfakes

Savannah Guthrie made a heart-wrenching plea for “proof of life” of her 84-year-old mother. And in this digital age, the NBC “Today” co-anchor says she knows that voices and images can be manipulated. At least three news organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes about Nancy Guthrie that they handed over to investigators. As technology has advanced, some have grown savvy and used it to their benefit, confusing police and the public and masking their identities. A former FBI agent says “it just adds to the other shoe-leather work” of solving crimes.

Savannah Guthrie's family renews plea to mother's kidnapper, while sheriff says they have no suspect

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The family of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie is renewing their plea for their mother’s kidnapper to contact them. Guthrie's brother, Camron, posted a second plea on social media Thursday on behalf of the family. The message came hours after Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators don’t have proof 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is alive but believe “she’s still out there.” Nanos says authorities have not identified any suspects or persons of interest five days into the desperate search. Investigators say they are taking seriously notes seeking ransom that were sent to some media outlets.

US strikes another alleged drug-trafficking boat in Eastern Pacific

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. military says it has carried out another deadly strike on a vessel accused of trafficking drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean. U.S. Southern Command said Thursday on social media that the boat “was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” It said the strike killed two people. A video linked to the post shows a boat moving through the water before exploding in flames. Thursday’s attack raises the death toll from the Trump administration’s strikes on alleged drug boats to 128 people.

Epstein emails show he helped arrange White House visit for Woody Allen

NEW YORK (AP) — Woody Allen’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein has been known for years, but emails in the huge trove of records released by the Justice Department illustrate that relationship in new depth. The filmmaker, his wife and Epstein were neighbors in New York City. Records show the three dined together often. They also commiserated with each other about being accused of sexual misconduct. One year, Epstein used his connections to a former member of President Barack Obama’s administration to help Allen and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn,  get a White House tour. A message sent to an assistant for Allen and Previn via email seeking comment wasn’t immediately returned.

Chairman of prominent law firm Paul Weiss resigns after release of emails linking him to Epstein

The chairman of prestigious law firm Paul Weiss has resigned from that position after emails revealed his exchanges with Jeffrey Epstein. Brad Karp will remain at the firm where he's practiced for 40 years and has served as chairman since 2008. He said in a statement from the firm that “recent reporting has created a distraction and has placed a focus on me that is not in the best interests” of Paul Weiss. Emails recently released by the Department of Justice as part of its Epstein investigation show Karp thanking Epstein for hosting an unforgettable evening in 2015. Karp also sought Epstein's help in 2016 for Karp's son's film career.

Bitcoin falls 8% and Asian shares mostly slip after Wall Street is hit by tech stock losses

HONG KONG (AP) — Asian shares are mostly lower after Wall Street extended losses driven by technology stocks. Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 index gained 0.8% as tech shares in Japan bounced back. U.S. futures edged lower and bitcoin sank about 8% to roughly half its record price, erasing gains since U.S. President Donald Trump was elected for a second term. Oil prices were higher, while gold and silver prices fell following some recovery earlier in the week. On Thursday, the S&P 500 was down 1.2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.2% and the Nasdaq composite fell 1.6%.

Hong Kong ex-media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday after national security conviction

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong’s pro-democracy former media tycoon Jimmy Lai will be sentenced Monday following his conviction in December under a Beijing-imposed national security law. Lai, the 78-year-old founder of the now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper, could face up to life in prison in the case that has stirred criticism from some foreign governments. The judiciary said Friday on its website that it’s calling for the sentencing session at 10 a.m. Monday. Lai was an outspoken critic of China’s ruling Communist Party and was arrested in 2020 under the national security law that Beijing deemed necessary for the city’s stability following anti-government protests the previous year.