Berkeley praises police for keeping peace

BERKELEY, Calif. - Berkeley officials declared their handling of protests over Ann Coulter’s canceled appearance a success thanks to a massive police presence that ensured the city did not become a “fight club,” the mayor said Friday.

Hundreds of Coulter’s supporters gathered in a downtown park Thursday after the University of California, Berkeley, nixed a speech by the conservative commentator. There were tense shouting matches but no major confrontations between Coulter’s supporters and opponents, who held a nearby counterrally.

Venezuela woes: Venezuela has formally notified the Organization of American States of its intention to leave the regional body whose leader has been one of the fiercest critics of embattled President Nicolas Maduro. Interim Ambassador Carmen Velasquez submitted a letter on Friday declaring the move to OAS Secretary General Luis Almagro in Washington.

Baghdad bombing: The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a bombing that targeted a police station in Baghdad’s center Friday night, and Iraqi officials said the blast killed four people and wounded eight.

Kidnapper killed: Philippine marines have killed an Abu Sayyaf extremist commander considered to be one of the most notorious kidnappers in the country’s south. Military chief Gen. Eduardo Ano said Alhabsy Misaya was slain in a clash with marines late Friday in the jungles in Sulu province.