U.S. estimates suggest as many as 25,000 Cuban personnel have rotated through Venezuela over the past two decades. Hundreds of Cuban security personnel — soldiers, intelligence agents and bodyguards — have begun leaving Caracas in recent weeks, according to intelligence sources and diplomatic officials. “Those constant watchful eyes that were present throughout all these years of revolution are no longer over them,” a source says.
“I believe the tariffs, paid for by foreign countries, will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern day system of income tax — taking a great financial burden off the people that I love.”
President Donald Trump spent a substantial portion of his State of the Union speech talking about the economy. Trump declared economic success, claiming “the interests of hardworking American citizens are always our first and ultimate concern” The president’s risky gamble could affect how well the Republican Party does against Democrats in the midterms this fall.
“We have more jobs, more people working today than ever before in the history of our country.”
President Donald Trump gave the longest State of the Union address on record. The 2026 speech clocks in at more than one hour and 48 minutes. It's the longest such speech in modern presidential history. The speech touched on everything from undocumented immigrants to Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and finding time to hand out awards.
“With the great Big Beautiful Bill, we gave you no tax on tips, no tax on overtime and no tax on Social Security for our great seniors.”
Trump claimed gas prices are “now below $2.30 a gallon in most states, and in some places, $1.99 a gallon.” The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Iowa on the day of the speech was $ 2.57, according to data published that day by AAA.
“The Biden administration and its allies in Congress gave us the worst inflation in the history of our country. But in 12 months, my administration has driven core inflation down to the lowest level in more than five years.”
President Donald Trump: "Our nation is back: Bigger, better, richer and stronger than ever before" "So sorry, thank you very much. We got them back. Thank you both very much," he says. "What a period of time that was, but we got them all back," he adds.
WBD says Paramount raised its bid to $31 per share, board will weigh offer against Netflix deal
Paramount wants to acquire Warner Bros. in its entirety, including networks like CNN and Discovery. Netflix has also said that since it doesn't currently have the same studios and film distribution that Warner does, it would preserve and grow those operations. A Warner-Paramount merger would combine two of Hollywood's last five major studios, as well as theatrical channels.
Zimbabwe rejects 'lopsided' US health aid deal over data concerns
The U.S. had offered $367 million over five years to support Zimbabwe’s priority health programs. The proposed deal would have represented the largest potential health investment in Zimbabwe by any international partner. “We believe this collaboration would have delivered extraordinary benefits for Zimbabwean communities,” ambassador says.
Wellness influencer picked by Trump for surgeon general faces Senate grilling
At least two previous attempts have been made to get the federal government to take action. The federal government says it will not take action until a court orders the government to do so. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it is taking steps to prevent the use of federal funds to pay for health care.
“I want to stop all payments to big insurance companies and instead give that money directly to the people so they can buy their own health care, which will be better health care at a much lower cost.”
So sorry, thank you very much. We got them back. We brought it back. It was an amazing period of time and they came back. And I didn't name it. Nobody believes me, but I did not name it, so thank you both. Thank you both verymuch.
Trump’s State of the Union Speech: Full Transcript
The Yodel is a morning newsletter from Yahoo News. Get caught up on weather, national news, politics, entertainment and sports -- in four minutes or less. Watch the gripping trailer for this week's episode of "Get Healthy U" and subscribe to the newsletter in your inbox each morning.
Bill Gates addresses Epstein files in candid town hall days after last-minute speaking cancellation
Bill Gates publicly acknowledged his past ties with the late Jeffrey Epstein during a town hall with Gates Foundation employees. Gates labeled his interactions with Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender, as a significant error, and expressed regret for involving other Gates Foundation executives in these meetings. According to U.S. Department of Justice documents, Gates and Epstein met after the latter's prison term to discuss potential philanthropy projects.
Inside Nicolás Maduro’s Last Days as Venezuela’s Leader
As many as 25,000 people have left Venezuela in recent weeks, officials say. The move is a potential turning point in the country's political history. The U.S. government says the move is part of a larger effort to improve relations with the rest of the world. The United States has been trying to reach an agreement with Venezuela for more than a decade.
Brazilian politicians accused of ordering murder of Rio councillor go on trial
The Brazão brothers and assistant Fonseca are charged with forming a criminal organization. The five men on trial for the killing of the 38-year-old human rights activist-turned-politician are former congressman Chiquinho Brazão; his brother who was a member of a Rio government watchdog, Domingos Brazão.
For Iran’s Rulers, Refusing U.S. Demands Is a Risk Worth Taking
Iran could try to create a protracted and deadly confrontation that could hurt Trump in a midterm election year. US and Israeli forces could deal a quick and devastating blow, as they did in June. Iran would probably seek to absorb limited strikes and cap its retaliation to attacks on US bases in the Middle East.
Iran’s Students Hold Anti-Regime Protests as Universities Reopen
Fonseka made that claim as the common presidential candidate backed by the UNP-JVP-TNA combine. Fonseka also disregarded the fact that he no longer had the JVP’s support. DNA and formation of DP is a farce, says the former president.
“I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as goalie Connor Hellebuyck. Think of it. 46 shots on goal.”
“They deserve it and we call it $1,776, It was great. She was perfect.” “Nobody believes me, but I did not name it.’ “So I want to thank you all.“ “Well, thank you very much, everybody.
How Bookbinders Helped the Nazis Track Holocaust Victims
Frank Shatz is a longtime columnist for The Virginia Gazette. Shatz warns that such genocidal events can recur in an increasingly intolerant world. He is aware of the burden that it imposes as he continues to educate the public about the Holocaust and warns that additional genocides can occur.
Nvidia’s new AI system Vera Rubin is 10 times more efficient than its predecessor — here’s a first look
N Nvidia's revenue for 2026 is expected to total $66.1 billion, a 68% increase from the previous year. Its profit is being forecast to rise at an even more robust pace of more than 70%. The phenomenal growth transformed Nvidia from an under-the-radar chipmaker valued at less than $400 billion at the end of 2022 to an AI bellwether now valued at nearly $4.7 trillion.
Threat of further violence looms after Mexican cartel rampage
Vehicles pass a burned car a day after the Mexican army killed the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” in Guadalajara, Mexico, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. "It was a strange and difficult day – everybody was scared," says one resident.
Two charged with murder of Australian grandfather after 'mistaken identity' kidnapping
The two men appeared dishevelled during the arrest early on Wednesday morning. One struggled as he was escorted down the driveway, tripping and stumbling over his jeans as they pooled over his feet. He then suffered an embarrassing slip on his way to the police van when his jeans fell to his ankles, flashing his black underwear.
Japan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan by 2031
Japan will deploy medium-range surface-to-air missiles to Yonaguni Island, its westernmost territory near Taiwan, by March 2031. Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi announced Tuesday the first time Tokyo has set a specific timeline for the missile system since it was first proposed in 2022.
Germany’s Leader Merz Delivers a Blunt Warning to China on Trade
European leaders want Chinese companies to build factories in their countries. European leaders also want China to reduce manufacturing overcapacity that is driving down prices in industries such as electric vehicles and solar panels. Chinese export are threatening factory jobs in Europe. Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.
Louvre museum director resigns months after high-profile heist
Louvre Museum's director resigns after months of pressure following the October theft of the French crown jewels. The world's most visited museum faced widening scrutiny over security failures, labor unrest and a suspected ticket fraud scheme. The first woman to ever oversee the Louvre Museum resigned on Tuesday, months after a high-profile jewelry heist.
Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
Ukraine's conflict with Russia is now in its fifth year. Military losses are mounting on both sides and Ukraine's population faces near-daily aerial attacks. Ukraine continues to hold its own against Russian troops across the east of the country, at an ever-increasing cost of manpower and resources for Moscow.
Iranians Brace for War as Trump Considers Targeted Strikes
The first round of talks between Iran and the US take place in Oman in April 2025. The negotiations include talks at the expert level for the first time. The head of the U.S. military's Central Command also comes to Oman in 2026 for indirect talks. The talks are scheduled to take place ahead of President Trump's trip to the Middle East.
Nancy Guthrie's family offers $1m reward to bring home missing mother
Guthrie announced her family is offering a reward of up to $1 million "for any information that leads us to her recovery" Law enforcement has asked anyone with information to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov, the Pima County Sheriff's Department (520-351-4900) or 88-CRIME.
RSF siege of El Fasher in Sudan has ‘hallmarks of genocide’, UN mission finds
Sudanese disability rights activists documented additional cases in which RSF fighters killed people with disabilities because of their disabilities. People with disabilities also experienced other forms of abuse often based on ethnic targeting. Human Rights Watch interviewed 22 survivors and witnesses from El Fasher between December 2025 and February 2026.
Epstein Files Are Missing Records About Woman Who Made Claim Against Trump
Several Epstein victims have said that they’ve scoured the DOJ’s website in recent weeks for files documenting their own interviews with the FBI – only to come up empty handed. At least one Epstein victim has complained to a court that the DOJ hasn’t complied with providing full transparency and accountability in its release of the files. A DOJ spokesperson denied that any Epstein records had been deleted.
Larry Summers to resign from Harvard after Epstein files revelations
Summers will resign from his academic and faculty appointments at Harvard at the end of the academic year. He will relinquish his University Professorship — Harvard’s highest faculty distinction — and remaining on leave until that time. He has been on leave from the university since November and will not return to teaching, the New York Times reported.
BBC to conduct fast-track investigation into broadcasting of racial slur from Baftas
The Commons culture, media and sport committee has written to Davie to demand answers about how the mistake was made. The outgoing director general has instructed the Executive Complaints Unit (ECU) to complete a fast-tracked investigation and provide a full response to complainants. The BBC said it was a ‘serious mistake’ and that it was investigating the matter.
Germany accused of ditching climate targets as it scraps renewables mandate
Germany plans to scrap the 2023 heating law, keeping oil and gas options while shifting to green gas quotas. Previous law from 2023 required most newly-installed heating systems to use at least 65% renewable energy. Almost 80% of Germany's residential buildings are estimated to rely on oil or gas heating.
Settlers in the Israeli-Occupied West Bank Drive a Palestinian Family Off Its Land
Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank has increased sharply since the beginning of the war in Gaza in October 2023. Over 800 Palestinians displaced due to settler attacks in 2026 according to United Nations data. 18 Palestinian deaths and at least 1,225 injuries, according to U.N. humanitarian office, OCHA.
Israel responsible for two-thirds of record 129 press killings in 2025, says CPJ
A record number of journalists and media workers, totaling 129, were killed last year. Two-thirds attributed to Israeli military actions, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) A record 129 journalists were killed in the course of their work in 2025, two-thirds of them killed by Israel.
Confusion over Chagos Islands deal as Foreign Office denies handover ‘paused’
Britain has paused ratification of a deal to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius. The UK will maintain control of Diego Garcia under a long-term lease. The U.S.-UK base is a strategically vital part of the region. The move has drawn criticism from various corners.
2 portfolio stocks report earnings after the close. Here's what we're looking for
MFA Financial (MFA) announced a new US$200 million share repurchase program. The move follows a strong fourth quarter and full year earnings report. MFA Financial recorded net income of US$176.78 million for 2025. The stock is currently trading at US$9.92 and has a 90 day share price return of 3.01%.
2026 CNBC Changemakers: Women leaders who defied the odds to reach the highest levels of success
Sunrun CEO Mary Powell has been named to the 2026 CNBC Changemakers: Women. Sunrun is America’s largest provider of home battery storage, solar, and home-to-grid power plants. Customers can generate and store their own power for use during outages or peak hours.
Cava stock jumps 20% after surprise same-store sales growth, driven by menu prices
Cava opened 72 net new restaurants in 2025, bringing its total to 439 locations. The company is investing in its Flavor Your Future platform to train assistant general managers and strengthen operations. Cava reported net income of $4.9 million for the quarter. At Tolivar's table, a favorite remains Cava’s “creamy, delicious”
Normally staid bond investors have a new biggest worry: An AI bubble
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor.
Inside Iran’s Preparations for War and Plans for Survival
President Donald Trump's top general warned him that attacking Iran would be fraught with huge risks. The U.S. is currently in nuclear talks with Iran, and that seems to be the hinge for Trump. Trump was “curious” as to why Iran hadn’t “capitulated” to the looming threat of an American attack.
“With our new military campaign, we have stopped record amounts of drugs coming into our country and virtually stopped it completely coming in by water or sea — you probably noticed that.”
Team USA gold medal winners' attendance at Trump’s State of the Union hailed as symbol of 'pride' Two House Republicans told Fox News Digital that the gold medal-winning U.S. Olympics men's hockey team's attendance is a point of “national pride,” two House Republicans said.
Peter Mandelson, Ex-Ambassador to the U.S., Is Released After U.K. Arrest Amid Epstein Accusations
Former UK ambassador Peter Mandelson released on bail after being arrested in Epstein probe. British police have arrested him in a misconduct probe stemming from his ties with Jeffrey Epstein. Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement issued just after 2 a.m. Tuesday: "A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been release on bail pending further investigation"
The World Waited on Edge for Trump’s Thinking on Iran. It’s Still Waiting.
The two of them, Sarah and Andrew shot violently in the head. She was shot. instantly. The very next day, she was on patrol in the White House when she was ambushed. The terrorist shot Andrew in the. head, and no one thought he could possibly make it. She knew it was going to be a rough one.
“We are deporting illegal alien criminals from our country at record numbers and we’re getting them the hell out of here fast!”
"The driver was an illegal alien let in by Joe Biden and given a commercial driver's license by open borders politicians in California," he said. "Most illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs as to direction, speed, danger, or location" Trump challenged every lawmaker in the chamber to stand if they believed their first duty is to protect American citizens rather than illegal immigrants.
Arab Leaders Condemn Remarks by U.S. Ambassador to Israel
Tucker Carlson reportedly visited the White House for the third time in weeks on Monday. Jewish figures on the far right are increasingly expressing concerns about President Donald Trump’s handling of an antisemitism rift among the Republican party. Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, condemned Carlson and praised Huckabee.
