President Trump is set to deliver his first State of the Union address since returning to office, focusing on the economy, affordability, foreign policy including potential military strikes on Iran, and U.S. military buildup in the Middle East with about a dozen F-22 fighter jets landing in Israel.[2][web:2][web:0]

U.S. Domestic Incidents

  • At least 4 killed in a stabbing spree outside a home near Seattle.[2][web:2]
  • Two deputies fatally shot in Missouri after a traffic stop, leading to a manhunt and shootout.[2][web:2]
  • Car plows into crowd in downtown Los Angeles, striking several pedestrians.[2][web:2]
  • Man runs onto runway at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.[2][web:2]

Mexico Cartel Violence and U.S. Travel Alerts

  • Americans trapped in Mexico recount terror after violence erupted following the killing of a top cartel drug lord at Guadalajara airport; tourists pulled from cars, vehicles set on fire, flights canceled.[2][3]
  • U.S. urges Americans in tourist spots like Puerto Vallarta to Tijuana to shelter in place; State Department contacted hundreds.[3]
  • American Airlines flight apparently shot at while landing in Colombia; bullet holes found after touching down in Miami, no injuries.[2]

Middle East Tensions

  • U.S. increases military presence against Iran, with F-22 Raptors arriving in Israel from UK base; Trump threatens action unless Iran agrees to nuclear deal.[2][6]
  • U.S. Arab ally reportedly blocks airspace for potential military action against Iran.[6]
  • In Gaza, Rafah crossing reopens limited hours under Trump-brokered ceasefire, allowing 150 Palestinians out and 50 in daily amid strict restrictions; over 1,200 died waiting for medical evacuations previously; Israeli strikes kill at least 30 including children despite ceasefire.[4]

Other Notable News

  • Actor Martin Short’s daughter Katherine dies at age 42.[2]
  • Novo Nordisk slashes prices for Ozempic and Wegovy for insured patients.[2]
  • Northeast U.S. hit by record bomb cyclone blizzard, causing power outages, 11,000+ flight cancellations, and treacherous travel.[3]
  • Stock market tumbles amid tariff uncertainty and AI concerns.[3]

These stories dominate recent ABC World News Tonight broadcasts and related reports as of February 24-25, 2026.[2][3]