BBC News Briefing

25 February, 2026

Alex has short blonde hair and blue eyes. She is smiling and wearing a black turtleneck.

Alex Binley

Hello. US President Donald Trump hailed his first year back in the White House as he delivered his State of the Union speech to Congress. My colleagues at BBC Verify have been looking into some of the claims he made. In Sudan, the front line in the almost three-year civil war has moved and civilians are being hit by drone strikes from both sides. And finally, take a look at what could be the final resting place of a ship missing for more than 200 years.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Trump claims economic 'turnaround for the ages' in longest State of the Union speech

Donald Trump is wearing a navy blue suit, white shirt and red tie and is stood behind a wooden lectern. He is speaking into a microphone and has his mouth open and has his arms outstretched. Behind him Vance and Speaker Johnson are half-standing, half-seated and are smiling and clapping. Both men are also wearing suits. Behind them on the wall is a large US flag.

The US economy is 'roaring like never before', Trump claimed in his speech. Credit: The New York Times/Reuters

Immigration and the economy were President Trump's main themes during his one hour and 47 minutes' address, in which he outlined his administration's work so far and his vision for the years ahead. Washington correspondent Daniel Bush has taken a look at Trump's main themes, and who he was trying to appeal to. During the wide-ranging speech, the president made the case that America has improved under his watch and that the economy is "roaring like never before" - claiming that prices for groceries and fuel are down, and employment is at an all-time high. My colleagues at BBC Verify have been analysing the facts.

Fact-check

Key takeaways: Here's what you need to know from the longest-ever address of its kind.

Analysis: Trump's theatrical speech offered little hint of any change in course, writes North America correspondent Anthony Zurcher.

Democrats: Trump "lied, he scapegoated, and he distracted, and he offered no real solutions", Abigail Spanberger said in her party's response.

WORLD HEADLINES

BBC correspondent in Mexico standing in front of a burnt car with a Costco store visible in the background. He is wearing a blue, short-sleeve shirt and has light brown, short hair

BBC sees damage in Mexico after cartel violence

Will Grant visits Puerto Vallarta, a popular coastal resort town, where dozens of cars were burnt in a Costco car park.

Watch Will's report >

A group of people are digging through a huge pile of red mud and rubble which has been left in a town centre, following a landslide.

At least 25 dead in Brazil floods and landslide

Hundreds of people have been displaced and dozens are missing in the state of Minas Gerais, following heavy rains.

Read more >

A island is seen from the sky. It is green and hilly with rocky coasts.

Japan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan by 2031

It's the first time Japan specified a timeline for the missile deployment to Yonaguni island and comes as regional tensions simmer.

More on this >

Albanese has short grey hair which is parted on the side. He is wearing glasses with a black rim and is wearing a suit. He is in a yellow room and a soldier can be seen out-of-focus behind him.

Dance tour triggers bomb threat against Albanese

China's Shen Yun performers were told to cancel their Australia shows or risk explosives being detonated at the PM's official residence.

What happened >

A rainbow flag is held up by arms which are silhouetted against the sun.

Senegal PM proposes doubling LGBT prison terms

The PM said the bill will increase prison sentences to up to 10 years, after a wave of arrests for alleged same-sex relationships.

Read more >

NEWS FROM THE UK

Travel rules: A new system for visitors to the UK has come into force, but it has created a problem for dual nationals. Here's what's changing.

Nursing home move: A 33-year-old disabled woman said she feels "betrayed" after being moved to a residential home against her will.

Harry and Meghan: The Duke and Duchess of Sussex are in Jordan for a summit on refugees' needs.

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Drones hammer Sudan civil war's pivotal new front line

A girl and a boy sit outside with buildings seen in the background. They both look sad and their heads are bandaged. The boy is wearing a grey shirt and the girl is wearing an orange and blue patterned shawl.

Kordofan is a strategic area rich in gold and oil. Credit: Reuters

More than 50 civilians have reportedly been killed in drone strikes in just two days in the south-central Kordofan region of Sudan, which has become the new front line in the almost three-year civil war. In recent weeks, attacks have intensified, hitting markets, health facilities, aid convoys and residential areas. The use of drones is increasingly shaping the course of the conflict which, despite US-led peace efforts, shows no signs of abating.