AnewZ Morning Brief - 23 February, 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief - 23 February, 2026
Anewz

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 23rd of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Mexican cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ killed in military raid, trickers violence

Mexican security forces have confirmed the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious cartel boss known as ‘El Mencho’, following a military operation in Jalisco supported by U.S. intelligence. The elimination of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader, who carried a $15 million U.S. bounty, has sparked a wave of retaliatory violence across western Mexico, with gang members setting fire to vehicles and establishing road blockades in response to the raid.

U.S. Secret Service shoots armed intruder at Mar-a-Lago

U.S. Secret Service agents shot and killed an armed man at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida early on Sunday after he breached a secure perimeter carrying a shotgun and a fuel canister. The 21-year-old suspect from North Carolina was engaged by law enforcement at the north gate; President Trump was not at the property at the time, and the FBI has launched an investigation into the motive behind the intrusion.

Brussels demands clarity as Trump raises tariffs

The European Commission has called on Washington to honour existing trade agreements after President Trump imposed new levies of up to 15% following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that struck down his previous global tariff programme. Despite the legal setback, the President utilised a specific trade law provision to implement the unexpected hikes, prompting European Union officials to warn that such unpredictability undermines confidence in the global market.

U.S. and Iran set for fresh nuclear talks in Geneva

Washington and Tehran are scheduled to hold a new round of nuclear negotiations in Geneva this Thursday, mediated by Oman, in a renewed diplomatic effort to reach a potential settlement. The talks coincide with heightened tensions in the region as the U.S. strengthens its naval presence in the Middle East, whilst Iranian officials insist the dialogue remains strictly focused on their nuclear programme rather than wider regional issues.

Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games come to a close

The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics concluded with a spectacular ceremony at the historic Arena di Verona, blending Italian opera and heritage to celebrate the end of more than two weeks of competition. The United States team celebrated a national record of 12 gold medals, whilst the Olympic flag was formally handed over to the organisers of the French Alps 2030 Games, marking the official transition to the next winter hosts.

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