Cuban official decries ‘massive punishment’ by US oil blockade
Diplomat Carlos de Cossio says US fuel embargo harms Cuba’s medical services, food production and standard of living.
Cuban diplomat Carlos de Cossio has accused the United States of imposing collective punishment on his country as the administration of President Donald Trump ramps up pressure to choke the Caribbean island’s access to oil.
Trump says change in power in Iran would be 'best' after sending 2nd aircraft carrier to region
President Donald Trump said Friday that a change in power in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen" as the U.S. administration weighs whether to take military action against Tehran.
Trump made the comments shortly after visiting with troops at Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, and after he confirmed earlier in the day that he's deploying a second aircraft carrier group to the Mideast.
"It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen," Trump said in an exchange with reporters when asked about pressing for the ouster of the Islamic clerical rule in Iran. "For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking."
FBI releases new photos, videos of subject in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, showing masked person on porch
The United States will send the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East to back up another already there, a person familiar with the plans said Friday, putting more American firepower behind President Donald Trump's efforts to coerce Iran into a deal over its nuclear program.
No water or electricity, and children begging in streets filled with rubbish – but this is why I won’t leave Cuba
Felix Valdés García was nine years old when the revolutionaries came to blow up his trees. It was the verge of the 1970s and his father, Felin, was losing the family farm to Cuba’s 10-year-old communist regime. A push called the Revolutionary Offensive was under way, mobilising the people to sow, clean and harvest 10m tonnes of sugar cane in an effort to make Cuba financially independent. The land needed to be cleared.
CURRENT EVENTS
Federal agents must limit tear gas for now at protests outside Portland ICE building, judge says
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Federal officers are temporarily restricted from using tear gas at protests outside a Portland immigration building, a judge in Oregon ruled Tuesday, just days after agents fired gas into a crowd of demonstrators that local officials described as peaceful and which included young children.
Tyler Robinson defense presses conflict claim as expert hints move could reshape death penalty fight
PROVO, Utah – PROVO, Utah — The Utah man accused of gunning down Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk appeared in court Tuesday as his defense team is asking to have the Utah County Attorney’s Office disqualified from the case after it was revealed a member of the prosecution team had an adult child who was present for the murder.
Bill and Hillary Clinton Set Dates to Testify on Jeffrey Epstein Ties
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached an agreement with House Republicans on Tuesday to testify later this month in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, averting a potential contempt of Congress vote.
Iran on the Edge: Inside the Uprising the Regime Tried to Crush
The men who rule the Islamic Republic of Iran came to power in 1979 after millions of ordinary people filled the streets to demand the end of a despotic regime. Looking out their windows in the first days of 2026, they knew exactly what they were seeing on thoroughfares and boulevards.
House passes government funding package to end partial shutdown. Now the real fight begins.
After four days, the partial government shutdown is one small step away from ending. The fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, however, is just beginning.
EVOKE Marketplace Featured on ABC4 News Holiday Gift Guide
We’re proud to share that EVOKE Marketplace was recently featured on ABC4 News as part of a holiday wellness gift segment highlighting thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas.
The feature spotlighted the Peace Watch, a signature product from EVOKE Marketplace that represents purpose-driven design and conscious gifting. Selected for its message of peace, intention, and mindful living, the Peace Watch stood out as a wellness-inspired gift aligned with the values of balance, gratitude, and positive impact.
Being featured on ABC4 News underscores EVOKE Marketplace’s commitment to offering products that go beyond aesthetics — products that tell a story and reflect a deeper mission. The recognition reinforces the Peace Watch as not just a timepiece, but a symbol of intentional living and meaningful connection.
As EVOKE Marketplace continues to grow, we remain focused on curating products that inspire purpose, elevate everyday life, and resonate with a global community seeking more mindful choices.
TECHNOLOGY
Russia attempted to ‘fully block’ WhatsApp, Meta-owned company says
Russia has attempted to “fully block” WhatsApp in an attempt to push users towards its own state-sponsored communications app, Max, a spokesperson for the Meta-owned company has said.
Starlink fuels SpaceX growth with potential phone, more internet services
WASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - With a SpaceX IPO expected this year, the company has plans for its revenue-generating Starlink business that could expand its reach into new markets, including a Starlink phone, direct-to-device internet and a space-tracking service, sources familiar with the matter said.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Super Is Probably Dead, Thanks to AI
Nvidia Blackwell graphics cards launched more than a year ago, starting with the RTX 5090. And while this generation had a controversial launch, the RTX 5080 Super could have redeemed the generation. But that's probably not going to happen.
Google Shows Off Pixel 10a With No Camera Bump
Goodbye, camera bump? That appears to be what Google is suggesting in a preview for the Pixel 10a phone launching on Feb. 18.
What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone and how do you enable it?
On Wednesday, 404 Media reported the FBI has so far been unable to access the seized iPhone of a Washington Post reporter during an investigation. The barrier to entry? The publisher reports the phone has Lockdown Mode enabled, a feature Apple added in 2022 as heavy personal defense against sophisticated cyber attacks.
Charity & Impact
Since launching on November 13, 2025, EVOKE Marketplace has grown into a global hub for purposeful shopping—uniting luxury, lifestyle, and measurable impact in one place. Together with our community, we have already supported 111 children through Akshaya Patra, powered by every transaction and the EVOKE Gratitude Token (EGT). With vendors worldwide and customers choosing which partner charity to uplift, each purchase becomes a visible act of kindness. EVOKE is not just a marketplace; it is a movement built on gratitude and shared responsibility.
Customers Select Causes at Checkout
Visitors now choose the charity they wish to support directly on the platform, making impact personal and transparent.
Vendors Join “Purpose Before Profit” Initiative
Marketplace sellers align products with giving commitments, from water projects to education and wellness programs.
Community Gratitude Circles Go Digital
Members share stories of impact scores, rewards, and real lives changed through commerce.
OUR CHARITY PARTNERS
SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Love in a cold climate: Winter Olympic village runs out of condoms after three days
Free condoms for competitors at the Winter Olympics have run out within a record-breaking three days, according to La Stampa.
Ilia Malinin falls twice as Kazakhstan’s Shaidorov stuns field for Olympic gold
For nearly two years, Ilia Malinin has made men’s figure skating feel predictable in the most spectacular of ways. On Friday night on the southern outskirts of Milan, the Olympic Games reminded the sport, and perhaps Malinin himself, that predictability is never guaranteed on its biggest stage.
Catherine O’Hara was being treated for cancer when she died of a pulmonary embolism, death certificate says
Catherine O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with cancer as the underlying cause.
REAL ESTATE
A surprising share of homeowners have high mortgage rates. Here’s the breakdown
The share of U.S. homeowners with high rates on their mortgages has jumped sharply in just the last few years.
That’s having a marked impact on the refinance market and a somewhat more muted impact on home sales. Rates have been front and center in the debate over how to improve home affordability — and for good reason.
In 2022, after mortgage interest rates hit more than a dozen record lows, sparking a refinance bonanza, barely 10% of homeowners had 30-year fixed mortgages with rates above 5%. Just four years later, that share has jumped to over 30%, according to ICE Mortgage Technology. About 20% of borrowers have mortgages with a rate over 6%.
FINANCE
Wall Street’s Favorite Trades Collapse as Market Selloff Deepens
All across Wall Street, day by day, the headlong rush into the most popular trades, from tech stocks to gold to cryptocurrencies, has given way to a sudden retreat from risk.
US Postal Service reports $1.25 billion quarterly loss as it faces cash crunch
The U.S. Postal Service on Thursday reported a net quarterly loss of $1.25 billion as it faces ongoing liquidity concerns and renewed calls for reforms to address its financial difficulties.
America and India strike a long-awaited trade truce
After months of trade friction America has agreed to slash tariffs on India. In return, India will halt its purchases of Russian oil, President Donald Trump announced on February 2nd. America’s “reciprocal” tariff on Indian goods will fall from 25% to 18%, said Mr Trump. An additional 25% levy, imposed in August as punishment for India’s purchases of Russian crude, will be lifted altogether, according to American officials.
Bitcoin drops 18%, breaking below $61,000 as sell-off intensifies, doubts about crypto grow
Bitcoin sank below $61,000 on Thursday evening as investor confidence continued to falter in the asset once hailed as “digital gold” and a unique store of value.
At one point, the token slid to $60,068.00, as the crypto sell-off intensified in overnight trading. Bitcoin was last down about 18% at 7:20 p.m. ET, trading at $60,301.00.
Portugal urged to adapt to climate emergenCuban official decries ‘massive punishment’ by US oil blockade
Diplomat Carlos de Cossio says US fuel embargo harms Cuba’s medical services, food production and standard of living.
Cuban diplomat Carlos de Cossio has accused the United States of imposing collective punishment on his country as the administration of President Donald Trump ramps up pressure to choke the Caribbean island’s access to oil.
Trump says change in power in Iran would be 'best' after sending 2nd aircraft carrier to region
President Donald Trump said Friday that a change in power in Iran "would be the best thing that could happen" as the U.S. administration weighs whether to take military action against Tehran.
Second US Aircraft Carrier Is Being Sent to the Middle East, Source Says, as Iran Tensions High
The United States will send the world's largest aircraft carrier to the Middle East to back up another already there, a person familiar with the plans said Friday, putting more American firepower behind President Donald Trump's efforts to coerce Iran into a deal over its nuclear program.
No water or electricity, and children begging in streets filled with rubbish – but this is why I won’t leave Cuba
Felix Valdés García was nine years old when the revolutionaries came to blow up his trees. It was the verge of the 1970s and his father, Felin, was losing the family farm to Cuba’s 10-year-old communist regime. A push called the Revolutionary Offensive was under way, mobilising the people to sow, clean and harvest 10m tonnes of sugar cane in an effort to make Cuba financially independent. The land needed to be cleared.
Current Events
Federal agents must limit tear gas for now at protests outside Portland ICE building, judge says
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Federal officers are temporarily restricted from using tear gas at protests outside a Portland immigration building, a judge in Oregon ruled Tuesday, just days after agents fired gas into a crowd of demonstrators that local officials described as peaceful and which included young children.
Tyler Robinson defense presses conflict claim as expert hints move could reshape death penalty fight
PROVO, Utah – PROVO, Utah — The Utah man accused of gunning down Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk appeared in court Tuesday as his defense team is asking to have the Utah County Attorney’s Office disqualified from the case after it was revealed a member of the prosecution team had an adult child who was present for the murder.
Bill and Hillary Clinton Set Dates to Testify on Jeffrey Epstein Ties
Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reached an agreement with House Republicans on Tuesday to testify later this month in a House investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, averting a potential contempt of Congress vote.
Iran on the Edge: Inside the Uprising the Regime Tried to Crush
The men who rule the Islamic Republic of Iran came to power in 1979 after millions of ordinary people filled the streets to demand the end of a despotic regime. Looking out their windows in the first days of 2026, they knew exactly what they were seeing on thoroughfares and boulevards.
House passes government funding package to end partial shutdown. Now the real fight begins.
After four days, the partial government shutdown is one small step away from ending. The fight over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, however, is just beginning.
EVOKE Marketplace Featured on ABC4 News Holiday Gift Guide
We’re proud to share that EVOKE Marketplace was recently featured on ABC4 News as part of a holiday wellness gift segment highlighting thoughtful and meaningful gift ideas.
The feature spotlighted the Peace Watch, a signature product from EVOKE Marketplace that represents purpose-driven design and conscious gifting. Selected for its message of peace, intention, and mindful living, the Peace Watch stood out as a wellness-inspired gift aligned with the values of balance, gratitude, and positive impact.
Being featured on ABC4 News underscores EVOKE Marketplace’s commitment to offering products that go beyond aesthetics — products that tell a story and reflect a deeper mission. The recognition reinforces the Peace Watch as not just a timepiece, but a symbol of intentional living and meaningful connection.
As EVOKE Marketplace continues to grow, we remain focused on curating products that inspire purpose, elevate everyday life, and resonate with a global community seeking more mindful choices.
Technology
Amazon earnings preview: Wall Street looks for cloud growth after capex surge and job cuts
Amazon reports fourth-quarter earnings Thursday, capping a tech earnings season dominated by a single question: whether the industry’s AI spending binge will ultimately be worth it.
Starlink fuels SpaceX growth with potential phone, more internet services
Every month, hundreds of millions of users flock to Pinterest looking for the lateWASHINGTON, Feb 5 (Reuters) - With a SpaceX IPO expected this year, the company has plans for its revenue-generating Starlink business that could expand its reach into new markets, including a Starlink phone, direct-to-device internet and a space-tracking service, sources familiar with the matter said.st styles.
The Nvidia GeForce RTX 5080 Super Is Probably Dead, Thanks to AI
Nvidia Blackwell graphics cards launched more than a year ago, starting with the RTX 5090. And while this generation had a controversial launch, the RTX 5080 Super could have redeemed the generation. But that's probably not going to happen.
Google Shows Off Pixel 10a With No Camera Bump
Goodbye, camera bump? That appears to be what Google is suggesting in a preview for the Pixel 10a phone launching on Feb. 18.
What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone and how do you enable it?
On Wednesday, 404 Media reported the FBI has so far been unable to access the seized iPhone of a Washington Post reporter during an investigation. The barrier to entry? The publisher reports the phone has Lockdown Mode enabled, a feature Apple added in 2022 as heavy personal defense against sophisticated cyber attacks.
Charity & Impact
Since launching on November 13, 2025, EVOKE Marketplace has grown into a global hub for purposeful shopping—uniting luxury, lifestyle, and measurable impact in one place. Together with our community, we have already supported 111 children through Akshaya Patra, powered by every transaction and the EVOKE Gratitude Token (EGT). With vendors worldwide and customers choosing which partner charity to uplift, each purchase becomes a visible act of kindness. EVOKE is not just a marketplace; it is a movement built on gratitude and shared responsibility.
Customers Select Causes at Checkout
Visitors now choose the charity they wish to support directly on the platform, making impact personal and transparent.
Vendors Join “Purpose Before Profit” Initiative
Marketplace sellers align products with giving commitments, from water projects to education and wellness programs.
Community Gratitude Circles Go Digital
Members share stories of impact scores, rewards, and real lives changed through commerce.
OUR CHARITY PARTNERS
Sports & Entertainment
Love in a cold climate: Winter Olympic village runs out of condoms after three days
Free condoms for competitors at the Winter Olympics have run out within a record-breaking three days, according to La Stampa.
Ilia Malinin falls twice as Kazakhstan’s Shaidorov stuns field for Olympic gold
For nearly two years, Ilia Malinin has made men’s figure skating feel predictable in the most spectacular of ways. On Friday night on the southern outskirts of Milan, the Olympic Games reminded the sport, and perhaps Malinin himself, that predictability is never guaranteed on its biggest stage.
Catherine O’Hara was being treated for cancer when she died of a pulmonary embolism, death certificate says
Catherine O’Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, with cancer as the underlying cause.
Real Estate
A surprising share of homeowners have high mortgage rates. Here’s the breakdown
The share of U.S. homeowners with high rates on their mortgages has jumped sharply in just the last few years.
That’s having a marked impact on the refinance market and a somewhat more muted impact on home sales. Rates have been front and center in the debate over how to improve home affordability — and for good reason.
Finance
Wall Street’s Favorite Trades Collapse as Market Selloff Deepens
(Bloomberg) -- All across Wall Street, day by day, the headlong rush into the most popular trades, from tech stocks to gold to cryptocurrencies, has given way to a sudden retreat from risk.
US Postal Service reports $1.25 billion quarterly loss as it faces cash crunch
The U.S. Postal Service on Thursday reported a net quarterly loss of $1.25 billion as it faces ongoing liquidity concerns and renewed calls for reforms to address its financial difficulties.
America and India strike a long-awaited trade truce
After months of trade friction America has agreed to slash tariffs on India. In return, India will halt its purchases of Russian oil, President Donald Trump announced on February 2nd. America’s “reciprocal” tariff on Indian goods will fall from 25% to 18%, said Mr Trump. An additional 25% levy, imposed in August as punishment for India’s purchases of Russian crude, will be lifted altogether, according to American officials.
Bitcoin drops 18%, breaking below $61,000 as sell-off intensifies, doubts about crypto grow
Bitcoin sank below $61,000 on Thursday evening as investor confidence continued to falter in the asset once hailed as “digital gold” and a unique store of value.
At one point, the token slid to $60,068.00, as the crypto sell-off intensified in overnight trading. Bitcoin was last down about 18% at 7:20 p.m. ET, trading at $60,301.00.
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