03 World

U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick claims no relationship with Epstein amid calls to resign– www.cbc.ca

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sought to distance himself on Tuesday from Jeffrey Epstein, alleging he “barely had anything to do with” the convicted sex offender amid calls for his resignation over new revelations about ties between them.

The U.S. Justice Department in January published millions of new files related to Epstein, including emails that show Lutnick apparently visited Epstein’s private island for lunch years after he claimed to have cut off ties. Lutnick is facing calls from both Democrats and some Republicans to resign.

Democratic congressman Ro Khanna names six men appearing in unredacted Epstein files – live | Jeffrey Epstein– www.theguardian.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

On the House floor today, congressman Ro Khanna named the six high profile men that are included in the unredacted version of the documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein.

Khanna named, US businessman Leslie Wexner of Victoria’s Secret, Abercrombie & Fitch and Bath & Body Works fame; Emirati businessman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem; and Salvatore Nuara, Zurab Mikeladze, Leonic Leonov, and Nicola Caputo.

“If we found six men that they were hiding in two hours, imagine how many men they are covering up for in those three million files,” Khanna said. “Why are they protecting these rich and powerful men? People I call part of the ‘Epstein class’. Why are we in a country where there is no elite accountability for people who do the most heinous things?”

A reminder that this week, the California Democrat went to the Department of Justice with Thomas Massie, a Republican congressman who co-led the Epstein Files Transparency Act effort, to view the unredacted files. The justice department made their most recent release of documents available for members of Congress to view in-person. On Monday, Khanna and Massie the pair had to do “some digging” before finding the new names, they told reporters.

Epstein prison guards used ‘fake body’ to fool media outside jail – files | World | News– www.express.co.uk

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

Jail staff guarding Jeffrey Epstein allegedly deployed a decoy body to fool reporters gathered outside the prison following his death, newly unsealed files claim. An internal memo states a supervisor at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Correctional Center told FBI agents that workers staged the deception amid a huge media presence after Epstein’s apparent suicide in 2019.

The documents allege officers arranged boxes and sheets to resemble a corpse before loading the dummy into a white van marked as belonging to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, prompting journalists to follow it while the real body was removed separately. The files claim Epstein’s body was instead placed into a black vehicle that left the facility “unnoticed”, allowing officers to move it in private after staff warned of the large crowd outside. Records also show investigators recovered a handwritten note from inside Epstein’s cell that the medical examiner did not classify as a suicide note. Described as “difficult to read”, it appeared to list grievances about jail conditions, including complaints about food, showers and insects.

Newly released records – part of a cache of three million documents – describe the response inside the prison as media gathered outside after Jeffrey Epstein was found dead.

Trump’s isolation of Cuba dries up nation’s jet fuel supplies, forcing airlines to adjust– www.cbsnews.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

Havana — Cuban aviation officials have warned airlines that there isn’t enough fuel for airplanes to refuel on the island, the latest step in its moves to ration energy as the Trump administration cuts the Caribbean nation off from its fuel resources.

The government of Cuba published the notices to airlines and pilots on Sunday night, warning that jet fuel wouldn’t be available at nine airports across the island, including José Martí International Airport in Havana, starting Tuesday and continuing until March 11.

Political pressure from President Trump on Latin America has effectively severed Cuba’s access to its primary petroleum sources in Venezuela and Mexico.  In late January, Mr. Trump signed an executive order that would impose a tariff on any goods from countries that sell or provide oil to Cuba, a move that could further cripple an island plagued by a deepening energy crisis.

Canadians wait for flights out of Cuba, aid struggling to get in amid U.S. energy blockade– globalnews.ca

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

While Canadians in Cuba are waiting for flights home as an energy crisis worsens in the nation amid a U.S. oil blockade, those who send aid are struggling to do so.

Cuba warned international airlines on Feb. 9 that aviation fuel would no longer be available on the island, beginning Feb. 10, in the latest sign of fast-worsening conditions as the United States moves to cut off the communist-run nation’s oil supply.

Major Canadian airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet and Air Transat, have already suspended service to Cuba. All three airlines have confirmed they plan to bring travellers back home to Canada.

Netanyahu again flies through Canadian airspace en route to Washington– www.cbc.ca

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

Online flight trackers show that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew hundreds of kilometres through Canadian airspace on his way to meet U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday — despite Prime Minister Mark Carney previously saying he would honour an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Netanyahu is wanted by the ICC for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Carney was asked last October by Bloomberg if “Netanyahu would be arrested if he came to Canada.”

The prime minister twice responded “yes.”

US moves to counter China in Bangladesh, plans to pitch defence alternatives– www.channelnewsasia.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

DHAKA: The United States is concerned about China’s expanding presence in South Asia and is planning to offer Bangladesh’s next government US and allied defence systems as alternatives to Chinese hardware, Washington’s ambassador to Dhaka told Reuters.

Bangladesh votes in a general election on Thursday (Feb 12) after a Gen Z-led uprising toppled India-allied premier Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. She has since taken refuge in New Delhi, allowing China to deepen its influence in Bangladesh as India’s presence wanes.

China recently signed a defence agreement with Bangladesh to build a drone factory near the India border, worrying foreign diplomats. Bangladesh is also in talks with Pakistan to buy JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, a multi-role combat aircraft jointly developed with China.

People expect shootings in the US, but not Canada | World News– news.sky.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

There was something about the way the premier of British Columbia, David Eby, struggled to his words in front of the cameras that said a lot about how Canadians view the school shooting in a small town called Tumbler Ridge.

“This is the kind of thing that feels like it happens in other places, and not close to home.”

He is right about that. People expect this sort of thing to take place south of the border, in the United States – but not in Canada – not in a place like Tumbler Ridge.

France demands investigation into diplomat cited in Epstein files– www.france24.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has demanded an investigation into diplomat Fabrice Aidan following the revelation that the foreign affairs secretary shared a long email correspondence with late sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein. French media reported that Aidan had resigned from his position at the United Nations in 2013 after having been caught visiting child sex abuse material websites.
from www.france24.com

Legislator says Ukraine will not announce election this month – World– tass.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

MOSCOW, February 11. /TASS/. No presidential election will be announced in Ukraine on February 24 as an election campaign can only be initiated at least six months after martial law is lifted, said Olga Aivazovskaya from a parliamentary group working toward an election.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Financial Times reported, citing sources, that Ukraine plans to hold a presidential election and a referendum on a peace deal with Russia by May 15. According to the British paper, Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky may make an announcement as early as February 24.

“Team work on drafting laws to hold the first post-war election is ongoing, and it is understood that at least six months must pass after martial law is lifted before an election campaign can begin,” she wrote on Facebook (banned in Russia, owned by Meta, a corporation recognized as extremist in Russia).

Supreme Court of India Authorizes Killing 30-Week-Old Unborn Baby in Abortion– www.lifenews.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

Referring to the Supreme Court of India, the headline boasts “SC’s Landmark Ruling Allows 30-Week Abortion For Minor”.

The Times of India matter of factly explains

A bench of Justices B V Nagarathna and Ujjal Bhuyan said the key issue was the minor’s right to decide whether she wanted to continue the pregnancy. They observed that the girl was a minor facing an unfortunate situation and did not wish to give birth.

Amit Anand Choudhary describes the decision to authorize aborting a child who weighs about 3 pounds, whose eyes can open and close, whose hands are fully formed, who may respond to voices or music, and whose “lungs are not fully mature but the baby is practicing breathing motions” even more sympathetically

Zelenskyy warns Ukrainians losing faith in diplomacy after Russian strikes kill four – Europe live | Europe– www.theguardian.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that “as long as Russia continues to kill people and destroy our infrastructure, there will not be sufficient public trust in active diplomacy.”

“This is important for all of Ukraine’s partners – in the United States and Europe – to understand,” he said.

He said that “security issues are the key priority right now,” as Ukraine faces continuing attacks, including on civilian population and energy infrastructure.

School Shooter Identified As ‘Transgender’ Despite Authorities’ Cover-Up Attempt– trendingpoliticsnews.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

A shooting rampage at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School in British Columbia left 10 people dead and more than 25 injured on Tuesday, marking one of the deadliest school attacks in Canadian history.

Authorities said the gunfire erupted shortly after 1:20 p.m. local time at the high school in the remote community. Six victims were killed inside the building before the suspect was later found dead from what police described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

A seventh victim died while being transported to a hospital. Investigators also discovered two additional bodies at a nearby residence believed to be connected to the attack, reportedly the suspect’s mother and younger brother.

BREAKING UPDATE: Trans ‘gunperson’ in Tumbler Ridge school massacre identified as Jesse Strang: report | The Post Millennial– thepostmillennial.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

The RCMP said that the shooter is among the dead after a self-inflicted gun shot. Photo: TRSS site

The transgender individual alleged to be responsible for Tuesday’s deadly shooting at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School has been identified by a close family member as Jesse Strang.

Juno News reported that it spoke directly with Russell G. Strang, Jesse Strang’s uncle, who confirmed that his nephew was responsible for the attack. The outlet’s managing editor, Cosmin Dzsurdzsa, stated on X that he had spoken with the suspect’s uncle and added that a YouTube account believed to belong to Jesse Strang features the transgender flag and lists “she/her” pronouns. The account also reportedly displays an SKS-style rifle. He also linked to his exclusive report.

Original story follows:

A school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia left 10 dead and 25 injured on Tuesday night. The RCMP said that the shooter is among the dead after a self-inflicted gun shot.

A motive for the rampage, which occured before 1:20 pm local time, at the Tumbler Ridge Secondary School and a nearby residence has not yet been determined and North District commander Ken Floyd of the British Columbia RCMP has declined to identify the shooter in any way.

However, a police alert earlier in the day stated that the suspect was a “female in a dress with brown hair.”

UN Chief Congratulates Tehran Regime After Brutal Crackdown– gellerreport.com

pgnewser February 11, 2026 0

Blurb:

 

The UN Secretary-General congratulated the Islamic Republic of Iran on the anniversary of its revolution.

Yes — congratulated.

This is the same regime accused of unleashing one of the bloodiest crackdowns in its modern history, gunning down its own citizens for the crime of demanding basic freedom. While Iranian families bury their dead, the head of the world’s so-called premier humanitarian body sends warm wishes to their oppressors.

UN is waiting to see how much the US intends to pay of the nearly $4 billion it owes– abcnews.go.com

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

UNITED NATIONS — The United Nations said Monday it’s waiting to find out how much of the nearly $4 billion the United States owes the world organization the Trump administration intends to pay and when the money will arrive.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned last week that the world body faces “imminent financial collapse” unless its financial rules are overhauled or all 193 member nations pay their dues, a message clearly directed at the United States.

The U.S. owes $2.196 billion to the U.N.’s regular operating budget, including $767 million for this year, according to a U.N. official. The U.S. also owes $1.8 billion for the separate budget for the U.N.’s far-flung peacekeeping operations, and that also will rise.

Dutch chief of defense announces NATO plans to strengthen presence in Arctic – World– tass.com

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

THE HAGUE, February 9. /TASS/. Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces General Onno Eichelsheim announced NATO’s readiness to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic.

“We, NATO, are demonstrating our readiness to make greater efforts to strengthen our position in the Arctic,” he said in an interview with the Defensiekrant newspaper. According to Eichelsheim, the alliance is discussing expanding the scope of its exercises in the Arctic, as well as launching a mission to ensure the security of Greenland.

Ukraine’s Drone-Killer, An-28 Aerial Gunship– sofrep.com

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

“Ukraine is using at least one adapted Antonov An-28 Cash twin-turboprop utility aircraft as part of its anti-drone inventory. While images of the aircraft, replete with multiple drone-kill marks, had previously been published, we now get to see the aircraft’s armament, a six-barrel, Gatling-type, M134 Minigun, in action, too.” — Thomas Newdick, for The War Zone, February 5, 2026.

“It’s two in the morning. There are targets in the air in the southeast. As pilots, we try to counter these drones using our aircraft, shooting them down with a machine gun.” — Ukrainian An-28TD aircrew member, February 2026.

Iran suggests it could dilute highly enriched uranium for sanctions relief | Nuclear Energy News– www.aljazeera.com

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

Iran’s atomic energy chief says Tehran is open to diluting its highly enriched uranium if the United States ends sanctions, signalling flexibility on a key demand by the US.

Mohammad Eslami made the comments to reporters on Monday, saying the prospects of Iran diluting its 60-percent-enriched uranium, a threshold close to weapons grade, would hinge on “whether all sanctions would be lifted in return”, according to Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

Eslami did not specify whether Iran expected the removal of all sanctions or specifically those imposed by the US.

Australia calls for restraint after clashes in Sydney amid Israeli president Isaac Herzog’s visit– www.independent.co.uk

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

Australian politicians urged restraint on Tuesday after police in Sydney clashed with people protesting the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog, who is accused of inciting a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Police made at least 27 arrests amid allegations of excessive force used against protesters and rights groups, reports said. Violence broke out on the evening of 9 February after thousands of people gathered near Sydney Town Hall to oppose Mr Herzog’s visit.

The New South Wales Police said officers moved to clear the area after demonstrators attempted to breach blockades, resulting in arrests. Ten people were accused of assaulting police officers.

Taiwan pushes back against Washington’s 40% chip supply relocation goal– www.cnbc.com

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

Taiwan has told Washington that its proposal to move 40% of the island’s semiconductor supply chain to the U.S. was “impossible,” the country’s top tariff trade negotiator said in an interview.

Speaking on a local television broadcast Sunday, Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun said she had made it clear to Washington that the country’s semiconductor ecosystem, built over decades, could not simply be relocated.

Taiwan’s international expansion, including its investments in the U.S., is predicated on the notion that the industry remains’ rooted in Taiwan and continues to expand domestic investments, she said in Mandarin, translated by CNBC.

Mass Amnesty In Spain Heralds The End Of Nationhood– thefederalist.com

pgnewser February 10, 2026 0

Blurb:

A remarkably candid column appeared in the New York Times this week by Spain’s left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who recently announced his government would grant amnesty to half a million illegal immigrants living in Spain. Framed as an argument for “why the West needs migrants,” Sánchez’s essay is really an admission of moral collapse, and a frank declaration that he intends to destroy his nation in exchange for short-term economic gain.

It is an admission of moral collapse because the Spanish government has signaled its willingness to erase their country, put the interests of foreigners above those of native citizens, and turn Spain into a magnet for Third World migration.