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BREAKING: Cuba Shoots Up "US Narco Terrorist Boat" From Florida: Four Dead, Six Injured.

Here. We. GO.

Dean Blundell Feb 25

February 25, 2026

For the record, we don’t know the nationality of the people on the “Florida” speedboat that Cuba said opened fire on the Cuban Coast Guard. An investigation is underway, but if you consider the current US embargo on Cuba and the Trump Regime’s recent incursion in Mexico and Venezuela, this sounds like a great narrative for “Invading Cuba.”

On Wednesday morning, Cuban authorities say a violent confrontation at sea left four people dead and six wounded after a speedboat registered in Florida entered Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on border forces.

According to a statement from Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, the vessel — identified by its registration number FL7726SH — was detected near Cayo Falcones off the coast of Villa Clara province when a Cuban patrol boat carrying five border guards approached to identify it. The Cuban government says the crew of the speedboat fired first, injuring the commander of the border vessel. In the exchange that followed, Cuban forces returned fire.

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Four people aboard the US vessel were killed in the incident after they opened fire on Cuban authorities, while six others were injured and evacuated for medical assistance. The identities of those on board have not been released, and it’s not yet clear what the speedboat’s mission or passengers’ intentions were. Cuban officials have launched an investigation into what happened

The incident quickly drew political reactions. Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez, a Cuban-American lawmaker and former Miami mayor, called for an “urgent” investigation, demanding that U.S. authorities determine whether any of the victims were U.S. citizens or legal residents. He also used strong language against the Cuban government in posts on X.

Cuba’s statement framed the confrontation within broader geopolitical tensions. The island nation, facing a deepening fuel crisis worsened by U.S. restrictions on Venezuelan oil shipments, reaffirmed its commitment to defending its territorial waters and national sovereignty.

The shooting comes at a moment of heightened strain in U.S.–Cuba relations. U.S. diplomatic pressure in the region has been growing, highlighted by visits from high-level officials to Caribbean capitals and continued debate in Washington over how to respond to Havana.

But hey, if the US can bomb “Narco-Terrorists,” so can Cuba, right??

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Wednesday Afternoon News Updates — 2/25/2

                                                                                                     

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Wednesday Afternoon News Updates — 2/25/26

Ben Meiselas and MeidasTouch Network Feb 25

By Ben Meiselas

Following Donald Trump’s disastrous State of the Union address, he went quiet for an unusually long time. He’d eventually break his silence to launch a racist attack against Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. Prior to this latest tirade, his regime fanned out across regime media platforms to praise the address and push a narrative of strength and success, when his appearance in the Capitol showed the opposite.

At the same time, new reporting has brought even more attention to the Justice Department’s cover-up of Epstein-related materials, including records connected to individuals who accused Trump of sexual misconduct when they were minors.

Before I dive deeper, I want to thank everyone again for making our People’s State of the Union such a massive success. MoveOn is now reporting that the event received more than 4 million views overall already, shattering expectations and making a massive statement. You made history last night — and on behalf of our entire team, we are incredibly grateful.

While Attorney General Pam Bondi was back on television asserting that the economy is amazing and that Trump’s leadership has made the country safer, a newly surfaced memo from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche continues to expose the depths of the DOJ’s Epstein protection racket.

The January 4, 2026 memo, originally flagged by journalist Lisa Rubin, instructed FBI personnel reviewing documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act to specifically flag certain categories of materials. Among them were FBI 302 forms, which are used to memorialize witness interviews.

Those are the very types of records that were previously reported as missing from document productions tied to Epstein-related investigations.

Some of those interviews involve survivors who accused Trump of sexual assault when they were just children. The existence of a directive to flag these records suggests an internal focus on managing or controlling how such materials were handled during the review process.

This development follows earlier reporting from NPR and independent journalist Roger Sollenberger that the FBI had interviewed a woman who alleged she was sexually assaulted by both Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump when she was between 13 and 14 years old.

Despite congressional mandates requiring disclosure of certain Epstein-related materials, no new documents concerning that individual have been released.

Legal analysts reviewing the memo noted its timing. Congress had set a December 19 deadline for compliance with transparency requirements. Blanche’s memo came weeks later, offering guidance that included tagging interview records like 302s during document review.

Meanwhile, regime allies have tried to distract and shift attention elsewhere.

House Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan praised Trump’s speech in glowing terms during media appearances, while other Republican figures sought to pull the United States into a new war.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune told Fox, “I think the president is preparing us to defend America’s vital national security interests. We cannot tolerate a nuclear Iran.”

It’s worth noting that Thune is part of the Gang of Eight — the group of eight congressional leaders who receive the most sensitive classified intelligence briefings from the executive branch. The Gang of Eight met just yesterday with Trump’s CIA director to discuss Trump’s plans regarding war with Iran, so Thune’s comments cannot be viewed in a vacuum.

These war threats against Iran, focused on targeting the country’s nuclear program, fly in the face of Trump’s earlier claims that Iran’s nuclear capabilities had already been “totally obliterated.”

Anything to distract from Epstein and the economic disaster here in the U.S., I guess.

Polling released this week shows majorities of Americans expressing concern about the direction of the economy. Yet Trump allies continue to insist that conditions are great, dismissing the actual data and Americans’ lived experiences.

Independent data indicates that growth was higher during the Biden administration and that inflation had been trending downward before recent increases.

Still, Trump regime surrogates continue to blame every issue on Biden.

At the same time, Trump’s trade policy is in shambles following the Supreme Court’s ruling against his IEEPA tariffs.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said that the regime is will expand global tariffs from 10% to 15%. Trump previously said he’d do this, but then he never signed the order. Consequently, the 10% tariffs went into effect.

Greer also indicated that the administration is examining whether existing trade agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement should incorporate new tariff frameworks, which would fly in the face of the entire agreement — an agreement that Trump himself signed and bragged about during his first term.

We’ll keep you updated on the news as the day progresses. I hope you are all incredibly proud of what you accomplished last night. Let’s keep this momentum going!

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 HOWARD LUTNICK LIED AVOUT EPSTEIN! 

Initially claimed he saw Epstein's apartment and avoided him - NOT SO! 

Reports indicate that LUTNICK had business with EPSTEIN, visited EPSTEIN'S ISLAND 

HOIWARD LUTNICK NEEDS TO RESIGN!

Narativ by 

Zev Shalev and Dean Blundell

Feb 23

POSTED THIS: 

Lord Peter Mandelson — one of the most powerful figures in British political history — was arrested today at his London home, led out in handcuffs by plainclothes police officers. The charge: misconduct in public office for allegedly leaking sensitive government documents to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Gordon Brown’s business secretary. Police raided his mansion near Regent’s Park and a second property in Wiltshire. Files show Mandelson shared EU bailout plans, Brown’s resignation details, and government property sales with Epstein, who allegedly sent him £56,000 in return. This comes four days after Prince Andrew was arrested on the same charge for leaking confidential information while serving as Britain’s trade envoy. “It’s massive that we’ve had Prince Andrew and now Lord Mandelson,” Zev said. “This is happening with the permission of the crown. It should terrify everyone involved in this network, especially Donald Trump.” Dean pointed out that Mandelson is reportedly ready to start telling investigators who he was working with. “Two for the UK, zero for the United States,” Dean said. “The walls are closing in — in London. The question is when it reaches Washington.” Tomorrow night, at least 10 Epstein survivors will sit in the Capitol gallery as Trump delivers the State of the Union.

Mandelson Arrested for Epstein Leaks

Returning to the top story, Zev laid out the deeper significance. Mandelson’s arrest connects to a web that includes the Rothschild banking family, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and the broader Epstein intelligence operation. Mandelson was found on Deripaska’s yacht in Corfu with Nate Rothschild years ago — and now those same connections run through the Epstein files. “Peter Mandelson was pulled out of the United States because he is so guilty of working with a pedophile network,” Dean said. Zev noted that 17 or 18 countries have now launched independent Epstein investigations. “The Epstein network is being dismantled in real time — in London,” Zev said. “The question Americans should be asking: when does it reach Washington?”

ALSO FROM NARATIV: 

FBI ORDERED NYPD TO “STAND DOWN”

MY NOTE: ZORRO RANCH IN NEW MEXICO IS WHERE IT HAS BEEN REPORTED THAT BODIES ARE BURIED!

Ryan Goodman at Just Security unearthed documents showing that five days after Epstein’s July 2019 arrest, the FBI directed NYPD’s Special Victims Unit to halt all Epstein investigations. The email is explicit: “SVU has been directed to stand down and that all Epstein stuff needs to go to and through us.” New York was the epicenter of Epstein’s crimes. The FBI shut down the investigators best positioned to reach co-conspirators. New Mexico’s attorney general also revealed his state’s probe was closed in 2019 at the same request. This wasn’t negligence. It was coordination.

SECRET DEA DRUG PROBE EXPOSED

CBS News revealed a previously unknown five-year DEA investigation targeting Epstein and 14 others for suspicious wire transfers tied to drug trafficking and prostitution. The 69-page memo documents $50 million in suspicious transactions across the Virgin Islands, New York, Switzerland, France, and the Cayman Islands. The prosecutors who eventually arrested Epstein didn’t even know this probe existed.

EPSTEIN CONSPIRATOR ATTEMPTS SUICIDE

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland was hospitalized after a suicide attempt, his lawyer confirmed. Jagland was charged with aggravated corruption on February 12 after Epstein files revealed he served as Epstein’s conduit to Putin. Europe is prosecuting. America is hiding files.

FRANCE BANS KUSHNER

France banned U.S. Ambassador Charles Kushner from meeting government officials after he refused a diplomatic summons. Twice. Trump’s ambassador to one of America’s oldest allies is now persona non grata in Paris.

 

 IRAN - there was an agreement negotiated with IRAN with numerous other nations that TRUMP abandoned. 

UN INSPECTORS were in IRAN, indicated that IRAN abided by the AGREEMENT. 

SEE DROP SITE NEWS for the lengthy explanation: 

Iranian Officials to Drop Site: Tehran is Showing “Unbelievable Level of Flexibility" in Talks to Prevent U.S. War

Iran understands it is dealing with an erratic U.S. president, but its negotiators still believe they can thread the needle with Trump.

Jeremy Scahill and Murtaza Hussain

Feb 24

Drop Site is a reader-funded, independent news outlet. Without your support, we can’t operate. Please consider becoming a paid subscriber or making a 501(c)(3) tax-deductible donation today.

https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/iran-us-negotiations-nuclear-ballistic-missiles-military-buildup-trump 

excerpts: 

On Sunday, Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff asserted in an interview on FOX News, conducted by Trump’s daughter Lara, that Iran is “probably a week away from having industrial-grade bombmaking material.” Witkoff did not offer any evidence for the claim and it flew in the face of years of U.S. national intelligence estimates. It also dramatically undermined the contentions of Trump administration officials who claimed that the June 2025 U.S. bombing of Iran had resulted in “complete and total obliteration” of its nuclear program. On Monday, referring to Iran’s nuclear development, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “It is a Development no longer, but rather, was blown to smithereens by our Great B-2 Bombers.” Drop Site has reached out for comment to the White House and will update this story with any response.

Given “the amount of seapower and naval power” the U.S. has amassed in the region, Witkoff continued, the president is “curious as to why [the Iranians] haven’t—I don’t want to use the word ‘capitulated,’ but why they haven’t capitulated.”

The talks between the U.S. and Iran are being mediated by Oman and began on February 6 in Muscat. A second round was held in Geneva on February 17. The U.S. delegation is led by Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

 

 

                                                                                                    

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Fantastic News That Immediately Ruined Trump’s State Of The Union

Trump’s 108-minute meltdown: stared down by Epstein survivors, repeatedly heckled for his racism, and boycotted by half of Democrats

Scott Dworkin Feb 25

Last night’s State of the Union set a record for the longest—and most boring—ever, delivered in a room full of Epstein survivors watching from above.

Hit the ❤️ like button and re-stack right now to make sure what actually happened breaks through the Trump regime’s spin.

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EPSTEIN FILES DOMINATE

Trump is in the Epstein files countless times. Under his direction, the DOJ has stalled the release of everything, including documents with serious allegations against him. And last night, the survivors he’s been trying to silence stared him down for every minute of his nearly two-hour speech.

Dozens of Democratic women wore suffragette white. Some members wore “Release the Epstein files” pins. Earlier in the day, survivor Sharlene Rochard said: “We are standing here in solidarity so that we are not forgotten.”

Trump wanted the night to be about him. The survivors made sure the focus was on the files he’s been burying.

ALL TRUMP DID IS LIE

If you didn’t watch Trump last night, you missed nothing.

Once again, he declared this to be the “golden age of America”—proof he doesn’t live in reality.

He lied about tariffs. He lied about the price of eggs. He lied about ending wars, said this should be his third term, and even bragged about cutting people from food stamps—like he deserved a trophy for it.

Pundits predicted he’d speak for three hours. By the end, he was squinting at the teleprompter and holding onto the lectern for dear life. He could barely stand up to finish his 108 minutes of lies.

THEY WEREN’T QUIET

When Trump walked in, Dem Rep. Al Green held up a sign: “Black People Aren’t Apes!” A direct response to the racist video Trump shared which depicted Barack and Michelle as just that. The Sergeant at Arms moved in as multiple Republicans grabbed for the sign. But Green held on, waving it as he was escorted out.

Dem Rep. Ilhan Omar refused to stay silent, yelling at Trump multiple times that he’s a liar—and that he “killed Americans” during his invasion of Minnesota.

Dem Rep. Norma Torres held up photos of Renee Good and Alex Pretti—two Americans killed by the regime’s rogue agents—as Trump lied about crime.

Trump whined that Democrats should be ashamed for voting against tax cuts for the rich. Democrats responded by cheering.

At one point, Trump demanded everyone stand as he begged for applause while he bashed immigrants. Republicans responded wildly like the cult they are. Democrats were still.

“You should be ashamed of yourself for not standing up,” Trump said. Omar fired back: “You should be ashamed.”

DEMOCRATS BOYCOTT

Around half of the Democratic members of Congress skipped Trump’s endless ramble to nowhere. Dozens attended the “People’s State of the Union” rally on the National Mall.

The lawmakers didn’t want to sit and listen to Trump lie, so instead they spoke for the people they represent. “We know our state of the union,” Dem Sen. Van Hollen said. “We know it is under attack.”

House Dem Whip Katherine Clark also boycotted, stating: “Rather than listen to Donald Trump lie to the American people, I will be hearing from the people of my district.”

And when Trump finally finished, Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger was waiting.

THE RESPONSE

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger responded immediately after Trump finished ranting, delivering the Democratic response from Williamsburg—one of the birthplaces of the American Revolution.

Spanberger kept it simple, focused on affordability. “Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family?” she asked. “We all know the answer is no.” Adding: “Americans deserve to know that their leaders are focused on addressing the problems that keep them up at night.”

Then came Dem Sen. Alex Padilla, who delivered the Spanish-language response. Last year, he was forcefully removed from a Kristi Noem press conference—pushed to the ground and handcuffed for demanding answers about immigration raids.

“They may have knocked me down for a moment, but I got right back up,” Padilla said. “I am still here. Standing. Still fighting.”

So are we. Last night, the regime was hoping no one would notice the Epstein survivors in the room, the Democrats who chose the freezing cold over being in front of Trump, or the lies he could barely stand up to finish.

But we’re making sure none of what really happened gets buried. Since last year, our readers have driven 641,000 contacts to Congress and generated billions of monthly impressions on social media to fight back against the regime’s propaganda.

If you haven’t yet, become a paid subscriber now to support independent journalists who also help lead the resistance:

Onward!

Scott

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What did you think about the State of the Union?

Who do you think gave the most effective pushback to Trump?

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JUST A FEW COMMENTS AMONG MANY: 

May favorite part of the SOTU is also my favorite part of Trump's presidency... when it ends.

Big shout out to everyone who did something to resist last night. We put on quite the show, didn't we?

It was a vast improvement over the Democrat's response to last year's SoTU and Democrats subsequently voting to sanction Rep. Al Green.

Pod Save America have a good analysis which I recommend – very funny! One of their comments:

“it is a good night for Republicans when Trump does not threaten to murder the Supreme Court!“

Why was Rep. Al Green escorted out? 

Pod Save America have a good analysis which I recommend – very funny! One of their comments:

“it is a good night for Republicans when Trump does not threaten to murder the Supreme Court!“

Pod Save America

ALL YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast

Trump RAMBLES for 2 Hours in Longest EVER State of the Union

https://youtu.be/8kLd2R-Ia90?si=99iCA3vfz0_gaqu-

I did not watch Trump and his shallow show and lies last night. I watched the People's State of the Union for over 2 hours (it was a very long show). I missed the one at the Press Club, though. My rep, Ilhan Omar, did a good job last night for her district, speaking up, shouting, and holding Trump accountable for lost lives (actually, if you count the thousands of lives lost because he dithered about addressing the Covid pandemic in 2020, he's responsible for so much death and destruction in this country it is appalling). I believe that if all the Epstein files ever come out (when they come out), we'll learn just how deeply TT was involved with Epstein's businesses and how culpable he is. He's a criminal.

Not only will we learn how deeply Trump is involved with Epstein and with Vladimir Putin.

I'd rather have a colonoscopy by RotoRooter than listen to his SOTU.

I was lucky to have to go to our granddaughters HS band concert last night

The band at their school is very good

Bonus, granddaughter had a solo, much to our surprise! She rocked it.

She plays the clarinet.

By the time we got home, his speech was over.

Otherwise my plans were to watch wet paint dry.

Way more interesting.

Figured I would get the gist of it today.

Glad I missed nothing and was able to listen to some really good music.

I had not planned to watch the SOTN speech, but I suffered through it. I felt dirty afterwards having heard his lies and hate. He is simply a disgusting excuse of a human being. No need to dissect his rant, it was mean and nasty and achieved nothing. He’s a waste of time.

Scott, I did not see Trump's lies, but it was reported as expected by us all. Boasts and lies, stolen credit, too long, etc. Loved what Al Green did. Much respect. Loved that the Epstein victims were there to stare him down; and loved those that called out his murders and told him he should be ashamed. Also loved that there were alternative speakers and gatherings for those that boycotted. Even Trump, as stupid as he is, should see that America is not falling for his lies and are seeing his failures. Keep it up and get this MF and his clowns and fellow pedophiles out!!!!

I didn't see any point in putting an effort in listening to tRump's annoying voice spouting lies, accusations & racist crap. BTW: does anyone know why the price of eggs is the grocery item he always refers to as the representation of ALL grocery prices ???

Farmers are going BANKRUPT due to Daffy Don's TRADE DEALS. 

From Andy Borowitz today…

“This BBC documentary has never aired in the USA, and probably never will. But, as Stephen Colbert recently proved with his James Talarico interview, Trump’s stooges at the FCC can’t prevent video clips from being shared online.

So please share.”

He included the link to full video in the comments.The “sex pest”…

https://borowitzreport.substack.com/p/the-video-trump-doesnt-want-you-to?

Don't forget the Ukraine and God bless the survivors, those who still fight and President Zelenskyy. May Russia fall soon and Ukraine flourish.

Bless those who had the guts to swim out of the swamp and resist.

To all of the above: THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN! For the others, your rooms down below are all fired up and ready.

DEMOCRACY LABS and others have done a stellar job reporting the EPSTEIN FILES and new revelations. 

There was an FBI STAND DOWN ORDER that needs to be fully addressed! 

It prevented NYC from investigating EPSTEIN and also CALLED OFF THE NEW MEXICO investigation of the ZORRO RANCH were it was reported that DEAD BODIES are buried. 

There was also a DEA DRUG INVESTIGATION of Epstein and others that was never reported. 

WHY? What was EPSTEIN et al doing? Why was it covered up? And by WHOM? 

Just when you thought this was an INTERNATIONAL CHILD SEX TRAFFICKING OPERATION that required cooperation from numerous international government officials, revelarions reveal that it was far greater. 

Other nations are investigating officials, UK has arrested 2, WHERE ARE THE BRAIN DEAD AG PAM BONDI & BEER CHUGGING INCOMPETENT BOOB KASH PATEL? 

Before this became such a public issue, there was a report several years ago about a CHILD who died and her body dumped in a river. I don't recall the details - but surely there is more. 

HOWARD LUTNICK LIED AND SHOULD RESIGN! 

ULTRAVIOLENT is trying to get an LA OLYMPIC CHAIR fired because he's an EPSTEIN ENABLER - no evidence of crimes, just a MORAL ISSUE. 

WE should do similar! 

The FBI cleaned out EPSTEIN's ISLAND & APARTMENT - WHERE IS THAT INFORMATION? 

This is a MASSIVE COVER-UP that needs to be made PUBLIC! 

BANKS PARTICIPATED. THEY KNEW!