Wednesday, February 11th, 2026 - Epstein names drop, Trump mentions mount; ICE testifies; DOJ rides for Bannon

Morning Announcements

Betches

Daily News, News, News Commentary, Politics

4.7 • 1.7K Ratings

🗓️ 11 February 2026

⏱️ 12 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Today’s Headlines: Congress is scrambling to keep up with Europe’s Epstein accountability push. Rep. Ro Khanna publicly named six men he says were “likely incriminated” in the Epstein files, including retail billionaire Les Wexner, UAE hotel developer Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Italian politician, a Russian author, a former NYPD detective tied to an escort ring, and one largely unknown figure. Lawmakers say more names are coming. Members who reviewed the files also claim there are over a million mentions of Trump, documents contradicting his claim that he kicked Epstein out of Mar-a-Lago, and evidence showing Trump called Palm Beach police in 2006 to report Epstein — portraying himself as disturbed and uninvolved. It was a packed day on Capitol Hill. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick admitted he did visit Epstein’s island with his family after previously denying any social contact. Immigration officials testified ahead of a possible government shutdown, defending ICE while refusing to directly address the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti. Lawmakers also learned only about a quarter of ICE agents have body cameras, ICE wants more funding, and the agency plans to operate at the 2026 World Cup. In related news, ProPublica reported more than 18,000 habeas petitions filed this year by immigrants alleging illegal detention — driven by mass detention policies rather than allowing people to remain in their communities during proceedings. Elsewhere, Trump’s DOJ asked the Supreme Court to overturn Steve Bannon’s contempt conviction, while a Trump-appointed judge blocked the administration from forcing states to hand over voter data. Trump also criticized Netanyahu’s West Bank settlement expansion — while simultaneously floating another aircraft carrier deployment toward Iran. In election news, progressive organizer Analilia Mejia won New Jersey’s 11th District Democratic primary, defeating an AIPAC-backed field. And in Nebraska, lawmakers capped things off by passing a bill cutting minimum wages for teenage workers. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: NYT: Grand Jury Rebuffs Justice Dept. Attempt to Indict 6 Democrats in Congress Politico: House Dem identifies ‘wealthy, powerful men’ DOJ redacted in Epstein files - Live Updates NYT: Former Palm Beach Police Chief Said Trump Told Him ‘Everyone’ Knew About Epstein in 2006 ABC News: Howard Lutnick, Trump's commerce secretary, says he visited Epstein's island Axios: ICE director grilled over Trump's immigration crackdown Axios: ICE will be at the World Cup, director says ProPublica: Habeas Petitions Filed in Second Trump Term Hit Historic High WaPo: DOJ seeks to undo Steve Bannon’s conviction for defying Jan. 6 subpoena NYT: Michigan Judge Rebukes Justice Department’s Effort to Obtain Voter Data Axios: Exclusive: Trump says he opposes Israeli annexation steps in West Bank Axios: Exclusive: Trump says he might send second carrier to strike Iran if talks fail NYT: New Jersey 11th Congressional District Special Primary Election Results 2026 Nebraska Public Media: Legislature passes minimum wage decrease for teen workers Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:31.9	Today is Wednesday, February 11th, and you're listening to the morning announcements
0:35.8	presented by Betches Media.
0:37.6	I'm your host, Sammy Sage, and the Morning Announcements is your daily five-minute breakdown
0:41.2	of the headlines that isn't a megaphone for the loudest voices, but a magnifying glass
0:45.2	for the most important news. This episode of the Morning Announcements is brought to you by
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1:31.0	Donald Trump's DOJ attempted to bring federal charges for seditious conspiracy against six Democratic lawmakers yesterday,
1:42.1	including Senators Mark Kelly and Alyssa Slotkin, for appearing in that video you may remember where they simply stated that it is legal for military members to disobey illegal orders from the president.
1:45.6	However, yet again, a grand jury failed to bring an indictment against those six Democrats, indicating that the case was a big nothing burger.
	...

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