House Democrats release new private Epstein emails referencing Trump

House Democrats on the Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday released newly obtained emails between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and author Michael Wolff, some of which reference President Trump.
The batch of emails — part of more than 23,000 documents turned over by Epstein’s estate — includes multiple exchanges spanning from 2011-2019. The material, which lawmakers say they are still reviewing, features messages that appear to touch on Trump’s past interactions with Epstein and his awareness of Epstein’s trafficking activities. Portions of the emails were redacted to protect victims’ identities.
Rep. Robert Garcia of California, the top Democrat on the Oversight Committee, said the newly released emails raise serious questions about Trump’s connection to Epstein and the possible withholding of related documents. Garcia said in a statement: “The more Donald Trump tries to cover up the Epstein files, the more we uncover These latest emails and correspondence raise glaring questions about what else the White House is hiding and the nature of the relationship between Epstein and the president.”
Garcia also urged the Department of Justice to make all Epstein-related materials public. “The Department of Justice must fully release the Epstein files to the public immediately,” he said, adding that the committee “will continue pushing for answers and will not stop until we get justice for the victims.”
In one message dated April 2, 2011, Epstein wrote to Maxwell, “i want you to realize that that dog that hasn’t barked is trump..[victim] spent hours at my house with him ,, he has never once been mentioned. police chief. etc. im 75 % there.” Maxwell responded, “I have been thinking about that…”
Another email exchange from December 2015 — months after Trump launched his first presidential campaign — shows Epstein and Wolff discussing how the then-candidate might respond if asked about Epstein on CNN. Wolff wrote, “I hear CNN planning to ask Trump tonight about his relationship with you—either on air or in scrum afterwards.” Epstein replied, “if we were able to craft an answer for him, what do you think it should be?” Wolff responded, “I think you should let him hang himself… If he says he hasn’t been on the plane or to the house, then that gives you valuable PR and political currency… Of course, it is possible that, when asked, he’ll say Jeffrey is a great guy and has gotten a raw deal and is a victim of political correctness, which is to be outlawed in a Trump regime.”
A later message from January 1, 2019, again mentions Trump: “[Victim] mara lago. [redacted]. trump said he asked me to resign. never a member ever. . of course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop.”
Epstein and Trump were known to have socialized in overlapping circles in New York and Florida during the 1980s and 1990s, but Trump has long said he severed ties with Epstein around 2004. Epstein was later indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019 and died by suicide in a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in his trafficking network.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt pushed back sharply, accusing Democrats of “selectively leaking emails to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump.” She claimed the redacted name in the messages was Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April and who “repeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and ‘couldn’t have been friendlier’ to her in their limited interactions.” Leavitt reiterated that Trump expelled Epstein from Mar-a-Lago decades ago “for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre,” and dismissed the latest revelations as “bad-faith efforts to distract from President Trump’s historic accomplishments.”
The latest disclosures come as lawmakers continue pressing for full transparency on Epstein’s ties to powerful figures. The House’s return to session this week could advance a bipartisan push to force the Justice Department to release the complete Epstein files. Trump has not personally commented on the newly released emails.
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Steelers activate rookie QB Will Howard from IR, add CB Asante Samuel Jr. to practice squad

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced Thursday that they have activated rookie quarterback Will Howard from injured reserve ahead of Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. The sixth-round pick from the 2025 NFL Draft moves onto the active roster, joining starter Aaron Rodgers and backup Mason Rudolph.
Howard, who injured his hand during a training camp exchange, began the season on injured reserve and was designated to return on Oct. 22, starting a 21-day activation window. Wednesday marked the deadline for the Steelers to add him to the 53-man roster or leave him sidelined for the rest of the year. The former Ohio State standout missed all preseason games while recovering. To create space for Howard, Pittsburgh waived running back Trey Sermon, who could return via the practice squad. Sermon was promoted to the active roster only last week.
The team also added cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to its practice squad following a successful tryout. Samuel, a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021, has appeared in 50 career games with 47 starts and recorded six interceptions. His 2024 season was cut short to four games due to neck and shoulder issues that later required spinal fusion surgery. Now cleared to play, Samuel will wear No. 22—the same number his father, Asante Samuel, wore during his 11-year NFL career with New England, Green Bay, and Atlanta. In a corresponding move, the Steelers released defensive back Darrick Forrest from the practice squad.
Rodgers has completed 66.8% of his passes this season for 1,853 yards, 18 touchdowns, and seven interceptions over nine starts. Rudolph has made two appearances, completing both of his pass attempts for 12 yards.
Pittsburgh (5-4) will host the Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday at Acrisure Stadium.
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Giants to start QB Jameis Winston over Russell Wilson in Sunday’s game vs. Packers

According to multiple reports from NFL Network, and The Athletic, the New York Giants are expected to start Jameis Winston at quarterback in Week 11 against the Green Bay Packers, with rookie Jaxson Dart still in concussion protocol.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jordan Raanan were first to break the news Wednesday morning that Winston is expected to get the nod under center as Dart is dealing with a concussion suffered in last Sunday’s 24-20 loss to the Bears.
Dart has guided New York to a 17–7 advantage and was driving toward another score before leaving the game in the fourth quarter. Chicago’s Caleb Williams then led a comeback that handed the Giants their eighth loss of the season, dropping them to 2–8 overall. Two days later, New York dismissed head coach Brian Daboll, naming offensive coordinator Mike Kafka as interim coach. The decision to start Winston comes just days after that coaching change, as the team continues to reshuffle its leadership on and off the field.
Winston, 31, joined the Giants in the offseason on a two-year, $8 million contract and was initially listed behind Wilson on the depth chart. The former No. 1 overall pick and 2013 Heisman Trophy winner has started 87 NFL games across ten seasons with Tampa Bay, New Orleans, and Cleveland, compiling a 36–51 record. His standout season came in 2019 with the Buccaneers, when he threw for 5,109 yards, 33 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. Last year, he completed 61.1% of his passes for 2,121 yards, 13 touchdowns, and 12 picks with the Browns.
Veteran Russell Wilson, who took over for Dart against Chicago, will serve as Winston’s backup this week. Wilson went 3-for-7 for 45 yards in relief and has thrown three touchdown passes with three interceptions through six appearances this season. He began the year as New York’s starter but went 0–3 before losing the job to Dart in September.
Wilson, a 14-year veteran and 10-time Pro Bowler, has struggled to regain form since being traded from Seattle to Denver in 2022. Across stints with the Broncos, Steelers, and Giants, he has posted a 17–27 record as a starter.
Winston is set to make his first start for New York when the Giants will host the Packers at 1 p.m. ET Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
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New Edition to launch 2026 tour featuring Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton

New Edition has announced The New Edition Way Tour featuring Boyz II Men and Toni Braxton.
Described as a “landmark event” in a press release, the tour will celebrate “music, legacy, and connection—offering fans a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience these legendary artists performing together in one dynamic 360° view, delivering an up-close and immersive concert experience like never before.”
A video announcement was shared by the band to their respective Instagram accounts, with New Edition members Bobby Brown, Ronnie DeVoe, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill talking about their 2024-2025 Las Vegas Residency.
Boyz II Men — comprised of Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman and Wanya Morris — answer the phone and agree to join the tour, but the two groups agree they are missing some “feminine energy.” Braxton captioned her Instagram post: “Y’all already know I’m the honorary seventh member of @newedition.
So it’s only right that we hit the road together”.
The 30-city tour kicks-off Jan. 20, 2026, in Oakland, California at Oakland Arena, and will visit Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Baltimore, Cleveland, Atlanta and more before concluding on April 4 in Houston at Toyota Center. See the full list of tour dates – HERE.
Ticket information can be found via TICKETMASTER.
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Record Store Day unveils 2025 Black Friday releases across multiple music genres

Record Store Day organizers have unveiled the full list of exclusive vinyl releases that will be hitting independent stores on Black Friday – the day after Thanksgiving – ranges across multiple music genres.
Among the vinyls are a brand new Billie Eilish live EP, as well as an unreleased variant of “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” (with tracks that were “censored” from the original release). Additional limited edition drops include those from Sam Fender and Olivia Dean, Fred Again.., Icona Pop and Maribou State, as well as more contemporary artists including Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, Post Malone, Benson Boone, GloRilla, Jelly Roll and Role Model.
Additional legendary artists with never-before-released material or fresh variants include Elton John (paired with Brandi Carlile), Tom Petty, Prince, Warren Zevon, Randy Newman, the Rolling Stones, Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin, George Harrison and Billy Joel, Van Halen and Alice Cooper.
The exclusive records will be available at independent record stores from 8am on November 28 and online from 8am on November 29, with over 100 artists from a wide range of genres offering special one-off releases.
The full list of records can be viewed on the Record Store Day website.
Find your local participating indie record store, here.
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Over 1,200 flights canceled as gov’t shutdown fallout continues to strain air travel

More than 1,200 flights were canceled across the U.S. on Tuesday as the impact of the ongoing government shutdown rippled through the nation’s air travel system, despite the Senate having approved a bipartisan measure aimed at ending the impasse.
According to FlightAware, cancellations affected about 6% of flights at 40 of the country’s busiest airports on Tuesday, including hubs in Chicago, New York, Washington, Atlanta, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Another 2,000 flights faced delays, with United Airlines publishing a lengthy list of affected routes stretching from early morning through late evening.
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered airlines to cut flights incrementally—6% this week, with reductions rising to 8% on Thursday and potentially 10% by Friday—to ease pressure on the national airspace system. The agency’s move comes as both air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration employees have now worked more than six weeks without pay.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the FAA’s decision to reduce flight operations was a direct response to safety concerns and staffing shortages, as thousands of air traffic controllers continued working without pay. “Safety data was going in the wrong direction,” Duffy said, noting increases in runway incursions, pilot complaints, and instances of aircraft flying too close together.
Although the Senate’s late Monday vote signaled potential relief, the measure still requires passage in the House and President Donald Trump’s signature to reopen the government fully. Duffy said he hoped the agreement would be finalized soon, allowing air travel to normalize, but warned that recovery would not be immediate. “Flight restrictions will be reduced or removed when the data says we should.” He added that the shutdown had already led most controllers to miss a second paycheck, leaving many struggling to cover basic expenses. Once the government reopens, Duffy said that controllers should receive about 70% of their owed pay within 48 hours in a lump-sum payment. “They’ll get a good lump sum of what they’re due, which is helpful. They don’t have to wait another two weeks to be paid,” he said.
Airlines, meanwhile, have pledged to increase flexibility for passengers and expedite refunds for canceled flights. Duffy emphasized that “stringent requirements” for refunds have been suspended, ensuring travelers are reimbursed for grounded flights. Officials caution that even if the shutdown ends this week, it could take time for the aviation system to fully stabilize. “For anyone to say that we did too much, they are sorely mistaken,” Duffy said. “We’ll continue to manage through this crisis.”
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Trump asks Supreme Court to overturn E. Jean Carroll sexual abuse and defamation verdict

President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a $5 million civil judgment that found him liable for sexually abusing and defaming writer E. Jean Carroll.
The petition seeks to undo a 2023 federal jury verdict that concluded Trump sexually abused Carroll during a mid-1990s encounter in a Manhattan department store and later defamed her by dismissing her allegations as a “hoax” and a “con job.” Trump’s lawyers argue the trial was fundamentally flawed, claiming U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan made several evidentiary errors that unfairly influenced the jury.
Trump has repeatedly denied Carroll’s claims, which first became public in 2019 when she published excerpts of her book in New York Magazine. The jury found that while Trump did not commit rape under New York law, the evidence showed he sexually abused Carroll.
Trump’s legal team wrote in the filing that “there were no eyewitnesses, no video evidence, and no police report or investigation,” calling Carroll’s allegations “facially implausible, politically motivated.” They further contend that “Carroll waited more than 20 years to falsely accuse Donald Trump, who she politically opposes, until after he became the 45th president, when she could maximize political injury to him and profit for herself.”
Trump has long vowed to fight the case “all the way” to the nation’s highest court after multiple defeats in lower courts. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the verdict in December 2024, ruling that Kaplan had not “abused his discretion” in allowing testimony from two other women — Jessica Leeds and Natasha Stoynoff — who accused Trump of sexual misconduct. The court also denied Trump’s request for a full en banc rehearing in June.
A spokesperson for Trump’s legal team said, “The American People stand with President Trump as they demand an immediate end to all of the Witch Hunts, including the Democrat-funded travesty of the Carroll Hoaxes. President Trump will keep winning against Liberal Lawfare, as he continues to focus on his mission to Make America Great Again.”
Carroll’s attorney has not commented on the Supreme Court filing. Her legal team has previously noted that while a nonprofit linked to a Democratic donor helped fund parts of her case, Carroll herself played no role in securing those funds, and the support came nearly a year after she filed her initial lawsuit.
The Supreme Court has not yet indicated whether it will hear the case. Trump is also appealing a separate $83 million defamation verdict awarded to Carroll in January 2024 for additional statements he made about her after the first trial. Combined, the two jury awards total more than $88 million.
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Brian Kelly sues LSU, claims the school is trying to avoid $54M buyout by firing him ‘for cause’

Former LSU head coach Brian Kelly has filed a lawsuit against the university, accusing it of attempting to avoid paying his full $54 million buyout by retroactively claiming his firing was “for cause.” The legal battle marks an increasingly bitter dispute between the school and the coach it dismissed less than three weeks ago. The dispute between Kelly and LSU has left its athletic department in turmoil, raising questions about leadership stability and potential coaching candidates.
Kelly, who was fired on October 26 after nearly four seasons in Baton Rouge, had signed a 10-year, $95 million contract in 2021. The deal guaranteed him 90% of his remaining salary if terminated without cause — roughly $54 million paid in installments through 2031.
According to documents obtained by ESPN, LSU offered Kelly settlement payouts of $25 million and $30 million in an effort to negotiate a lower buyout, but he rejected both. His attorneys then sent a letter to new athletic director Verge Ausberry on November 5 demanding “full liquidated damages,” warning that if the university did not confirm the terms of his dismissal by November 10, Kelly would “pursue all available legal remedies.”
That deadline passed without resolution, and Kelly followed through — filing a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment that LSU terminated him without cause, thus entitling him to the full buyout. In the complaint, Kelly’s attorneys say LSU unexpectedly claimed he had not been “formally terminated” and was now being investigated for possible termination “for cause.” The filing states, “LSU’s representatives had a call with Coach Kelly’s representatives, where LSU took the position that Coach Kelly had not been formally terminated and informed Coach Kelly’s representatives, for the very first time, that LSU believed grounds for termination for cause existed.”
LSU reportedly told Kelly’s legal team that former athletic director Scott Woodward — who was fired shortly after Kelly’s dismissal — did not have the authority to fire him or negotiate settlement offers, suggesting Kelly’s termination was never official. Kelly’s attorneys dispute that claim, arguing LSU repeatedly acknowledged his firing was due to “the team’s performance, not for cause,” both privately and publicly. They say LSU failed to notify Kelly of any alleged “for cause” violations within the seven-day period required by his contract. Kelly’s deal outlined limited conditions for a “for cause” termination, including major NCAA violations, criminal convictions, or serious misconduct that “displays a continual, serious disrespect” for LSU’s mission.
Kelly went 34–14 during his tenure, leading the Tigers to an SEC West title in 2022 but failing to reach the College Football Playoff. His firing came one day after a lopsided 49–25 home loss to Texas A&M that saw LSU surrender 35 second-half points. Interim coach Frank Wilson has since taken over, with the Tigers holding a 5–4 following a loss to Alabama.
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Dallas Mavericks fire GM Nico Harrison, responsible for trading Luka Dončić to Lakers

The Dallas Mavericks have fired general manager Nico Harrison, less than a year after the stunning trade of Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers — a move that sent shockwaves through the NBA and ultimately sealed his fate in Dallas.
ESPN’s Shams Charania was first to break the news, writing on X “BREAKING: The Dallas Mavericks and owner Patrick Dumont are expected to fire general manager Nico Harrison at a 10 am central time meeting on Tuesday, sources tell me and Tim MacMahon.”
Team owner Patrick Dumont announced the firing on Tuesday, calling it necessary to “move the franchise forward.” In a letter to fans, he wrote, “No one associated with the Mavericks organization is happy with the start of what we all believed would be a promising season. You have high expectations for the Mavericks, and I share them with you. When the results don’t meet expectations, it’s my responsibility to act.” Assistant general managers Michael Finley and Matt Riccardi will serve as co-interim GMs while the team begins “a comprehensive search” for a permanent replacement.
Harrison, 52, joined Dallas in 2021 after a long career at Nike but no prior NBA front-office experience. His tenure included major roster and staff overhauls — trading Kristaps Porziņģis, losing Jalen Brunson in free agency, firing long-time medical and training staff, and reshaping the organization’s culture.
Harrison helped lead the Mavericks to the 2024 NBA Finals before making one of the most criticized trades in franchise history when in February 2025, he dealt Dončić — a five-time All-Star and All-NBA First Team selection — to the Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick. He told ESPN at the time: “I believe that defense wins championships. Getting an All-Defensive center and an All-NBA player with a defensive mindset gives us a better chance. We’re built to win now and in the future.”
The move immediately backfired when Davis was injured shortly after the trade, Kyrie Irving suffered a season-ending ACL tear, and Dallas fell out of playoff contention. Meanwhile, Dončić thrived in Los Angeles, averaging 37.1 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 9.1 assists while leading the Lakers to one of the league’s best records.
“Fire Nico” chants became common at home games amongst die-hard Mavericks fans, in addition to public protests outside the arena. Harrison’s strained relationship with the fanbase and media worsened after a closed press conference in which he doubled down on his defensive philosophy and dismissed criticism, calling the fallout overblown.
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Summer Walker reveals guest features on upcoming album ‘Finally Over It’

Summer Walker is gearing up to release her highly anticipated third studio album, Finally Over It, which concludes her ‘Over It’ trilogy (see the official album announcement: HERE.)
The album is split into two parts — For Better and For Worse– and features a star-studded list of collaborators including Chris Brown, GloRilla, Mariah the Scientist, Latto, Sexyy Red, along with features from 21 Savage, Lil Yachty, Monaleo and Brent Faiyaz. Walker revealed the album’s featured artists in a teaser video (in partnership with Spotify) starring Lex P and Drea Nicole, who drop the ‘guest list’ in a comedic wedding-themed rollout.
Finally Over It features the previously released single “Heart Of A Woman,” to completes the narrative arc that began with 2019’s Over It and continued with 2021’s Still Over It.
While fans waited for the release date for Finally Over It, Walker has kept busy with an appearance at Wireless Festival in London, as well as joining Chris Brown and Bryson Tiller on his sold-out stadium tour. Walker is also featured on Cardi B’s new album, Am I The Drama?
Finally Over It arrives on November 14th; preorder – HERE.
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