House Oversight Releases Epstein Estate Files, Including Trump’s Alleged ‘Birthday Book’ Note

Democrats demand transparency as newly released Epstein documents reveal provocative message allegedly tied to President Trump, sparking political firestorm.

WASHINGTON, D.C. | The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has released a tranche of documents from the estate of the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including the so-called “birthday book” that allegedly contains a racy message signed by President Donald Trump.

The controversial note, first reported by The Wall Street Journal, includes an outline of a woman’s body and the phrase, “We have certain things in common, Jeffrey.” Democrats on the Oversight Committee publicized the document Monday, calling it evidence of a potential cover-up.

“It’s time for the President to tell us the truth about what he knew and release all the Epstein files,” said Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.), the top Democrat on the panel.

The Oversight Democrats’ official X account shared an image of the note, adding: “Trump talks about a ‘wonderful secret’ the two of them shared. What is he hiding? Release the files!”

RFK Jr. Cherry-Picks and Misuses Data on Aluminum-Containing Vaccines

A large Danish study recently provided reassurance that aluminum-containing vaccines are not associated with increased rates of chronic health conditions in children, including autism. But Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. misrepresented the study’s findings, claiming that the paper’s supplementary data “shows calamitous evidence of harm.”

The study, published on July 15 in Annals of Internal Medicine, drew attention because of its large size and rigorous methods. Anti-vaccine activists, however, quickly seized on it to claim that it was flawed, particularly after the journal mistakenly uploaded an earlier version of the supplementary data.

Kennedy declared in an X post last month that the authors used a “long parade of statistical artifices” to “achieve their deceptive results,” incorrectly alleging that the study actually showed an association between vaccines and autism. He linked to an article with his byline on TrialSiteNews, which consisted of a list of criticisms of the study peppered with unfounded accusations on the researchers’ motives. It called for the journal to “immediately retract this badly flawed study.”

U.S. to Deploy F-35s to Caribbean for Anti-Cartel Operations

Ten stealth fighters headed to Puerto Rico as Trump administration escalates pressure on narco-terror groups; legality and mission fit spark debate

WASHINGTON | The Trump administration will deploy 10 F-35 fighter jets to Puerto Rico to support operations against drug cartels operating across the southern Caribbean, according to a source familiar with the plans. The aircraft are expected to arrive as early as next week, marking the most advanced U.S. combat jets yet assigned to counternarcotics missions.

The move follows a series of rapid escalations in the region. On Thursday, the Pentagon publicly warned Venezuelan military aircraft for flying near a U.S. Navy vessel, calling the encounter a “highly provocative” interference with stepped-up U.S. operations. Earlier this week, the administration touted an airstrike on a small boat in the southern Caribbean Sea that killed 11 people, the White House alleged were members of the Tren de Aragua gang—claims officials have not publicly substantiated with evidence, drawing criticism from legal experts and human-rights advocates.

From the Oval Office on Friday, President Donald Trump defended the more rigid stance. Asked whether similar actions would continue, he said, “It depends on the individual instance,” adding, “We don’t want drugs coming in from Venezuela or anybody else or anyplace else, and we’ll be tough on that.”

In one of his first acts after taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order establishing a path to designate certain drug cartels as terrorist organizations, a step the administration says helps align U.S. tools—intelligence, sanctions, and military options—against transnational criminal networks.

Trump Gives Pentagon “Department of War” Secondary Title in Executive Order

White House order authorizes Pete Hegseth to use “Secretary of War” and launches a rapid rebrand to war.gov; formal legal name remains Department of Defense pending congressional action.

WASHINGTON | In a sweeping symbolic shift, President Donald Trump on Friday signed an executive order restoring “Department of War” as an official secondary title for the Pentagon and empowering Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to adopt the “Secretary of War” designation. The order triggered immediate rebranding steps across the department, even as the agency’s legal name remains the Department of Defense unless Congress acts. 

Within hours of the signing, the Pentagon’s public-facing ecosystem started to pivot: the long-standing defense.gov presence shifted to war.gov, senior officials adjusted social media titles, and door placards began reflecting the “War Department” styling. The administration cast the move as sharpening focus on “maximum lethality” and a revived warrior ethos. 

Despite the rebrand, federal law still enshrines the “Department of Defense.” A formal name change would require congressional legislation, as the post-WWII reorganization—spanning the National Security Act of 1947 and the 1949 amendments—created today’s DoD structure and title. Republicans in both chambers have now introduced bills to codify the new/old name. 

Supporters argue the “War Department” label projects deterrence and clarity of purpose, aligning with the administration’s emphasis on “winning” and offense as deterrence. Critics counter that the rebrand is costly, largely symbolic, and risks signaling a more bellicose U.S. posture abroad. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a former Navy combat pilot, derided the change on social media, while defense officials and budget hawks questioned the price tag of an enterprise-wide makeover. 

Aztecs Edged by Houston in Five-Set Nail-Biter at Flo Hyman Classic

SDSU led 2–1 before the Cougars rallied at Fertitta Center; Taylor Underwood posts 18 kills, freshman Zara Stewart records career-high 19 digs in a match featuring 34 ties and 10 lead changes.

HOUSTON, Texas | San Diego State volleyball absorbed a tough setback in its Flo Hyman Classic opener on Thursday night, falling to Houston 3–2 (25–21, 15–25, 25–21, 20–25, 11–15) at the Fertitta Center. The Aztecs (1–2) built a 2–1 advantage but couldn’t fend off a late surge from the unbeaten Cougars (4–0) in the first meeting between the programs in 40 years.

In a match defined by razor-thin margins — 34 ties and 10 lead changes — SDSU’s attack cooled over the final two sets (.047), while Houston found its rhythm, hitting .259 in sets four and five and stacking seven team blocks to flip momentum. The Cougars delivered a near-flawless fourth set at .361 efficiency (13 kills, 0 errors on 36 swings) to force the decider, then closed on a 5–1 run to seal it.

No. 12/13 UC San Diego Explodes for 34 Goals, Sweeps Opening-Day Doubleheader at Inland Empire Classic

Tritons topple Claremont-Mudd-Scripps 14–8 and blitz Cal Lutheran 20–9 at Axelrood Pool; Boettner nets first career hat trick as UCSD improves to 5–3.

CLAREMONT, Calif. | The No. 12/13 UC San Diego men’s water polo program made a statement on Friday at the Inland Empire Classic, piling up 34 total goals across two victories at Axelrood Pool. The Tritons (5–3) controlled the morning with a 14–8 decision over host Claremont-Mudd-Scripps before unleashing a 20–9 avalanche on Cal Lutheran to close the day.

Against CMS, UC San Diego led 6–4 at halftime and broke the game open with an 8–4 second-half surge. Brendon Fezzey headlined a balanced attack with 3 goals and an assist (4 points), while Finn Bugelli and freshman Jackson Boettner each posted 2 goals and 1 assist. Bennett Axline and Eamon Hennessey added two goals apiece, with Felipe Ferreira, Mason Presley, and Luca Rago also finding the cage. Alex Hegeman anchored the win in goal with four saves. CMS’s Nick Kennedy netted a hat trick to pace the Stags, and goalkeeper Jake Taylor recorded nine saves.

UC San Diego only got hotter versus Cal Lutheran, riding crisp counterattacks and superior depth to a 20–9 triumph. Freshman Jackson Boettner delivered his first career hat trick (3 goals + 1 assist), while Fezzey, Hennessey, Mark Laurlund, Lucas Romaguera, and Lachlan Rossi each scored twice. Hennessey totaled four points (2G, 2A) as the Tritons stacked quarters of 4, 6, 8, and 2 goals. Hegeman matched a career high with eight saves. Levi Cook (3) and Paul Patterson (2) led the Kingsmen.

Head coach Matt Ustaszewski praised the road form and growing cohesion: “It was a great opportunity for us to travel and play two games on the road. We focused on details from last week, smoothed out early-season inconsistencies, and saw strong contributions from veterans and newcomers alike.”

Michigan Volleyball Sweeps Florida Atlantic to Open Michigan Invitational at Crisler Center

Allison Jacobs powers Wolverines with 22 kills and 10 digs as Michigan improves to 4-0 on the season.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. | The University of Michigan volleyball team (4-0) continued its perfect start to the 2025 season with a decisive sweep over Florida Atlantic (25-22, 25-23, 25-20) on Friday night (Sept. 5) in its home opener at the Michigan Invitational inside Crisler Center.

The Wolverines were led by a stellar performance from Allison Jacobs, who delivered a match-high 22 kills while adding 10 digs for her first double-double of the season. Jacobs was efficient, hitting .422 with just three errors on 45 swings. She was supported by Amalia Simmons, who added nine kills and hit .400, committing just one error on 20 attempts.

Michigan’s balanced attack was powered by its dual-setter rotation. Morgan Burke notched 21 assists, while Ellie White contributed 16. Defensively, Michigan also controlled the net, with key blocks from Lydia Johnson, Jenna Hanes, and Serena Nyambio helping slow down FAU’s momentum.

The opening set was tightly contested, featuring 11 ties and five lead changes. Florida Atlantic led late, but Jacobs and Simmons rallied Michigan back, with Jacobs sealing the set 25-22 on a kill.

In the second set, FAU surged ahead 10-7, but Michigan responded with a block from Jacobs and Nyambio to even the score at 14. From there, the Wolverines never trailed, with late kills from Sydney Schnichels and Simmons closing out the 25-23 win.

Michigan controlled the third set with an 8-3 run midway through, highlighted by kills from Jacobs and Schnichels. Despite a late push from FAU, Jacobs’ 22nd kill clinched the sweep at 25-20.

With the win, the Wolverines advance to 4-0 for the first time since 2019 and look to continue their momentum as they host Marshall on Saturday night (Sept. 6) at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed live on B1G+.

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-- By Lakisha Brown

© 2025 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without prior written permission.

Michigan State Field Hockey Triumphs in 2025 Home Opener with 2-1 Victory Over Bellarmine

Senior Gracie Burns and freshman Caroline Horace combine for goals and assists as Spartans control the tempo at Ralph Young Field.

EAST LANSING, Mich. | Michigan State field hockey celebrated its 2025 home opener with a 2-1 victory over Bellarmine on Friday afternoon at Ralph Young Field. The Spartans improved to 2-1 on the season, displaying a commanding offensive performance while leaning on a balanced mix of veteran leadership and fresh talent.

Senior forward Gracie Burns and freshman Caroline Horace were the difference makers, each contributing a goal and an assist for a three-point afternoon. Burns opened the scoring in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a bouncing ball inside the circle and slotting home her second goal of the young season. Minutes later, Horace extended the lead, redirecting a shot from Burns into the net for her first career collegiate goal.

Michigan State outshot Bellarmine 15-2 and earned an 8-2 advantage in penalty corners. The Spartans also placed eight shots on target, while goalkeeper Lyra Gavino picked up her first win of the season in net, improving to 1-1 as the team’s starter.

Despite Michigan State’s control, Bellarmine battled back in the second half. Alicia Hudson scored off a penalty corner in the 42nd minute, assisted by Brooke Buchanan, cutting the Spartans’ lead in half. Bellarmine keeper Kailey Workman registered six saves to keep the Knights within striking distance.

The Spartans held firm defensively in the fourth period, stifling late opportunities and pushing forward with five more corner chances, though Workman denied any additional scoring.

With the win, Michigan State heads into its first road trip of the season, traveling to Burlington, Vermont, next weekend to face Vermont and Merrimack (neutral site). The victory sets the tone for a season in which MSU aims to build momentum early and compete for Big Ten contention.

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-- By James A. Wright

© 2025 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article may not be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without prior written permission.

Adding Context to Trump’s Misleading Claims About Crime in Chicago

The Labor Day holiday became a violent weekend in the city of Chicago, as more than 50 people were shot and nine were killed from Aug. 29 to Sept. 2. Despite those grim statistics, President Donald Trump was wrong when he said on Truth Social on Sept. 2, “CHICAGO IS THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!”

That’s not the case, experts told us, and Chicago’s overall homicide rate declined more than 30% in the first six months of this year as compared with last year.

But Chicago has topped the list of large U.S. cities for its number of murders for over a decade. After the burst of violence over the weekend, Trump was asked at a Sept. 2 press conference whether he planned to send the National Guard or other federal law enforcement purportedly to quell crime in Chicago, as he did in Washington, D.C. Trump replied, “Well, we’re going in — I didn’t say when. We’re going in.”

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, joined by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson at a news conference the same day, said, “There is no emergency that warrants deployment of troops” in the city. Pritzker said the state would challenge Trump’s power to send troops to Chicago in court.

(On Sept. 3, Trump seemed to backpedal on sending the National Guard to Chicago, telling reporters, “So we’re making a determination now. Do we go to Chicago or do we go to a place like New Orleans where we have a great governor, Jeff Landry, who wants us to come in and straighten out a very nice section of this country that’s become quite, you know, quite tough, quite bad?”)

Here, we’ll address some of the inaccurate or misleading claims by Trump and the White House regarding the trends in violent crime in Chicago.

Trump’s Unsupported Death Penalty Claim

At a Cabinet meeting on Aug. 26, President Donald Trump proposed seeking the death penalty for anyone convicted of murder in Washington, D.C., claiming the death penalty is “a very strong preventative.” But the research, which has been difficult to conduct, is inconclusive on whether capital punishment is a deterrent. 

A committee formed by the National Research Council concluded that existing academic research was “not informative” for settling the issue. As a result, the committee specifically recommended against making the type of claim Trump stated in deliberations about death penalty policies.

“Anybody murders something in the capital, capital punishment,” Trump said. “Capital — capital punishment. If somebody kills somebody in the capital, Washington, D.C., we’re going to be seeking the death penalty. And that’s a very strong preventative. And everybody that’s heard it agrees with it. I don’t know if we’re ready for it in this country, but … we have no choice.”

ADPH Monitors Imported Goods for Cesium-137 Contamination; No Risk Found in U.S. Food Supply

The Alabama Department of Public Health confirms no cesium-137 contaminated products, including shrimp, have entered the U.S. marketplace.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) Office of Radiation Control has confirmed it is closely monitoring reports of imported goods contaminated with radioactive cesium-137 (Cs-137), including seafood shipments such as shrimp.

According to ADPH officials, no contaminated products have entered the U.S. marketplace or food supply chain, and there is currently no risk to public health. While cesium-137 is a known radioactive isotope that can pose health and environmental hazards, the contamination levels detected in detained shipments abroad were not considered high enough to pose an acute health threat.

The announcement comes amid heightened global concern over food safety and supply chain integrity, particularly regarding imports from regions with weaker radiation safety protocols. ADPH emphasized that it continues to work with federal partners, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to ensure any shipments entering the United States are thoroughly inspected and tested.

“Protecting the public from unnecessary radiation exposure is our top priority,” an ADPH spokesperson said. “At this time, all monitoring confirms that no contaminated products are available in U.S. grocery stores, restaurants, or distribution networks.”