Stephen Colbert Celebrates Trump's SOTU Ratings Drop: 'If I Were CBS, I'd Cancel Him'

Stephen Colbertturned the tables onDonald Trumpon Thursday's (February 26) edition ofThe Late Showby poking fun at the president'sState of the Union ratings.

TV Insider Stephen Colbert

According to Nielsen figures, Trump's record-breaking 108-minute speech on Tuesday (February 24) averaged 32.6 million viewers, an 11 percent decrease from the 36.6 million who watched his address last year. Colbert was quick to point this out while celebrating his own show's ratings compared to last year's.

"The Nielsen ratings for his speech are in, and Trump's talk-a-thon saw an 11 percent decrease from last year," the late-night host said during Thursday's opening monologue. "Donald Trump is really dragging down broadcast television. I mean, if I were CBS, I'd cancel him."

Last July, CBS announced itwas cancelingThe Late Show, citing financial reasons. The show's final episode is set to air in May. At the time,Trump celebrated the cancelation,writing on Truth Social, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings."

Colbert returned fire on Thursday night, saying, "But you know, linear television is doomed, and everyone's ratings are going down, right? I'm sorry, what's that? Our ratings were up 7 percent?!"

"Over the same last year? So last year's and this year's? I'm up 7 percent? Holy cow!" he continued as the studio audience chanted his name.

He added, "You know what I think is going on? People may not like watching Trump, but they do like watching me not like watching Trump."

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Colbert also compared Trump's SOTU ratings to the recentSuper Bowl, whichaveraged 125.6 million viewers. "I think Trump could have saved the whole thing with a blockbuster halftime show featuring Bad Bernie," he quipped while showing a mock-up photo ofBernie Sandersdressed as Bad Bunny.

Earlier in his monologue, Colbert said, "Allow me to take a moment here to just jam a Capri-Sun straw into your spinal fluid and suck out some of your life force, because I'm still dragging ass and spitting out teeth after Trump's record-breaking 108-minute-long State of the Union on Tuesday."

"I could barely get through it. How did he stay awake that long?" the comedian asked before cutting to a clip of Trump's address where the president said, "I took prescription drugs."

"Refreshing honesty," Colbert quipped.

You can watch Colbert's full opening monologue in the video above and let us know your thoughts below.

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert,Weeknights, 11:35/10:35c, CBS

Read the latest entertainment news onTV Insider.

byNito
in
February 27, 2026

Stephen Colbert Celebrates Trump’s SOTU Ratings Drop: ‘If I Were CBS, I’d Cancel Him’

Stephen Colbertturned the tables onDonald Trumpon Thursday's (February 26) edition ofThe Late Showby poking fun at t...
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Music Review: K-pop group Blackpink's 'Deadline' is a fantastic, if too short, return to form

For those who love the K-pop girl group: Has a more thrilling phrase than "Blackpink in your area!" ever been uttered by an artist?

Associated Press This album cover image released by The Orchard shows This album cover image released by The Orchard shows

Music Review - Blackpink - 3x2 for APNews.com

Blinks, the moniker forfans of Blackpink, havebeen waiting for a proper group comeback from the foursome for more than three years. Jisoo, Jennie,Roséand Lisahave been busywithsolo projects,but they only had to say "Jump" last summer for fans to gobble up the hardstyle, Eurodance extravaganza of a single.

Eight months later, they've released a third EP, "Deadline." At five tracks (four solid hits, "Jump" included) it is not nothing, but for Blinks it is like giving steak once every few years to a starving lion.

Compared with other K-pop bands, Blackpink, debuting in 2016, has had relatively fewer comebacks (in K-pop industry lingo, a "comeback" is each time an artist releases a new single or album). However, Blackpink's catchy songs, energetic choreography and undeniable charisma have propelled the group to a level of incredible stardom.

With "Deadline," they serve, serve, serve, serve and swerve. As a group known for quick tempo tracks, Blackpink should know by now to avoid the sob section. The sole ballad, titled "Fxxxboy," features emotional lyrics and beautiful voices, but doesn't quite land musically with its simple guitar line.

In a surprising twist of events,Coldplay frontman Chris Martinis credited on "Go" — a song with an industrial sound underscored by bone-vibrating bass — for both lyrics and music. His contributions become clear at the bridge, when the track morphs into the most Coldplay sound ever, led by Jennie's voice.

"Me and My" is a classic slow R&B jam featuring a very subtle Latin jazz trumpet. It is co-produced and written bycontroversial hitmaker Dr. Luke, as is "Champion," a puzzling yet hypnotizing anthemic rock single that cycles through '70s strings, '90s smooth rock and a bit of pop-punk.

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As a globally famous K-pop band, Blackpink has begun experimenting more with singing entirely in English with Korean lyrics peppered in. The culmination of that approach is "Deadline," where the only song to feature some Korean-language lyrics is "Jump." It's a practical choice for international music markets, but purists might grumble that the "K" is slowly disappearing from the "pop."

Overall, the mini-album is a satisfying chapter in the band's discography. The lyrics to "Champion" say it best: "And if I take a 'L' I still fight," a neologism for "loss," signifying defeat. The spirit of resiliency is there — but this record is full of wins.

"Deadline" by Blackpink

Four stars out of five.

On repeat: "Go"

Skip it: "Fxxxboy"

For fans of: Unexpected tempo changes, the club, Coldplay

byNito
in
February 27, 2026

Music Review: K-pop group Blackpink's 'Deadline' is a fantastic, if too short, return to form

For those who love the K-pop girl group: Has a more thrilling phrase than "Blackpink in your area!" ever been ...
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Andy Cohen tearfully praises Mary Cosby and Robert Jr.'s 'vulnerability'

Andy Cohenis praising"Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosbyafter the death of her son,Robert Cosby Jr..

USA TODAY

The "Housewives" franchise producer and reunion host shared his condolences to the Cosby family, calling the death of Robert Cosby Jr. "devastating" and "every parent's worst nightmare." He added, getting emotional, "I will always appreciate getting a small window into the unconditional love between Mary and Robert Jr."

Cohen thanked the family for opening up about the 23-year-old's mental health and drug addiction on the series.

"Mary, you did such a good job," Cohen continued. "I know their bravery and their vulnerability in sharing their story has helped and will continue to help countless people who are struggling. Rest in peace Robert Jr. and thanks."

Robert Cosby Jr. died Monday, Feb. 23, after law enforcement responded to an overdose call, Salt Lake City Police Department public information officer Sgt. Greg Wilking confirmed to USA TODAY in a phone call Wednesday. A cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

"Our beloved son Robert Jr. has been called home to the Lord," Mary Cosby, 53, told USA TODAY in a statement Wednesday. "Though our hearts ache, we take comfort in God's promise and in knowing he is finally at peace. We are grateful for your prayers and trust in the Lord to carry us through this time of sorrow."

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'RHOSLC' star Mary Cosby's sonRobert dies at 23

<p style=Want to take a trip down memory lane of one of reality TV's most salacious franchises? Revisit all the "Real Housewives" of the past and present, starting with Mary Cosby of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," seen here attending the Las Culturistas Culture Awards on July 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. Scroll through for more.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Porsha Williams visits the Empire State Building ahead of Season 16 of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" on March 4, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Ubah Hassan, Jessel Taank, and Sai De Silva of "Real Housewives of New York" pose for portraits on Sep 23, 2024, ahead of the release of Season 15.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Kyle Richards of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" at the makeup counter at Bloomingdale's in New York on Aug. 9, 2011. (After 15 years on the show, Richards is now the longest-running original cast member in Bravo history.)

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left, Cary Deuber, Phaedra Parks, Brandi Redmond, Sonja Morgan and Stephanie Hollman attend the OK! Magazine Summer Kickoff Party at Magic Hour at Moxy Times Square on May 15, 2018, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left, Cary Deuber, Brandi Redmond, Sonja Morgan and Stephanie Hollman

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Vicki Gunvalson of "Real Housewives of Orange County" attends Alo House Winter 2021 in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=NeNe Leakes of "Real Housewives of Atlanta," attends the TV One Urban One Honors at The Eastern on Dec. 2, 2022 in Atlanta.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Teresa Giudice of "Real Housewives of New Jersey" attends 2023 Variety's Women of Reality TV at Spago on Nov. 29, 2023, in Beverly Hills, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left, Kristen Taekman, Sonja Morgan, Ramona Singer, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps and Dorinda Medley attend "The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy" premiere party on Dec. 12, 2023, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Kenya Moore of "Real Housewives of Atlanta" attends the screening of "Mean Girls" at AMC Madison Yards 8 on Jan. 9, 2024, in Atlanta.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left, Kyle Richards, Karen Huger, Cynthia Bailey, Teddi Mellencamp and Katie Ginella attend Us Weekly and Pluto TV's "Reality TV Stars of the Year" at The Highlight Room on Oct. 10, 2024, in Los Angeles.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Larsa Pippen of "Real Housewives of Miami" attends a Haute Living celebration with will.i.am at The Moore Miami on Dec. 3, 2024, in Miami.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Bethenny Frankel of "Real Housewives of New York" attends Netflix's "Kinda Pregnant" New York premiere at Paris Theater on Feb. 3, 2025, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Teddi Mellencamp of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" photographed at the Orpheum Theater on Feb. 7, 2025, in New Orleans.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Meredith Marks of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" attends the a Prevent Cancer Foundation event on Feb. 11, 2025, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Lisa Vanderpump of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" at the "Power Of Love" gala at MGM Grand Garden Arena on Feb. 22, 2025, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Caroline Stanbury of "The Real Housewives of Dubai" and Mona Kattan pose at the Kayali Fleur Majesty Rose Royale 31 Launch event on March 6, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Luann de Lesseps of "Real Housewives of New York" pictured in New York City at Hall Des Lumieres on March 11, 2025.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Wendy Osefo of "Real Housewives of Potomac" attends the 2025 Billboard Women in Music at YouTube Theater on March 29, 2025, in Inglewood, California.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Sonja Morgan of "Real Housewives of New York," attends "The Amateur" world premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center on April 2, 2025, in New York City.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Jeana Keough, Jo De La Rosa, Lauri Peterson and Vicki Gunvalson attend the premiere party for Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Orange County" 10-year celebration on June 16, 2016.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style="The Real Housewives of Orange County," from left to right: Vicki Gunvalson, Meghan Edmonds, Lizzie Rovsek, Heather Dubrow, Shannon Beador and Tamra Judge.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Melissa Gorga, a cast member of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," photographed backstage at the 2024 People's Choice Awards.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Dolores Catania, a cast member of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," photographed backstage at the 2024 People's Choice Awards.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Margaret Josephs, a cast member of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey," photographed backstage at the 2024 People's Choice Awards on Feb. 18, 2024.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Lisa Vanderpump and Camille Grammer of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" shopping at Bloomingdale's in New York on Aug. 9, 2011.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=Camille Grammer, Kyle Richards and Lisa Vanderpump of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" shopping at Bloomingdale's in New York on Aug. 9, 2011.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style="The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Season 2, from left to right: Kim Richards, Adrienne Maloof, Kyle Richards, Taylor Armstrong, Camille Grammer and Lisa Vanderpump.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style="The Real Housewives of New York City" from Season 5, left to right: Luann de Lesseps, Carole Radziwill, Aviva Drescher, Ramona Singer, Sonja Morgan and Heather Thomson.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style="The Real Housewives of Orange County" from left to right: Heather Dubrow, Tamra Barney and Vicki Gunvalson.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> <p style=From left, "The Real Housewives of Dallas" stars Casey Deuber, Brandi Redmond, Stephanie Hollman, LeeAnne Locken and Tiffany Hendra.

" style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />

Remember these 'Real Housewives'? Revisit cast members, including Mary Cosby

Want to take a trip down memory lane of one of reality TV's most salacious franchises? Revisit all the "Real Housewives" of the past and present, starting with Mary Cosby of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," seen here attending the Las Culturistas Culture Awards on July 17, 2025, in Los Angeles. Scroll through for more.

Robert Cosby Jr. was featured several times on "RHOSLC," including in a candid and emotional conversation he had with his mother over his substance abuse issues.

Cosby Jr., who Mary Cosby described as a high-achieving, straight-A student growing up, told his mother he had been taking Xanax, along with a slew of other drugs, since he was 16.

"I won't judge you. I can try to help you, but you have to help yourself because I'm not going to support it," a tearful Mary Cosby told her son. "You know I'm not."

Robert Cosby Jr., son of "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosby, died on Feb. 23, 2026, at 23.

"I just feel very disappointed with myself," she added in a confessional interview. "I feel like I let him down somewhere. I do know that Robert did smoke weed. I do know he would eat edibles, but yet I just trusted him in my mind, thinking that's where he would stop. And I was clearly wrong."

The conversation was lauded when it aired for its tenderness. The reality star has also stood by him in recent years, speaking openly about his struggles.

"I can just only push him, encourage him and love him. And that's what I'm doing," she said during an appearance on SiriusXM's "Reality Checked" in September.

If you or someone you know needs help battling a substance abuse addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration'sNational Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Andy Cohen praises Mary Cosby after death of son Robert Cosby Jr.

byNito
in
February 27, 2026

Andy Cohen tearfully praises Mary Cosby and Robert Jr.'s 'vulnerability'

Andy Cohenis praising"Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" star Mary Cosbyafter the death of her son,Robert Cosb...
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A hunka hunka burning Elvis 🎵

Hail to the King, baby.

USA TODAY

Even if you're not obsessed withElvis Presley, you might be after seeing him in all his jumpsuited majesty taking care of business in "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert," Baz Luhrmann's sensational mix of documentary and concert film. That anda new "Scream" moviewill keep you entertained at the cinema this weekend, while the guys from"Scrubs"are back for the sitcom's revival on ABC and Hulu. It's also the Actor Awards this weekend, and we're just two weeks away from theAcademy Awards, so now's the time to get ready for that last push toward Oscar glory.

Now on to the good stuff:

See Elvis Presley strut his stuff on the big screen with 'EPiC' documentary

The King of Rock 'n' Roll takes the Vegas stage at the peak of his musical prowess in "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert."

So, fun fact: I like Elvis but I don't loooooove Elvis. But watching "EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert" is like a history lesson and a holy awakening all at once. Baz Luhrmann found hours upon hours of old footage buried in a salt mine of Presley performing in the early 1970s at his Vegas residency and on tour. The director has used all that to craft a jaw-dropping look at the man and the musician in his creative prime. (Peep my★★★½ review.)

Another fun fact: Our movie editor Kim Willis looooooves Elvis and is abonafide experton the legend. She talked with Luhrmann about his"Raiders of the Lost Ark"-type questto find boxes of film and how the movie reaches beyond the hardcore Elvis crowd. "People are coming in who don't care about Elvis and going, 'Who is this guy? I had no idea,' " the filmmaker says. Kim also did a piece onthe rock star who has an unexpected cameoat the end of "EPiC."

Need more classic rock on your menu? Tuck into Prime Video'snew Paul McCartney documentary "Man on the Run,"one ofseveral new moviesthat have hit streaming services.

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Stream Zach Braff, Donald Faison's sitcom return in 'Scrubs' reboot

Zach Braff as JD and Donald Faison as Turk in the revival of "Scrubs."

For years, those who lovedZach Braff and Donald Faison's old "Scrubs" shenanigansonly had T-Mobile commercials to remind of their comedic chemistry. Now folks get to see them back in a familiar hospital environment in ABC's new "Scrubs" reboot (with the premiere episodestreaming on Hulu). My colleague Bryan Alexander chatted with the twosome about getting their signature "Eagle" piggyback ride flying again, how some of their costars weren't even born when the show first premiered in 2001, and their real-life friendship. "I'm still a 50-year-old bachelor, and Donald's married with kids," Braff says. "I still FaceTime Donald five times a day and if I'm lucky, he'll answer once."

But TV critic Kelly Lawler isn't amused by the reunion. In her★ review, she writes that the "humor" is corny, the show traffics in stereotypes and it's "so cognitively dissonant from the world in which we live now." In other words ... not exactly "The Pitt."

Catch up on Oscar movies, nominated actors before the big day

Teyana Taylor, left, and Leonardo DiCaprio in "One Battle After Another."

The Oscars are in just over two weeks so time's ticking if you want to catch up on all 10 best picture nominees, plus others up for honors. I got you, fam: Here's a roundup ofeverything you need to seeon streaming and video-on-demand platforms to prepare for the big night.

This year is especially big for a couple of Oscar rookies with their first nominations but who are favorites in their categories. My bud Patrick chatted with "One Battle After Another" star Teyana Taylor, who's up for best supporting actress, about how her two young daughters are herawards season "co-stylists,"keeping her humble. "They definitely have final approval on how I walk out that door," she says.

Patrick also talked with supporting actor contender Stellan Skarsgård, the "Sentimental Value" standout who has a huge brood – including actor sons Alexander, Gustaf, Bill, and Valter – butdoesn't see himself in his roleas a distant filmmaking dad. "I've learned an important lesson that each child is different from the next," he says. "Some need more attention and some don't want any attention. There are eight different characters there."

Even more goodness to check out!

Got thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments or maybe even some recs for me? Email btruitt@usatoday.com and follow me on the socials: I'm @briantruitt onBluesky,InstagramandThreads.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:What to watch this weekend – 'EPiC' Elvis documentary, 'Scrubs'

byNito
in
February 27, 2026

A hunka hunka burning Elvis 🎵

Hail to the King, baby. Even if you're not obsessed withElvis Presley, you might be after seeing him in a...
Read More
Bobby J. Brown,

Bobby J. Brown, who was best known for playing a Baltimore police officer in HBO's "The Wire," has died at 62.

CBS News

His agent, Albert Bramante, confirmed the news of Brown's passing in a statement to CBS News. He did not give a cause of death.

"Bobby J. Brown was an actor of incredible depth and a man of great character. Whether in the boxing ring or on a film set, he brought a unique authenticity and dedication to everything he did," Bramante said. "His passing is a significant loss to the acting community, and he will be deeply missed by all of us at the agency. We ask for the privacy of his family to be respected during this unimaginably difficult time."

Brown's daughter toldTMZthe actor died Tuesday of smoke inhalation after being caught in a barn fire. The Maryland Medical Examiner's Office told CBS News Brown's cause of death was diffuse thermal injury and smoke inhalation, and that it was an accident.

According to Brown's daughter, a fire broke out when the actor attempted to jump-start a vehicle in the barn, TMZ reported.

Brown was born in Washington, D.C., and began his career as an amateur boxer, with a 73-13 record that included five Golden Glove Championships. Three of those bouts included three fights against Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker, who went on to become one of the greatest lightweight champions in boxing history. Brown went on to train with Carmen Graziano and boxed professionally in Atlantic City, N.J., which led to an acting gig alongside Mickey Rourke in 1988's "Homeboy," according toIMDb.

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Brown studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and made his TV debut in an episode of "Homicide: Life on the Street." In the early 2000s, he appeared in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "The Corner," and movies "Love the Hard Way" and "City by the Sea."

His breakout role was as Officer Bobby Brown on HBO's "The Wire." He appeared in a total of 12 episodes across four seasons.

Brown also directed two documentary films: "Tear the Roof Off: The Untold Story of Parliament-Funkadelic" in 2016 and "Off the Chain" in 2006.

Marco Rubio addresses Cuba's statement that it killed 4 on Florida-registered boat

Hillary Clinton posts opening statement for Epstein deposition

Hillary Clinton's Epstein deposition paused after Rep. Lauren Boebert sent photo to commentator

byNito
in
February 27, 2026

Bobby J. Brown, "The Wire" and "Law & Order: SUV" actor, dies at 62

Bobby J. Brown, who was best known for playing a Baltimore police officer in HBO's "The Wire," has die...
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