Overview of Epstein Report, 2028 Democratic Contenders and Cruise Ship Murder
In its November 11, 2026, AM Update, Megyn Kelly covers a congressional report on failures in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, early signs of a 2028 Democratic presidential contest, a Texas man’s alleged confession to killing his wife aboard a cruise ship, and a major cold snap forecast for the eastern United States.
Epstein Report Details Government Failures
The House Oversight Committee’s 15-month investigation concluded that government failures allowed Epstein to continue abusing young women and girls. The report revisits his 2007 plea deal, which let him avoid federal prosecution and serve 13 months on state charges. During that sentence, he was allowed extensive work release, unsupervised visits and other privileges. Survivors alleged that abuse continued during the work-release period.
Investigators also questioned why prosecutors abandoned efforts to recover computers and hard drives removed from Epstein’s Palm Beach home before a 2005 police search. The report raised concerns about a prosecutor’s undisclosed past relationship with an attorney for Epstein, while noting that a 2020 Justice Department review found no evidence of prosecutorial misconduct.
The committee scrutinized Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s acknowledged 2012 visit to Epstein’s island, years after Lutnick said he had cut ties with Epstein. Lutnick denied wrongdoing. The Republican-led investigation found no evidence implicating President Trump in Epstein’s crimes. It urged the Justice Department to investigate sexual assault allegations against former Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and celebrity hairstylist Frederick Fakay; both have denied wrongdoing.
Committee chairman James Comer proposed the Survivors Voice Protection Act to protect survivors and witnesses who speak publicly from legal threats tied to nondisclosure agreements. Democrats criticized the report as incomplete, citing the lack of public hearings and what they viewed as insufficient scrutiny of Trump and Epstein’s associates. They said they plan to continue the investigation and hold hearings after taking control of Congress in January.
Potential Democratic Candidates Begin Positioning for 2028
Several Democrats are raising their profiles after the midterm elections:
- Pete Buttigieg announced a book, Next, about political reform and the country’s direction. His travels and public comments have fueled speculation about another presidential run. He won the 2020 Iowa caucuses before leaving the race after finishing fourth in South Carolina.
- Kamala Harris campaigned for Democratic candidates and argued that the party should compete more seriously in the South. Asked about running again, she said she goes back and forth.
- Wes Moore, reelected Maryland governor by a wide margin, faced renewed questions about his military service in Afghanistan and his claims about a Bronze Star. His office rejected the latest allegations, and Moore did not directly commit to serving his full term.
- Jon Ossoff, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Gavin Newsom were also among the names discussed as possible contenders. The episode reported Kalshi traders’ odds at roughly 26% for Ossoff, 14% for Ocasio-Cortez and 12% for Newsom, with Harris and Buttigieg around 5% each.
Texas Man Accused of Killing Wife on Cruise Ship
Jason Leon Watford, 48, of Tyler, Texas, faces a federal murder charge in the death of his wife, Susan, aboard the MSC Seascape as it traveled from Galveston toward Mexico. According to the criminal complaint, the couple argued before returning separately to their cabin. A housekeeper later found Susan dead and noticed blood on Watford’s hands and clothing.
The complaint says Watford told federal investigators he repeatedly struck and then strangled his wife. A child was reportedly in the cabin and is now in foster care. Watford, who had been sentenced to probation in 2024 for assaulting his wife, appeared in federal court, requested a court-appointed attorney and did not seek release on bond.
Cold Snap and Possible Snow Across the Eastern U.S.
A storm system was forecast to bring nearly 200 million Americans colder weather, heavy rain and possible snow. Temperatures across much of the country east of the Mississippi River could fall 5 to 15 degrees below normal, with some cities seeing drops of up to 20 degrees. A possible nor’easter could bring strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding from North Carolina to New England. Snow was possible in higher elevations of upstate New York, northern New England and the Appalachians. The forecast called for the cold snap to be brief, with warmer-than-average temperatures potentially returning the following week.