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Colbert's alleged losses, Trump-Epstein letter & Texas dad in Russia

Colbert's alleged losses, Trump-Epstein letter & Texas dad in Russia

Plus: Kix cereal once offered 'Atomic Bomb Ring' with radioactive material as a promotion?

Megan Loe
July 24, 2025

THURSDAY EDITION

Snopes Debunker

People walk on a busy sidewalk in New York City under the brightly lit marquee of the Ed Sullivan Theater, which displays "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The theater entrance is illuminated with rows of yellow lights and nearby shops, including Angelo’s Pizza and a souvenir store selling hats and luggage, are visible.

Breaking down claim CBS was losing $40M a year on Colbert's 'Late Show'

As some critics of CBS' decision to cancel "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" questioned the network's motives, social media posts claimed the popular late-night show was losing at least $40 million per year and that politics didn't play a role.

Late-night shows have experienced significant financial setbacks in recent years, and one media outlet reported that CBS executives were "discussing the future of the Late Show franchise for months." Snopes web producer and reporter Megan Loe dug into the claim.

A letter on what appears to be official Trump Organization stationery features a sketch of a nude female figure with black censorship bars covering the chest and pelvic areas. The letter includes typed text and a message that reads, “A pair is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday and may every day be another wonderful secret.” The background is yellow and parts of the text and illustration are visible behind the censorship bars.

Claim that photo shows Trump's birthday letter to Epstein falls apart under scrutiny

Text from a letter was originally published by The Wall Street Journal.

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Snopes has been busy researching claims tied to the Trump administration. But we look into claims on every topic, not just politics. For instance, our fact check on a "formal statement" attributed to the wife of former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron (from the Coldplay kiss cam scandal) is featured later in this newsletter. We need your help to keep doing this far-ranging work. By building our membership, we will be able to continue cutting straight to the facts on any subject our readers are interested in. We appreciate any support you can give.

A mock formal statement appears on a white background with black text, titled "Formal Statement from Megan Byron." Below the title, it reads "(Wife of Andrew Byron — for now)," dated July 18, 2025, in Manhattan, NY. The statement addresses a scandal involving her husband, Andrew Byron, who allegedly made inappropriate public choices "under stadium lights during a Coldplay concert," an event she notes is "not typically associated with infidelity."

This 'formal statement' attributed to former Astronomer CEO's wife isn't what it seems

Megan Kerrigan Byron allegedly wrote, "To those who expect tears — I don't cry for [clowns], I schedule. I document. I rebuild."

A side-by-side image shows Harrison Ford and Joy Behar posing at separate red carpet events. On the left, Ford with gray hair wearing a black suit stands in front of a red backdrop with the text "SAG-AFTRA Foundation." On the right, Behar with red hair and wearing a black outfit smiles in front of a red backdrop that reads "My First Husband."

Harrison Ford stormed off 'The View' after clash with Joy Behar?

Online videos claimed the actor departed the ABC talk show during a political discussion while promoting a film.

A cityscape of Moscow, Russia, featuring the colorful domes of Saint Basil's Cathedral in the foreground. The cathedral's ornate domes are brightly patterned in red, green, blue and gold. To the left, the Kremlin's red brick walls and the Spasskaya Tower with its large clock are visible. Snow covers parts of the ground and rooftops and modern high-rise buildings rise in the background under a gray, overcast sky.

A Texas man moved his family to Russia to flee LGBTQ+ values. Here's what we know

Derek Huffman said on his family's YouTube channel he enlisted with the Russian Armed Forces weeks after moving to Russia.

Staff Pick

A close-up image of a unique ring resting on a textured beige surface. The ring appears to be made of metal with a rustic, worn look. Attached to it is a miniature object resembling a red-tipped bullet..

Kix cereal once offered 'Atomic Bomb Ring' with radioactive material as a promotion?

Kix's rings contained radioactive polonium-210, but not enough to cause harm.