Amna Nawaz:
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told a congressional panel he made a — quote — “grave error in judgment” by ever meeting with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Bill Gates, Founder, Microsoft:
I’m glad to be here voluntarily to testify to help with the committee’s work.
Amna Nawaz:
Prior to his testimony, Gates said he wanted to help — quote — “find justice for the victims.”
And in an opening statement provided to the Associated Press, Gates said he was unaware of Epstein’s crimes. The tech billionaire has not been accused of any wrongdoing himself, but appeared multiple times in the Justice Department’s Epstein files. Their relationship began three years after Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida to soliciting sex from a minor.
Democratic lawmakers took aim at that time frame.
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA):
Mr. Gates was aware that Jeffrey Epstein had been convicted, and for a horrific crime, and continued to interact with him to seek money for his foundation. And I think that, obviously, I think we would agree, was a horrific judgment call.
Amna Nawaz:
Just a day earlier, Epstein’s longtime executive secretary Lesley Groff told the same House panel that he was a — quote — “master manipulator” and that she too was unaware of his crimes. That’s according to her prepare remarks and sources familiar with her testimony.
Transcripts of both interviews are expected to be released at a later date.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned the government of Cuba today not to seek out weapons that could strike the U.S. or its military bases. Hegseth touched down at the U.S. Naval base at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba this morning and later visited with troops. He told them if Cuba pursued such weapons, it would invite, in his words, a confrontation not only do they not want, but they could not stand.
His visit comes as the Trump administration has placed enormous pressure on the island, including a crippling oil blockade.
In Northern Ireland tensions remain high tonight with police out on the streets of Belfast following anti-immigrant violence brought on by a stabbing attack. Sudanese national Hadi Alodid appeared in court today via video to face charges of attempted murder, among others. The 30-year-old did not enter a plea.
Detectives say he partially blinded a man during a knife attack on Monday, which set off a wave of public anger. Hundreds of masked individuals set fire to homes last night believed to house immigrants. Firefighters worked to control the flames today as charred cars and debris lined the streets.
One local resident whose house was badly damaged expressed his frustration.
Jamie Corry, Belfast, Northern Ireland, Resident (through interpreter):
What’s this resolve, essentially destroying our own community? And I had two people from the old community who lost their property. So it’s just a time to rebuild it all up.
Amna Nawaz:
Appearing before lawmakers today, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said his thoughts are with the stabbing victim. And he criticized the violence that followed the attack, urging that order be restored.
Keir Starmer, British Prime Minister:
People are rightly sickened by the horrific attack on Monday night in North Belfast. But let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, the acts of violence and arson that followed are totally unjustified.
Amna Nawaz:
The family of the victim, Stephen Ogilvie, called for peaceful protest today, adding — quote — “We do not want this terrible tragedy to be used to divide people or fuel hostility.”
Authorities in Hong Kong have charged seven people and two companies for their alleged roles in the city’s worst fire in decades. The blaze engulfed seven apartment buildings at a residential estate last November, killing at least 168 people. Authorities are charging the suspects with 25 counts, including manslaughter, money laundering and tax evasion.
Many of those stem from a major renovation project that was taking place at the time of the fire. An update now on the Somali referee who was denied entry to the U.S. and cut from the World Cup. Omar Artan received a hero’s welcome back in Somalia today, with fans packing a stadium for him in the capital of Mogadishu.
He was named Africa’s best male referee in 2025, but was blocked from entering the U.S. over what officials called vetting concerns. Artan says he hopes to officiate at the next World Cup.
Also today, the U.N.’s top human rights official, Volker Turk, called for a massive rethink of U.S. immigration policies as they relate to the World Cup. The 39-day tournament starts tomorrow, with the U.S. playing its first game on Friday.
In Spain, Pope Leo today blessed the Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, one of the most visited monuments in the world.
Pope Leo (through interpreter):
We remember and give thanks this evening to all the supporters and benefactors, the artists and the workers who cooperated in the construction of an architectural masterpiece.
Amna Nawaz:
During an evening mass, Pope Leo called the church a sign of unity and harmony for all of Spain and a marvel of stones, colors and light. It comes exactly 100 years after the death of Antoni Gaudi, the Catalan architect who designed it.
The enormous church is still under construction many decades later. Tonight’s event was a highlight of the pope’s weeklong visit to Spain, the first by a pontiff in 15 years.
On Wall Street today, another sell-off for A.I. stocks dragged the broader markets lower. The Dow Jones industrial average dropped nearly 1,000 points on the day. The Nasdaq fell 500 points, or about 2 percent. The S&P 500 also ended sharply lower.
And Glenn Close is finally getting an Academy Award after eight nominations and countless standout roles. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced today that the 79-year-old will receive an honorary Oscar at the annual Governors Awards in November. These often go to artists who’ve had extraordinary careers, but have never won a competitive Oscar.
“Gladiator” director Ridley Scott will also be honored, as will animator Floyd Norman, who was the first Black animator for Walt Disney back in the 1950s.
