Breaking news

House Oversight Committee Calls Bill Gates To Testify On Epstein Association

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is slated to appear before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee this Wednesday to address questions regarding his contentious association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The interview marks one of the most high-profile examinations of Epstein’s network and its far-reaching connections within elite circles.

Committee Inquiries and Preparations

The House committee, which has been vigorously probing Epstein’s connections to influential figures, is leaving no stone unturned. Following the questioning of Epstein’s former long-time executive assistant, Lesley Groff, the panel chair, Rep. James Comer, asserted that Gates is prepared to answer any query thrown his way. “Anything’s on the table,” Comer said, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to uncovering the full extent of the network.

Context Of Gates’ Association With Epstein

Reports indicate that Gates’ relationship with Epstein began in 2011, as noted by The Wall Street Journal. This association drew renewed attention following the release of additional documents by the Department of Justice and Congress in late 2025. Although Gates has not been implicated in any illegal activities connected to Epstein, he has acknowledged that the association was a significant misstep. At a Gates Foundation town hall in February, he publicly apologized for engaging with Epstein and for exposing foundation executives to meetings with him.

Apology And Ongoing Review

During that session, Gates remarked, “I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” while also emphasizing his regret over the decision to meet Epstein. The Gates Foundation has since commissioned an external review of its historical ties to Epstein, with an expected update to the board and management this summer.

Perspectives From Industry Leaders

In an interesting aside, longtime friend Warren Buffett, also Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, disclosed during an interview with Becky Quick that he had refrained from contacting Gates after the unveiling of documents related to Epstein. Buffett was unequivocal in his criticism of Epstein, describing him as a con artist who exploited human weaknesses for personal gain.

This development adds another layer to the ongoing discourse on accountability and transparency among the world’s wealthiest individuals. As the House committee prepares for further testimony, the scrutiny of influential networks continues to intensify.


Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter