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Power Outage Strikes: Spain and Portugal Grapple with Blackouts

On a quiet Monday, an unexpected power outage plunged vast regions of Spain and Portugal into darkness, causing significant disruptions. Spanish power grid operator Red Electrica is collaborating with energy firms to bring power back gradually.

The outage, described as a “wider European problem”, also saw E-Redes stepping up efforts for phased reconnection. In the bustling heart of Madrid, parts of the underground had to be evacuated, creating traffic chaos as signals failed, reported Cader Ser Radio station.

Meanwhile, in Portugal, the situation mirrored across Lisbon and Porto, with their metros closing operations, and train services grinding to a halt. As cities deal with this setback, European energy sectors are undoubtedly under scrutiny to address such vulnerabilities.

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.


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