Catégorie oBox : OBOXMA

Bill Gates offered new details about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein during a closed-door House Oversight Committee hearing, describing a professional association that lasted from 2011 to 2014 and alleging that the disgraced financier later attempted to blackmail him after learning about an extramarital affair. According to Gates’s account, the meetings with Epstein were focused on philanthropy, fundraising and efforts to connect wealthy donors with global health initiatives supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Gates told lawmakers that Epstein ultimately failed to deliver on the fundraising opportunities he had promised and that their relationship ended in late 2014. He also alleged that Epstein later sought to use personal information against him in an effort to force renewed contact, a pressure campaign that Gates said ultimately failed.

The testimony comes after renewed attention surrounding Epstein’s network following the release of newly declassified documents earlier this year. The disclosures placed Gates back under public scrutiny and reignited questions about why one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists continued meeting with Epstein years after the financier’s 2008 conviction. The controversy prompted both Gates and his former wife, Melinda French Gates, to revisit a chapter of their lives that has repeatedly resurfaced in public discussion. While Gates has consistently maintained that his interactions with Epstein were connected to philanthropic goals, critics have argued that the continued meetings created reputational risks and raised concerns about the judgment of individuals who chose to associate with Epstein despite his criminal history and long-established reputation.

«Whatever questions remain there — I can’t even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.»

-Melinda French Gates

According to Gates’s testimony, Epstein’s alleged blackmail attempt began after the financier became aware of an extramarital relationship involving Gates. Gates told lawmakers that Epstein attempted to leverage that information and supplemented it with false claims in an effort to regain influence and reestablish a professional relationship. The allegations have fueled broader questions about whether Epstein systematically collected compromising information about powerful individuals and attempted to use that information as leverage. While Gates stated that the effort failed, the accusation adds another dimension to longstanding concerns surrounding Epstein’s relationships with wealthy business leaders, politicians, academics and public figures. The hearing reportedly focused in part on understanding how Epstein cultivated influential contacts and the methods he allegedly used to maintain access to elite circles.

The renewed controversy follows years of public attempts by Gates to distance himself from Epstein. In previous interviews, Gates acknowledged meeting Epstein but repeatedly rejected characterizations suggesting a personal friendship. «I met him. I didn’t have any business relationship or friendship with him.» Gates said when discussing the relationship. He also admitted that spending time with Epstein damaged his reputation and gave the financier a degree of legitimacy. «It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there.» Those remarks have resurfaced following the release of the documents and have become central to renewed debates about why Gates continued engaging with Epstein after his conviction. Critics argue that the meetings reflected poor judgment, while Gates has maintained they were motivated by philanthropic objectives rather than personal ties.

Additional attention has focused on documents and draft communications linked to Epstein that reportedly referenced Gates directly. Among the materials were draft messages allegedly written by Epstein in 2013 that contained personal allegations concerning Gates and claimed knowledge of private matters involving his marriage. The release of those documents generated significant media attention and renewed discussion about whether Epstein maintained files on prominent individuals for strategic purposes. The disclosures also coincided with Gates’s decision to withdraw from a planned keynote appearance at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi. In a statement explaining the decision, the Gates Foundation said: «After careful consideration and to ensure the focus remains on the AI summit’s key priorities, Mr Gates will not be delivering his keynote address.» The withdrawal occurred as scrutiny surrounding the Epstein-related materials intensified.

«It was a huge mistake to spend time with him, to give him the credibility of being there.»

-Bill Gates

The controversy has also prompted public comments from Melinda French Gates, who has spoken openly about the emotional impact of revisiting the period surrounding her marriage and Epstein’s role in the broader story. In a recent interview, she described the renewed attention as painful and said it revived «memories of some very, very painful times in my marriage.» While avoiding direct accusations, she emphasized that unanswered questions should be addressed by those involved. «Whatever questions remain there — I can’t even begin to know all of it — those questions are for those people and for even my ex-husband. They need to answer to those things, not me.» Her remarks underscored how the continuing release of Epstein-related information continues to affect people connected to the scandal years after Epstein’s death and long after many of the relationships involved had ended.

New Trump-designed UFC Freedom 250 collectible gold and silver coins are now on sale as the highly anticipated UFC event on the White House grounds approaches. The commemorative medallions, officially licensed by the Trump Organization and minted by JFC Coins LLC, are being marketed through realtrumpcoins.com for prices ranging from $249.99 to $11,999.99. The launch comes just days before UFC Freedom 250, the historic fight card scheduled to take place on the South Lawn as part of celebrations tied to America’s 250th anniversary. The collection is the latest addition to a growing portfolio of Trump-branded merchandise and commemorative products that have emerged since his return to the White House, blending political branding, collectibles and major cultural events into a single commercial offering.

According to the official website, the UFC Freedom 250 collection includes four separate products divided between silver and gold medallions. The silver series consists of a one-ounce medallion priced at $249.99 and a five-ounce version listed at $1,324.99. The gold collection includes a one-tenth-ounce 24-karat gold medallion selling for $1,499.99 and a one-ounce gold edition priced at $11,999.99. While the designs share common UFC Freedom 250 branding, the products differ in metal composition, weight and presentation. The most expensive version includes premium packaging and a special display holder featuring portraits of both President Donald Trump and UFC CEO Dana White, highlighting the close relationship between the president and the mixed martial arts organization that helped shape his public image over the years.

«The ONLY OFFICIAL coin designed by me—and proudly minted here in the USA.»

-U.S.President, Donald Trump

The coins are being sold through realtrumpcoins.com, an e-commerce platform launched in September 2024 to market officially licensed collectible products featuring Trump’s image. Promotional material for the website presents the coins as limited-edition keepsakes intended for collectors and supporters. During a video announcing the launch of the platform, Trump personally promoted the products and emphasized their official status. «The ONLY OFFICIAL coin designed by me—and proudly minted here in the USA.» Trump said in the promotional message posted to Truth Social. The statement has become a central part of the marketing campaign, with the website repeatedly highlighting Trump’s direct involvement in the design and branding of the collectible series as a key selling point for potential buyers.

The release arrives as UFC Freedom 250 continues to generate national attention because of both its historic location and its estimated cost. Court filings connected to an ongoing lawsuit against the event indicate that staging a UFC card on the White House grounds could cost more than $60 million, making it the most expensive live event in the promotion’s history. Organizers have defended the project as a once-in-a-generation celebration tied to America’s 250th anniversary, while critics have questioned the relationship between public office, private business interests and commercial branding opportunities connected to the event. The launch of a new line of premium collectibles tied directly to the fight card has only intensified those discussions as preparations continue for the June 14 event.

Ethics experts have been among the most vocal critics of Trump’s expanding network of branded commercial ventures. Adav Noti, executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, argued that products linked to Trump’s political status create unprecedented ethical concerns. «It is literally cashing in on the presidency — creating a financial instrument so people can transfer money to the president’s family in connection with his office. It is beyond unprecedented,» Noti said. Similar concerns have been raised by James Thurber, founder of the Center for Congressional and Presidential Studies, who warned about potential conflicts involving government policy and family business interests. «There are shameful and major conflicts of interest with respect to his family business benefiting from his cryptocurrency policies,» Thurber said while discussing the broader expansion of Trump-linked commercial ventures.

«It is literally cashing in on the presidency — creating a financial instrument so people can transfer money to the president’s family in connection with his office. It is beyond unprecedented.»

-Executive director of the Campaign Legal Center, Adav Noti

The criticism extends beyond ethics experts and political watchdogs. Businessman Mark Cuban has publicly criticized several Trump-branded merchandise initiatives and questioned the value proposition being offered to supporters. Discussing collectible products marketed through Trump-affiliated platforms, Cuban argued that consumers were being encouraged to purchase items that may have little investment value beyond their political symbolism. He described the products as Trump «selling an inferior investment to his fans to make a quick buck.» Supporters of the coin collection, meanwhile, argue that the medallions are intended primarily as commemorative memorabilia tied to a historic UFC event rather than traditional investments. Regardless of how they are viewed, the UFC Freedom 250 coins have quickly become one of the most visible and expensive pieces of merchandise associated with the White House fight card.

Donald Trump’s planned UFC celebration at the White House for America’s 250th anniversary and his 80th birthday is expected to cost more than $60 million, according to court filings submitted by the administration as part of an ongoing federal lawsuit seeking to block the event. The June 14 spectacle, officially branded UFC Freedom 250, is scheduled to transform the White House South Lawn into a temporary combat sports venue unlike anything previously staged at the presidential residence. According to the filings, the unprecedented production budget makes the event the most expensive live show in UFC history. The massive cost stems largely from the logistical challenge of converting one of the nation’s most historic locations into a fully operational broadcast-ready sports arena while preserving the grounds and accommodating thousands of attendees.

Court documents reveal that UFC and parent company TKO Group Holdings expect total production expenses to reach between $60 million and $63 million, nearly triple the promotion’s previous budget record. At the center of the operation is a massive steel structure known as «The Claw,» a 92-foot-tall, 600-ton canopy designed to protect the South Lawn while supporting lighting systems, video boards, broadcast infrastructure and event operations. Filings indicate that between 700 and 900 workers have been stationed on-site since May 20 to assemble the temporary venue. Hundreds of trucks, portable facilities, security checkpoints and television production assets have also been brought in as preparations continue for what organizers describe as the most ambitious event in company history.

«You know, we’re building something in front of the White House that’s quite attractive to a lot of people. It’s going to have the big UFC fight on June 14. And I’m looking at it, and maybe we’ll never ever take it down.»

-U.S. President, Donald Trump

A significant portion of the budget is also tied to fighter compensation and event presentation. Court filings indicate that heavyweight star Jon Jones is expected to receive one of the largest purses on the card, reportedly including a base salary of approximately $6 million. The event itself is expected to feature several championship-caliber bouts, including a lightweight title showdown between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje. Because the venue is limited to roughly 4,000 to 5,000 spectators, UFC has turned to exclusive hospitality packages and corporate partnerships to offset costs. Some VIP packages reportedly sell for as much as $1.5 million and include ringside access on the South Lawn alongside additional premium experiences connected to future UFC events.

Despite those premium offerings, UFC executives have acknowledged that Freedom 250 is not expected to generate a profit. TKO President Mark Shapiro previously explained the company expects sponsorships and hospitality sales to recover only about half of the total expenditure. «We have a lot of current and prospective partners that would like to be involved,» Shapiro said while discussing the project. He also acknowledged the company views the event as a long-term branding opportunity rather than a revenue generator. Reports indicate that major sponsors associated with the event include Ram Trucks, Crypto.com and Monster Energy. According to executives, the goal is to create a global showcase for the UFC brand and generate worldwide media attention that extends far beyond a single fight night.

The event’s future remains uncertain because of a federal lawsuit filed by the watchdog group Public Integrity Project on behalf of two Virginia residents. The plaintiffs are seeking an emergency injunction that would halt UFC Freedom 250 before fight weekend begins. Their complaint argues that professional for-profit sporting events are prohibited on federal parklands and alleges that the administration improperly relied on special America 250 celebration rules to bypass traditional permitting requirements. The lawsuit also questions whether Congress should have approved construction of major temporary structures on the South Lawn and whether an environmental review should have been completed before work began. Plaintiffs further characterize the event as a private commercial venture that primarily benefits UFC and Trump associates.

«We have a lot of current and prospective partners that would like to be involved»

The White House and Justice Department have strongly rejected those claims. Government attorneys described the lawsuit as meritless and argued that the challenge was filed far too late given that plans for the event have been public for nearly a year. Officials also stressed that UFC, not taxpayers, is covering the event’s production costs, including an estimated $700,000 to $1 million dedicated to restoring the South Lawn after the fights conclude. Pete Dropick, UFC’s executive vice president of event development and operations, previously acknowledged that repairing the lawn would represent «a significant cost» that the promotion would absorb. U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta has placed the dispute on an expedited schedule, with a decision expected only days before fighters enter the Octagon on the White House grounds.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has accused the United States of worsening Cuba’s humanitarian crisis through a growing sanctions regime that he says is breaching international law. The statement claimed that the United States is harming ordinary civilians by restricting access to food, medicine and basic services. In a statement released June 9, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that fuel restrictions imposed earlier this year, combined with additional sanctions introduced in May, have dramatically intensified economic hardship across the island. Türk said the measures have hit Cuba’s most vulnerable residents particularly hard and have contributed to worsening conditions in hospitals, food production systems and critical infrastructure.

Conditions seriously worsening in Cuba

According to the announcement, conditions across Cuba have deteriorated rapidly since Washington declared the country a ‘national emergency’ in January 2026. The decision has disrupted fuel shipments to the island and accelerated the decline of Cuba’s already strained oil reserves. By mid-May, daily power outages regularly exceeded 20 hours in densely populated areas of Cuba. The outages have created serious challenges for households, businesses, and public institutions. The latest package of sanctions expanded restrictions beyond just the US by targeting traders, insurers, shipping companies and financial institutions. UN officials claim those strong-arm measures have even further reduced access to essential goods and services throughout the country.

« The fuel restrictions imposed since early 2026 and recent tightening of extraterritorial sanctions, taken together, are directly harming Cubans, especially the most vulnerable. »

-Volker Türk

According to the UN human rights office, conditions in Cuba have deteriorated rapidly since Washington declared a national emergency in January. The move disrupted fuel shipments to the island and accelerated the decline of Cuba’s already strained oil reserves. By mid-May, daily power outages regularly exceeded 20 hours in many parts of the country, creating major challenges for households, businesses and public institutions. The latest sanctions package expanded restrictions beyond direct dealings with Cuba by targeting traders, insurers, shipping companies and financial institutions. UN officials say those measures have further reduced access to essential goods and services throughout the country.

UN human rights chief criticizes US

UN human rights chief Volker Türk painted a grim picture of the humanitarian consequences of the US’s actions.  Türk claimed that the restrictions are directly harming Cuban citizens. Türk argued that the restrictions have affected virtually every aspect of daily life on the island, meaning the US is breaching United Nations laws. As fuel shortages have worsened, transportation systems struggled, supply chains became increasingly unreliable and public services faced mounting disruptions. The human rights office warned that ordinary Cubans now bear the heaviest burden of policies intended to pressure the country’s government.

Alarming findings from UN report

Among the most alarming findings included in the report were figures relating to children’s health. According to the UN human rights office, infant mortality has doubled to 9.9 deaths per 1,000 births since Donald Trump’s aggressive sanctions. Officials also reported a sharp decline in childhood cancer survival rates, which have fallen from 85 per cent to 65 per cent. At the same time, essential medicines remain available at only about 30 per cent of normal supply levels. Türk directly linked those shortages to the broader sanctions environment.

Children are dying because doctors lack access to essential medical supplies and medicines. This is unacceptable,

Volker Türk

The crisis has also spread into Cuba’s food system. Fuel shortages have significantly impacted agricultural production, reducing food output by roughly 60 per cent according to the UN. As production declined, food prices climbed sharply, placing additional pressure on families already struggling with shortages and inflation. The human rights office warned that declining food availability threatens to worsen living conditions even further if current trends continue. For many Cubans, access to basic necessities has become increasingly difficult as fuel scarcity affects transportation, farming operations and the delivery of goods throughout the island.

This creates a perfect storm for social and economic deterioration and suffering for the Cuban people,

Volker Türk

Conditions worsening not improving

According to the UN, conditions may deteriorate even further in the coming months. Rising summer temperatures may increase the spread of waterborne and vector-borne diseases, while the approaching hurricane season creates additional risks for vulnerable communities. The summer will also increase Cuba’s reliance on electricity as air conditioning, fans, and cooling systems all come into effect as the country prepares for summer. The UN has called on international businesses to resist disengagement from Cuba, and has also urged Cuban authorities to prioritize civil liberties and exercise restraint. The UN also urged Cuba to release all prisoners detained arbitrarily. With consistent anti-government protests in Cuba, the country’s prison system has filled, creating more health risks. For now, the UN is warning that millions of Cubans are becoming victims of a serious humanitarian emergency caused by the US and Donald Trump.

It’s no secret that money is tight for many people. As a result, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok are rife with content creators giving advice on how to pinch pennies on everything from groceries to travel.

One such travel hack is going viral on TikTok, and it’s bringing Groupon back in a big way.

‘Honestly, it’s so nice’

Lifestyle content creator Roufaida Ali (@roofayduh) posted a review-slash-rundown of a Groupon trip to Orlando, Florida. Ali began her video by taking her viewers on a virtual tour of the hotel included in her package.

“Honestly, it looks really nice,” Ali said, panning her camera around a spacious hotel lobby. “We’re staying at the DoubleTree. I honestly didn’t think it was this nice.”

Ali explained that the Groupon “mystery getaway” she purchased cost just under $200 for the weekend, including flights and hotel costs. She said that the package did not include a hotel breakfast, but still said it was a nice deal.

Ali showed her viewers her hotel room. She approved the layout of the beds, desk, TV and bathroom. She then pulled back the curtain of her window, revealing a view that featured a body of water with a large, grassy park and towering overpasses.

“I’m not gonna lie, this is a good view,” Ali said. “Definitely worth the $200.”

The last feature Ali showed her viewers was the palm tree-filled rooftop of the hotel, complete with a “nice” pool deck, sun deck and “cute” flowers. She wrapped up her video with a glowing verdict.

“So far the Doubletree, 9 out of 10,” Ali said.

Commenters wade into the world of Groupon

Viewers seemed compelled by the affordability of Ali’s trip, with a few expressing surprise at the price tag. Some viewers, however, wondered if there was a catch. One viewer said she wanted to “do this so bad [she’s] just so scared.” Another warned that Groupon may have “many hidden fees.”

“My Groupon trip was to Orlando…..in a place that has bed bugs,” shared one commenter. “I paid extra for a different hotel. I will never do it again.”

However, many viewers were simply wowed by the $200 figure. One person simply commented, “Redownloading Groupon now lol.”

“That room alone would be 200 after taxes lol,” wrote one commenter.

“You can’t even get a round trip flight anywhere I the U.S. for 200 right now,” said another. “So it’s a deal.”

Some made it clear that Ali isn’t the only one taking advantage of Groupon deals. Others are getting in on the bargains.

“Groupon sent me to Hawaii for a week!” commented a viewer. “Just had to pay for a rental, did the managers special & it was only $400 for the whole week!!! WORTH IT.”

What is a Groupon mystery trip, and how do they work?

Groupon’s “Mystery Getaways” are voucher-based travel packages that allow customers to book vacations at unknown destinations for a fixed price. After customers purchase their $200 voucher, Groupon’s system assigns them a destination via “random draw.”

“An algorithm randomly selects your vacation destination based on your preferred travel dates and departure airport from a pool of 2,000 vouchers, with trips drawn from Gold, Silver, or Bronze tiers,” Groupon’s website says. “Every booking comes with roundtrip flights and accommodation … Every hotel is guaranteed 3-star or above, independently rated 7/10+ on Booking.com or 3.5/5+ on Tripadvisor.”

The Bronze Tier holds the vast majority of possible trips for Mystery Getaways, making up 1,982 out of the 2,000 possible trips in the random-draw trip pool. The Bronze trips are for two nights and take place in one of 34 “major U.S. cities” including New York, Chicago and New Orleans.

The 12 Silver Tier trips, conversely, are four-night-long trips categorized as “tropical” and “bucket-list escapes.” The trips can take place in the following destinations: Iceland; Hawaii; Los Cabos, Mexico; Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; Aruba; and Curaçao.

Lastly, the Gold Tier is the rarest possible tier to draw, with only six trips available in the pool at any given time. The Gold trips last for seven nights and are reserved for “premium destinations” such as Paris, Santorini and Singapore.

Buzz News reached out to Ali and Groupon via email.

@roofayduh @Groupon $198 for flight and this hotel is so good #grouponmysterygetaway #groupon #mysterytrip #hotel #orlando ♬ original sound – Roofayduh 💖