For the first time in the congressional inquiry tied to Jeffrey Epstein, former first lady Hillary Clinton testified under oath in a closed deposition that stretched nearly seven hours. Clinton denied knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and said she never visited his island or properties. She confirmed interactions with Ghislaine Maxwell and called Republican conduct during the deposition, including photos leaked by Rep. Lauren Boebert, an attempt to distract from other matters. House Republicans released images taken inside the closed session; Democrats condemned the leak. Former president Bill Clinton is scheduled to testify next, and survivors urged questioning of anyone who may have had relevant information about Epstein.
A deadly shootout off the coast of Cuba involving a Florida-registered vessel left multiple men dead and others captured or injured, Cuban officials said. Cuba described the group as heavily armed and accused them of terrorist intent after they allegedly opened fire on Cuban border guards. U.S. officials say some of those involved were U.S. citizens or legal residents; at least one U.S. citizen is reportedly in Cuban custody. The vessel was reported stolen, according to a sheriff’s report. Cuba released names of the men killed; families and friends are seeking information and repatriation of remains as U.S. officials press for answers and call for an independent investigation.
At the White House, President Trump met with New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, drawing attention to a Columbia University student, Elmina “Eli” Aghayeva, detained early that morning by ICE. DHS said her visa had been revoked in 2016; Aghayeva and university officials alleged agents misidentified themselves to enter her dorm. Protests followed, the mayor raised concerns directly with the president, and the student was later released and returned to campus.
Netflix announced it will not raise its offer to buy Warner Bros. Discovery to match a higher bid from Paramount/Skydance, citing a board assessment that the Paramount proposal was superior. The decision leaves media consolidation negotiations in flux.
In Georgia, the trial of Colin Gray—accused of enabling his son’s deadly school shooting—continued as prosecutors presented school security video showing the son, Colt Gray, carrying the AR-style rifle his father bought, moments before the attack. Witnesses, first responders and victims described the attack and its aftermath; the defense plans to call Colin Gray to the stand.
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping in Tucson entered a new phase. Authorities returned the Guthrie family’s home to them after nearly a month, saying they believe they’ve collected the evidence they can at that scene. The FBI moved its command operations to Phoenix for a long-term investigation and told CBS News it’s not ruling out multiple accomplices. Experts noted the possibility of devices or tactics—such as Wi‑Fi jammers—that could explain gaps in surveillance. Low-level DNA from the residence is still being analyzed in Florida. The FBI and local agencies have received nearly 24,000 tips; the family recently offered a $1 million reward, generating thousands more leads.
In Geneva, U.S. and Iranian delegations met for face-to-face talks that U.S. officials described as productive but fragile. Envoys continued shuttling between discussions as the region prepared for both diplomacy and the risk of escalation. The U.S. military posture in the region is increasing, with carrier movements and fighter deployments highlighted as deterrence and contingency measures while negotiations proceed.
The Pentagon issued an ultimatum to Anthropic, maker of the AI system Claude, seeking broader access for lawful military uses and pressing the company to accept specific restrictions by a deadline. Anthropic’s CEO said the company could not, in good conscience, accede to the Pentagon’s demands as written, citing concerns about enabling mass surveillance or autonomous weapons without human involvement. The Defense Department said concessions were offered and warned of steps—such as revoking contracts or using the Defense Production Act—if risks remain. The standoff underscores the broader debate over AI use, controls and oversight in national defense.
A dramatic rescue video from the Bay Area showed a mother forced to throw her toddler and the family dog from a second-floor balcony by an intruder in a burning home. A responding officer caught the child and dog; the rest of the family escaped by ladder and were treated. No further details about the suspect were released in the report.
In Colorado, two skiers spotted a pair of skis sticking out of deep snow and found a fellow skier buried underneath, alive but breathless. They cleared the snow from his face and helped save his life; a reminder of avalanche risk and the importance of rapid response.
A human-interest story closed the broadcast: seven-year-old Reed lost his Pokémon binder at Denver Airport last fall. A United Airlines worker saw a social media post and asked employees to donate cards. The outpouring was enormous—more than 15,000 cards arrived for Reed, many with handwritten notes of empathy. Reed plans to share the cards with other kids.
Other items:
– Survivors urged that anyone with ties or knowledge related to Epstein be questioned as investigations continue.
– New photos and video evidence in a Georgia school shooting case were screened during the trial of a father accused of enabling his son.
– Pentagon officials emphasized that any military AI use must respect privacy and existing rules, while AI firms seek safeguards against misuse.
The CBS Evening News concluded with a reminder that public and private institutions, from Congress to companies and airlines to everyday citizens, play roles in accountability and community responses to crises.