Return to Transcripts main page

CNN Live Event/Special

CNN Headlines: U.S. And Iran Exchange Fire For Second Day As Talks Continue; Lawmakers Question Bill Gates Over Ties To Jeffrey Epstein; Supreme Court Set To Rule On Major Cases Today. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired June 11, 2026 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

(COMMERCIAL)

[05:31:10]

BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories here.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard said they launched retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. military bases after the United States carried out strikes on Iran for the second straight night, but a diplomatic source tells CNN that despite those attacks talks to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran are still on track.

Bill Gates testified before the House Oversight committee about his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Gates said that Epstein tried to use information about his extramarital affairs against him but maintained that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has "never victimized anyone."

We've also got out eye on the Supreme Court this morning. The justices could hand down some major decisions. They still have not issued decisions on cases involving challenges to birthright citizenship, whether President Trump was legally protected when firing federal employees, and whether ballots received after Election Day could be counted. Those decisions could begin to be released at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time.

All right. Parts of the Middle East -- they are on high alert after Iran launched retaliatory attacks on American military targets across the region. Meantime, Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is now closed to all vessels though the U.S. has pushed back on that claim.

CNN's Paula Hancocks reports on the possible impact of these attacks.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

PAULA HANCOCKS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: What we saw from the U.S. Central Command overnight is that there were a number of military targets that were struck, and it appears as though many of them were in locations in or along the Strait of Hormuz. We saw Bandar Abbas for a second night being targeted. Also, Qeshm and Kharg Island in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway which we have been hearing from one senior Iranian military official saying, "You make the sacred Strait of Hormuz insecure. We will turn the region into hell for you from across Iran."

Now, of course, this is the sort of language we have become accustomed to, but it is showing the level of escalation for a second night between the U.S. and Iran. And for a second morning we have seen three countries being targeted.

Tehran saying that they're focusing on military bases in Jordan, in Bahrain, and also in Kuwait. Those three countries coming under missile and drone attacks once again. The Jordanian military saying that they intercepted some 20 missiles.

We're seeing in Bahrain there was damage to certain houses and also cars set on fire. An 11-year-old girl slightly injured according to authorities there, most of that from debris from those intercepted missiles. In Kuwait as well, an early morning wakeup call with emergency alerts again across that country.

So what we're hearing from the U.S. side is another threat that if Iran does not sign this memorandum of understanding or agree to this memorandum then the bombing will start once again tomorrow is what the U.S. president said.

But we also heard from the Trump administration when it comes to the Strait of Hormuz that more has been transiting the strait than previously believed. Let's listen to the Secretary of Defense.

PETE HEGSETH, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE: The idea of running ships through the Strait of Hormuz -- it never stopped. It just went underground to the tune of over 100 million barrels that have moved through, and more, in the middle of the night protected by the United States in a way that Iran can't stop.

[05:35:05]

HANCOCKS: So we're hearing from Iran that they will close the Strait of Hormuz. There's pushback from Central Command saying commercial vessels are still transiting that crucial waterway.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Paula Hancocks, thank you.

Returning now to billionaire Bill Gates facing questions over his relationship with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. One Wednesday Gates testified voluntarily behind closed doors to the House Oversight committee. He told lawmakers that he had no knowledge of Epstein's crimes, and he added that Epstein tried to use knowledge of his extramarital infidelities to pressure him to reengage after Gates said that their contact had ended.

Now, Gates has not been accused of any criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein, but he has said that any involvement with the disgraced financier was "a grave error in judgment."

CNN's MJ Lee has more on Gates' testimony.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

MJ LEE, CNN SENIOR NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CORRESPONDENT: In his opening remarks Bill Gates told lawmakers he never saw -- he was never aware of Epstein's crimes and that he, himself -- Gates -- never victimized anyone.

He gave a little bit of a background on how they got introduced back in 2011. He said that their interactions, for the most part, were pretty limited and that all of that came to an end in December of 2014.

This is something else that Gates told lawmakers. He said, "I learned Epstein had become aware of sensitive information about my personal life, including the fact that I had been unfaithful in my marriage. Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities, in addition to many lies that he layered on top, to pressure me to reengage with him."

We also know that Gates is being asked by lawmakers about some of these more salacious and unverified claims in the Epstein files. They're in the form of emails that Epstein appears to have written to himself. There are references, as you know, to sexually transmitted diseases, procuring antibiotics to secretly give to his ex-wife Melinda. And our sources are telling us that Gates is pushing back on these allegations.

And I want you to listen to what the top Democrat on the committee, Robert Garcia, just told reporters about this habit that Epstein appears to have had about writing emails to himself.

REP. ROBERT GARCIA (D-CA): I think what we can say right now is that Mr. Gates does believe that Mr. Epstein would write emails that were oftentimes untrue. I think he spoke to that in some of the questioning and that he denies, obviously, some of those claims. And that he felt that Mr. Epstein would write emails to himself and just say things that were not true.

LEE: This has obviously been a really embarrassing ordeal for Bill Gates. I'm told by a source that his lawyer jumped in at one point and said, "He's not going to answer questions about affairs that are not directly related to the Epstein saga." And also, I think is aware that his reputation has taken a hit. He said, "Meeting with Epstein was a grave error in judgment." And he also said he's now being more careful about the kinds of people that he associates with.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Thank you, MJ.

Now separate but related new details from an upcoming book suggest that Vice President JD Vance tried to help clear President Trump's name amid scrutiny over his past ties to Epstein.

According to an excerpt from The New York Times reporters Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, Vance proposed that former Fox News host Tucker Carlson interview Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell in prison. The book says that Vance believed it could help Trump if Maxwell stated he had not participated in Epstein's wrongdoing. Again, President Trump has never been accused of wrongdoing related to that case.

Well, the man charged with killing Minnesota lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark will not face the death penalty. Federal prosecutors say that Vance Boelter struck a plea deal. He was accused in federal and state court of fatally shooting the Hortmans in what authorities deemed was a politically motivated attack. Boelter also allegedly shot and wounded State Sen. John Hoffman and his wife.

Melissa Hortman was a former speaker of the Minnesota House who played a role in passing several bills during the 2023 session.

President Trump weighed in on the Senate race heating up in Maine and he called the Democratic candidate Graham Platner a "thug" and a "pig." Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, (R) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: And what's that thug that's up in Maine -- he's a thug. And they're trying to make excuses for him. I mean, he's worse than any human being that's ever run for office probably. He's just an outright pig. He's like a pig. I watched him a couple of times. He's like a pig. That's what he reminds me of. You know, I come up with good names for people, and I want to stick him with that one, although I think pigs would be very upset about it.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[05:40:00]

SMITH: Platner has been hit by multiple controversies during his run that included old Reddit posts criticizing police and white rural voters as well as revelations that he sexted with other women while he was married. Plus, there was The New York Times report that alleged unsettling and, in at least one case, physically threatening behavior towards women that he dated. Platner denies all claims of physical intimidation.

Now, Trump put his weight behind Republican incumbent Susan Collins, calling her "a sane woman."

New today, a memorial to the nine people killed in a mass shooting at a South Carolina church is almost complete. The project is designed to honor the lives of the victims shot and killed at a bible study back in 2015. Organizers hope that the tribute will serve as a safe space for education and healing.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DEONA SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MOTHER EMANUEL MEMORIAL FOUNDATION: It can be very hard to talk about what happened almost 11 years ago now. We have shown our resilience as -- the church has, the families, as well as the Charleston community, that hate didn't win and that love prevailed.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: The memorial is expected to be completed this fall.

Severe weather threats continue today after funnel clouds swept through several cities, including this one in Missouri. The National Weather Service issued tornado warnings across Illinois, Kansas, northern Missouri, and southern Iowa.

Strong winds derailed a train in Minnesota. Take a look at that. The storm also downed trees and it crushed buildings in its path. And hundreds of thousands of people are waking up today without power.

And a barn in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin -- it was destroyed by the strong storms. And it's not just any barn. The Blue Culvers barn had featured a message reading "Thank You Farmers" on it.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MICHAEL ZIMMERMAN, HAS OWNED BARN SINCE 1976: It's pretty bad. Culver's has been very good to me. Culver's -- whenever I tell them where the Culver's barn is everybody knows where I'm at and who I am. And it's just awesome. It's been awesome at Culver's, and I hope that we can get back on the same place that we were.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: And a lot of rebuilding and continued effort is going to be taking place there for sure.

All eyes are also on Mexico City today -- the iconic Aztec Stadium, which will soon host the first match of the World Cup. Co-host Mexico will face off against South Africa this afternoon. Both sides busy doing some last-minute training ahead of today's match.

But it all kicks off with the open ceremony, which will feature big- name artists from South Africa, the Latin world, and Shakira. She's set to perform the official World Cup anthem.

The U.S. and Canada will compete in their first matches tomorrow; both playing on home soil.

Not a bar tab was safe as New York Knicks fans are still celebrating the largest comeback in NBA Finals history. The Knicks wiped away a 29-point deficit to win game four against the San Antonio Spurs last night at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson leading all scorers with 36 points.

And the Garden was rocking and full of celebrities to witness that comeback. Take a look at Taylor Swift and Mariska Hargitay in matching Knicks shirts. Also, Whoopie Goldberg, Sydney Sweeney. They were in attendance last night.

The Knicks lead the series and they're just one win away from their first NBA championship since 1973. Now on the Buzz Express, the stories that have people talking.

Glenn Close is finally getting her flowers. She will finally receive an Oscar after being nominated eight times. She has long been considered among the best actors to never win an Academy Award. The 79-year-old was first nominated back in 1983 for "The World According to Garp."

Director Ridley Scott and animator Floyd Norman will also receive honorary Oscars at the annual Governor's Awards.

And are you ready for "24 Jump Street?" Reports say that Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill, and Ice Cube -- they're in talks for a third movie in that series. The first "21 Jump Street" movie came out in 2012. A sequel came out in 2014 featuring that same cast -- "22 Jump Street." And no word as to why they're skipping 23. And you may remember "21 JUMP STREET," the TV show starring Johnny Depp that premiered back in 1987.

And an epic crossover is currently happening on TV. Two of the biggest soap operas, "THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS" and "BEYOND THE GATES" are colliding in a landmark event. It is full of drama, suspense, and romance. Episodes are streaming now on Paramount Plus.

[05:45:10]

Well, next up on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, if you like to take your chances on prediction market platforms then there are new rules that you need to be aware of. We've got those details ahead.

Stay tuned. You're watching CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.

(COMMERCIAL)

SMITH: Let's go around the globe to see what else is making headlines today.

[05:50:00]

Police in Northern Ireland -- they are preparing for more days of violent anti-immigration protests. They used water cannons on an angry crowd yesterday as some threw bricks and rocks at police vehicles. The unrest comes at a time of heightened racial tensions in the U.K. and beyond. The social media and far-right figures accused of fueling divisions. Demonstrations broke out after a Sudanese man was charged in a brutal stabbing attack on Monday in Belfast.

And there's more pushback in Albania against a luxury resort backed by President Trump's daughter Ivanka and son-in-law Jared Kushner. Thousands of people returned to the streets of the capital carrying signs reading "Albania Is Not For Sale." The resort would be built near a protected area that's home to endangered species. Albania's prime minister, who supports the project, says the environmental impact has yet to be assessed.

Ooh, that is magical. A spectacular sight in Barcelona, Spain. Pope Leo inaugurated the new tower of the iconic Sagrada Familia 144 years after construction began. Thousands attended Pope Leo's mass at the Basilica on the final day of his visit to mainland Spain. During his homily he praised the building's architect as man inspired by faith. It's gorgeous there.

And from one beautiful setting to another. If you've got a cool $28 million burning a hole in your pocket maybe we can entice you with this, a private island once owned by the great grandson of the Swarovski crystal founder. The island features a 9-bedroom villa, a heating saltwater pool, vast gardens, and terraces. It also includes a private vineyard and an olive grove, and even a helicopter pad. A real estate listing says that the island is for sale for the first time in more than four decades.

I didn't hear basketball courts so I'm out of the running.

Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, a smash-and-grab caught on camera. The only thing that they were targeting -- well, that is coming up.

(COMMERCIAL)

[05:56:38]

SMITH: In today's Money Express, new numbers from the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed inflation at 4.2 percent in May. That is the highest year-over-year level in three years.

Maribel Aber joins us now with more details. Maribel, what do we know here?

MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: OK, Brad. The prices jumped again in May, hitting the highest inflation mark since May of 2023. The Consumer Price Index rose .5 percent for the month and 4.2 percent year-over-year. That's according to the Labor Department. Core inflation strips out food and energy prices. It came in at 2.9 percent.

Now, the Fed watches inflation closely when setting interest rates. And May's reading on wholesale prices is due out before the opening bell today.

The Trump administration is proposing new rules for prediction markets while still allowing most sports-related contracts. Regulators could still restrict markets seen as easier to manipulate, including player injuries and referee decisions. Critics, including some lawmakers, addiction experts, and casino groups, are pushing for tighter restrictions. They argue certain sports outcomes can be manipulated by bad actors. Prediction markets are currently regulated at the federal level rather than state-by-state.

And a Starbucks collectible that went viral last fall is back with a World Cup twist. The "Bearista" cup returns today as games kick off in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. It features a new soccer ball cap and branded scarf. U.S. sales are online only through the Starbucks shop while supplies last. I mean, you remember the first one, Brad. It's cute.

SMITH: It is. I've already seen one of those branded coffee collars as well in person, Maribel. They're pretty cool.

Thanks so much.

ABER: Thank you.

SMITH: Let's get another check-in on some of the other stories making news across the country.

We start in Georgia. That is where police used a pit maneuver to arrest a murder suspect who they say led them on a chase that reached speeds of 100 miles per hour. Take a look at this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POLICE OFFICER: 322, we are 88 miles an hour. 10-4 for pit. 322, pit, pit, pit. Rollover, rollover. Start at four. Put your hands up!

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: And you can see that car flipped before police took the man into custody. Authorities say an officer got an alert that a vehicle associated with the suspect was near the area that he was patrolling.

And in California, a drone helped deputies track down a man accused of starting a fire that threatened homes near San Diego. Authorities say he was seen using a lighter to set a palm tree on fire last month. A drone then spotted him in a riverbed and tracked his movements from the air, relaying his location to a police helicopter. Deputies eventually arrested him.

And a man is recovering after authorities say that he crashed a hang- glider-style aircraft in a lake. The pilot was found sitting on top of the aircraft's pontoons. He told rescue crews that he was about 200 feet in the air when he lost control and nose-dived into the water. He went to the hospital with some minor injuries.

[06:00:00]

All right. And got to catch them all but this is the wrong way to do it. Police are looking for a trio of thieves stealing Pokemon cards in California. It took less than 40 seconds for the suspects to leave with about $15,000 worth of cards. The owner says that he's glad his employee was not hurt. This is the second store targeted in recent weeks.

Well, that does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.