BBC News Digest
Saturday, 31 January 2026
Photos released in Epstein files appear to show Andrew on all fours over female
The photos put further pressure on Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after years of scrutiny over his relationship with Epstein. He has always denied any wrongdoing.
Takeaways from the millions of newly released Epstein files
Three million new documents include hundreds of mentions of Trump and emails between Epstein and a person called “The Duke”.
I mocked the Saudi leader on YouTube – then my phone was hacked and I was beaten up in London
Satirist Ghanem al-Masarir has been awarded £3m in damages, but it’s unclear if Saudi Arabia will pay.
Pedro Pascal and Meryl Streep lead tributes to Catherine O’Hara
The Canadian comedic actress died in Los Angeles on Friday at the age of 71 following a brief illness.
‘A vaccine against murder’? Israel split over return of death penalty
In a highly controversial move, some Israeli MPs are trying to introduce the death penalty for Palestinian attackers.
Phone lines stay open as tax return deadline looms
More than one million people missed the deadline a year ago, according to HM Revenue and Customs.
One wrong move and it could all go wrong – the men clearing deadly undersea Russian mines
Clearing mines from the sea is a perilous operation and doing so in an active conflict is even more dangerous.
Has Harry Styles killed the world tour?
Artists including Ariana Grande are opting for longer residencies in key cities rather than touring more locations.
Parents want to ban smartphones in schools, but there’s one reason they’re worried
The House of Lords is soon due to debate whether to introduce a legal ban on smartphones in schools.
Plan ahead and dress wisely: How to minimise add-on costs when you fly
Don’t get swept into paying for extras you don’t need.
An ingredient for this curry is missing – and in eight minutes it’s at the door
India’s quick-commerce boom means groceries in minutes – but it can be dangerous for riders.
What we learned – and didn’t – from the Melania documentary
Melania, directed by Brett Ratner, provides a fleeting glimpse into the life of the enigmatic first lady.
US government partially shuts down despite last minute funding deal
The soonest the US House of Representatives can vote on the funding deal and end the shutdown is Monday.
Ukrainians brace for -20C despite energy truce: ‘It will be a catastrophe’
Already facing electricity cuts, civilians are struggling to keep warm in their own homes as temperatures are set to plummet.
The Papers: ‘Epstein invited to Palace’ and ‘I have Russian friend for you’
Revelations from newly released documents related to Jeffrey Epstein dominate Saturday’s papers.
Chris Mason: What Starmer’s China reset tells us about his foreign policy
The prime minister has set out his vision – and now begun to match it with actions and overseas visits.
This tiny Australian town is up for sale – but the locals don’t want to leave
Residents say the sale of Licola – population, five – jeopardises its future.
US cities hold anti-ICE protests during nationwide day of action
Demonstrations were held to protest the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis.
Sea search for missing girl ‘hindered by storm’
Inaayah Makda was hit by a wave as she and her parents sat on a beach in Morocco, her family says.
‘I spoke to ChatGPT 8 times a day’ – Gen Z’s loneliness ‘crisis’
AI chatbots are being used as ‘surrogate friends’ by young people who have lost the ability to socialise.