Global World News Digest
Multi-Source Editorial Roundup • Sunday, 1 February 2026
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”.
Rape trial puts Norway’s royal family in unwelcome glare of public
Marius Borg Høiby, the crown prince’s blond stepson, is accused of 38 charges in a case that has attracted global interest.
Deadly gun and bomb attacks hit Pakistan’s Balochistan province
The Pakistani military says 31 civilians and 17 security forces were killed and its response killed 145 attackers.
Slovakia PM’s national security adviser resigns over Epstein links
Miroslav Lajčák steps down after newly released exchanges showed him discussing girls and diplomacy with the late sex offender.
LA 2028 Olympics chief ‘deeply regrets’ flirty emails with Ghislaine Maxwell
Casey Wasserman’s flirty emails were among millions of files published by the US Department of Justice on Friday.
Israeli air strikes kill at least 32 Palestinians in Gaza, rescue officials say
Israel’s military confirmed the strikes, which come during a ceasefire that Israel and Hamas accuse each other of breaking.
Grammy Awards 2026: How to watch and who will win
Who’s performing, who will win, and everything else you need to know about the 2026 Grammy ceremony.
Five killed in gas explosions in Iran, officials say
Fourteen people are reportedly injured after separate blasts were reported on Saturday.
Judge orders release of five-year-old detained by ICE in Minneapolis
The detention of pre-schooler Liam Conejo Ramos, pictured wearing a blue bunny-shaped hat and a Spider-Man backpack, sparked national outcry.
Iran in ‘serious discussions’ with US, Trump says, as military threat looms
Iran is expected to begin a live-fire naval exercise in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
US Commerce Secretary Lutnick planned Epstein island visit, emails show
The emails show Lutnick and his family planned a trip to Little Saint James, a private island Epstein purchased in 1998.
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.
Musk’s SpaceX applies to launch a million satellites into orbit
The firm wants to create a network of “orbital data centres” to power artificial intelligence.
Pokémon cancels event at controversial Japan shrine following backlash
The event, advertised through official channels, was criticised in China for being held at a military memorial.
Israel eyes regime change in Iran – and is counting on Trump to make it happen
Analysts believe PM Netanyahu is urging the US towards maximalist strikes.
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.
Israel split over plans to bring back death penalty for deadly attacks
In a highly controversial move, some Israeli MPs are trying to introduce the death penalty for Palestinian attackers.
Iran wants to make deal rather than face military action, Trump says
Tehran has said it will never negotiate on its missile and defence systems, but that it is open to talks.
Canada’s Poilievre sweeps Conservative party leadership test with 87.4%
The opposition leader received a strong show of support from party delegates, despite the recent electoral loss against the Liberals.
This army chief threatened to castrate opposition leader and claimed descent from Jesus
The Ugandan president’s son, notorious for explosive remarks on X, has ambitions to succeed his father.
More than 200 killed in mine collapse in DR Congo
The mine gave way after heavy rains on Wednesday, a local rebel spokesman says.
UN risks ‘imminent financial collapse’, secretary general warns
António Guterres says the international body could run out of money by July due to members’ unpaid fees.
Luigi Mangione will not face death penalty if convicted, judge rules
A judge dismisses two federal counts against the 27-year-old, but he still faces state murder charges.
Mali lawmaker jailed in Ivory Coast for insulting president
Prosecutors say Mamadou Hawa Gassama described Alassane Ouattara as a “tyrant” and “an enemy of Mali”.
Trump picks Kevin Warsh to lead the US Federal Reserve
The 55-year-old economist had been considered for Fed chair during Trump’s first term.
The king’s speech – and why it has foreigners in South Africa worried
The Zulu king was trying to calm anti-migrant feelings but ended up using a highly derogatory phrase.
How ICE raids changed a once bustling Chicago neighbourhood
Businesses in Little Village – known as the “Mexico of the Midwest” – are suffering after weeks of immigration raids.
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.
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.
Stay or go – what’s next for coyote that escaped to Alcatraz?
The canine is surviving on a diet of birds after swimming to the isolated prison island.