Global World News Digest
Multi-Source Editorial Roundup • Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Clintons agree to testify on Epstein as vote looms to hold them in contempt of Congress
The couple bows to the House Oversight Committee’s demands after arguing for months that its subpoenas were invalid.
Paris prosecutors raid France offices of Elon Musk’s X
The Paris prosecutor says its cyber-crime unit is conducting a search of X’s offices.
Rape trial begins for son of Norway’s crown princess in tense moment for royal family
Marius Borg Høiby is accused of 38 charges including four counts of rape in one of the biggest cases in Norway for years.
Iran’s president says it will negotiate with the US
Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would pursue “fair and equitable” talks, as the US builds up forces in the region.
After months of acrimony, Colombia’s Petro is about to meet Trump
Despite some recent cordiality, the Colombian and American leaders have long traded barbs and accusations.
China bans hidden car door handles over safety concerns
It makes China the first country to stop the use of designs first made popular by Elon Musk’s Tesla.
Israel reopens Gaza’s key Rafah border crossing with Egypt
Only a few Palestinian patients managed to get out of Gaza to Egypt for medical treatment after Monday’s reopening.
Trump seeks $1bn in damages from Harvard
The announcement is the latest development in the White House’s ongoing feud with the Ivy League institution.
Air India grounds Boeing jet after pilot flags possible fuel control switch defect
The grounding comes amid an investigation into a crash last year involving an aircraft of the same model.
Fifa president ‘infantile’ for wanting to lift Russia ban, Ukraine minister says
Ukraine’s sports minister calls Fifa president Gianni Infantino “irresponsible” and “infantile” for saying it will look at lifting a ban on Russia.
Federal officers in Minneapolis to get body cameras ‘effective immediately’
The decision follows bipartisan push for more accountablility after two US citizens were shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minnesota.
Eighty kidnapped Nigerians return home after escape
They were among 177 people seized last month from three churches in northern Kaduna state.
Ukraine hails ‘real results’ after Musk restricts Russian Starlink use
Starlink-enabled drones have been linked to a number of recent deadly attacks by Russia on Ukraine.
Beijing criticises Dalai Lama Grammy win as ‘manipulation’
The Buddhist spiritual leader is recognised in the audiobook category for his meditations.
Trump threatens to sue Trevor Noah over Epstein joke at Grammys
The US president labels Noah a “total loser” over a joke he told on stage during the awards ceremony.
Shanties in a Lagos lagoon: Bulldozed and burnt
Residents suspect the demolitions are aimed at gentrifying the waterfront in Nigeria’s biggest city, but officials deny this.
Hope and uncertainty as India and US strike long-delayed trade deal
Indian industry has welcomed lower tariffs, but experts caution against celebration until details are clearer.
‘Enemy’ insults and questioning Putin: Steve Rosenberg on tightrope of reporting from Russia
The BBC’s Russia editor reflects on the difficulties of working as a British journalist in Moscow.
Syria’s only female minister pushes for change: ‘I’m not here for window dressing’
The BBC’s Lyse Doucet follows Hind Kabawat as she confronts the challenges of fragmented, post-Assad Syria.
Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers
Chief executive Brian Niccol explains why he thinks AI will help the coffee giant regain its buzz.
Three West African juntas have turned to Russia. Now the US wants to engage them
The US signals that restoring democracy is no longer a priority and it is ready to work with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
India’s snakebite crisis is killing tens of thousands every year
A new report has found that 99% of healthcare workers in India face challenges administering antivenom.
BBC reports from Oslo court ahead of rape trial of Crown Princess’s son
Norway’s royal family has been embroiled in recent scandals, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit links with Epstein.
Watch: Why is no-one being prosecuted over the Epstein files?
Gary O’Donoghue looks at why no prosecutions have yet come from the release of millions of documents.
‘Pay and smile’ – Rome visitors face Trevi Fountain charge
Italy’s capital city has introduced a €2 fee to access the viewing area of its iconic fountain, which had previously been free to visit.
Watch: Snake at train station scares Sydney commuters
People were seen running away as soon as they came across the venomous snake.
Watch: Giant rat leads floating parade to kick off 2026 Venice Carnival
The grand opening took place on Sunday, with a variety of boats and floats making their way through the city’s canals.
Watch: Frozen river hosts dance party in Kyiv
Residents in the Ukrainian capital are finding joy in unusual places, despite power cuts caused by Russian attacks and freezing winter temperatures.
Watch: Batman tells city council to not assist ICE at Super Bowl
The unidentified man dressed as Batman addressed Santa Clara city officials to condemn the city’s position on cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.