Global World News Digest
Multi-Source Editorial Roundup • Tuesday, 3 February 2026
Thousands of Epstein documents taken down after victims identified
The US Department of Justice faces criticism from victims after names and unredacted images included in latest release.
US says it shot down Iranian drone flying towards aircraft carrier
A US military spokesman says the drone was shot down while approaching an American vessel in the Arabian Sea.
Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the move will protect children from the “digital Wild West”.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of ex-Libyan leader, reportedly shot dead
The 53-year-old, who was once widely seen as the second most powerful person in Libya, was killed on Tuesday according to Libyan media.
Trial of Norway crown princess’ son hears tearful account in rape trial
The first alleged victim begins giving evidence in Marius Borg Høiby’s trial for rape and more than 30 other alleged offences.
Watch: BBC joins Colombian commandos fighting ‘never-ending battle’ against drug gangs
As the US and Colombian presidents meet, Orla Guerin joins a police unit tasked with finding and destroying jungle cocaine labs.
Fourteen migrants dead after collision with Greek coastguard boat
The coastguard said a pursuit was under way at the time of the collision, near the island of Chios.
‘I was thinking about mum’: Boy, 13, swims for hours to save family swept out to sea
Austin Applebee recounts his ‘superhuman’ swim which saved the lives of his mother and siblings in Australia.
Seven million cancers a year are preventable, says report
Scientists say there is a powerful opportunity to save lives because nearly 40% of cancers are preventable.
House shelves contempt vote as Clintons agree to testify in Epstein investigation
The couple will appear on two separate days in late February for a deposition after coming to an agreement with the House oversight committee.
‘Record number of missiles’ hit Ukraine leaving thousands with no heating in -20C
The attack – which reportedly consisted of more than 70 missiles and 450 drones – comes after a so-called “energy truce” expired at the weekend.
France teacher fighting for life after knife attack by pupil
A 14-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in a classroom on Tuesday.
Restored angel fresco resembling Italian PM Meloni sparks investigation
The artist has denied modelling the fresco on the prime minister.
Bus carrying pilgrims overturns in Brazil killing 15 on board
Three children are among those who died in the accident, which happened on the return leg of their journey.
Son of Norway’s crown princess hears details of rape charges in tense trial 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.
X offices raided in France as UK opens fresh investigation into Grok
Elon Musk’s X and Grok platforms are facing increased scrutiny from authorities on both sides of the channel.
Two arrested over attempted sabotage of German naval vessels
Two port workers are accused of trying to damage military ships, including by dumping gravel into an engine.
Chappell Roan says revealing Grammys outfit wasn’t ‘that outrageous’
The US pop star drew attention for her breast-baring chiffon Mugler dress at Sunday’s ceremony.
Trump says Republicans ‘should take over the voting’ and ‘nationalise’ US elections
American elections are primarily run by state law, and voting is administered by local officials across the country.
No defect found in switch of jet grounded by Air India – regulator
The Boeing 787-8 jet was grounded after a pilot reported a possible issue with the fuel control switch.
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.
Gazans returning through Rafah crossing describe checks by Palestinian militia
One Palestinian woman said members of the Israel-linked militia searched them and their belongings at an Israeli checkpoint inside Gaza.
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 on the front line with Colombia’s war on drugs
BBC Senior international correspondent Orla Guerin joined a special operation over Colombia’s cocaine heartland, tasked with destroying crude cocaine labs hidden deep in the jungle.