News
Clintons Agree to Testify in Epstein Probe as Congress Pauses Contempt Push
Former US President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have agreed to testify before Congress as part of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, easing a months-long standoff just days before a planned vote to hold the couple in criminal contempt.
The decision comes ahead of a looming House vote on whether to sanction the Clintons for declining to appear before the Republican-led committee. Following confirmation that both will now testify, lawmakers announced that consideration of the contempt resolutions would be postponed.
It remains unclear when the depositions will take place, but the move would mark a rare moment in congressional history. If Bill Clinton appears, he would become the first former US president to testify before a congressional panel since Gerald Ford did so in 1983.
Bill Clinton was acquainted with Epstein, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The former president has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s crimes and has said he severed ties with him more than 20 years ago. Hillary Clinton has stated that she never met or spoke to Epstein.
The Clintons had previously resisted the committee’s demands, arguing that they had already provided sworn written statements reflecting what they described as their “limited information” about Epstein. Their legal team dismissed the committee’s subpoenas as politically motivated, calling them an attempt to embarrass political rivals.
The House Oversight Committee nevertheless voted late last month to advance contempt proceedings, with the measure receiving support from several Democrats as well as Republicans. Over the weekend, lawyers for the Clintons proposed limited testimony, centred largely on a four-hour interview with Bill Clinton, though committee chairman James Comer raised concerns that such an arrangement could restrict questioning.
On Monday evening, Bill Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, Angel Ureña, confirmed on social media that both Clintons would appear before the panel.
“They negotiated in good faith,” Ureña wrote, addressing the committee. “You did not. They told you under oath what they know, but you don’t care. But the former President and former Secretary of State will be there. They look forward to setting a precedent that applies to everyone.”
Soon after, House Rules Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx said the contempt vote would be delayed to allow more time “to clarify with the Clintons what they are actually agreeing to”. Chairman Comer said he would review the terms and then consult with committee members on the next steps.
Neither Bill nor Hillary Clinton has been accused of wrongdoing by survivors of Epstein’s abuse, and both have firmly denied any knowledge of his criminal activities. Supporters of the move to testify say it could help bring greater transparency to the investigation and reduce political tensions surrounding the inquiry.
News
One Killed as Train Derails After Collision With Truck in Poland
One passenger has been killed after an intercity train collided with a concrete mixer truck at a level crossing in Poland.
The train derailed following the crash at Sokolniki Suche, around 100km (60 miles) south of Warsaw, at about 11:20 local time (09:20 GMT).
Around 120 people were on board the train when the collision occurred. National long-distance rail operator PKP Intercity said 20 people were injured, including four who suffered serious injuries.
Reports from the scene said the level crossing was equipped with traffic lights and barriers, while the concrete mixer struck a carriage behind the train’s engine.
The exact sequence of events remains unclear and an investigation is expected to establish how the collision happened.
The incident is the second serious crash at a Polish level crossing in just a few days.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the latest accident as “very serious” and called for tougher regulations governing level crossings.
He said there was a need for the rules to be “radically toughened” to deal with drivers who repeatedly ignore barriers and red warning lights at railway crossings.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
News
US to Ban Imports of Canadian Alcohol, Dairy Products and Motorbikes
The United States is set to ban imports of a range of Canadian products, including alcoholic spirits, some dairy goods and motorbikes, following the introduction of retaliatory Canadian tariffs on American goods.
In a series of executive orders issued on Tuesday, President Donald Trump accused Canada of “discriminating” against the US and announced that the new import restrictions would take effect on 29 September.
The measures are the latest development in a months-long trade dispute between the two neighbours, who have historically been close allies and major trading partners.
Officials from both countries have said they want to reach a new trade agreement, but no further negotiations have been scheduled since talks broke down in late August.
Canada’s Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc described the latest US measures as “unjustified” and said he would work to protect Canadian workers, families and businesses.
“Our core focus is on what we can control: building strength at home, diversifying our partnerships abroad, and building Canada strong for all Canadians,” LeBlanc said.
He added that he had spoken with his US counterpart and remained committed to working “in good faith” to resolve the trade tensions.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said earlier on Tuesday that reducing the country’s reliance on the US as its largest trading partner “will come at a cost”.
The US is by far Canada’s most important export market, with more than two-thirds of Canadian exports generally going south of the border.
According to UN data compiled by Trading Economics, Canadian exports to the US in 2025 included $687m (£507m) worth of alcoholic spirits, $269m of dairy products and $90m of motorbikes.
News
King Charles Rules Out Royal Duties for Harry and Meghan After UK Return
King Charles has made clear that Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, will remain non-working royals despite their return to the UK.
A letter sent on behalf of the King states that the couple will not be permitted to carry out official royal engagements or represent the Royal Family.
Harry and Meghan, who moved back to the UK with their children, Archie and Lilibet, will continue to be treated as private citizens. They will also not use the HRH titles of His and Her Royal Highness.
The letter, issued by the Lord Chamberlain, one of the most senior officials in the Royal Household, has reportedly been sent to Harry’s team, government departments, military officials and Lord Lieutenants.
It makes clear that any public engagements undertaken by the Sussexes will be carried out in a private capacity and should not be treated as official royal visits.
The intervention comes ahead of expected public appearances by Harry and Meghan in the UK this autumn as they settle back into the country and continue supporting their charitable causes.
The King’s message also reinforces the arrangements agreed in 2020, when the Sussexes stepped back from royal duties under the so-called Sandringham Agreement.
The agreement ruled out a “half-in, half-out” arrangement that would have allowed Harry and Meghan to retain working royal status while pursuing independent commercial interests.
The letter states that the couple “stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of the Sovereign” in January 2020 and “are no longer working members of the Royal Family”.
It adds that their charitable activities are “a personal matter for them both” and are undertaken in their private capacity.
The King’s message also says organisations seeking guidance on how Harry and Meghan should be received, particularly where public funds could be involved, should contact Buckingham Palace.
The issue of security remains separate. The letter states that operational security matters should continue to be handled by the relevant police authorities.
Harry has previously complained about the level of police protection available to him and his family in the UK. Decisions over security for royals and other prominent figures are handled by the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, known as Ravec.
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