26

Feb

Israel, Hamas skirmish in Gaza as truce efforts pick up pace

By Dan Williams and Nidal al-Mughrabi JERUSALEM/CAIRO, Feb 25 (Reuters) - Israeli troops and Palestinian gunmen clashed throughout the Gaza Strip over the weekend, as mediators picked up the pace…

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26

Feb

Mauritius stops Norwegian Cruise Line ship from docking, cites health risk

Mauritius stopped a ship belonging to Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings from docking at its ports due to what it said was a health risk and took samples from about 15…

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26

Feb

UPDATED: Hungary will approve Sweden’s NATO bid on Monday, PM Orban says

Sweden to join NATO after Hungary ratification due Monday NATO membership will end long military non-alignment NATO accession spurred by Russia's invasion of Ukraine Finland already joined NATO last year…

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26

Feb

‘Nikki who?’: Trump campaign dismisses Haley after South Carolina win, she vows to fight on

By Nathan Layne, Alexandra Ulmer and Gram Slattery COLUMBIA, South Carolina (Reuters) - Donald Trump's campaign plans to treat Nikki Haley as irrelevant after he won the Republican primary in…

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26

Feb

US says Yemen’s Houthis ballistic missile misses US tanker Torm Thor

CAIRO, Feb 26 (Reuters) - The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said early on Monday that Yemen's Houthis launched one anti-ship ballistic missile likely targeting the MV Torm Thor, but missed…

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26

Feb

Zelenskiy says 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed since Russia invaded

KYIV, (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Sunday that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed since Russia's full-scale invasion two years ago, giving the first official figure for more…

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26

Feb

Malta News Briefing – Monday 26 February 2024

Morning Briefing e-money firm at centre of major investigation - reportAn e-money company located in Gżira has become a focal point in an international investigation into an alleged "Russian-Eurasian criminal…

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25

Feb

Anti-Trump Republicans wonder if they still have a political home

By Alexandra Ulmer and Nathan Layne GEORGETOWN, South Carolina, Feb 24 (Reuters) - As Donald Trump comes close to clinching a third presidential nomination, anti-Trump Republicans are facing a sobering…

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25

Feb

Swiss cracking down on attempts to evade Russian sanctions

Switzerland is increasing its efforts to crack down on companies and individuals who are using the neutral country to circumvent sanctions imposed on Russia. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs…

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25

Feb

How life in Ukraine has been shattered by two years of war

Village far from fighting hit hard by war Conflict felt far and wide as enters 3rd year Widows struggle, classrooms are empty Volunteers thrive off spirit of defiance By Charlotte…

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24

Feb

What are the security deals Ukraine is discussing with allies?

By Tom Balmforth KYIV (Reuters) - Denmark and the Netherlands became the latest NATO members to sign a 10-year agreement on security cooperation with Ukraine on Friday, the eve of…

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24

Feb

Florida lawmakers pass bill to ban social media for anyone under 16

By Gabriella Borter  (Reuters) - Florida's Republican-controlled legislature has passed legislation that would ban anyone under age 16 from social media platforms in a move that supporters have said would…

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24

Feb

King Charles cheered by get-well cards

Britain's King Charles was shown on Friday reading and chuckling at some of the thousands of cards sent to him by well wishers since it was announced he was receiving…

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24

Feb

World leaders offer support to Ukraine on anniversary of Russian invasion

Feb 24 (Reuters) - Western leaders have been voicing their solidarity with Ukraine on the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Here are some of the latest comments: U.S. PRESIDENT…

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24

Feb

European leaders in Kyiv pledge to back Ukraine on war anniversary

Four Western leaders in Kyiv to show solidarity Biden to join G7 video conference, Zelenskiy invited Russian drones hit Odesa, Ukraine attacks Russian steel plant Russia launched full-scale invasion of…

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24

Feb

Trump eyes another easy win in South Carolina as Haley vows to fight on

By Alexandra Ulmer and Joseph Ax COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Donald Trump is seeking to cement his status as the Republican Party's effective presidential nominee in Saturday's…

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24

Feb

British Health Secretary set to back decriminalisation of abortion

Victoria Atkins , the British Health Secretary has indicated that she would back the decriminalisation of abortion, as MPs prepare to vote on the first major changes in the law…

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24

Feb

Pope cancels Saturday meetings because of mild flu – Vatican

VATICAN CITY, Feb 24 (Reuters) - Pope Francis cancelled his meetings on Saturday because of mild flu, the Vatican said in a statement. The 87-year-old pontiff holds regular audiences with…

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24

Feb

Church of England mulls asylum seeker change amid conversion row

By Muvija M The Church of England (CoE) is considering updating its guidance to clergy on supporting and ministering to asylum seekers, amid concerns that religious conversions are being exploited…

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24

Feb

German union calls six-day public transport strike for next week

German trade union Verdi called a near-nationwide public transport strike for the second time this month, raising pressure on employers in a dispute over pay and working conditions. The strike…

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24

Feb

China’s “dragon” baby boom may boost population in 2024- report

HONG KONG, (Reuters) - More babies are being born in hospitals across China in the Year of the Dragon, financial news outlet Yicai reported, an increase which could soften the…

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24

Feb

Gaza ceasefire talks underway in Paris as air strikes continue

By Nidal Al-Mughrabi and Bassam Masoud Head of Israel's Mossad meets mediators in Paris Hamas accuses Netanyahu of procrastinating Gaza medics say air strike kills comedian's family CAIRO/RAFAH, Gaza Strip,…

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24

Feb

UK and EU to share intelligence on gangs trafficking migrants in new deal

Britain will gain access to the EU's intelligence on criminal gangs involved in human trafficking as part of a deal with the bloc's border protection agency, Frontex, in another sign…

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24

Feb

Ukraine’s defences under strain as war enters its third year

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine two years ago The war has cost tens of thousands of lives, billions in damage Kyiv badly needs military and other aid from…

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24

Feb

Tunisia court sentences ex-president Marzouki to 8 years in absentia

By Tarek Amara TUNIS, (Reuters) - A Tunisian court sentenced former President Moncef Marzouki to eight years in prison in absentia on charges of assaulting the state security and inciting…

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24

Feb

Bezos, Nvidia join OpenAI in funding humanoid robot startup

(Reuters) - Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, Nvidia and other big technology names are investing in startup Figure AI that develops human-like robots, Bloomberg News reported, citing people with knowledge of…

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24

Feb

Trump formally ordered to pay $454 million in New York fraud case

By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK, (Reuters) - Donald Trump was formally ordered by a New York judge to pay $454.2 million after being found liable for manipulating his net worth,…

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24

Feb

US military says it destroyed seven Houthi missiles targeted at Red Sea

(Reuters) - The U.S. military said that it had destroyed seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that the Houthi group in Yemen was preparing to launch at targets in the Red…

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24

Feb

Moon lander Odysseus tipped sideways on lunar surface but ‘alive and well’

By Steve Gorman and Joey Roulette (Reuters) - The moon lander dubbed Odysseus is "alive and well" but resting on its side a day after its white-knuckle touchdown as the…

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24

Feb

Swiss still love physical cash despite rise of payment apps

ZURICH, (Reuters) - Switzerland is still in love with bank notes and coins, a survey by the central bank showed, despite the growth of mobile payment apps and predictions of…

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24

Feb

Malta News Briefing – Saturday 24 February 2024

Morning Briefing Deficit slightly down, but debt approaches €10bn - NSO The Government’s Consolidated Fund reported a deficit of €82.3 million in January, €38.7 million lower than in the same…

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23

Feb

Saudi sovereign wealth fund pitches kingdom as AI hub

MIAMI (Reuters) - The head of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) pitched the kingdom as a prospective hub for artificial intelligence activity outside the United States, citing its energy…

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23

Feb

Hungary buys Swedish fighter jets, prepares to approve NATO bid

By Krisztina Than and Johan Ahlander BUDAPEST/STOCKHOLM, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Hungary said on Friday it had signed a deal to buy four Saab JAS Gripen fighter jets from Sweden,…

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23

Feb

To increase interest in national defense, Finland plans to open 300 shooting ranges.

Finland has announced it will open 300 shooting ranges in a bid to encourage citizens to take a greater interest in national defence. A member of Finland’s defence committee said…

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23

Feb

British security forces make record breaking 5.7 tonne cocaine seizure

The British National Crime Agency and Border Force have made what is believed to be the biggest ever seizure of class A drugs in the UK. https://twitter.com/NCA_UK/status/1760932577169314092 The haul of…

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23

Feb

Smartphones and tablets to be banned in Italian schools

The use of smartphones and tablets is to be banned in Italian classrooms even for teaching purposes under new guidelines to be issued shortly, Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara said in…

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23

Feb

Romania president seeks to challenge Rutte for top NATO job

Romania notified allies that President Klaus Iohannis was considering challenging frontrunner Mark Rutte for the NATO top job. Iohannis' last-minute move comes as the biggest powers in the 31-strong alliance…

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23

Feb

Four dead, up to 14 missing in Spain apartment building fire

By Antoine Demaison and Marco Trujillo VALENCIA, Spain, Feb 23 (Reuters) - At least four people were killed in a fire that engulfed an apartment building in Valencia in eastern…

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23

Feb

UPDATED: Germany joins legal cannabis club

By Thomas Escritt BERLIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Germany on Friday joined the small group of countries and jurisdictions that have legalised cannabis when the Bundestag passed a law allowing…

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23

Feb

Hungary nominates new president

Hungary’s ruling party nominated little-known judge Tamás Sulyok as the country’s new president, seeking to quiet a political crisis that saw the resignation of the previous head of state. Hungarian…

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23

Feb

Sweden has around 62,000 persons linked to criminal gangs, police say

STOCKHOLM, Feb 23 (Reuters) - About 62,000 persons are active in, or have connections to, criminal networks in Sweden, the police said on Friday, where the authorities have struggled for…

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23

Feb

UPDATED: Vienna court finds Austrian ex-Chancellor Kurz guilty of perjury

By Francois Murphy VIENNA, Feb 23 (Reuters) - A Vienna court on Friday found Austria's conservative former Chancellor Sebastian Kurz guilty of perjury and handed him an eight-month suspended prison…

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23

Feb

Putin says 95% of Russia’s nuclear forces have been modernised

MOSCOW, Feb 23 (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin said on Friday that 95% of Russia's strategic nuclear forces had been modernised and that the Air Force had just taken delivery…

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23

Feb

Houthis to step up Red Sea strikes, use ‘submarine weapons’

By Jonathan Saul and Nayera Abdallah Houthis formalise ban on ships linked to Israel, US, Britain Houthi attacks show no sign of abating despite US, UK strikes Affected waters account…

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23

Feb

Coordinated European police action against one of the largest networks smuggling migrants across the English Channel

A large-scale operation involving law enforcement and judicial authorities from Belgium, France and Germany, coordinated by Europol and Eurojust, led to the dismantling of one of the most active networks…

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23

Feb

Israeli negotiators to take part in new Gaza ceasefire talks, source and media say

Israel to take part in Paris talks this weekend - source Officials from US, Egypt, Qatar to also participate Israel strikes Rafah, Gaza ministry says at least 120 killed Israeli…

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23

Feb

UPDATED: Biden imposes 500 new sanctions on Russia, White House says

Feb 23 (Reuters) - U.S. President Joe Biden on Friday announced more than 500 new sanctions against Russia for its war in Ukraine and the death of Alexei Navalny, the…

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23

Feb

More Australian towns threatened by massive bushfire

By Renju Jose SYDNEY, Feb 23 (Reuters) - Fresh evacuation warnings were issued on Friday for dozens of rural Australian towns as around 1,000 firefighters battled a bushfire in Victoria…

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23

Feb

UK announces new Russia sanctions to mark Ukraine invasion anniversary

Britain targets arms supply chain and revenue sources Package comes day after EU approves its own sanctions UK also planning to tighten shipping restrictions By Muvija M and William James…

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23

Feb

US achieves first moon landing in half century with private spacecraft

By Steve Gorman and Joey Roulette Feb 23 (Reuters) - A spacecraft built and flown by Texas-based company Intuitive Machines landed near the moon's south pole on Thursday, the first…

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23

Feb

Malta News Briefing – Friday 23 February 2024

Morning Briefing ECJ says Maltese tax on used cars is illegal The European Court of Justice has declared as illegal an increased license fee for used cars registered before 2009.…

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22

Feb

Ukraine says Russia has launched over 8,000 missiles, 4,630 drones during war

KYIV, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Russia has launched more than 8,000 missiles and 4,630 drones at targets in Ukraine since its invasion two years ago, Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yuriy…

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22

Feb

Major Alabama hospital pauses IVF after court rules frozen embryos are children

A ruling from the Alabama Supreme Court that frozen embryos are considered children, and that a person could be held liable for accidentally destroying them, has opened up a new…

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22

Feb

Romanian ruling parties back joint lists for EU election to fend off far-right

BUCHAREST, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Romania's ruling coalition of centre-right Liberals and leftist Social Democrats will run on joint lists in the European Parliament election on June 9, their leaders…

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22

Feb

UK economy puts recession behind it but price pressures rise, PMI survey shows

By William Schomberg LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Britain's economy kept up its early 2024 momentum with a survey showing strong growth for services firms and business optimism at a…

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22

Feb

UPDATED: USA and UK back Dutch PM Rutte to become next NATO Chief

BRUSSELS/LONDON, Feb 22 (Reuters) - The United States and Britain backed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Thursday to succeed Jens Stoltenberg as the next secretary general of NATO,…

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22

Feb

Russia to bite off much more of Ukraine, Putin ally Medvedev says

MOSCOW, Feb 22 (Reuters) - Russian troops will go much further into Ukraine, taking the southern city of Odesa and may even one day push on to the capital Kyiv,…

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