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On February 24, 2026, Laurence des Cars resigned as Louvre director following a $102 million jewel heist, ongoing strikes, and security failures. President Macron accepted her resignation, citing the need for stability and renewed leadership to advance major security and modernization projects at the world’s largest museum.
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French officials blocked Jared Kushner from accessing government ministers after he failed to attend a scheduled meeting to explain controversial comments about far-left violence and Quentin Deranque's death. The incident marks a diplomatic rift amid ongoing disagreements between France and the US, with France demanding explanations and Kushner citing personal commitments.
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Senegal's parliament is set to pass a bill criminalizing same-sex relations, increasing penalties and broadening the scope of 'unnatural acts.' The legislation follows recent arrests and social media homophobia, with the bill awaiting a parliamentary vote. Critics warn it worsens human rights conditions.
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Russian authorities are investigating Telegram founder Pavel Durov on suspicion of aiding terrorism, amid ongoing efforts to restrict the platform. The FSB claims Telegram refuses to cooperate, citing security concerns, as Russia pushes users toward a state-controlled app for surveillance.
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On February 24, 2026, Australia’s Royal Commission into the December 14 Bondi Beach massacre began, led by retired judge Virginia Bell. The inquiry will investigate the terror attack, antisemitism, and social cohesion, with a report due by December. The accused, Naveed Akram, faces terrorism and murder charges; his father was killed during the attack. The commission will examine security failures and intelligence effectiveness.
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On February 24, 2026, Ukraine commemorates four years since Russia's full-scale invasion. President Zelenskyy asserts Ukraine has defended its sovereignty despite Russia's military efforts. European allies visit Kyiv amid stalled peace talks and Hungary's veto on new sanctions and loans. The conflict remains Europe's deadliest since WWII, with ongoing diplomatic and military challenges.
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A bomb attack near Savyolovsky station in Moscow resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to two others. The attacker approached a traffic police vehicle and detonated an explosive, with the incident occurring on the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Authorities launched a criminal investigation, but motives remain unclear.
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U.S. military leaders, including General Dan Caine, express concerns over a potential strike on Iran, citing risks of high casualties, depleted munitions, and lack of regional support. President Trump claims Caine believes a war could be 'easily won,' amid ongoing tensions over Iran's nuclear program and regional conflicts.
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Lebanese officials warn of potential Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure amid escalating tensions with Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups. The US orders embassy personnel to leave Beirut as fears of conflict grow, with Israel warning of possible strikes if Hezbollah intervenes. The situation remains highly volatile today, February 24, 2026.
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Melvin Trotter, 65, is scheduled for execution in Florida after multiple legal appeals. His case follows Florida's record 19 executions in 2025, with the state leading US death penalties under Gov. DeSantis. Trotter's appeals were denied, and his final bid is pending before the US Supreme Court.
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A Beechcraft C90 air ambulance operated by Redbird Airways crashed shortly after takeoff from Ranchi, Jharkhand, killing all seven onboard. The aircraft was transporting a critically ill patient to Delhi amid bad weather conditions. Investigations are underway, with weather suspected as a key factor.
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North Korea's ruling Workers' Party held its once-in-five-years congress in Pyongyang, re-electing Kim Jong Un as leader and promoting his sister, Kim Yo Jong, to a full department director. The event focused on economic development and nuclear program updates amid high-level party mobilization.
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Lebanese authorities report progress in disarming Hezbollah, with the army completing the first phase of a plan to restrict weapons north of the Litani River. The government grants four months for the second phase, amid Hezbollah's rejection and Israeli concerns over security threats.
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Several African nationals, including Nigerians and South Africans, have been recruited or coerced into fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Investigations reveal deceptive recruitment tactics promising jobs and education, but many end up on the front lines with little training. Governments warn citizens against illegal foreign recruitment schemes.
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Panama's government has taken control of the ports at Balboa and Cristobal, citing an unlawful takeover. This follows a Supreme Court ruling invalidating CK Hutchison's port contracts amid tensions involving China, the US, and Panama. The move impacts global trade through the Panama Canal.
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Guinea and Sierra Leone are embroiled in a border dispute, with recent tensions escalating after Guinean forces detained Sierra Leonean security personnel near Kaliyereh. The incident follows a long-standing territorial disagreement rooted in the Sierra Leone civil war, with diplomatic efforts underway to resolve the crisis.
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German Chancellor Merz is visiting China for two days to discuss trade, security, and geopolitical issues. The trip aims to balance economic interests with concerns over China's backing of Russia and its policies affecting Germany, while reaffirming Germany's alliance with the U.S. as tensions rise globally.
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Israel plans to ban 37 aid organizations by March 1, citing security concerns and new registration rules. The NGOs warn the move will cause a humanitarian crisis, as many rely on these groups for essential services. The aid groups have appealed for a court halt, arguing the rules violate international law and threaten aid delivery.
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In February 2026, two tigers in Chiang Mai parks died from canine distemper virus (CDV) and bacterial infection. Authorities confirmed no bird flu link, but investigations remain ongoing. No human infections have been reported, and the parks remain closed as health monitoring continues.
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Japan has issued a blacklist of 20 entities involved in military capability enhancement, prohibiting exports and transfers of dual-use items from China. This move follows increased security concerns and recent Chinese restrictions on Japanese firms, amid ongoing regional tensions and Japan's efforts to bolster defense cooperation with Europe.
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Recent reports show 6.5 million people in Somalia will face crisis-level food insecurity by March 2026, with nearly 1.84 million children suffering malnutrition. Water shortages, conflict, and funding cuts have worsened the situation, with urgent aid needed as drought persists into the main rainy season.
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Savannah Guthrie's family is offering a $1 million reward for information on her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, last seen outside Tucson on Jan. 31. Authorities believe she was kidnapped, but little evidence has been publicly revealed. The family hopes for her safe return amid ongoing investigations.
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Recent near-miss involving a Learjet near New Jersey has intensified debate over proposed aviation safety legislation. The bipartisan ROTOR Act, aimed at improving aircraft tracking systems, faces opposition in the House over cost concerns, despite Senate approval and safety advocates' support. The debate highlights ongoing challenges in aviation safety reforms.
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A historic blizzard in New England has led the Boston Globe to cancel its Tuesday print for the first time in its 154-year history. Snow and wind made it unsafe for staff to reach the printing plant, with the paper delivering the next edition on Wednesday. The storm set snowfall records and caused widespread disruptions.