U.S. Republican hardliners try to force Biden impeachment vote

By David Morgan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -At least two hardline Republicans plan to try to force the U.S. House to vote on whether to impeach Democratic President Joe Biden and members of his administration, over the objections of Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who fears that such moves risk undermining congressional investigations. The Republican-controlled House of Representatives is…

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Russia-aligned hackers pose threat to Canada energy sector – spy agency

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Russia-aligned hackers could seek to disrupt Canada’s powerful oil and natural gas sector, especially since Ottawa is a strong backer of Ukraine, a Canadian spy agency said on Wednesday. The Communications Security Establishment (CSE) signals intelligence agency said Russia had repeatedly deployed destructive cyber attacks against its adversaries as geopolitical crises escalate….

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Canada, Dominican Republic reach agreement over Haitian crisis response

OTTAWA (Reuters) – Canada and the Dominican Republic have agreed that Canada will coordinate assistance for Haiti by boosting staff at its embassies in Port-au-Prince and Santo Domingo, the countries said in a joint statement on Wednesday. The agreement settles a public dispute last week over a proposed Canadian office in Dominican territory that risked…

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Belgian PM, foreign minister quizzed in parliament in Iran visa scandal

By Charlotte Van Campenhout BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib were quizzed by lawmakers on Wednesday after delegations from Iranian and Russian cities were granted visas to attend a mayors’ convention in Brussels last week. Lahbib especially is under scrutiny for having approved visas requests for citizens…

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US needs ‘comprehensive legislation’ to address AI risks -Schumer

By David Shepardson and Richard Cowan WASHINGTON (Reuters) -U.S. Senate Majority Chuck Schumer on Wednesday called for “comprehensive legislation” to advance and ensure safeguards on artificial intelligence (AI) and will hold a series of forums in later this year. “If the government doesn’t step in, who will fill its place? Individuals and the private sector…

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U.S. to provide $1.3 billion of additional aid to Ukraine, says Blinken

LONDON (Reuters) – The United States will send $1.3 billion more in aid to Ukraine to help the conflict-hit country overhaul its energy grid and modernise its ports, railways and other infrastructure, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday. “Recovery is about laying the foundation for Ukraine to thrive as a secure, independent…

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Fed’s Powell, in testimony, says inflation fight has “long way to go”

By Howard Schneider WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Federal Reserve’s fight to lower inflation back to its 2% target “has a long way to go,” Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said on Wednesday in testimony prepared for delivery to the House Financial Services Committee. “Inflation has moderated somewhat since the middle of last year,” with the…

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