Qatari royal cannot force sale of world’s largest cut blue diamond, High Court rules

Judge dismisses claim over 70-carat ‘Idol’s Eye’ gemstone that split Gulf state’s ruling family

Source: Financial Times

Pope Francis receiving treatment for bronchitis, canceling duties this weekend

NBC News' Claudio Lavanga reports that Pope Francis has been admitted to the hospital in Rome and is being treated for bronchitis, with his schedule suspended for the next three …

Source: NBC News

Oh, Canada! Can Trump just take it? – podcast

On the first day of his second term in office, Donald Trump suggested he wanted the US to ‘expand’ its territory. Few thought he could actually mean taking Canada and …

Source: The Guardian

Russian drone hits Chernobyl reactor but radiation normal, Ukraine says

Ukraine said a Russian drone crashed into the containment structure, starting a fire, but so far radiation levels have stayed constant.

Source: Washington Post

Hamas official says the militant group will release three hostages on Saturday

Hamas will free three hostages — Sagui Dekel-Chen, Sasha Alexander Troufanov and Iair Horn — on Saturday, a spokesperson for the militant group said Friday.

Source: NBC News

Trump, Modi aim to cut U.S. trade gap with India amid global tariff concerns

The partnership is a pillar of Washington’s strategy in the Indo-Pacific region but faces challenges on issues including illegal immigration, visas and trade deficits.

Source: Washington Post

Champions Trophy: Pakistan lose to New Zealand in warm-up series decider

New Zealand gears up for Champions Trophy by beating Pakistan in tri-nation series final.

Source: Al Jazeera

Hedge funds push UK watchdog for a post-Brexit cut in reporting rules

Industry lobbies for requirements on reporting of transactions in financial markets to be slimmed down

Source: Financial Times

Zelenskyy demands ‘real security guarantees’ before peace talks; Vance accused of ‘trying to pick a fight’ with EU – as it happened

This live blog is now closed. You can read our latest reporting here:

• Zelenskyy says Ukraine needs ‘security guarantees’ before any Putin talks
• Vance stuns with blistering attack on Europe’s …

Source: The Guardian

Amazon accused by Italy of evading €1.2bn in VAT payments

Tech giant hit by total claim worth €3bn amid investigation over sale of goods from non-EU countries including China

Source: Financial Times

She lost her art in the mail. A stranger rescued it from a bargain bin.

Sydney Blum’s sculptures were lost in the mail, but Sonja Krawesky found them at an Ontario discount store and tracked Blum down.

Source: Washington Post

Lifesaving mine-clearing program reels after Trump's USAID funding suspension

A lifesaving demining program is in jeopardy after the Trump administration ordered a 90-day suspension of all foreign aid, pushing nations in the region to turn to U.S. rivals such …

Source: NBC News