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Rita Alves

@r-2-d-a.bsky.social
62 followers 79 following 5 posts

Journalist @brusselstimes.com | Got a story?✉️: r.alves@brusselstimes.com | Views are my own | Bylines: linktr.ee/rita_alves_journalist

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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 16/07/2026
The new shop will be the first new Waterstones to open in continental Europe in almost 30 years.
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English bookshop Waterstones to open new store in Brussels
English bookshop Waterstones to open new store in Brussels
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 08/07/2026
In 2023, a cross-border investigation and mapping project highlighted Belgium as having the highest levels of known PFAS pollution across Europe.
brusselstimes.com
Belgium accused of ‘systematically failing’ to protect public from ‘forever chemicals’
Belgium accused of 'systematically failing' to protect public from ‘forever chemicals’
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 03/07/2026
The concept has been hailed as a framework to improve quality of life, public health and sustainability, but the capital's transport nightmares and uneven resources risk keeping the dream out of reach.
brusselstimes.com
Could Brussels become a ’15-minute city’ and how might it benefit residents?
Could Brussels become a '15-minute city’ and how might it benefit residents?
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 17/06/2026
Brussels is banning shared e-scooters in 2027. Residents agree there are problems, but many aren't convinced a ban is the solution.
brusselstimes.com
‘Is the convenience is really worth the cost?’ Brussels residents divided over e-scooter ban
'Is the convenience is really worth the cost?' Brussels residents divided over e-scooter ban
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 07/05/2026
Granting leave for workers who suffer from painful menstruation remains a divisive topic. Where does Belgium stand on the issue?
brusselstimes.com
Where does Belgium stand on the menstrual leave debate?
Where does Belgium stand on the menstrual leave debate?
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 28/04/2026
Following a Brussels Times report, one passenger told us she spent €225 on a train ticket after her flights were cancelled when she was incorrectly labelled a "no-show".
brusselstimes.com
‘Fighting Goliath’: Another Brussels Airlines customer claims to be victim of faulty ‘no show’ policy
‘Fighting Goliath’: Another Brussels Airlines customer claims to be victim of faulty 'no show' policy
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 30/03/2026
While Brussels tries to leave its car-centric ways in the past, some residents have raised concerns over the accessibility of pedestrian zones.
brusselstimes.com
‘Skilfully excluded’: Are Brussels pedestrian zones leaving some residents behind?
'Skilfully excluded’: Are Brussels pedestrian zones leaving some residents behind?
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 24/02/2026
Rabies is one of the deadliest viruses for animals and humans, killing around 60,000 people every year.
brusselstimes.com
Belgium issues rabies warning after dog’s death in Germany
Belgium issues rabies warning after dog's death in Germany
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 16/02/2026
“I used to have quite a busy social life. I used to go out a lot. It's just not possible anymore...I avoid every part I don't know by heart," wheelchair user David Seffer told The Brussels Times.
brusselstimes.com
Dodging rubbish bags and broken paving slabs: The daily struggle of getting round Brussels in a wheelchair
Dodging rubbish bags and broken paving slabs: The daily struggle of getting round Brussels in a wheelchair
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 03/02/2026
Despite the end of the i-Police contract, Belgium remains tied to French consultancy Sopra Steria through at least six other contracts.
brusselstimes.com
i-Police: The failed project that cost Belgium’s taxpayers almost €76 million
i-Police: The failed project that cost Belgium's taxpayers almost €76 million
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 07/12/2025
Radiology expert Annemiek Snoeckx told The Brussels Times that several challenges still need to be addressed when using AI in healthcare.
brusselstimes.com
AI and cancer care: ‘The potential is huge but we should not overhype it’
AI and cancer care: 'The potential is huge but we should not overhype it'
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 03/12/2025
Avian influenza has so far been detected at eight Belgian poultry farms this autumn. But the virus isn't just affecting chickens.
brusselstimes.com
Bird flu outbreak in Belgium – should you be worried?
Bird flu outbreak in Belgium - should you be worried?
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Rita Alves @r-2-d-a.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Olena Yahupova had hoped she would one day be free from Russian captivity, but she never quite believed it. 📰Read more: www.brusselstimes.com/politics/182...
brusselstimes.com
‘In prison they teach you not to cry - you cannot afford to cry there'
Ukrainian civilian Olena Yahupova was detained by Russian forces in October 2022. She shared the story of her time in captivity with The Brussels Times.
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Rita Alves @r-2-d-a.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
“You stand for telling what you believe to be the truth about the situation you're covering. That is your basic position. It's the only guideline that you need. Are you telling the truth?” 📰Read more: www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/182...
brusselstimes.com
'He was a working journalist until the day he died': Memoir of BBC correspondent presented in Brussels
Brussels was one of the many locations from which Charles Wheeler reported during his time as BBC's longest-serving correspondent.
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Rita Alves @r-2-d-a.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Just a minute away from the crowds of Brussels’ Grand Place is a bar with a wooden exterior and a window displaying well-accessorised skeletons lying inside a coffin. 📰Read more: www.brusselstimes.com/brussels/181...
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The Exorcist-inspired bar that’s been serving up a fright in Brussels for almost 50 years
Le Cercueil is known for its selection of beers served in skull cups, and its cocktails with vividly on-brand names, including ‘Satan’s spawn’ and ‘Corpse Juice’.
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 29/10/2025
Tech companies spend more on lobbying in Brussels, according to a new report. Spending increased to €151 million, compared to €113 million in 2023.
brusselstimes.com
Big tech lobby spending hits new record in Brussels, claims report
Big tech lobby spending hits new record in Brussels, claims report
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 30/10/2025
“Society is changing, and everybody should be able to feel like themselves," said Valéry Paquay, the Eurostar manager at Brussels-Midi station.
brusselstimes.com
Eurostar’s new gender-neutral uniform includes a subtle nod to Belgian culture
Eurostar's new gender-neutral uniform includes a subtle nod to Belgian culture
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Rita Alves @r-2-d-a.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
“They want to live their life just like we do. It's not because they have a diagnosis that life stops.” 📰Read more: www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/1759...
brusselstimes.com
'It’s not just a lost face': How a Belgian city became dementia-friendly
A movement that started over a decade ago has been shaping a city in the North-west of Belgium, all in the name of inclusivity.
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 11/10/2025
The world's first all-electric motorsport was officially launched over a decade ago but it has yet to spark the interest of Belgians.
brusselstimes.com
The racing sport struggling to pick up speed in Belgium
The racing sport struggling to pick up speed in Belgium
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 12/10/2025
brusselstimes.com
How an English bookshop survived Brexit, e-books and Covid to keep Brussels reading
How an English bookshop survived Brexit, e-books and Covid to keep Brussels reading
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 27/09/2025
Looking for your next read? The Brussels Times stopped by Waterstones in Brussels to get the inside scoop on this season's bestsellers.
brusselstimes.com
A Brussels bookseller’s tips on the books you should be reading this autumn
A Brussels bookseller's tips on the books you should be reading this autumn
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 28/09/2025
A movement that started over a decade ago has been shaping a city in the North-west of Belgium, all in the name of inclusivity.
brusselstimes.com
‘It’s not just a lost face’: How a Belgian city became dementia-friendly
'It’s not just a lost face': How a Belgian city became dementia-friendly
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 13/09/2025
Do you know the symptoms of the life-threatening condition that affects over 40,000 people in Belgium every year?
brusselstimes.com
‘I was told it was the flu’: Late sepsis diagnosis put lives at risk
‘I was told it was the flu’: Late sepsis diagnosis put lives at risk
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 19/08/2025
"The offenders are exploiting the vulnerabilities and the weaknesses of the platforms. So in that sense, they have an enormous responsibility.”
brusselstimes.com
European Commission investigates alleged child abuse network on X
European Commission investigates alleged child abuse network on X
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 01/08/2025
If the issue is not resolved, several flights could be impacted this summer.
brusselstimes.com
Passengers at risk as pilots blinded by Belgian solar panels near airport
Passengers at risk as pilots blinded by Belgian solar panels near airport
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 04/08/2025
The hospital in the Belgian capital is "writing surgical history" with the global milestone.
brusselstimes.com
Brussels hospital first with 100 robot assisted bypass surgeries
Brussels hospital first with 100 robot assisted bypass surgeries
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 21/07/2025
Tintin, Smurfs, and Lucky Luke, to name a few, are examples of successful Belgian comics. But what is it about Belgium that helped cartoonists thrive?
brusselstimes.com
Why did Belgian comics take over the world?
Why did Belgian comics take over the world?
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 26/05/2025
Belgium's water 'roulette': Extreme weather complicates water resilience
brusselstimes.com
Belgium's water 'roulette': Extreme weather complicates water resilience
"Water has been taken for granted for very long in Europe."
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 20/05/2025
Will the new UK-EU deal shorten queues?
brusselstimes.com
Will the new UK-EU deal shorten queues?
After passengers at Brussels Airport spent hours waiting at passport control, the UK-EU deal offers a glimmer of hope for those avoiding long queues.
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 14/05/2025
'Sculptura' festival declared bankrupt - artists left unpaid
brusselstimes.com
‘Sculptura’ festival declared bankrupt – artists left unpaid
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 13/05/2025
'They see Brussels as an oil stain': Changing a neglected capital
brusselstimes.com
‘They see Brussels as an oil stain’: Changing a neglected capital
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 14/05/2025
Belgium in Brief: Transparency? What transparency?
brusselstimes.com
Belgium in Brief: Transparency? What transparency?
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 04/03/2025
Children as young as eight posting sexual content online in Belgium
brusselstimes.com
Children as young as eight posting sexual content online in Belgium
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 25/02/2025
Smartphone ban embraced by European and international schools of Brussels
brusselstimes.com
Smartphone ban embraced by European and international schools of Brussels
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Reposted by Rita Alves
The Brussels Times @brusselstimes.com · 09/01/2025
'Murdoch on speed': Why is Elon Musk meddling in European politics?
brusselstimes.com
'Murdoch on speed': Why is Elon Musk meddling in European politics?
From weighing in on Nigel Farage's ability to lead Reform UK to reports of communication service deals with Italy, Musk is making headlines with his takes on European politics.
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Rita Alves @r-2-d-a.bsky.social · 11/12/2024
Several artists were left empty handed months after the event despite sponsorships from public Belgian and EU institutions.
brusselstimes.com
'Sculptura' festival: National Lottery withholds funds amid complaints
Several artists were left empty handed months after the event despite sponsorships from public Belgian and EU institutions.
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