Germany’s political leaders are making a final push for votes ahead of Sunday’s pivotal election, crucial for both Germany and Europe. Conservative frontrunner Friedrich Merz promises to lead Europe and marginalize the far-right AfD. The election follows a government collapse, with hopes for stability in Germany’s economy and politics. Key campaign issues include economic revival and migration, highlighted by recent attacks linked to immigrants. The AfD, led by Alice Weidel, has gained support with its anti-immigration stance, appealing to younger voters and receiving backing from figures like Elon Musk. Noah Prescott 22/02/2025 6:30 am
The memorandum addresses the issue of foreign governments imposing unfair taxes and regulations on American technology companies, which harm U.S. economic interests. It highlights the introduction of digital services taxes and restrictive regulations that disproportionately affect American firms, limiting their competitiveness and increasing operational costs. The administration’s policy is to counteract these measures by imposing tariffs and other actions to protect U.S. companies and restore balance. The focus is on discriminatory taxes, restrictive regulations, and practices that threaten U.S. intellectual property and global competitiveness. Ava Sinclair 22/02/2025 6:30 am
The Gemelli Hospital in Rome, known as the “Pope’s Hospital,” is treating Pope Francis for pneumonia. This Catholic teaching hospital, with over 1,500 beds, has a history of caring for pontiffs, including Pope John Paul II, who was treated there multiple times. The hospital features a special Papal suite, a small, austere apartment on the tenth floor. Pope John Paul II, a notable patient, survived an assassination attempt in 1981 with the hospital’s help. The Gemelli was built on land donated by Pope Pius XI and opened in the 1960s. Noah Prescott 22/02/2025 3:00 am
In Tver, Russia, military imagery is pervasive, with soldiers featured on billboards and posters urging citizens to enlist and fight in Ukraine. Despite this, locals like Mikhail, a teacher, maintain a sense of normalcy, noting that life continues as usual with open shops and no immediate signs of conflict. Russia, three years into its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is actively seeking new recruits, but the front line remains distant from Tver. Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 3:00 am
The Trump administration’s decision to end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 520,000 Haitians has shocked New York City’s Haitian community. Elsie Saint Louis, director of Haitian Americans United for Progress, noted widespread fear about the future. TPS, which offers protections and work permits to those from crisis-hit countries, will end on August 3, unless extended. This decision comes amid Haiti’s ongoing crises, including violence and poverty. New York City hosts the second-largest Haitian immigrant population in the U.S., with about 163,000 residents. Saint Louis’s group is overwhelmed with requests for assistance. Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 3:00 am
Germany’s election season has been grim, marked by a collapsed government and poor political debate. Initially focused on taxes and jobs, the campaign shifted after an Afghan attacked a kindergarten, sparking a political storm. Conservative leader Friedrich Merz proposed stricter border controls, supported by the far-right, causing uproar among center-left parties. Tensions escalated when U.S. Vice President JD Vance criticized European migration policies, straining Germany’s relationship with America and deepening national anxiety. Penelope Kingsley 22/02/2025 3:00 am
Chinese warships conducted live fire exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, prompting flight diversions and heightened military monitoring. The three vessels, including a powerful warship, remained outside Australia’s exclusive economic zone. While the exercises complied with international law, their unannounced presence was seen as a show of force. China’s foreign ministry described the drills as “far seas exercises,” organized by the PLA’s Southern Theater Command. Australia’s foreign minister expressed concerns over transparency and planned to discuss the issue with China’s Wang Yi at the G20 meeting. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 11:30 pm
Three years ago, Ukrainians faced disbelief and horror as Russia launched a full-scale invasion, bombing peaceful cities. Initially, there was denial, hoping global awareness would end the nightmare. Righteous anger fueled military successes, leading to euphoria and international solidarity by late 2022. By 2023, war became a daily reality, with fear turning into acceptance. Despite threats, Ukrainians responded with resilience and defiance, adapting to the ongoing conflict. Ava Sinclair 21/02/2025 11:30 pm
Michael Froman is president of the Council on Foreign Relations. As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, the conflict has become a prolonged war of attrition despite Ukrainian resistance and Western aid. U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a swift resolution, with recent negotiations in Riyadh excluding Ukrainian and European diplomats. The Council on Foreign Relations offers weekly and daily updates on global foreign policy and health issues. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 11:30 pm
Tensions rise as Israelis and Palestinians prepare for a hostage exchange after allegations that Hamas brutally murdered two Israeli children, Ariel and Kfir Bibas, and failed to return their mother’s body. The Israel Defense Forces claim Hamas killed the children with their bare hands. Hamas initially said the family died in an Israeli bombing. The remains were returned amid a fragile ceasefire, but DNA tests showed discrepancies. Israeli PM Netanyahu accused Hamas of violating the truce, while the Bibas family criticized him for exploiting their tragedy. The next exchange phase is uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 21/02/2025 11:30 pm
