May
A "historic" US-Ukraine raw materials agreement dominated German media, presented as increasing pressure on Putin and potentially forcing Moscow to negotiate. By midday, coverage expanded to include Trump authorizing direct weapons deals with Ukraine following the resource accord. The deal represented a partial victory for Ukraine while securing American economic interests.

By afternoon, Trump fired National Security Advisor Mike Waltz over the "Signal Affair" - accidentally adding a journalist to a military chat group. Secretary of State Marco Rubio replaced him as Security Advisor.

May Day demonstrations occurred across Germany with minimal incidents. In Berlin, RAF terrorist Daniela Klette sent "solidarity greetings" to protesters, some of whom questioned Israel's right to exist. Former Chancellor Merkel defended her 2015 migration policy at a church event, receiving celebrity-like reception.

Late reporting indicated Trump implementing harsh sanctions targeting countries buying Iranian oil with US trade bans.
Germany's domestic intelligence agency (Verfassungsschutz) reclassified the entire AfD party from "suspected case" to "definitively right-wing extremist," dominating the day's coverage. The 1100-page assessment cited racism and conspiracy theories about "population replacement." The decision immediately sparked debates about a potential party ban, with SPD politician Ralf Stegner advocating for it despite Chancellor Scholz warning against a "rushed decision."

By afternoon, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the classification as "tyranny" and "undemocratic," escalating the issue to an international diplomatic matter. The AfD leadership announced legal challenges, with constitutional law experts questioning the intelligence agency's reasoning.

This development arrives as Friedrich Merz prepares to assume the chancellorship, with uncertainty about whether he can secure the necessary majority in Tuesday's confirmation vote. The AfD classification presents an immediate challenge for the incoming CDU-SPD coalition government.
03.05.2025
Saturday

AfD Classification Aftershocks

The fallout from the AfD's classification as "definitively right-wing extremist" dominated coverage, with several federal states examining consequences for civil servants affiliated with the party. US involvement intensified as Secretary of State Rubio and Senator Vance criticized the classification, prompting a rebuke from Germany's Foreign Office. Sahra Wagenknecht described the classification as an "authoritarian restructuring."

Putin appears to have adjusted his war aims in Ukraine, potentially in response to Trump's influence. Ukraine claimed to have destroyed a Russian jet worth €50 million and ten motorcycles, countering new Russian tactics.

Economic concerns surfaced with German industry worried about critical raw materials and housing costs outpacing wage increases. Meanwhile, Trump's administration announced plans to cut about 1,200 positions at the CIA.

In religious news, Munich's Archbishop Cardinal Marx emerged as a papal candidate as conclave speculation intensified.
The aftermath of AfD's classification as "definitively right-wing extremist" continued to dominate morning coverage. Reports indicated former Interior Minister Faeser published the assessment without proper review, while Boris Palmer criticized the intelligence service's approach. The political implications remained contentious, with discussion about consequences for AfD-affiliated civil servants.

International tensions escalated with a Houthi rocket striking near Israel's Ben Gurion airport, and the EU seizing Russian assets for the first time. Ukraine reported destroying two Russian jets, while Putin signaled confidence about eventual "reconciliation."

By afternoon, attention shifted dramatically to sports as Bayern Munich unexpectedly reclaimed the German championship following Leverkusen's defeat to Freiburg. Multiple outlets described it as a "sofa championship" since Bayern secured the title without playing.

Evening reports suggested Trump was eyeing military action regarding Greenland, while Israel prepared airstrikes in response to Houthi aggression.
05.05.2025
Monday

Day of Ministerial Unveiling

The SPD unveiled its ministerial team for the new Merz-led coalition government, with notable exclusion of co-chair Saskia Esken. Boris Pistorius retained his Defense position while Bundestag President Bärbel Bas was appointed Labor Minister. Lars Klingbeil emerged as Vice Chancellor, consolidating power within the party.

Union and SPD formally signed their coalition agreement, progressing toward Tuesday's chancellorship vote. Jens Spahn was elected as Union faction leader with 91% approval.

The AfD controversy continued following its classification as "definitively right-wing extremist," with the party filing a nearly 200-page lawsuit against the Verfassungsschutz. Debate intensified regarding potential consequences for AfD-affiliated civil servants and teachers.

By evening, outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz received the traditional Großer Zapfenstreich farewell ceremony, requesting music from the Beatles, Bach, and Aretha Franklin while urging democratic unity.
06.05.2025
Tuesday

Merz's First-Round Failure

Friedrich Merz failed to secure the chancellorship in his first vote attempt, marking an unprecedented event in German political history. The CDU/CSU-SPD coalition candidate received 310 votes, six short of the required 316-vote majority, triggering immediate speculation about coalition defectors. After initial confusion and a parliamentary break, a second vote was scheduled for the same afternoon.

By early afternoon, Merz succeeded in the second ballot and was promptly sworn in by President Steinmeier. The extraordinary two-round election process dominated all coverage, with commentators analyzing the implications of this "belly flop" start for his chancellorship.

This political drama occurred against the backdrop of continuing fallout from the AfD's classification as "definitively right-wing extremist" and Trump's administration cutting funding for Harvard University. Late evening reports shifted focus to India conducting military strikes against Pakistan following a terrorist attack.
07.05.2025
Wednesday

India-Pakistan Brink of War Day

The morning news was dominated by India's airstrikes on Pakistan, reportedly targeting "terrorist infrastructure" following an attack on tourists in Kashmir. The situation escalated throughout the day, with Pakistani reports of casualties rising from 8 to 26, claims of shooting down five Indian fighter jets, and promises of retaliation. Spiegel published analysis on why nuclear war remains unlikely despite escalation.

Domestically, coverage focused on Friedrich Merz's first foreign trips as Chancellor. His Paris visit received significant attention, with reports of Macron's warm reception despite underlying tensions. By evening, Merz was in Warsaw, where Polish Prime Minister Tusk expressed opposition to Germany's border control plans.

In Vatican City, the papal conclave began with cardinals secluded in the Sistine Chapel. The first round of voting concluded with black smoke indicating no pope was elected. Interior Minister Dobrindt ordered immediate asylum rejections at all German borders.
08.05.2025
Thursday

Day of the American Pope

The 80th anniversary of WWII's end dominated morning headlines, with President Steinmeier's parliamentary address criticizing both Putin's "history lies" and Trump's "values breach." Chancellor Merz prepared for his first call with President Trump amid border control controversies with Poland.

By midday, Germany's Federal Office for Constitutional Protection temporarily suspended the AfD's "definitively right-wing extremist" classification due to procedural challenges, marking a tactical retreat until court proceedings conclude.

The afternoon brought white smoke from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, signaling the election of US Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost as Pope Leo XIV – the first American pontiff in history. His call to "build bridges" received extensive coverage, with analysts noting his progressive stance among American bishops.

Evening reports covered Merz's call with Trump, focusing on trade disputes and Ukraine, with suggestions that Trump increased pressure on Putin following their conversation.
Pope Leo XIV's first public mass dominated morning coverage, with German media highlighting tensions between the American pontiff and the Trump administration. The Vatican selection was framed as a rebuke to Trump's policies, with Stuttgarter Zeitung declaring him "certainly not Trump's Pope."

By midday, attention shifted to domestic affairs with reports of AfD politician Maximilian Krah allegedly receiving bribes from China, prompting prosecutors to request lifting his parliamentary immunity. Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso reportedly signed with Real Madrid, while gangster rapper Xatar was found dead at 43.

The evening was marked by the death of Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer at 103. Her passing received universal coverage, with newspapers recalling her warning: "Be human." Late reports revealed Chancellor Merz, alongside French President Macron and British PM Starmer, traveling to Kyiv for emergency discussions, suggesting significant Ukraine developments.
10.05.2025
Saturday

Day of the Two Ceasefires

Merz, Macron and Starmer's Kyiv visit dominated morning coverage, with Merz threatening Putin with "massive sanctions tightening" and proposing a 30-day ceasefire starting Monday. By early afternoon, FAZ announced Ukraine's readiness to accept this proposal, while the Kremlin initially responded negatively.

Simultaneously, a diplomatic breakthrough occurred in the India-Pakistan conflict when Trump brokered an immediate ceasefire between the nuclear powers, diffusing tensions that had escalated since May 7th.

Domestic news focused on a randale at a psychiatric facility in Bedburg-Hau requiring SEK deployment, and the tragic discovery of a murdered 14-year-old on a playground in North Rhine-Westphalia.

By evening, Moscow's position softened, with reports they would "prüfen" the ceasefire proposal, signaling potential diplomatic progress. Sports coverage celebrated HSV's return to the Bundesliga after seven years in the second division.
11.05.2025
Sunday

Putin's Peace Proposal Day

Putin's proposal for direct talks with Ukraine in Istanbul on May 15 dominated the news cycle, following yesterday's ceasefire ultimatum from Merz, Macron and Starmer. By mid-day, Merz dismissed the proposal as "by far not enough," while Selenskyj insisted on a ceasefire. The story evolved dramatically by evening when Selenskyj announced he would "wait for Putin" in Turkey on Thursday.

Domestic politics saw SPD chair Saskia Esken announcing she would not seek reelection, while controversy erupted over Bundestagspräsidentin Bas's proposal to include civil servants in the public pension system, with the Union calling it "populist nonsense."

Other stories included Pope Leo XIV criticizing Putin over Ukrainian child abductions, Trump urging Ukraine to accept Russia's proposal, and Jan Böhmermann controversially revealing a right-wing YouTuber's identity. Border controls began rejecting asylum seekers under Dobrindt's new decree, fulfilling Merz's campaign promise.
12.05.2025
Monday

Day of PKK Dissolution

The Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK) announced its dissolution and the end of its armed struggle against Turkey, dominating morning headlines. This historic development follows decades of conflict and a ceasefire declaration in March.

SPD leadership transition captured significant coverage as Saskia Esken stepped down and Labor Minister Bärbel Bas was nominated as her replacement, with 33-year-old Tim Klüssendorf proposed as General Secretary.

The Ukraine-Russia peace process evolved throughout the day. Following yesterday's ultimatum from Merz, Macron and Starmer, the Kremlin called such demands "inakzeptabel" while reports indicated Selenskyj might attend Istanbul talks without requiring a prior ceasefire. By afternoon, Trump had unexpectedly backed Putin's proposal.

In economic news, the USA and China agreed to reduce tariffs for 90 days, though Sueddeutsche called this a "Schein-Sieg" for Trump. By evening, news broke that Hamas had released its last living US hostage.
The UN Aviation Council officially attributed the 2014 MH17 passenger plane shootdown to Russia, concluding a decade-long investigation. This development dominated morning coverage.

Interior Minister Dobrindt banned the "Königreich Deutschland" Reichsbürger group, with police conducting raids across seven states and arresting self-proclaimed "king" Peter Fitzek. The coverage evolved from initial reports to detailed analyses of the shadow state's structures throughout the day.

French actor Gérard Depardieu received an 18-month probation sentence for sexual assault, with Tagesspiegel suggesting the verdict could change French attitudes toward sexual violence.

The Ukraine ceasefire negotiations continued to develop, with Europe extending Russia's deadline despite earlier threats of "massive sanctions." Selenskyj stated in an evening interview that "Putin has fear" and "Trump must realize Putin is lying," following reports that Trump backs potential Istanbul talks and might attend.
Chancellor Merz delivered his first government declaration, promising to make the Bundeswehr "the strongest conventional army in Europe" and acknowledging "Germany is an immigration country." His speech received mixed reactions, with Spiegel comparing it to "a tax return" in excitement level.

The major security development came midday when federal prosecutors announced the arrest of three Ukrainian men in Cologne and Konstanz suspected of planning attacks in Germany on behalf of Russia. They allegedly intended to send explosive packages that would detonate during transport to Ukraine.

The anticipated Istanbul peace talks suffered a significant setback when the Kremlin announced Putin would not attend, despite having proposed the meeting. Trump also withdrew his participation shortly after.

Other developments included controversy over the domestic intelligence service's classification of AfD as "firmly right-wing extremist" and the departure of "Tagesschau" news anchor Constantin Schreiber.
The Merz government announced plans to meet Trump's NATO demand for 5% of GDP on defense spending, with Foreign Minister Wadephol publicly supporting this significant increase to over €200 billion. This represents a major policy shift following Merz's government declaration yesterday.

The Finance Ministry revealed a €81 billion tax revenue shortfall through 2029, creating immediate budgetary challenges for the new administration.

The Istanbul peace talks continued unraveling after yesterday's announcements that Putin and Trump would not attend. Media portrayed this as a diplomatic failure, with Russians sending only ideologues while maintaining "maximum demands."

Holocaust survivor Margot Friedländer's funeral was attended by three chancellors, following her death on May 9th.

By evening, pro-Palestinian Nakba demonstrations in Berlin turned violent, with protesters reportedly pulling police officers into crowds and trampling them, leading authorities to dissolve the gathering due to "significant criminal acts."
The first direct Russia-Ukraine negotiations in three years yielded minimal results in Istanbul, with both sides agreeing on only a prisoner exchange. The talks were undermined by Russia's "unacceptable demands" and threats of new attacks against Ukraine if Kyiv doesn't withdraw from annexed regions.

Chancellor Merz's defense ambitions dominated domestic coverage, with plans to make the Bundeswehr "Europe's strongest conventional army" while Foreign Minister Wadephul's proposal for 5% NATO defense spending sparked coalition tensions.

Reports of Russia's AI drone advantage and Russian agents operating in Germany heightened security concerns.

Violence continued with a police officer being stabbed outside a station in Berlin-Neukölln, following yesterday's trampling of officers at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

By evening, Israel launched a new major offensive in Gaza, aiming to "definitively destroy Hamas," while eleven armed inmates escaped from a US prison.
Israel launched a new major offensive in Gaza, as reported by multiple German outlets early morning. This occurred amid reports that Russia is amassing troops at NATO borders and Ukraine lost millions in EU funds through a weapons purchase scam.

By midday, attention shifted to a Berlin police officer stabbed in the neck near a Neukölln station, with controversy erupting when the 28-year-old suspect was released shortly after. Trump claimed Putin is "tired of war" and announced a Monday phone call with him followed by conversations with Zelenskyy and NATO partners - a diplomatic initiative he described as ending the "bloodbath." Russia responded by suggesting conditions for a Putin-Zelenskyy summit.

Evening coverage focused on the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, where Austria's JJ won, Israel placed second despite attempted disruptions, and Germany finished 15th. Police reportedly threatened water cannons against anti-Israel protesters outside the venue.
18.05.2025
Sunday

Day of Manhunts and Papal Tears

Austria's JJ won Eurovision with "Wasted Love," while Israel secured second place despite protests and attempted stage disruptions. Germany finished 15th.

Pope Leo XIV was inaugurated before 250,000 people in Rome, with emotional moments when he shed tears during the ritual. Reports suggested he delivered subtle criticism of Trump.

Russia conducted its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the war began, while Putin made new statements about ending the conflict that analysts viewed skeptically.

Two violent incidents dominated domestic news: in Bielefeld, police classified an attack injuring five as terrorism and launched a manhunt for suspect Mahmoud Mhemed (35). Later, a man stabbed a 12-year-old girl and injured two others in Halle.

Former US President Biden announced his prostate cancer diagnosis, while Poland's presidential election will go to a runoff after liberal candidate Trzaskowski secured a narrow lead.
Trump's two-hour call with Putin dominated German media, culminating in Trump's announcement of "immediate negotiations" potentially at the Vatican. Multiple outlets characterized this as a diplomatic victory for Putin, with Merz breaking from the US position by advocating increased pressure on Russia.

Biden's prostate cancer diagnosis received coverage throughout the day, with his metastatic condition becoming politicized by opponents suggesting a cover-up.

Elections in Eastern Europe were framed as defeats for extremism, with Romania's pro-European candidate Nicușor Dan winning and Poland's presidential race heading to a runoff with liberal Trzaskowski leading.

Israel declared Khan Younis a combat zone and Netanyahu announced intentions to take "the entire territory" of Gaza, forcing thousands to flee. By late afternoon, Israel allowed humanitarian aid deliveries to resume.

Domestic coverage highlighted the manhunt for the Bielefeld attacker, finally captured in an evening SEK operation.
Trump's lengthy call with Putin dominated coverage, with newspapers describing it as a tactical victory for Moscow. By morning, Trump had announced "immediate negotiations" possibly at the Vatican, creating anxiety among European leaders who felt sidelined. The Bielefeld knife attack investigation escalated with the arrest of a Syrian suspect with Islamist connections, leading to federal prosecution taking over the case by afternoon.

Political violence statistics commanded significant attention, with reports of a 40% increase in politically motivated crimes and approximately 12 daily victims of right-wing violence. The WHO's adoption of a new pandemic agreement received coverage amid geopolitical tensions.

By afternoon, three construction workers died in a gondola accident in Baden-Württemberg. The day closed with the EU approving its 17th sanctions package against Russia, even as analysts questioned its effectiveness given Putin's apparent diplomatic triumph with Trump.
21.05.2025
Wednesday

Day Europe Learns It Stands Alone

The arrest of five teenagers from the "Letzte Verteidigungswelle" neo-Nazi terror cell dominated early coverage, with details emerging about their plans to attack refugee homes. Morning headlines also focused on Germany's economic stagnation, with the Council of Economic Experts revising growth forecasts to zero percent for 2025.

By midday, Trump's Ukraine policy shift gained prominence. After his call with Putin from previous days, reports indicated Trump was abandoning Europe to find its own solution to the Ukraine war, shocking Chancellor Merz. Defense Minister Pistorius criticized this "worst possible position" while Russian media celebrated a "victory in global poker."

Later reports suggested Russia could be preparing for potential NATO confrontation by 2027, as Trump blocked new sanctions against Moscow. The day closed with Trump creating diplomatic tension during South African President Ramaphosa's White House visit by making unexpected genocide accusations regarding South Africa's treatment of white farmers.
The killing of two Israeli embassy staff near Washington's Jewish Museum dominated coverage, with witnesses reporting the shooter shouted "Free Palestine." One victim was identified as a German-Israeli from Nuremberg, elevating the story's prominence in German media.

Trump's foreign policy continued to generate anxiety following his Putin call. Reports suggested Trump informed European leaders he believes "Vladimir doesn't want peace," while Republicans moved against Trump by supporting new Russia sanctions. The administration's ban on Harvard accepting international students marked a significant escalation in academia-government tensions.

Domestically, a knife attack at a Berlin school where a 13-year-old injured an 11-year-old prompted a manhunt with helicopters and dogs. The AfD lost a parliamentary room allocation battle against the SPD, while Germany shifted its nuclear power stance, with the Merz government reportedly considering a policy reversal.
Morning newspapers focused on Harvard's battle against Trump's ban on international students, with the university filing a lawsuit describing it as a "death sentence" for elite global institutions. By noon, Trump shocked markets by announcing 50% tariffs on all EU goods starting June 1, causing immediate DAX declines. European sources described EU-US trade negotiations as "crashed" while Trump officials claimed the measure would "heat up the EU."

Russia-Ukraine developments included a major prisoner exchange of 390 captives, while Putin's confidant revealed details about Trump's "turn" on Ukraine policy. A Berlin school stabbing case concluded with the 13-year-old suspect's arrest.

By evening, attention shifted to a knife attack at Hamburg's main train station where a 39-year-old German woman in a "psychological state of emergency" injured 17 people. Police reported no political motive behind the attack, which occurred in a designated knife-free zone.
The knife attack at Hamburg's main train station by a 39-year-old woman with psychiatric history dominated morning coverage, with 18 people reported injured. Eyewitness accounts emerged throughout the day, describing the attacker's "psychopathic look" while police confirmed she had been in psychiatric care.

International developments included reports of Russia's potential focus on three specific Ukrainian regions, while Trump's tariff threats against Europe were characterized as a deliberate attempt to weaken the continent following his Ukraine policy shifts.

Border control policies received attention with Poland showing unexpected understanding for Merz's approach, while the social media platform X experienced a worldwide outage.

By evening, attention shifted to VfB Stuttgart's 4-2 victory over Arminia Bielefeld in the DFB-Pokal final, described as a "football fairy tale" that ended years of club misfortune. The celebrations in Stuttgart and preparations for Sunday's victory parade closed the day's reporting.
The Hamburg knife attack from yesterday remained prominent, with details emerging of "12 stabs in 20 seconds," while RP Online reported four brutal knife attacks across Germany within three days. The perpetrator's psychiatric history reinforced questions about the effectiveness of weapon-free zones.

Political tensions manifested in multiple ways: Merz's proposal to abolish the eight-hour workday sparked immediate pushback, the Green Youth chair faced criticism from all sides for her "pubertarian police hatred" slogan, and SPD leader Klingbeil clashed with Merz over a potential AfD ban. Former Chancellor Schröder's Russian money accounts were frozen by Sparkasse.

In international news, Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked Putin's helicopter during his Kursk visit, while Trump delayed his EU tariff implementation until July 9 following a "very nice conversation" with European leaders, momentarily easing the economic pressure built up since Friday.
Trump postponed his threatened 50% EU tariffs until July following talks with von der Leyen, temporarily relieving economic pressure while negotiations continue. Simultaneously, Trump harshly criticized Putin as "completely crazy" for continuing Ukraine attacks, marking a shift in his rhetoric.

Former VW managers received prison sentences for the diesel scandal, with judges establishing personal responsibility for the fraud that damaged the company's reputation.

By midday, Chancellor Merz announced a significant policy change, lifting restrictions on German weapons supplied to Ukraine, now permitting strikes on military targets within Russia. The Kremlin immediately warned this represented a "dangerous step" in escalation.

Other domestic stories included controversy surrounding Green Youth leader Jette Nietzard wearing an "ACAB" hoodie, sparking calls for her resignation, and RTL founder Helmut Thoma's death.

By evening, reports emerged of a car driving into Liverpool FC's championship parade, causing multiple injuries.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Germany would lift restrictions on Ukrainian use of German weapons against military targets inside Russia, marking a significant policy shift from the previous administration. The Kremlin immediately labeled this a "dangerous" escalation, threatening that Russian forces would burn targets "like matchsticks."

The trial of Issa al Hasan, the IS-affiliated attacker who killed three people at Solingen's "Festival of Diversity" last year, began with his confession: "I am guilty, I deserve everything." He attempted to reframe his actions, claiming he killed "innocents, not infidels."

Domestic political debates intensified around the Northvolt battery factory project failure, with CSU leader Söder demanding an investigation into what Junge Freiheit called a "monument to green economic policy." Berlin's Olympic bid plans emerged, proposing venues at Tempelhof Field and an Olympic Village in Grunewald.

The CDU-led government faced criticism after reports revealed security gaps in Afghan resettlement programs under Baerbock's foreign ministry.
The Ukraine weapons policy shift that began Monday materialized into concrete commitments when Merz met Selenskyj in Berlin. Germany pledged five billion euros in military aid and announced joint production of long-range weapons systems, moving beyond previous delivery-focused support. The Kremlin denounced the weapons pact as "very irresponsible."

Domestic politics saw the new CDU-SPD coalition government implementing its first policy changes, with Dobrindt's migration restrictions passing cabinet and a "immediate program" of economic measures including restaurant tax cuts and pension reforms.

Trump's visa suspension for international students dominated morning coverage, while reports emerged of German materials being used in Russian nuclear weapons modernization. By afternoon, a glacier collapse buried an Alpine village after evacuation warnings, and Netanyahu announced killing a Hamas leader in Gaza.

A train-truck collision in Bavaria caused multiple injuries, while evening brought news of NATO requesting 40,000 additional German soldiers due to Putin concerns.
A federal court struck down Trump's tariff regime as unconstitutional in early morning rulings, declaring the measures exceeded presidential authority. Markets celebrated while the administration expressed fury at what it called "activist judges" and "shameless abuse of power." By evening, an appeals court reversed the decision, reinstating the tariffs and creating legal uncertainty.

Reports emerged of Trump issuing Putin an ultimatum, expressing "deep disappointment" with Russia's continued aggression. This followed Monday's weapons policy shift when Merz lifted restrictions on German arms to Ukraine.

Domestic developments included Elon Musk announcing his departure from the Trump administration, claiming he was made a "scapegoat." The Merz government advanced pension reforms with a 2000-euro package for retirees, while polling showed Die Linke matching Green Party support.

A glacier collapse in the Swiss Alps created an emergency dam situation threatening further catastrophe, with evacuation warnings issued for the buried village of Blatten.
Elon Musk's four-month tenure in the Trump administration ended with his departure from the White House sporting a black eye, which he claimed his son gave him. Trump announced the firing but spoke of having a "feeling" about Musk's future, while the tech billionaire said he wanted to remain a "friend and advisor."

The appeals court tariff reversal from May 29 generated continued coverage as Trump announced plans to double steel tariffs and called judges "backroom crooks." Multiple outlets reported on Robert F. Kennedy citing fabricated studies in his health reports, potentially using AI-generated content.

Geopolitical tensions escalated with reports of Putin preparing for potential NATO conflict despite heavy Ukraine losses. A German lieutenant general warned that Russia's secret NATO preparations shouldn't be underestimated. The Ukraine offensive expanded to multiple fronts, with an F-16 reportedly shot down.

A catastrophic landslide completely buried the Swiss Alpine village of Blatten, forcing evacuations and creating ongoing geological threats.
Trump's announcement to double steel tariffs from 25% to 50% prompted swift European retaliation, with the EU threatening counter-tariffs before July 14th. German outlets warned of potential economic crisis as trade tensions escalated beyond the previous day's court battles.

Chancellor Merz scheduled a Thursday White House meeting with Trump, placing Ukraine discussions at the center of bilateral talks. This followed continued reporting on Musk's costly departure from the administration, with outlets detailing how his failed cost-cutting plans could create billion-dollar disasters through expensive lawsuits.

A small aircraft crashed into a residential house in Kleinenbroich, killing two people including a 71-year-old female pilot from Düsseldorf who had reported engine problems before impact.

The evening brought Paris Saint-Germain's historic 5-0 Champions League victory over Inter Milan in Munich, with German media extensively covering PSG's first European title. Polling showed Die Linke overtaking the Greens domestically, while Justice Minister Hubig openly supported examining an AfD party ban.
Germany Live Headlines