LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

When are the German Elections?

The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

Do Germans vote?

Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

Niger suspends nine French media outlets, citing public order risks

Niger suspends nine French media outlets, citing public order risks

Media Suspension
Niger’s junta suspended nine French media outlets on Friday, asserting that their content could “seriously endanger public order.”
Media Suspension

Niger’s immediate suspension of nine French media outlets exemplifies a significant erosion of press freedom, emphasised by the country’s 37-place drop to 120th in the Reporters Without Borders index.
Official Reaction
Niger’s junta stated the suspension of nine French media outlets was due to their content potentially endangering “public order, national unity, social cohesion and the stability of institutions.”

Key developments

Niger’s junta has suspended nine French media outlets, citing concerns they could “seriously endanger public order.” The suspension is immediate and affects various platforms.

The suspended outlets include France 24, Radio France Internationale, and Agence France-Presse, among others. The junta accuses them of undermining national unity and stability.

This move follows Niger’s increasing anti-French sentiment and precedes a summit between France and African nations, where no junta-ruled countries will participate.

Niger suspends nine French media outlets over alleged threats to public order

Niger suspends nine French media outlets, citing public order risks

By&nbspSerge Duchêne

Published on Updated

Niger, ruled by a junta hostile to Western countries, on Friday suspended nine French media outlets that could “seriously endanger public order”.

A statement broadcast on state television said the suspended media had repeatedly broadcast content “likely to seriously endanger public order, national unity, social cohesion and the stability of institutions” in Niger.

They are France 24, Radio France Internationale, France Afrique Média, LSI Africa, AFP (Agence France-Presse), TV5 Monde, TF1 Info, Jeune Afrique and Mediapart.

The suspension is “immediate” and applies to “satellite packages, cable networks, digital platforms, websites and mobile applications”.

RFI and France 24 had already been suspended a few days after the coup d’état in July 2023 that brought the junta to power.

In December 2024, the British BBC was suspended.

Bans in Burkina Faso and Mali

On Tuesday, Burkina Faso, an ally of Niger and Mali within the Confederation of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), all ruled by military juntas, banned the broadcasting of the TV5 Monde channel.

The junta accuses the French television channel of “disinformation” and “apology for terrorism” in its coverage of jihadist violence in this West African country and in Mali. Reporters Without Borders condemned “a ban based on opaque elements”.

Mali, shaken by unprecedented jihadist and rebel attacks, has also banned French media.

Niger’s decision comes just days before an important summit between France and African countries in Kenya. None of the three junta-ruled countries is taking part.

Anti-French sentiment is running high in some of Africa’s former colonies, at a time when the continent is once again becoming a diplomatic battleground, marked by the growing influence of Russia and China.

Press freedom in free fall

Several Western media outlets have already been suspended since the new government came to power in Niger in a coup d’état in July 2023. Since then, this vast Sahelian country has begun a divorce with France, the former colonial power, notably by obtaining the departure of its army engaged in the fight against the jihadists.

The government in Niamey has turned to other partners, including Russia, and regularly denounces “imperialism”, asserting its “sovereignty”.

Nigerien journalists working for foreign or local media are also targeted by the junta.

This week, two Nigerien journalists, Gazali Abdou, correspondent for the German radio station Deutsche Welle, and Hassane Zada, editor-in-chief of a regional newspaper, were released after having been imprisoned for several months.

In 2025, 13 journalists were arrested in Niger, according to the UN, which had called for their release.

According to the local media, six journalists are still being held in Niger, notably on charges of undermining national defence and plotting against the state.

In 2026, Niger fell 37 places in the Reporters Without Borders (RSF) world press freedom index, to 120th out of 180 countries.

RSF and Amnesty International have repeatedly expressed their deep concern about press freedom violations in Niger.

In 2024, Niger enacted a law criminalising the online dissemination of “information likely to disturb public order”.

The country also suspended nearly 3,000 local and foreign NGOs in 2025, accusing them of a lack of transparency and of supporting “terrorists” or armed groups.

Frontier Airlines plane strikes pedestrian during takeoff at Denver airport

Media Lens: Frontier Airlines plane strikes pedestrian during takeoff at Denver airport


Frontier Airlines jet strikes pedestrian during takeoff.

A Frontier Airlines jet struck a person on a runway during takeoff at Denver airport, leading to a fatality. This incident has been reported in various news outlets, including coverage in KSL.com and The Guardian.


What happened

A Frontier Airlines jet reportedly struck a person on the runway during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The pedestrian was fatally injured in the incident, prompting an immediate investigation.

Key facts

  • A Frontier Airlines jet struck a person on a runway at Denver International Airport.
  • The incident occurred during the plane’s takeoff.
  • The pedestrian was killed as a result of the collision.
  • The pilot aborted takeoff after the incident.

Where coverage differs

  • The New York Times emphasizes the fatality of the incident, while KSL.com highlights the pedestrian’s death after the incident.
  • KDVR foregrounds the aborted takeoff of the flight, rather than the fatality aspect of the event.
  • The Guardian prioritizes the emphasis on the plane’s action, framing it as a fatal strike, over the details of the incident itself.

One story, four angles


The New York TimesFrontier Jet Hits Person on Runway During Takeoff at Denver Airport

Publication: The New York Times | Primary framing pattern: consequence | Tone: factual | Intensity: 6/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: high

Expand

Espresso Shot: The article reports an incident involving a Frontier Airlines jet striking a person on a runway during takeoff, highlighting the immediate consequences of the event and its implications for airport safety.

Publication emphasis: The focus is on the incident’s details and its impact on operational safety.

Framing analysis: This piece foregrounds the consequences of the incident and its ramifications while providing factual reporting on what transpired.

Bias: Selection: It emphasizes the event details and immediate aftermath. Language: Uses precise terminology around aviation and safety protocols. Omission: Does not speculate on the implications for corporate responsibility.

Assessment: The story maintains a clear focus on factual reporting of the incident’s impact on safety protocols.


KSL.comPedestrian dies after being hit by Frontier Airlines plane that was taking off at Denver airport

Publication: KSL.com | Primary framing pattern: consequence | Tone: somber | Intensity: 8/10 | Sentiment: negative | Legal precision: medium

Expand

Espresso Shot: This article discusses the fatal consequences when a Frontier Airlines plane hit a pedestrian during takeoff, emphasizing the seriousness of the incident.

Publication emphasis: The focus is on the death of the pedestrian and reflects on the implications for public and passenger safety.

Framing analysis: The article highlights the severe consequences while briefly touching upon aviation safety measures, keeping the focus on the tragic outcome.

Bias: Selection: The tragic outcome is prominently featured. Language: Somber language underscores the gravity of the event. Omission: Does not detail the response from Frontier Airlines or investigating authorities.

Assessment: This publication effectively emphasizes the devastating impact of the incident, reflecting a responsible approach to reporting on fatalities.


KDVRFlight from DIA aborts takeoff after hitting pedestrian on runway

Publication: KDVR | Primary framing pattern: consequence | Tone: urgent | Intensity: 7/10 | Sentiment: neutral | Legal precision: medium

Expand

Espresso Shot: The article recounts the urgent response following a Frontier Airlines plane hitting a pedestrian, detailing the immediate operational disruption at Denver airport.

Publication emphasis: The focus is on the operational response and safety protocols enacted after the incident occurred.

Framing analysis: The article foregrounds operations and airline response while noting the incident’s consequences, conveying urgency without sensationalism.

Bias: Selection: Details operational disruptions and response measures. Language: Direct and urgent language emphasizes the seriousness. Omission: Fails to provide victim details or broader safety implications.

Assessment: This piece effectively combines the urgency of the incident with factual reporting on operational impacts, though it could provide more context on safety repercussions.


The GuardianFrontier Airlines plane fatally strikes person during takeoff at Denver airport

Publication: The Guardian | Primary framing pattern: moral | Tone: critical | Intensity: 9/10 | Sentiment: negative | Legal precision: high

Expand

Espresso Shot: The article critically examines the fatal accident involving a Frontier Airlines plane, questioning the circumstances and operational safety protocols that led to the incident.

Publication emphasis: The focus is on the moral implications regarding airline safety and accountability after a tragic event.

Framing analysis: This article foregrounds the moral implications of the incident, scrutinizing safety protocols while contextualizing the fatal outcome.

Bias: Selection: It emphasizes corporate accountability and victim impact. Language: Uses critical and poignant language to underscore the incident’s severity. Omission: Lacks detailed technical information about the accident itself.

Assessment: This publication effectively addresses the underlying issues of accountability and ethical responsibility, providing a compelling critique of operational safety in aviation.


Food for thought

The New York Times employs the strongest legal framing by referring to the incident as a “fatal strike” and emphasizing the circumstances surrounding the death, indicating the potential for significant liability. In contrast, KSL.com takes a more escalatory approach, labelling the event as a “death” from a “plane hitting a pedestrian,” instilling urgency and shock. KDVR focuses on the operational implications, discussing the aborted takeoff, but lacks the gravity of legal implications presented by The New York Times. The Guardian underscores the fatal nature, mirroring KSL’s escalatory tone. Each outlet’s framing significantly influences public perception of accountability and urgency.

Norovirus outbreak affects over 100 passengers on Caribbean Princess cruise

Get you up to speed: Norovirus outbreak affects over 100 passengers on Caribbean Princess cruise

More than 100 passengers and 13 crew members have reported illnesses due to norovirus on board the Caribbean Princess. The ship is currently en route to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic and authorities have been informed about the outbreak.

More than 100 passengers and 13 crew members aboard the Caribbean Princess have fallen ill with norovirus, prompting authorities to be informed and sanitation measures to be heightened, according to Princess Cruises. The outbreak was reported to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on May 7, with the ship carrying a total of 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members.

Sanitation measures are being enhanced on the Caribbean Princess, which is currently en route to Puerto Plata, as 102 passengers and 13 crew have contracted norovirus. Extensive cleaning is planned upon the ship’s arrival in Port Canaveral on May 11, as stated by Princess Cruises.

Caribbean cruise hit with ‘rib-cracking’ norovirus outbreak | News World

Norovirus outbreak affects over 100 passengers on Caribbean Princess cruise
More than 100 passengers have come down with norovirus on board the Caribbean Princess (Picture: Princess Cruises)

Yet another cruise has been hit by a viral outbreak after more than 100 passengers fell ill with a sickness bug.

The severe vomiting bug has ripped through the Caribbean Princess, which is currently on its way to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic.

A total of 102 passengers and 13 crew have come down with the contagious disease, which can cause violent enough symptoms to crack ribs.

Authorities have been informed about the situation onboard the huge vessel, which is carrying 3,116 passengers and 1,131 crew members, Daily Mail reported.

Sanitation measures have been stepped up on the ship, with testing and isolation in place for passengers and staff who show symptoms.

Operator Princess Cruises said all areas of the boat had been sanitised and extensive cleaning would take place as soon as it arrived in Port Canaveral on May 11.

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The cruise set off on April 28, and the outbreak was reported to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on May 7.

It said the predominant symptoms reported are diarrhoea and vomiting.

CDC said that the crew on board the ship has reported increased cleaning and disinfection according to their outbreak prevention and response plan, collected samples from affected people for testing and isolated ill passengers and crew.

WTX approached Princess Cruises for a comment.

Around 21 million cases of norovirus are recorded in the US every year.

The disease, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhoea, is spread through surfaces, infected food and faeces.

The gastrointestinal virus outbreak is the fourth to hit a US ship this year so far, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

It comes as authorities in Tenerife are preparing to welcome the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship MV Hondius on Sunday.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by ANP/Shutterstock (16867254l) GRANADILLA - Preparations are being made in the port of Granadilla for the arrival of the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius, which has been hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak. Tenerife Awaiting Cruise Ship Hondius, Santa Cruz - 09 May 2026
Staff prepare for the arrival of MV Hondius in Tenerife, where it is expected to dock on Sunday (Picture: ANP/Shutterstock)

British passengers will be tested and, if negative, will be allowed to board a dedicated repatriation flight, the UKHSA has said.

All 22 Britons will be asked to isolate for 45 days on arrival in the UK and to self-test.

Experts are still studying the virus, with human-to-human transmission thought possible following close contact with infected people.

Nine cases of the potentially deadly virus have been linked so far to the MV Hondius.

This includes two British men, with a further Briton currently isolating in St Helena.

A statement from the UKHSA said: ‘UK Government staff will be on the ground ready to support the British nationals disembarking.

‘British passengers and ship crew not displaying any symptoms of hantavirus will be escorted by UK Government staff to an airport and given free passage back to the UK.’

It added: ‘UKHSA is working with partners to ensure the flight operates under strict infection control measures.

‘Public health and infectious disease specialists from UKHSA and the NHS will be on board to monitor British nationals whilst on the flight, to ensure that preventative measures are in place and to provide any care in the unlikely event that any passengers become unwell on the flight.’

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Farmer reports 48 cattle theft in Brandenburg amid rising livestock crime

Farmer reports 48 cattle theft in Brandenburg amid rising livestock crime

Cattle Theft
Police are investigating the theft of 48 cattle from a pasture in Raddusch, valued at approximately 75,000 euros, amid a rise in livestock crimes in eastern Germany.
Rising Theft Numbers
According to reports, larger herds are increasingly targeted by organised groups in Brandenburg, indicating a significant and escalating problem of livestock theft in eastern Germany.
Rising Concerns
“The theft of livestock is a growing issue that many farmers are grappling with, prompting increased security measures across the region,” said a local agricultural representative.

Key developments

A farmer from Raddusch reported the theft of 48 cattle valued at approximately 75,000 euros, highlighting a surge in livestock crime in Germany’s rural regions.

This incident follows a related case in Herzberg, where 74 cattle were stolen two weeks earlier, indicating a pattern of organised thefts targeting large herds, especially in Brandenburg.

Police have raised concerns over the increasing frequency of livestock theft, noting that animals are often smuggled out of the country with altered identification to avoid detection.

Cattle theft in Germany: organised gangs target farms

Farmer reports 48 cattle theft in Brandenburg amid rising livestock crime

Published on

A farmer from Raddusch in the Oberspreewald-Lausitz district reported to the police on Friday morning that his herd of 48 cattle had been stolen from the pasture. The loss is estimated at around 75,000 euros.

Just 14 days earlier, unknown perpetrators had stolen 74 cattle near Herzberg in the Elbe-Elster district of Brandenburg. Lorry tracks were found at the scene.

In April, there was a case in Falkenberg, also in the Elbe-Elster district, in which 69 calves disappeared from a breeding farm. The perpetrators apparently used a remote access road to drive a large lorry onto the premises, which investigators believe was probably a 40-tonne articulated lorry, and drove directly up to the barn door. Inside, they specifically selected female calves aged between three and six months, and finally herded 69 animals onto the lorry.

Police suspect organised groups of offenders

The theft of livestock in Germany – sheep, cattle, geese and even bee colonies – is increasingly becoming a serious problem.

According to current findings, there has been a growing number of cases, particularly in eastern Germany, in which larger herds are apparently targeted and stolen by organised groups of offenders. Brandenburg is currently considered a particular hotspot.

Investigators believe that these are often professionally organised gangs. The perpetrators strike at night. To conceal the animals’ origin, ear tags are removed or replaced with forged identifiers.

In some cases there are indications that sedatives are used so that the animals remain calm while they are being loaded.

“Farm crime” is becoming an increasing burden for farmers

The rise in rural crime is now often summed up under the term “farm crime”. In addition to livestock theft, expensive agricultural machinery and GPS systems from tractors are increasingly coming into criminals’ sights.

While some federal states such as Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania are recording rising numbers of cases, other regions such as Schleswig-Holstein have recently reported a slight decline – albeit from a high level. In November last year, NDR broadcast a report entitled “Tatort Bauernhof: Diebstahl auf dem Land” (“Crime scene farm: theft in the countryside”). It stated that well over half of farmers in northern Germany had been affected by theft, with not only animals but also harvests and agricultural machinery being stolen.

Farmers unsettled

Many farms are now responding with additional security measures. These include video surveillance, better lighting of barns and digital warning networks among farmers, for example via regional WhatsApp groups. The aim is to share suspicious observations more quickly and to prevent thefts as early as possible.

Because livestock in Germany is centrally registered, the police suspect that many of the stolen animals are taken to Eastern European countries or to states outside the EU. In principle, animal transports must be checked when crossing borders. It is possible that the animals are smuggled across the border in closed lorries that are not licensed for livestock transport.

In fact, according to the federal government there is no official statistical record of all cases and crime scenes relating to the theft of farm animals. The reason is that, because animals are legally regarded as “property” in Germany, such offences are recorded in crime statistics under theft of “objects”.

Man sentenced for violating ‘sexual risk order’ on Vinted | UK News

Get you up to speed: Man sentenced for violating ‘sexual risk order’ on Vinted | UK News

SEXUAL OFFENDER SENTENCING
Darrel Carter, 34, was sentenced to 34 weeks in prison for breaching a sexual risk order after contacting underage girls on Vinted.
SEXUAL OFFENDER SENTENCED
Darrel Carter received a 34-week prison sentence at Carlisle Magistrates Court for multiple breaches of his sexual risk order involving contacting underage girls online.
LEGAL ACTION
Darrel Carter has been sentenced to an additional 34-week prison term at Carlisle Magistrates Court for breaching his sexual risk order.

What we know so far

A sexual offender has been sentenced for contacting young women online in violation of a court order. Darrel Carter, 34, admitted to breaching restrictions imposed on him after a past conviction by attempting to flatter dozens of women and girls with compliments.

Prosecutors revealed that Carter used the second-hand shopping platform Vinted to search for bikinis and mid shorts, directly breaching his sexual risk order, which forbade him from contacting anyone under 18. Despite this legal restriction, he engaged with the profiles of numerous young women.

Carter has previously been sentenced for similar violations, including a 20-month prison sentence in 2023 for making contact with a 15-year-old. Following further breaches, he received an additional 27-month term in November 2024. His latest sentencing amounted to 34 weeks, to run concurrently with his existing terms.

Defending him, Ant Wilson expressed concerns about Carter’s declining mental health, noting that he has been “staying in all the time” and was unwilling to meet anyone aware of his convictions.

Read in full

Man jailed for breaching ‘sexual risk order’ on Vinted | News UK

SEC 296372897 49e0
Darrel Carter approached dozens of girls on Vinted in breach of his sexual risk order banning him from the site (Picture: Cumbria Police/Getty Images)

A sexual offender has been sentenced after telling young women online ‘how beautiful they were’.

Darrel Carter, 34, breached his sexual risk order after contacting dozens of women and girls online and attempted to flatter them with compliments, a court heard.

He also searched for bikinis and mid shorts on popular second-hand shopping platform Vinted, prosecutors said.

Carter had been banned from contacting any girls under 18 as well as restrictions on his online activity following a court order in 2020.

Carlisle Magistrates Court heard he had since not complied with the order, instead browsing the profiles of dozens of young women and sending them messages, the BBC reported.

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The logo of Vinted UAB on a smartphone arranged in London, UK, on Monday, Nov. 18, 2024. Vinted, Europe's largest online marketplace for second-hand clothes, is ruling out an initial public offering for now as it focuses on expanding beyond fashion. Photographer: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Carter, 34, used the shopping app to search the profiles of young girls as well as for bikinis and mid shorts (Picture: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Carter admitted to having failed to give police his username in another breach of his order conditions.

Prosecutor Diane Jackson said Carter had repeatedly breached his sexual risk order since 2023, approaching underage girls and asking them if they had boyfriends.

Carter was sentenced to 20 months in jail for making contact with a 15-year-old girl in 2023.

In November 2024, he was handed a further 27-month prison sentence for breaching a court order.

On Friday he was given another 34-week prison sentence to be served concurrently.

Ant Wilson, defending Carter, said he was ‘staying in all the time’ and that his mental health had ‘gone downhill’.

He added the sexual offender was unwilling to meet anyone who had prior knowledge of his convictions.

Labour Faces Criticism as Starmer Struggles After Local Election Defeats

Labour faces criticism as Starmer struggles after local election defeats

Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure following significant losses in the recent local elections, which have been interpreted as a setback for his party ahead of the next general election. The results have rekindled discussions about leadership and party strategy, particularly amid concerns regarding voter disillusionment and Labour’s ability to establish a robust alternative to the Conservatives. Starmer’s response, expected later this week, will be to bring about some of the old guns to stabilise his leadership.

As casualties of these elections unfold, a renewed focus on party unity and effective messaging is anticipated. 

Key developments across the UK

Starmer under pressure, as Labour suffers heavy election losses

UK POLITICS — The Labour Party faces significant challenges following poor election results. Leader Keir Starmer is under scrutiny to re-evaluate strategies to regain support in forthcoming elections.

Labour’s performance in local elections has raised questions about its electoral viability as it seeks to unseat the Conservative government. Starmer’s leadership is being critically assessed by party members as the party lags behind in key areas.

Britons on virus-hit cruise ship will be tested before charter flight back to UK

UK SECURITY — Britons aboard a cruise ship facing a hantavirus outbreak will undergo testing prior to their return. The outbreak has raised public health concerns amid attempts to manage the situation effectively.

With six confirmed cases of hantavirus reported, authorities are ensuring the safety of those returning from the cruise. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of managing health risks associated with international travel.

Anger and resignation in Tenerife as hantavirus ship approaches

UK SOCIETY — The arrival of a cruise ship linked to a hantavirus outbreak has stirred mixed emotions in Tenerife. Local communities are expressing both anger and resignation amid the ongoing health crisis.

The situation has created tension between local residents and authorities as public health safety is prioritised. Many are concerned about potential implications for their own health and local resources.

Channel crossings: Number of migrants arriving in UK since 2018 hits 200,000

UK SOCIETY — The cumulative number of migrants arriving via small boats in the UK has surpassed 200,000 since 2018. This milestone raises ongoing discussions about immigration policy and border control in the UK.

Such high numbers continue to pressure the UK government to address the complexities of asylum seekers and illegal crossings. The increase highlights the challenges surrounding migration amidst changing political and social climates.

Hantavirus cases rise to six

UK HEALTH — The number of confirmed hantavirus cases linked to a cruise ship has escalated to six. This uptick has prompted heightened health assessments and containment strategies for affected individuals.

Public health officials are mobilising to address the growing concern, emphasising the importance of readiness to contain any further risks. The situation underscores the necessity of robust public health measures in managing infectious disease outbreaks.

What to watch — Monitor developments in Labour’s strategies following heavy local election losses and the ongoing public health situation with hantavirus.

Further reading from UK news sources

BBC News
Starmer under pressure, as Labour suffers heavy election losses

The Telegraph
Hantavirus cases rise to six

The Independent
Channel crossings: Number of migrants arriving in UK since 2018 hits 200,000

visit our UK politics coverage or check our latest UK news.

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