- Secretary general meets Trump ahead of July leaders’ summit on Iran
- EU Digital Euro Advances as Bloc Seeks Financial Independence from US
- US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation begins to ease
- B.C. expands chronic offender initiative amid raised concerns
- New York House primaries evaluate Mamdani’s influence amid key races in South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah
- UN chief warns London faces extreme heatwave and fossil fuel dangers
- Iceland resumes whaling, killing two fin whales off its coast
- Alibaba files lawsuit against US Department of Defense over military label
LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.
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Global Reaction to DE Elections
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
Secretary general meets Trump ahead of July leaders’ summit on Iran
Secretary general meets Trump ahead of July leaders’ summit on Iran
The Secretary General met with Trump prior to a leaders’ summit in July, amid strained relations over the US’s reduced European defence commitments.
European defence commitments from the US have seen substantial reductions, highlighting a strategic shift that could impact transatlantic security collaboration ahead of the upcoming leaders’ summit.
“Our commitment to European security remains unwavering,” stated the Secretary General, emphasising the need for unity amid fraying ties with the Trump administration.
Rutte meets Trump to defuse tensions ahead of major NATO summit

The Secretary General’s meeting with Trump comes ahead of a potentially bruising leaders’ summit in July. Relations between the Trump administration and Europe remain fractious over the war in Iran, with the US cutting its European defence commitments drastically.
EU Digital Euro Advances as Bloc Seeks Financial Independence from US
EU Digital Euro Advances as Bloc Seeks Financial Independence from US
The European Parliament is set to vote today on the highly anticipated proposal for a digital euro, which aims to enhance the eurozone’s economic sovereignty and reduce reliance on US financial services. This initiative, backed by the European Commission, represents a strategic move to bolster the EU’s digital currency framework and improve transaction efficiency across member states. Advocates argue that a digital euro could strengthen the Union’s monetary policy, while critics express concerns over privacy and implementation costs.
In the market arena, financial analysts suggest that the introduction of a digital euro could significantly impact existing payment systems and traditional banking models, with potential ramifications for eurozone financial stability. Investors are keenly watching the outcomes of today’s vote as approval could initiate further developments in digital finance. What to watch next: The outcome of this vote is likely to set the stage for forthcoming discussions at the Economic and Financial Affairs Council scheduled for next month.
Key developments across Europe
Digital euro clears key hurdle as EU seeks to break free from U.S. credit cards
EU ECONOMY —The European Union’s digital euro project has moved forward significantly.
The project has successfully passed a crucial phase, enhancing the EU’s ability to reduce reliance on U.S. credit systems. This is part of a broader strategy to bolster financial independence amid global economic uncertainties.
Hungary hits pause on EU membership bids of Ukraine, Moldova
EU POLITICS —Hungary has stalled the EU accession processes for Ukraine and Moldova.
This decision by Hungary highlights ongoing tensions within the EU regarding enlargement policy. The move may delay the integration of these nations, as Hungary cites various concerns around political and economic alignment with EU standards.
EU hosts Taliban officials for the first time in talks on deportations
EU MIGRATION —The EU has initiated talks with Taliban officials regarding deportation processes.
This marks a significant diplomatic effort by the EU to address challenges related to Afghan refugees. The discussions reflect the EU’s intent to establish practical frameworks for managing migration more effectively, ensuring cooperation with the Taliban on related issues.
Europe is spending billions to rearm, so why the delays?
EU DEFENCE —European nations are investing heavily in military rearmament, despite facing delays.
This investment is part of a broader effort to strengthen collective defence capabilities amid increasing geopolitical tensions. Delays in resource allocation and procurement processes are raising concerns about the effectiveness of these military enhancements.
What to watch —Continued negotiations between the EU and the Taliban may shape future migration policies significantly.
Further reading from across European news sources
Financial Times
Struggling European carmakers have options, none of them good
Politico Europe
Poland criticizes ‘insane’ EU climate policy
Reuters
Nord Stream 2 pipeline owner sues EU over Russian gas ban
Euronews
Nine EU countries rebel against EU’s green targets for corporate cars and vans
US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation begins to ease
US economy shows signs of recovery as inflation begins to ease
The Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case today concerning the scope of presidential power in the enforcement of immigration laws, which could have significant implications for both current policies and future administrations. The case centers on whether the Biden administration’s effort to prioritize deportations is permissibly within its discretion or if it oversteps legal boundaries. This ruling may redefine how the federal government balances enforcement priorities with immigration reform initiatives.
In related news, the stock market is closely monitoring developments as investors brace for potential volatility following this announcement. Analysts suggest that a favorable ruling for the administration could bolster markets as companies anticipate more stability in labor availability, while an adverse decision may lead to concerns over workforce shortages. Attention now turns to a Senate committee hearing on immigration policy scheduled for next week, which could shape further legislative actions.
Key developments across the United States
Many States Reintroduce Mask Mandates as COVID-19 Cases Rise
US HEALTH— A surge in COVID-19 cases has prompted multiple states to reinstate mask mandates.
As infections increase due to new variants, several states are acting to protect public health by mandating masks in indoor public spaces. These measures aim to curb transmission rates and protect vulnerable populations ahead of the upcoming flu season.
Federal Reserve to Discuss Interest Rate Changes Next Month
US ECONOMY— The Federal Reserve is set to hold discussions concerning potential changes to interest rates at their next meeting.
This comes in the wake of evolving economic indicators, including inflation and employment statistics. The decisions made will significantly influence borrowing costs and economic growth in the near term.
Congress Moves to Introduce Bill on Infrastructure Funding
US POLITICS— Congress is actively working on a new bill aimed at increasing infrastructure funding nationwide.
The proposed legislation seeks to address aging infrastructure and enhance public transportation systems. If passed, the bill is expected to generate jobs and stimulate economic growth across various sectors.
US-China Trade Relations Face New Challenges
US TRADE— Tensions in US-China trade relations are escalating due to new tariffs and trade policies.
Recent discussions have highlighted challenges relating to intellectual property rights and trade imbalances. Both countries are expected to negotiate adjustments to maintain economic stability and prevent further deterioration in relations.
Supreme Court to Review Major Abortion Rights Case
US LAW— The Supreme Court is set to review a significant case concerning abortion rights in the upcoming term.
This case could lead to substantial changes in abortion regulations across the country. The decision is anticipated to amplify ongoing national debates surrounding reproductive rights and legal frameworks.
What to watch — Upcoming Federal Reserve decisions will significantly impact interest rates and overall economic conditions in the U.S.
Further reading from US News sources
Wall Street Journal
Article title
Bloomberg
Article title
New York Times
Article title
B.C. expands chronic offender initiative amid raised concerns
Get you up to speed: B.C.’s expanded chronic offender initiative welcomed but concerns raised
A new initiative will monitor up to 420 high-risk individuals and link them with services such as housing, mental health supports, and addiction treatment. The programme aims to address vulnerabilities and improve outcomes for those involved.
The hubs are set to monitor 420 high-risk individuals and will provide access to essential services, including housing and mental health support. Investigations are ongoing to assess the effectiveness of these interventions in mitigating risks within the community.
Authorities announced that the new hubs will monitor up to 420 high-risk individuals and provide essential services, including housing, mental health support, and addiction treatment. The initiative aims to enhance community safety and well-being, with further details on implementation expected shortly.
What remains unclear — It is undisclosed how the effectiveness of the hubs will be measured in supporting high-risk individuals.
B.C. expands chronic offender initiative amid raised concerns

The hubs will monitor up to 420 high-risk individuals and connect them with services such as housing, mental health supports and addiction treatment.
New York House primaries evaluate Mamdani’s influence amid key races in South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah
Get you up to speed: New York House primaries test Mamdani’s influence, and more races to watch in South Carolina, Maryland, Utah
New York’s 10th District saw former Comptroller Brad Lander defeat incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman in the Democratic primary on Tuesday, as projected by WTX US News. In South Carolina, State Attorney General Alan Wilson won the Republican gubernatorial runoff, defeating Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette, also reported by WTX US News.
Turnout in the crowded Democratic primaries across New York may be affected by the competing endorsements of prominent local politicians. In South Carolina, the Republican gubernatorial runoff is pivotal, as the state has maintained a Republican hold on the governor’s office for 23 years.
New York City’s political landscape is shifting as endorsements from Mayor Zohran Mamdani play a significant role in local primaries, with progressive candidates like Adrian Boafo and Brad Lander leading their respective races. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, State Attorney General Alan Wilson has secured the Republican gubernatorial nomination, signalling a competitive election against Democrat Jermaine Johnson in November.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain which candidates are favoured to win in Maryland’s Republican primary against incumbent Gov. Wes Moore due to a lack of public polling.
New York House primaries evaluate Mamdani’s influence amid key races in South Carolina, Maryland, and Utah
Four states are holding primaries on Tuesday, including New York, with several closely watched congressional races, and South Carolina, with a Republican runoff in the governor’s race after no candidate won majority support in the primary earlier this month.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s influence will be tested at the ballot box, since he endorsed and even cut an ad for his three preferred candidates that ran during the Knicks playoff games. He also spoke at a rally over the weekend on behalf of the three. Voters in Manhattan’s wealthy and powerful 12th District will also be selecting a Democratic nominee.
Voters in Utah and Maryland are casting votes in primaries in their states, too. Here are the key races to watch:
New York’s 10th District
During last year’s mayoral election, Mamdani and former New York City Comptroller Brad Lander cross-endorsed each other during the ranked-choice voting process. After Mamdani’s win, Lander threw his hat in the ring to challenge incumbent Rep. Dan Goldman, who served as one of the Democrats’ lawyers in their first effort to impeach President Trump.
Lander defeated Goldman in Tuesday’s primary, WTX US News has projected.
Goldman had won the district, which includes Lower Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn, in 2022 after a crowded, expensive Democratic primary. (An heir to the Levi Strauss fortune, he is one of the wealthiest members of Congress.) But since then, Goldman has advocated for more support for Israel than other progressive Democrats, which Lander said inspired him to run. Both Lander and Goldman are Jewish, but their differing views on Israel’s actions in Gaza made this one of the dominant issues in the race.
Mamdani backed Lander, along with Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries supported Goldman.
The district is heavily Democratic, so Lander is favored to win in November.
New York’s 7th District
Nydia Velázquez, the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress, announced last year that she would retire at the end of this term, her 16th. In her retirement announcement, she took note of Mamdani’s victory, saying, “Americans are hungry for change.”
Her district, which encompasses parts of western Brooklyn and Queens, is part of what’s been nicknamed the “Commie Corridor,” given its leftward tilt. Her chosen successor was Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, who is also a progressive.
But Mamdani, who served in the state Assembly representing a nearby Queens district, backed another Democrat, Assemblywoman Claire Valdez, a fellow democratic socialist.
WTX US News projected Tuesday that Valdez had easily defeated Reynoso in Tuesday’s Democratic primary.
Her victory came after the race turned into a proxy fight pitting the established progressive wing of the Democratic Party against the democratic socialists.
New York’s 13th District
In the 13th District, which encompasses Upper Manhattan, Mamdani is backing democratic socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier, who was one of his field organizers, against incumbent Rep. Adriano Espaillat.
Espaillat, 71 and the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in the House, was not initially considered to face any serious risk from a primary challenger. He’s been in Congress since 2017 and is the chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. In the 2025 mayor’s race, he first backed former Gov. Andrew Cuomo and then quickly endorsed Mamdani after the primary.
Mamdani’s endorsement of Avila Chevalier, 32, shocked the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The New York Times reported that Mamdani had agreed last year to back Espaillat. Hochul, Jeffries and New York Attorney General Letitia James are supporting Espaillat.
In a debate, Espaillat raised some of Chevalier’s now-deleted social media posts, including one in which she said “f*** Kamala Harris.” She has since apologized.
New York’s 12th District
Longtime Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler is retiring, opening up the seat in one of the nation’s wealthiest districts, encompassing Midtown Manhattan and the Upper East and West Sides. In the crowded race, Nadler has endorsed state Assemblyman Micah Lasher, a former aide of his who also has the backing of former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Gov. Hochul.
The other main contenders are New York Assemblyman Alex Bores, who is running on a platform to regulate artificial intelligence; former Republican turned Trump antagonist George Conway, who says he’ll only serve one term in order to impeach Mr. Trump; and political newcomer Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy’s telegenic grandson and social media star.
Independent polling shows either Lasher or Bores leading, but given the likely low turnout, the outcome is uncertain. It’s been an expensive race, with $26 million in ad spending, according to AdImpact.
Given the district’s strong Democratic leaning, the winner on Tuesday is favored to win in November. Mamdani, now living in Gracie Mansion, resides in the district and confirmed he voted — but he hasn’t revealed who received his vote.
New York’s 17th District
Five Democrats are vying for the chance to take on Republican Rep. Mike Lawler in New York’s 17th District, which includes parts of Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. Leading the field are former Biden administration cybersecurity expert Cait Conley, Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson and progressive Tarrytown Village Trustee Effie Phillips-Staley.
Lawler is one of only three Republicans representing a district that Kamala Harris won in the 2024 presidential race, making it a key target for Democrats. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race as a toss-up, and Mr. Trump has campaigned in the district for Lawler.
“It’s hard to say any one district is a ‘must win,’ but this one is certainly close to it,” Cook Political Report’s Erin Covey told WTX New York earlier this month.
New York’s 21st District
The bitter GOP primary in northern New York’s 21st Congressional District pits Anthony Constantino, a Trump-backed businessman and political newcomer, against Robert Smullen, a state assemblyman who has the support of the state GOP and other local Republicans. The primary could be another window into Mr. Trump’s sway in the primaries.
Constantino and Smullen are vying to replace GOP Rep. Elise Stefanik, who was initially Mr. Trump’s pick for ambassador to the United Nations before he pulled the nomination, asking her to remain in Congress to help the House hold the party’s razor-thin majority. She later announced a bid for governor, but exited the race after Mr. Trump declined to endorse her. She has not endorsed in the race.
The primary has become increasingly tense, with the candidates accusing one another of defamation and threatening to sue each other over claims made during the campaign.
Utah’s 1st District
Four candidates are competing in the Democratic primary in Utah’s newly redrawn 1st Congressional District, which encompasses Salt Lake City and its suburbs — a seat that could help determine the House majority in November.
A Democrat hasn’t been elected to represent Utah in the House since 2018. The new maps made the 1st Congressional District, which is currently held by Republican Rep. Blake Moore, more favorable to Democrats. The University of Virginia’s Sabato’s Crystal Ball considers the seat a safe pickup for Democrats.
The last Democrat to represent Utah in Congress, former Rep. Ben McAdams, is one of the four candidates vying for the seat. He’s up against state Sen. Nate Blouin, political newcomer and Utah Democratic convention winner Liban Mohamed, and tax attorney Michael Farrell.
South Carolina governor Republican runoff
State Attorney General Alan Wilson won South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial nomination in a runoff Tuesday, WTX US News has projected, after he came in second place behind Lt. Gov. Pamela Evette in a crowded field in the first round of the primary.
Originally, Evette entered the contest with significant political momentum behind her. Both Gov. Henry McMaster and Mr. Trump threw their support behind the lieutenant governor, with the president calling her a “good friend, fighter, and WINNER.” He also posted on Truth Social on May 29: “Pam has my Complete and Total Endorsement — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!”
On Friday, Mr. Trump posted on social media that he will be endorsing both candidates in this race. He wrote: “I can’t hurt one of them by only endorsing the other, so, therefore, I am going to endorse, for Governor of South Carolina, both Pam Evette and Alan Wilson!”
This new endorsement came after Wilson picked up momentum in the polls with a lead over Evette. It also came after these past weeks when Mr. Trump’s previous endorsements in two other gubernatorial primaries did not result in wins. Wilson also won the endorsement of Rep. Nancy Mace, who had also been running in the primary but did not advance to the runoff.
McMaster is term-limited out of office. The South Carolina governor’s position has been held by a Republican for the last 23 years and the seat is reliably red, making the runoff a pivotal contest in determining who will lead South Carolina. In November, Wilson will take on Democrat Jermaine Johnson, who won his primary outright on June 9.
Maryland’s 5th District
After having served in the House for almost 45 years, Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer decided not to run for reelection. This led to a competitive primary with 23 Democratic candidates vying for the seat.
Hoyer endorsed his previous campaign manager, Adrian Boafo, who is currently a Prince George’s County Democratic delegate. Hoyer described Boafo as “as warm as he is smart, as principled as he is pragmatic.” Boafo was also endorsed by other prominent Democrats, including Gov. Wes Moore and Sen. Angela Alsobrooks.
WTX US News projected that Boafo won the Democratic primary, defeating other leading candidates Harry Dunn and Quincy Bareebe.
Dunn is a former U.S. Capitol Police officer who was present during the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Dunn had been endorsed by Rep. Nancy Pelosi, who issued a statement calling him “a true American hero and exactly the right person to represent Maryland in Congress.”
Bareebe has a thin political career but a lengthy background as an entrepreneur. Bareebe is the CEO of a local healthcare company that specializes in home care and assisted living. Bareebe has largely self-funded her $5.7 million campaign, according to The Baltimore Sun.
Maryland governor’s race
Multiple candidates are on the ballot in Maryland’s Republican primary to face off against incumbent Gov. Wes Moore in November.
Moorewon in 2022 with 65% of the vote and has maintained steady approval ratings throughout his first term.
Republican Dan Cox, who is running again this cycle, lost to Moore by 32 points in 2022. In that race, Cox secured an endorsement from Mr. Trump, who called him “MAGA all the way.” Mr. Trump has not yet made an endorsement in this year’s race.
Also on the ballot is Ed Hale, a former Democrat who thought it would be a “pragmatic choice” to switch affiliations and run against Cox in the GOP primary. Cox has heavily criticized the move on social media.
Cox says he is concerned about inflation and the national debt in Maryland, and that he believes in protecting the American Dream and “securing our borders to combat deadly increases in fentanyl trafficking.” Hale says he wants to freeze taxes to encourage competition and focus on economic growth, “fully fund law enforcement,” and reduce reliance on federal funding. With no public polling available, it’s unclear which candidate is favored to win.
Moore, widely considered a 2028 presidential hopeful, defeated Democratic primary challenger Eric Felber on Tuesday, WTX US News has projected.
Fin Daniel Gómez and
Anne Bryson
contributed to this report.
In:
UN chief warns London faces extreme heatwave and fossil fuel dangers
Get you up to speed: UN chief warns London is ‘cooking’ amid unprecedented heatwave | News World
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres delivered a warning about climate and energy crises during his address at London Climate Action Week as the city experiences a severe heatwave. A red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office, with temperatures expected to approach record highs.
Temperatures across England are expected to potentially exceed the previous June record set in 1976, with a red weather warning issued from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday covering a swath from London to Swansea. Network Rail has advised passengers to limit travel during this period, citing concerns that extreme heat could affect railway safety and services.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of the dangers associated with fossil fuels, urging a swift transition to clean energy during his address at London Climate Action Week. In addition, the Met Office has issued a red weather warning as extreme heat threatens the region, advising the public to limit travel in affected areas on Wednesday and Thursday.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how long the extreme heatwave is expected to last.
UN chief warns London faces extreme heatwave and fossil fuel dangers
The United Nations chief has warned that London is ‘cooking’ while issuing a sobering reminder of the dangers of fossil fuels.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres referenced Charles Dickens’ novel A Tale Of Two Cities in a major address at London Climate Action Week as the capital swelters in a severe heatwave.
‘London isn’t just calling. It’s cooking,’ the UN chief said.
‘Crisis brings clarity and here in London – the city of Dickens – it is clear that our world is facing a ‘tale of two crises’,’ he added.
‘A climate crisis is pushing us deeper towards higher temperatures and closer to catastrophic tipping points, and an energy crisis is exposing the folly of a world hooked on hydrocarbons.
‘On the surface, these crises may seem separate, but they share the same destructive origin: fossil fuels.’
Temperatures are expected to smash the June record set in 1976 by several degrees as human-driven climate change intensifies the impact of a heat dome settling over western Europe.

Guterres gave the sobering warning during an address today (Picture: PA)
The arrival of the El Niño warming weather phenomenon this summer risks ‘blowing the house down’ as it compounds the escalating impacts.
Guterres’ speech comes amid market volatility because of the ongoing Iran War, which has caused fossil fuel prices to surge.
Both crises demand the ‘same answer’, he said: ‘A fast, fair transition to clean energy and a surge in adaptation, resilience and climate justice for those already facing climate harm.’
A red weather warning for extreme heat covering an area stretching from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham was issued by the Met Office from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday.
The temperature could come close to the UK’s all-time high of 40.3C which was measured in July 2022.
Latest London news
To get the latest news from the capital, visit WTX’s London news hub.
Overnight, the temperature did not dip below 20C at nine locations across England, recording what the Met Office classifies as a tropical night.
The hot weather led to thunderstorms and lightning strikes over England during the early hours of Tuesday.
FOLLOW THE LATEST ON UK HEATWAVE IN OUR LIVE BLOG

Londoners are looking for any solution to beat the heat (Picture: Getty)
Advice has also been issued for transport users, with Network Rail warning passengers should ‘only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday’.
Jake Kelly, deputy chief executive of Network Rail, said: ‘Extreme heat can have a significant impact on the railway, so safety must come first.
‘We’re asking passengers to check before travelling on Tuesday, and only travel if absolutely essential on Wednesday and Thursday if they are going to, from or within the red warning zone, as temperatures are expected to peak.
‘If you do need to travel in this area or outside of it, where it will still be hot, please plan ahead, allow extra time and take necessary precautions, such as carrying water, to stay safe. We thank passengers for their patience and understanding during this period.’
Transport for London (TfL) warned customers of possible disruption to rail and Tube services, saying rail temperatures could lead to temporary speed restrictions and reduced services.
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