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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

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

BT Tower in London set for major hotel makeover following £275 million sale

Get you up to speed: BT Tower in London set for major hotel makeover following £275 million sale

BT TOWER TRANSFORMATION
London’s BT Tower will be converted into a hotel by MCR, reopening to the public in 2033 after being closed for nearly 50 years.
NEW HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Brent Mathews from BT Group confirmed plans for the BT Tower’s conversion into a hotel are expected to begin construction in late 2029, aiming for completion by 2033.
HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
Building work is anticipated to commence in late 2029, with completion of the BT Tower transformation into a hotel expected by 2033, according to MCR.

What we know so far

London’s iconic BT Tower is set for a dramatic transformation into a hotel, following recently unveiled plans. Originally closed off to the public over half a century ago, the 620ft landmark will be stripped out and repurposed, revitalising one of the city’s most recognisable structures.

Purchased by MCR, the third-largest hotel operator in the United States, for £275 million last year, the project aims to reopen the tower to the public for the first time since 1981. The BT Tower, which was inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson in 1965, once featured a rotating restaurant offering panoramic views of London.

MCR’s proposals include creating guest rooms within the previously restricted ‘Stick’ section of the tower, as well as plans for an event space and an observation deck at the top. The public consultation process for the development will run until 26 May, with construction expected to begin in late 2029 and completion hoped for by 2033.

Brent Mathews, Property Director at BT Group, stated the company is proud of the landmark’s history but acknowledged that it no longer serves its original purpose. MCR aims to celebrate the BT Tower’s heritage while providing public access and employment opportunities in Fitzrovia.

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London’s BT Tower to get major transformation into a hotel after £275,000,000 sale | News UK

BT Tower in London set for major hotel makeover following £275 million sale
London’s BT Tower will look incredibly different by 2033 if plans go ahead

London’s iconic BT Tower is being transformed into a hotel, according to newly-unveiled plans.

The iconic 620ft landmark, located close to Tottenham Court Road, is being stripped out and converted into a hotel, more than half a century after it was originally closed off to the public.

The tower, which was originally used for telecommunications, sits in the middle of Fitzrovia and was the tallest structure in the capital when it was built in 1964 – until it was surpassed by the NatWest Tower in 1980.

The BT Tower was bought by MCR, the third-largest hotel operator in the United States, for a whopping £275,000,000 last year as part of plans to re-open the landmark to the public for the first time in almost 50 years.

It was first opened by then-Prime Minister Harold Wilson back in 1965 and opened to the public a year later, featuring a rotating restaurant on the 34th floor that offered complete views of the capital.

BT Tower final look - exc picture: metro.co.uk
The tower is in Fitzrovia, central London (Picture: WTX)

Why was the BT Tower closed to the public?

The Top of the Tower restaurant in the BT Tower was closed off in 1971 after a bomb explosion in the men’s toilets of the restaurant.

It was reopened on an invite-only basis shortly after, but the entire tower was shut down in 1981.

In 2015, the restaurant reopened for two weeks in celebration of the BT Tower’s 50th anniversary.

Speaking about the landmark’s design, Anne Archer, an archivist at the tower, told WTX: ‘Because of its function, the building had to be erected at a considerable height and have nothing obstructing it so as not to interrupt communication waves.

‘So it offers this stunning panoramic view.’

How will the BT Tower change?

MCR released their proposals for the building this week as part of the wider public consultation process, which is expected to run until May 26.

The proposal includes being able to spend a night in ‘the Stick’, located on levels seven to 23, which has always been off-limits to the public.

Anne said: ‘No matter what, the history of this building will always be preserved – there is no other building like this.

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To get the latest news from the capital, visit WTX’s London news hub.

New plans show what BT Tower could look like
Floors seven to 23 within The Stick will be made into hotel rooms

‘But the new owners may be able to make the most of it more now. If a restaurant opens up inside the new hotel, more people will be able to come again.’

Plans seem less concrete for the top floor. The preliminary designs show the potential for an event space and an observation deck to ‘tell the rich story of the BT tower’, without the once iconic restaurant located there.

New plans show what BT Tower could look like
The top of the BT Tower could become an event space, with owners MCR asking for suggestions as part of the public consultation

There are more ideas proposed further down. A swimming pool is set to be built on the top floor of The Podium, which sits at the base of the tower.

And on the ground floor levels, MCR has proposed building shops and cafes as part of a new square along Howland Street, which will be completely open for public use.

When will the hotel be ready?

It is hoped that building work will start in late 2029 when BT hands over the site to MCR, with construction hopefully completed in 2033.

BT said they did not want to ‘hang on to something they no longer need’, with many once-important features such as microwave aerials having been removed more than a decade ago.

New plans show what BT Tower could look like
The ground area will also be built up to become a new square off Howland Street with new shops and cafes

WTX’s final look inside the BT Tower

WTX was treated to a final look at the building before it was shut for good. Inside was a time capsule of technology from the 60s and 70s, covered in a thick layer of dust.  

Work has already begun to remove ageing wires, telephones and switchboards, all made redundant by technological advancement.

Inside the BT Tower which is being sold to be turned into a hotel. Image shot on 8th May 2025. ?? Belinda Jiao jiao.bilin@gmail.com 07598931257 https://www.belindajiao.com/about
WTX took one last look at the tower before evidence of its hay day is moved out(Picture: Belinda Jiao)

Brent Mathews, Property Director at BT Group, said: ‘The BT Tower sits at the heart of London and we’ve been immensely proud to be the owners of this important landmark since 1984.

‘It’s played a vital role in carrying the nation’s calls, messages and TV signals, but increasingly we’re delivering content and communication via other means.’

MCR said: ‘MCR intends to bring one of Britain’s most iconic buildings into public use through a hotel‑led, mixed‑use development that celebrates the BT Tower’s rich heritage, complements Fitzrovia’s historic character, and delivers meaningful placemaking and employment opportunities for the local community.’

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency

Get you up to speed: WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency

An outbreak of Ebola in Congo and Uganda has been declared a public health emergency of international concern, with more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths reported. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which is a rare variant of Ebola that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths related to the outbreak in Congo and Uganda. According to the WHO, the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, which lacks approved therapeutics or vaccines.

As of Saturday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths related to the outbreak. The WHO has indicated that the current situation requires ongoing health measures, emphasising the importance of good outbreak control practices, including case management and contact tracing.

WHO declares global emergency over rare Ebola strain | News World

An outbreak of Ebola in Congo and Uganda was declared a public health emergency of international concern today after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths.

In a post on X, the WHO said the outbreak does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency like COVID-19, and advised against the closure of international borders.

But authorities have confirmed the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of the Ebola disease that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines.

Although more than 20 Ebola outbreaks have taken place in Congo and Uganda, this is only the third time the Bundibugyo virus has been reported.

Officials first reported the spread of the disease in Congo’s eastern province of Ituri, close to Uganda and South Sudan, on Friday.

WHO declares Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda a public health emergency
The rare and deadly virus has emered again in Uganda and Congo (Picture: Getty)

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On Saturday, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reported 336 suspected cases and 87 deaths.

Congo accounts for all except two of the cases, both of which were reported in neighbouring Uganda, the WHO said.

Uganda on Saturday confirmed one case it said was imported from Congo, and said the patient died at a hospital in Uganda’s capital, Kampala, and the WHO said that a second case has been reported in Kampala.

The two cases had no apparent links to each other and both patients had travelled from Congo, it added.

The Bundibugyo virus was first detected in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during a 2007-2008 outbreak that infected 149 people and killed 37 people.

What is Ebola?

(FILES) A health worker puts on his personal protective equipment (PPE) before entering the red zone of a MSF (Doctors Without Birders) supported Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC), where he will check up on patients on November 6, 2018 in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo. An outbreak of the ebola virus has been blamed for dozens of deaths in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, African health authorities said on May 15, 2026. The outbreak is in Ituri province. (Photo by John WESSELS / AFP via Getty Images)
Ebola is rare and severe – and often proves fatal (Picture: AFP)

The WHO states that Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a rare but severe and often fatal illness in humans.

It is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission.

The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50 per cent. Case fatality rates have varied from 25 per cent to 90 per cent in past outbreaks.

Ebola spreads through human-to-human transmission via direct contact (through broken skin or mucous membranes).

A person infected with Ebola cannot spread the disease until they develop symptoms.

Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation.

Early supportive care with rehydration and symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is no licensed treatment proven to neutralise the virus, but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development.

The WHO advises using gloves when dealing with people infected with Ebola and always practising safe sex.

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Modi meets Dutch royal family in The Hague during European tour

Modi meets Dutch royal family in The Hague during European tour

Official Tour Begins
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a six-day tour of Europe, starting with a meeting with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in The Hague.
Economic Ties
Bilateral trade between India and the Netherlands reached USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25, demonstrating significant economic partnership and strategic relevance in regional cooperation.
Prime Minister’s Praise
“We are witnessing growing trade and economic partnerships between India and the Netherlands, with technology and innovation as key focus areas,” said Narendra Modi.

Key developments

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has initiated the European segment of his tour, beginning with a meeting with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima in The Hague.

During his visit, Modi engaged with Dutch business leaders at Huis ten Bosch Palace and discussed key issues with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, including defence and energy.

Indian PM Modi begins European tour with meeting of Dutch royals

Modi meets Dutch royal family in The Hague during European tour

Published on Updated

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has kicked off the European leg of his official tour with a meeting with the Dutch King and Queen in The Hague.

Modi is currently on a six-day trip across the Middle East and Europe that began in the United Arab Emirates and will later see him visit Sweden, Norway, and Italy, meeting a host of key leaders including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Modi met with the Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, as well as a number of Dutch business executives, at the Huis ten Bosch Palace on Saturday.

He is also meeting with Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten to discuss topics including defence, security, innovation, and energy.

Addressing members of the Indian community in The Hague earlier in the day, Modi lauded growing trade and economic partnerships between India and the Netherlands and highlighted technology and innovation as emerging focus areas.

The Netherlands is a key trading partner for India, with bilateral trade worth USD 27.8 billion in 2024-25, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

The third leg of Modi’s trip will see him meet with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to “review the entire gamut of bilateral relations,” the ministry said in a press release.

The pair are also set to address the European Round Table for Industry in Sweden alongside von der Leyen.

Von der Leyen also met with Modi in January at the 16th EU-India summit, where the bloc successfully completed negotiations on a free trade agreement with New Delhi. The deal aims to reduce tariffs and red tape, which the EU hopes will facilitate trade and benefit consumers.

From there, Modi will move on to Oslo for the third India-Nordic summit, where’s he’s scheduled to meet with the leaders of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland. Talks will focus on the nations’ cooperation on technology, renewable energies, defence, space and the Arctic region, India’s External Affairs Ministry said.

Modi’s tour will finish up in Italy on 20 May with a visit to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

In 2024, Modi and Meloni committed to a “Joint Strategic Action Plan,” agreeing to build cooperation in a number of areas including security and defence, as well as promoting “safe and legal migration channels.”

US economy shows signs of slowdown amid rising inflation pressures

US economy shows signs of slowdown amid rising inflation pressures

The Supreme Court is set to hear a pivotal case today challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. This comes as part of a broader legal confrontation over the agency’s regulatory scope following previous rulings that have called into question its ability to impose sweeping climate regulations. Advocates for stricter environmental protections argue that failing to uphold these regulations would significantly hinder the U.S. commitment to reducing carbon emissions under international accords.

In market reactions, energy stocks have seen volatility ahead of this decision, with analysts warning that a ruling against the EPA could lead to a rapid sell-off in renewable energy investments. Conversely, fossil fuel companies may gain ground if the court limits regulatory powers. Investors are keenly watching for the Supreme Court’s decision, expected later this week, which will have far-reaching implications for climate policy and market trends.

Key developments across the United States

Progressive groups criticize Biden’s new immigration policy

US MIGRATION — Progressive groups have expressed strong opposition to President Biden’s new immigration policy.

The policy includes measures seen as restrictive, drawing backlash from various advocacy organizations. These groups argue that such policies threaten the rights and dignity of migrants and may result in increased deportations.

US-China tensions rise as officials meet

US FOREIGN POLICY — US officials are engaging in tense discussions with China over various geopolitical issues.

U.S. military involvement in Eastern Europe expands

US DEFENSE — The United States is increasing its military presence in Eastern Europe amid rising tensions.

This decision reflects a strategic shift towards bolstering defenses against perceived threats from Russia. Enhanced military exercises and the deployment of additional troops are aimed at reassuring allies in NATO and deterring potential aggression.

Federal Reserve considers interest rate hike

US ECONOMY — The Federal Reserve is deliberating on a potential increase in interest rates to combat inflation.

This consideration arises as inflation rates continue to impact consumer prices and economic stability. The decision will have significant repercussions on borrowing costs for individuals and businesses, influencing economic growth and market dynamics.

Biden administration continues push for renewable energy

US ENERGY — The Biden administration is ramping up efforts to promote renewable energy solutions.

These initiatives are designed to transition away from fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. The strategies involve partnerships with private sectors and investment in innovative technologies, aiming for a more sustainable energy future.

What to watch — The outcomes of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decisions may significantly impact the U.S. economy in the coming months.

Further reading from US News sources

New York Times
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Bloomberg
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Washington Post
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Reuters
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Politico
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Drones strike UN humanitarian convoy in Kherson, Ukraine, amid ongoing conflict

Get you up to speed: Drones strike UN humanitarian convoy in Kherson, Ukraine, amid ongoing conflict

Drones have targeted a United Nations humanitarian convoy carrying supplies in Kherson, southern Ukraine. The incident involved a remotely piloted drone operated by the unmanned systems unit in the 18th Combined Arms Army embedded in the Dnepr military group.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed alarm regarding the attack on a “clearly-marked vehicle” belonging to an inter-agency humanitarian mission in Kherson, noting it breached international law. According to Militarnyi, a since-deleted post claimed that the drone responsible was operated by the unmanned systems unit of the 18th Combined Arms Army within the Dnepr military group.

The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has raised concerns over two Russian strikes in Kherson that violated international law, emphasising that the vehicle was marked and part of a humanitarian mission coordinated by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Meanwhile, parts of the Kherson Oblast continue to remain under siege.

Russia accused of drone attack on UN marked aid convoy in Ukraine | News World

Drones have hit a United Nations humanitarian convoy carrying supplies to war-torn areas of Ukraine.  

The aid vehicles marked with the recognisable UN emblem were targeted in Kherson, southern Ukraine, while taking food to residents.  

Since deleted footage posted on a Russian Telegram channel showed the drone aiming at the UN four-by-four car on the road.

Another clip, filmed from inside a vehicle behind it, shows the car being hit.

A screenshot from a video showing the moment before a UN aid car was hit by a Russian drone in Kherson, Ukraine.
A view from the drone as it approached the UN aid car before hitting it in Kherson, Ukraine

The incident is said to have happened in the Ostrov neighbourhood and carried out by a remotely piloted drone.

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A since-deleted post claimed that the drone was operated by the unmanned systems unit in the 18th Combined Arms Army embedded in the Dnepr military group, according to Militarnyi.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, UN personnel travelling in the convoy are said to have stated they didn’t instantly know who was behind it.

Since then, the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has raised the alarm over two Russian strikes in Kherson on Thursday, which breached international law.

His office said: ‘The Secretary-General is alarmed that a United Nations vehicle was struck twice in Kherson city in Ukraine on 14 May.

‘The clearly-marked vehicle was part of an inter-agency humanitarian mission, led by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, that had been notified to the parties well in advance.’

Russia occupied Kherson city for around eight months in 2022 before it was liberated, but parts of the Kherson Oblast remain under siege.  

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Authorities confirm dead whale stranded in Denmark is humpback “Timmy”

Authorities confirm dead whale stranded in Denmark is humpback “Timmy”

Whale Identification
Authorities confirmed that the dead whale stranded off a Danish island is the humpback whale known as “Timmy”, previously sighted in the Baltic Sea.
Confirmed Identity
Authorities verified the deceased whale off Anholt as “Timmy”, confirming its previous sightings in the Baltic Sea and highlighting significant movements beyond its natural habitat.
Official Confirmation
“We can now confirm that the humpback whale stranded off Anholt is the same whale that had previously stranded in Germany,” said agency head Jane Hansen.

Key developments

Denmark’s Environmental Protection Agency confirmed the dead whale stranded off Anholt is “Timmy,” a humpback whale previously sighted in the Baltic Sea and stranded in Germany.

The whale experienced a dramatic two-week rescue operation after repeatedly stranding along Germany’s Baltic coast, highlighting regional conservation challenges and the risks faced by marine life.

Whale Timmy is dead, GPS tracker confirms identity

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By&nbspSonja Issel&nbsp&&nbspSonja Issel

Published on Updated

After several days of uncertainty, authorities have confirmed that the dead whale stranded off a Danish island is the humpback whale known as “Timmy”.

The confirmation came from Denmark’s Environmental Protection Agency, according to the Ritzau news agency, with broadcaster TV 2 among the first to report it.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania’s Environment Minister Till Backhaus has since also confirmed the whale’s death.

Denmark’s nature protection agency, Miljøstyrelsen, said a GPS transmitter was found on the carcass, confirming it was the same humpback whale previously sighted in the Baltic Sea and later stranded off the German coast.

“We can now confirm that the humpback whale stranded off Anholt is the same whale that had previously stranded in Germany,” agency head Jane Hansen said in a written statement.

Authorities have so far been unable to recover the GPS device because of poor weather conditions.

The whale had been released just two weeks ago following a dramatic and highly debated rescue operation after repeatedly becoming stranded along Germany’s Baltic Sea coast, authorities said on Saturday.

Timmy was first spotted off the German coast on March 3. It remains unclear why the humpback whale entered the Baltic Sea, a region far outside its natural habitat and poorly suited to the species. Some marine experts believe the animal may have become disoriented while following shoals of herring or during migration.

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