Lindner criticizes Merz’s capital-funded pension plans
Former FDP leader Christian Lindner has criticized Friedrich Merz's (CDU) plans to introduce a capital-funded pension. Lindner primarily doubts Merz's investment strategy.
Month 28. June 2026
US government allows Anthropic to release AI model ‘Mythos 5’
The US government has lifted the block on Anthropic's AI model 'Mythos 5'. Commerce Secretary Lutnick said the company cooperated to address risks.
Cement consumption in Germany falls to pre-World War II levels
Cement consumption in Germany has dropped to levels not seen since before World War II, according to the head of the building materials industry association.
Adult Acne: When Skin Becomes a Mental Burden
Acne is not just a teenage problem. Adults also suffer from the chronic skin condition – and society often underestimates the psychological consequences. FAZ reports on those affected who struggle with prejudice and the constant gaze in the mirror.
Record IPO in Uzbekistan Puts Focus on Capital Market Development
Uzbekistan's largest-ever initial public offering has raised more capital than all previous IPOs in the country combined, according to Euronews. The landmark deal shifts attention to how the nation will further develop its financial markets.
AI Robot Kiosk in Hong Kong – 100 Outlets Planned
A 24/7 convenience store in Hong Kong is now fully operated by a humanoid robot. According to Futurism, the company plans to open 100 more locations in the medium term.
Joachim Gauck Urges Government to Show More Courage
Former German Joachim Gauck has called on the black-red coalition government to take bolder action, warning that a lack of courage is driving voters toward the far-right AfD.
Klingbeil Plans 20 Percent Higher Alcohol Tax
Federal Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil (SPD) wants to raise the alcohol tax by 20 percent. This is according to a draft law obtained by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland (RND).
World Cup 2026: Messi on the Bench Against Jordan
Lionel Messi will start on the bench in Argentina's final group match against Jordan. Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the decision at the pre-match press conference.
Warken: Long-Term Care Insurance Is a Predictable Case for Restructuring
German Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) defends her savings plans for long-term care insurance, calling the system a "predictable case for restructuring." In a guest article for "Welt am Sonntag," Warken acknowledges the reform will involve hardships.
US government restricts access to OpenAI’s AI model
The US government has restricted access to a new AI model from OpenAI. The company announced that the government demanded only a small, vetted group of partners receive access to the preview version of models in the GPT-5.6 series.
Ukraine to Use ‘Katran’ Drones to Intercept Sanctioned Ships
Ukraine plans to deploy its 'Katran' naval drones to intercept vessels violating international sanctions, a representative of the Ukrainian military intelligence agency HUR told Business Insider.
US military strikes back after drone attack on cargo ship – targets hit in Iran
The United States has struck military targets in Iran after a drone attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The strikes hit missile and drone facilities near the strait and on Qeshm Island.
CDU politician calls for swift abolition of pension at 63
A CDU politician has called for the immediate scrapping of the deduction-free pension after 45 years of contributions, arguing that a five-year transition period would be too long.
Swimming accident in Chiemsee: 68-year-old dies
A 68-year-old Swiss man died on Friday afternoon after a swimming accident in Chiemsee. According to police, he was on an electric boat.
Ukraine Launches New Tender for 155mm Artillery Shells
Ukraine's Defense Ministry has tasked the Defense Procurement Agency DOT with a new competitive tender for an expanded batch of long-range 155mm artillery shells, the Kyiv Post reports.
World Cup goal show: Dembélé fires France to group win against Norway
Ousmane Dembélé scored a hat-trick to lead France to a 4-1 victory over Norway, securing top spot in the group. The win sets up a potential round-of-16 clash with Germany.
Colombia Coach Raves Bayern Star Luis Díaz at World Cup
Colombia's national team coach Nestor Lorenzo has praised Bayern Munich's Luis Díaz as a leader and role model for the squad. The forward is among the standout players at the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
US launches strikes on Iran in retaliation for attack on cargo ship
The US military said on Friday it had struck targets in Iran in retaliation for an attack on a cargo ship. The US Central Command (Centcom) said it had targeted Iranian missile and drone storage sites as well as radar installations along the coast.
Russian drone hits industrial plant in Zaporizhzhia
A Russian drone attack on Zaporizhzhia struck an industrial plant, sparking a fire. According to regional governor Ivan Fedorov, no one was injured.
Israel and Lebanon Sign Agreement to End Fighting
Israel and Lebanon have signed a framework agreement to end hostilities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a first step on a difficult but necessary path.
Ukrainian Breakthrough in German Sports: KARS Club Fighters Join the German National K-1 Kickboxing Team
Athletes of Ukrainian descent Illia Hladiichuk and Filipp Slabchenko have been officially selected for the German national WAKO kickboxing team. The fighters from the Munich-based KARS club have become the only representatives from Bavaria in the elite and rigorous K-1 discipline, as well as the only Ukrainians on the German team in this category. This September, they will travel to Italy to compete for World Championship medals.
Eight-Year-Old Dies After Drowning in Lake Near Hanover
An eight-year-old boy has died after a drowning accident in Parksee Lohne in Isernhagen near Hanover. The child was recovered from the water after a two-hour search.
DFB experts: Team not good in deep block
Germany's national team has defensive weaknesses, according to experts. Christoph Kramer, Per Mertesacker, and Fritzy Kromp analyzed the performance against Ecuador.
Kramer: Nagelsmann tested deep block against Ecuador
Christoph Kramer sees the 1-2 defeat of the German national team against Ecuador as a deliberate test by head coach Julian Nagelsmann. The ZDF expert explained that the team deliberately dropped deep to prepare for the knockout stages.
World Cup Round of 32: Only Three Possible Opponents Left for Germany
The World Cup is heading into the knockout stage. For the German national team, only three potential opponents remain in the round of 32.
Ukrainian Family Invests Over 750,000 Hryvnias in Roof and Extension
After losing their home in Huliaipole to Russian troops, a Ukrainian family bought an old house and spent over 750,000 hryvnias on the roof and extension alone, as Olena reported on social media.
Heatwave in Northern Germany: Up to 40 Degrees This Weekend
Northern Germany is experiencing extreme heat. The German Weather Service (DWD) warns of temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday.
Heatwave Drives Up Electricity Prices
The heatwave in Germany is causing electricity prices to rise for companies on dynamic tariffs. In recent days, prices have temporarily exceeded 70 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Trump Threatens EU States with 100% Tariffs Over Digital Tax
US Donald Trump has again threatened to impose a 100% tariff on all goods from any country that levies a digital services tax on US companies.
Left slams capital pension – CDU defends reform
In a current affairs debate in the Bundestag, the Left Party sharply criticized the federal government's planned capital pension. The CDU defended the project.
Three Galleries Open Pop-Up Art Market in Münster
Three galleries from Düsseldorf and Hamburg are setting up a temporary art market on the Fischmarkt in Münster from July 3 to 5.
Rapper Finch Album Release with Free Concert at Berlin Gas Station
Rapper Finch celebrated the release of his sixth album with a free concert at a gas station in Berlin-Hellersdorf on Friday evening. Hundreds of fans showed up despite the intense heat, forcing police to close roads and reroute buses and trams.
Ukraine destroys Shahed launch vehicle at Donetsk airport
Ukraine's 28th Separate Brigade destroyed a rare Russian vehicle used as a launch platform for Shahed attack drones at the occupied Donetsk airport on Friday, the brigade reported.
Stuttgart 21: Özdemir’s Tightrope Walk Between Opposition and Government Responsibility
The redevelopment of Stuttgart's main railway station (Stuttgart 21) is becoming more expensive and taking longer. Cem Özdemir (Greens), once a fierce opponent of the project, the situation is becoming precarious, as reported by Welt.
Trump accuses Iran of breaking ceasefire
US Donald Trump has accused Iran of violating the ceasefire agreement after an attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
Uwe Boll Asks Elon Musk for Help – Film Denied Age Rating
Director Uwe Boll accuses Germany's film rating board (FSK) of censorship after his film "Citizen Vigilante" was denied an age rating. As Tagesspiegel reports, Boll turned to Elon Musk for support – Musk subsequently released the film on X.
Hainer: Season Without Title a No-Go for Bayern Basketball
FC Bayern president Herbert Hainer has called the basketball team's titleless season unsatisfactory. In an interview, he announced personnel consequences.
Ismael Saibari: Morocco’s World Star Bayern Munich
Ismael Saibari, the standout player for Morocco at the World Cup, is set to join Bayern Munich, according to a report by Deutsche Welle.
Bavaria Criticizes Federal Bias in Wind Turbine Allocation
The Bavarian state government has sharply criticized the Federal Network Agency's allocation practice for wind power projects. Markus Söder and Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger see a disadvantage for Bavaria.