group of high ranking officials, usually representing the executive branch of government
Victoria announces free public transport for under-18s, as state’s debt projected to rise
theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/18/victoria-free-public-transport-under-18-children
Italian government tells Israel: ‘Enough with the attacks’ in Gaza: Italy’s government on Saturday upped its exhortations to Israel to stop deadly military ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2025/05/17/italian-government-tells-israel-enough-with-the-attacks-in-gaza
Reviewing asylum in third countries: Merz and Meloni advocate for solidarity on migration
n-tv.de/politik/Merz-und-Meloni-fuer-Schulterschluss-bei-Migration-article25775142.html
"Definitely right-wing extremist": CDU Minister-President Günther calls for AfD ban proceedings - | and contradicts the Chancellor
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/daniel-guenther-fordert-afd-verbotsverfahren-und-widerspricht-friedrich-merz-a-012a1cbd-c8eb-4b2b-9325-c1d966806ec8
Tourism CS Rebecca Miano strikes Yoga poses in X post, triggers debate : Tourism CS Rebecca Miano faced public backlash after posting yoga photos on social media ...
tnx.africa/politics/article/2001519380/tourism-cs-rebecca-miano-strikes-yoga-poses-in-x-post-triggers-debate
Putin to host first Russia-Arab summit in October, Russian agencies report: Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited all leaders and the secretary general of ...
arabnews.com/node/2601073/middle-east
Former Environment Minister Lemke calls on the federal government to initiate ban proceedings against the AfD
mz.de/mitteldeutschland/sachsen-anhalt/ex-umweltministerin-lemke-afd-verbotsverfahren-bundesregierung-verfassungsschutz-gutachten-4051072
Green Party leader: Banaszak wants AfD ban proceedings to be initiated quickly: Green Party leader Felix Banaszak has spoken out enthusiastically in favor of ...
spiegel.de/politik/deutschland/afd-felix-banaszak-gruene-fordert-schnelle-einleitung-von-verbotsverfahren-a-f339ab99-1c4f-451b-9636-63bf99f69cfc
Key FactsUrgent Call for Initiation of AfD Ban Proceedings
May 17 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: spiegel.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: spiegel.de
- Felix Banaszak, leader of the Greens, demands a swift initiation of ban proceedings against the AfD.
- He emphasizes the necessity for the Federal Constitutional Court to assess whether the AfD acts unconstitutionally.
- Banaszak warns of a gradual erosion of democracy and the radicalization of the AfD.
- CDU's Günther supports the federal application, while Chancellor Merz expresses skepticism about a ban procedure.
"Democracies do not die overnight."— Felix Banaszak, chairman of the Greens, at the state party conference of the Saxon Greens in Neukieritzsch near Leipzig.
Before the phone call between Trump and Putin: USA increases pressure on Russia: The USA is warning Russia of new sanctions if talks on a ceasefire with Ukraine ...
spiegel.de/ausland/usa-erhoehen-vor-telefonat-von-trump-und-putin-den-druck-auf-russland-a-0ed37c2d-3bdb-491f-bee9-1c88356d6cb2
The Observer 2h
Police could search homes and phones after pregnancy loss: New national guidance suggests officers look for menstrual tracking apps or abortion drugs
observer.co.uk/news/national/article/police-could-search-homes-and-seize-phones-after-sudden-pregnancy-loss
Russian Troops Are War-Weary, but Want to Conquer More of Ukraine: Many Russian soldiers say they would see a cease-fire along the current front lines as a ...
nytimes.com/2025/05/17/world/europe/russian-troops-peace-putin.html
'Putin is laughing at Trump' — Ukraine in disbelief as Russia makes a mockery of US-led ceasefire attempts
kyivindependent.com/putin-is-laughing-at-trump-ukraine-in-disbelief-as-russia-makes-a-mockery-of-u-s-led-ceasefire-attempts/
Putin, Zelensky could meet – but not without certain 'agreements', Kremlin says: A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russia's Vladimir ...
france24.com/en/europe/20250517-putin-zelensky-could-meet-but-not-without-certain-agreements-kremlin-says
Germany voices concern over Israeli ground offensive in Gaza: The launch of Israel’s new ground offensive in Gaza is a cause for deep concern ...
english.alarabiya.net/News/world/2025/05/18/germany-voices-concern-over-israeli-ground-offensive-in-gaza
After Trump's departure: Israel launches major offensive in the Gaza Strip: The Jewish state has announced that it will permanently occupy large parts of the ...
nzz.ch/international/nach-trumps-abreise-israel-lanciert-grossoffensive-im-gazastreifen-ld.1884865
Israel's army has, according to its own statements, launched the expected new major offensive in the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government recently announced ... Show more
War against Ukraine: Trump announces phone call with Putin for Monday: Efforts to end the war in Ukraine continue: US President Trump plans to speak with Russian ...
tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/ukraine-verhandlungen-usa-100.html
"Broad majority for sanctions": Rubio threatens Kremlin with US Congress: US Secretary of State Rubio counters concerns that the US government is not putting ...
n-tv.de/politik/Rubio-droht-Kreml-mit-US-Kongress-article25775170.html
Gaza: Israeli army launches major new offensive: Israel wants to use the new military offensive to free the hostages and completely crush Hamas ...
berliner-zeitung.de/news/gaza-israels-armee-startet-neue-grossoffensive-li.2325670
Continuation of Ukraine talks open - Russia bombs 9 people to death in Sumy: The direct talks between Ukraine and Russia ended with few results ...
focus.de/politik/selenskyj-in-der-tuerkei-putin-hat-nur-schein-delegation-zu-verhandlungen-geschickt_950c7671-b403-44d1-9924-6afb0d11372c.html
Merz and Meloni: Strengthening German-Italian relations: Friedrich Merz and Georgia Meloni emphasized cooperation between Germany and Italy at a meeting in Rome ...
sueddeutsche.de/politik/merz-meloni-staerkung-beziehungen-li.3253825
Russia slams Ukraine with biggest drone attack of the war: Sunday’s assault came just days after talks in Turkey failed to make progress toward a ceasefire.
politico.eu/article/russia-ukraine-biggest-drone-attack-war-putin-zelenskyy-kyiv/
Key moments from Vladimir's Putin's 25 years in power: This month marks 25 years in power for Russian President Vladimir Putin.Putin was first inaugurated in ...
9news.com.au/world/vladimir-putin-russian-presidency-key-moments-in-pictures/163db4a3-0782-4372-a906-9aee4e2cfd31
Christian Dürr: New FDP leader calls Chancellor Merz "socialist": The FDP has a new leader: Christian Dürr succeeds Christian Lindner. The new party leader has ...
handelsblatt.com/politik/deutschland/christian-duerr-neuer-fdp-chef-nennt-kanzler-merz-sozialistisch/100127798.html
DeSantis signs measure banning fluoridation in Florida's public water systems: Local governments will be no longer be allowed to put fluoride in tap water ...
wusf.org/health-news-florida/2025-05-15/gov-ron-desantis-signs-measure-banning-fluoride-in-florida-tap-water
Key FactsFlorida Bans Fluoride in Drinking Water
May 17 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sun-sentinel.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: sun-sentinel.com
- Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill prohibiting local governments from adding fluoride to drinking water, raising concerns among dentists.
- Dentists anticipate a rise in tooth decay cases over the next few years, particularly among individuals with poor oral hygiene or high sugar intake.
- The Florida Dental Association advises enhancing dental care and considering alternative fluoride sources like tablets or fluoridated water.
- Dentists stress the importance of regular dental visits as fluoride availability through water decreases.
"We know that fluoride reduces tooth decay by 25%, so we expect to be busier than ever."— Beatriz Terry, a Miami dentist and immediate past president of the Florida Dental Association, on the expected impact of the fluoride ban on dental health.
The CDU under Friedrich Merz: How Christian is the party still?: Friedrich Merz has made it: after many years in politics, he is now Federal Chancellor ...
t-online.de/nachrichten/deutschland/innenpolitik/id_100721438/die-cdu-unter-friedrich-merz-wie-christlich-ist-die-partei-noch-.html
US President Trump wants to talk to Putin again on Monday: In his efforts to bring about a possible end to Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine ...
focus.de/politik/selenskyj-in-der-tuerkei-putin-hat-nur-schein-delegation-zu-verhandlungen-geschickt_1bbbd3b6-8638-4dd5-a437-94d72e2aa135.html
The Israeli government seeks to conquer and occupy the Gaza Strip. A new military offensive has now begun in the northern part of the territory ... Show more
Commitment to UK firearms industry reiterated by Gov: The Ministry of Defence say that it has reaffirmed its strategic commitment to strengthening domestic ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/commitment-to-uk-firearms-industry-reiterated-by-gov/
Friedrich Merz counters criticism of border rejections in his own way: Friedrich Merz's government is turning away migrants at the border - | this is not ...
stern.de/politik/deutschland/friedrich-merz-kontert-kritik-an-grenzzurueckweisungen-auf-seine-art-35732602.html
UK agrees to fly home wrongly deported Windrush generation man from Jamaica: Exclusive: Winston Knight’s deportation order revoked by Home Office after a decade ...
theguardian.com/global/2025/may/16/uk-agrees-to-fly-home-wrongly-deported-windrush-generation-man-from-jamaica
Trump says he will speak to Putin and Zelensky on Monday and push for ceasefire: Trump is pushing hard for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine and has ...
axios.com/2025/05/17/trump-putin-zelensky-ceasefire-talk
Presidential election in Poland: It's about fundamentals: Where is Poland heading? Today's presidential election is also about whether the ...
tagesschau.de/ausland/europa/polen-praesidentenwahl-104.html
Key FactsMurder of Influencer: Mexico's Security Cabinet Investigating
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- The murder of 23-year-old influencer Valeria Marquez is under investigation as a possible femicide.
- President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed solidarity with Marquez's family and announced that the security cabinet is working to solve the case.
- Marquez was shot during a TikTok livestream in her beauty salon, shortly after mentioning her concern about someone delivering a gift.
- Mexico has a high femicide rate, ranking fourth in Latin America, while Jalisco has significant homicide numbers among its states.
"An investigation is under way to first find those responsible and the motive behind this situation."— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, during her regular morning press conference.
Dealing with Nazi memory: What Friedrich Merz's grandfather has to do with the present
taz.de/Umgang-mit-NS-Erinnerung/!6086407/
Fight against Hamas: Israel's army launches new major offensive in Gaza: For days, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has left no doubt that the army ...
spiegel.de/ausland/gaza-israels-armee-startet-neue-grossoffensive-a-0a2851e9-8915-4d16-b060-5944ec199d80
Moscow questions Kyiv's authority, says Ukraine's choice of signatory key to any peace deal
kyivindependent.com/russia-says-ukraines-choice-of-signatory-is-key-to-any-peace-deal/
x.com May 16
UK home office - Female genital mutilation is not a distant issue. It could be happening to your neighbour. We are determined to halve violence against women ...
x.com/ukhomeoffice/status/1923340149519524215
Royal Navy warship shot down a supersonic missile in 'historic first': The UK has been testing out a range of new strike capabilities on its warships in recent ...
businessinsider.com/royal-navy-warship-shot-down-supersonic-missile-innovation-defense-2025-5
Israel launches major new offensive: Following airstrikes that killed 108 people on Friday and at least 58 on Saturday, according to local health authorities ...
de.euronews.com/2025/05/17/israel-startet-neue-grossoffensive
Albanese has broken a record for female MPs but when will Labor see another female leader?
abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/labor-could-face-long-road-to-second-female-leader/105294772
Russia sentences Australian fighting for Ukraine to 13 years in prison in sham trial
kyivindependent.com/russia-sentences-australian-fighting-for-ukraine-to-13-years-in-prison/
Starmer told to be more ambitious with EU reset to tackle ‘suffering’ caused by Brexit
independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/brexit-uk-eu-deal-thornberry-starmer-b2752409.html
Foreign holdings of US Treasuries top $9 trillion in March, data shows: Foreign holdings of U.S. Treasuries soared to a record high in March ...
reuters.com/markets/us/foreign-holdings-us-treasuries-top-9-trillion-march-data-shows-2025-05-16/
MOD awards £20.5m for carrier navigation and radar support: The contract, announced via a transparency notice, covers the 'Integrated Navigation and Bridge ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/mod-awards-20-5m-for-carrier-navigation-and-radar-support/
Chancellor Merz on Maybrit Illner: "We don't tell people how they have to heat their homes or eat"
welt.de/politik/deutschland/plus256115470/Bundeskanzler-Merz-bei-Maybrit-Illner-Wir-sagen-den-Leuten-nicht-wie-sie-heizen-oder-essen-muessen.html
Paid articlePaywallKey FactsMerz Discusses Foreign Policy on Maybrit Illner
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: welt.de
- Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasizes the importance of international communication, especially regarding the Ukraine conflict.
- He highlights his positive relationships with Paris, Warsaw, and London.
- Merz expresses pride in the advancements in foreign policy, despite challenges from border controls with EU neighbors.
- He asserts that the government does not dictate how citizens should heat their homes or eat.
"We do not tell people how they should heat or eat."— Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed in the ZDF show 'Maybrit Illner' about the freedom of citizens regarding their lifestyle choices.
Ukraine War Live Ticker: +++ 17:53 Report: New Russian drones have jet propulsion and Starlink connection +++
n-tv.de/politik/17-53-Bericht-Neue-russische-Drohnen-haben-Duesenantrieb-und-Starlink-Verbindung--article23143824.html
MP Jeffrey Siow being considered for new Cabinet line-up: He did not reveal which political office he is being considered for, saying these matters have yet to ...
straitstimes.com/singapore/politics/mp-jeffrey-siow-being-considered-for-new-cabinet-line-up
Tough negotiations in Istanbul: Kremlin open to meeting with Trump: After Putin and Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyi also cancels his participation in the ...
n-tv.de/mediathek/videos/politik/Kreml-zeigt-sich-offen-fuer-ein-Treffen-mit-Trump-article25771706.html
Kremlin Negotiator Invokes Peter the Great’s 21-Year War With Sweden in Ukraine Talks
themoscowtimes.com/2025/05/16/kremlin-negotiator-invokes-peter-the-greats-21-year-war-with-sweden-in-ukraine-talks-a89109
45% more rejections: The truth behind Dobrindt's asylum turnaround figures: Interior Minister Dobrindt celebrates himself for more rejections ...
focus.de/politik/deutschland/45-mehr-zurueckweisungen-die-wahrheit-hinter-dobrindts-asylwende-zahlen_42300b87-c871-4e29-8a4c-218ab7b5a6db.html
Russia and Ukraine to hold their first peace talks in 3 years: The first direct Russia-Ukraine peace talks since the early weeks of Moscow’s 2022 invasion ended ...
apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-turkey-peace-talks-9a75e2069cea6c73d1276a9e53e7d6e5
Once red hot, Russia’s war-driven economy is slowing down. What does that mean for consumers, the Kremlin, and Ukraine?
meduza.io/en/feature/2025/05/16/once-red-hot-russia-s-war-driven-economy-is-slowing-down-what-does-that-mean-for-consumers-the-kremlin-and-ukraine
Comment: Putin chickens out - that makes one thing easier: In the end, the head of the Kremlin did not dare to sit down at the table with Ukrainian President ...
handelsblatt.com/meinung/kommentare/kommentar-putin-kneift-das-macht-eine-sache-leichter/100128511.html
Key FactsPutin's Absence: A Sign of Weakness
May 16 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: handelsblatt.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: handelsblatt.com
- Wladimir Putin did not attend the talks in Turkey, despite his own suggestions for direct discussions with Ukraine.
- The Russian delegation lacks significant influence, severely undermining the meeting's success prospects.
- US President Donald Trump acknowledges that Putin is not genuinely interested in peace, as he continues to pursue his war objectives.
- The West should increase pressure on Russia and support Ukraine to facilitate progress in negotiations.
Defence Blog May 16
Japan may form first-ever UFO research office: Japanese lawmakers have called on the Ministry of Defense to establish a dedicated department to investigate ...
defence-blog.com/japan-may-form-first-ever-ufo-research-office/
The Israeli government is proposing the creation of a new entity in the Gaza Strip after the defeat of Hamas, according to a December 2023 document seen by ... Show more
de.euronews.com
de.euronews.com
Those unwilling to integrate should be punished in Vorarlberg in future: Those who do not sign the "Vorarlberg Code", which obliges them to do voluntary work ...
derstandard.at/story/3000000270118/integrationsunwillige-m252ssen-in-vorarlberg-k252nftig-mit-strafe-rechnen
Murray Watt to overhaul environment laws Albanese once blocked: New environment minister says tough negotiations will deliver wins and losses for all ...
smh.com.au/politics/federal/murray-watt-to-overhaul-environment-laws-albanese-once-blocked-20250516-p5lzpo.html
Putin sacks commander-in-chief of Russian Ground Forces: Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin has dismissed General Oleg Salyukov as commander-in-chief of the Russian ...
pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/05/15/7512429/
Lowe rebuked again on using Royal Navy warships in Channel: Rupert Lowe, Independent MP for Great Yarmouth, has again been told that "Defence assets are ...
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/lowe-rebuked-again-on-using-royal-navy-warships-in-channel/
Reduction of democracy in Hungary: Low blow to Orbán criticism: The Hungarian government wants to massively restrict and monitor foreign-funded NGOs ...
taz.de/Demokratieabbau-in-Ungarn/!6088053/
Ukraine Loses F-16 in Combat, Pilot Safe After Downing Three Russian Air Threats: A Ukrainian F-16 pilot downed three air targets before ejecting during a ...
kyivpost.com/post/52751
Key FactsUkrainian Air Force Confirms F-16 Jet Crash
May 16 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ara.tv
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: ara.tv
- An F-16 fighter jet from Ukraine crashed on Friday morning, but the pilot ejected safely.
- The Ukrainian Air Force reported an unusual situation on board, with the pilot diverting the aircraft away from a settlement before ejecting.
- The pilot is in good condition, and the crash is not believed to have resulted from Russian fire; an investigation commission has been appointed.
- This marks the second incident involving an F-16 since Ukraine began receiving these aircraft from U.S. allies last year.
"According to preliminary data... an unusual situation arose on board. The pilot moved the aircraft away from the settlement and successfully ejected."— Ukrainian air force explaining the circumstances of the F-16 jet incident.
Trump’s firing of FEMA director unsettles GOP senators: Senate Republicans are unsettled by the Trump administration’s decision to fire Cameron Hamilton ...
thehill.com/homenews/senate/5302942-senate-republicans-criticize-fema-firing/
Ukraine accuses Russia of ‘unacceptable demands’ at first face-to-face talks in three years
irishtimes.com/world/europe/2025/05/16/ukraine-russia-war-talks-turkey/
Ministers ‘oblivious’ to UK’s scale of violence against women and girls, say MPs: Refuges turn down 65% of requests for support, says parliamentary committee ...
theguardian.com/society/2025/may/16/ministers-oblivious-to-uks-scale-of-violence-against-women-and-girls-say-mps
Illegal worker with TB found at Bournemouth takeaway: Illegal migrants were found working in a takeaway – one of whom said she had tuberculosis (TB).
bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/25158248.illegal-worker-tb-found-bournemouth-takeaway/
Zelensky in Turkey: Putin only sent a "sham delegation" to negotiations: The planned direct talks between Ukraine and Russia on ending Russia's war of ...
focus.de/politik/ausland/infos-zum-krieg-in-der-ukraine_21f98b0d-72b1-49a1-b8f9-17b739ba7743.html
Pakistan seeks IAEA probe into nuclear material theft in India: Rejects New Delhi’s call for agency’s oversight of Islamabad’s nuclear arsenal.
dawn.com/news/1911261/pakistan-seeks-iaea-probe-into-nuclear-material-theft-in-india
A document seen by euronews reveals a possible plan to administer the Gaza Strip after a potential victory over Hamas. ➡️ Exclusive: Israel's plans for the Gaza Strip after victory over Hamas