An American Eagle airplane collided with an Army helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and crashed into the Potomac River. All 67 occupants of both aircraft died. Investigators have recovered the black boxes and are searching for more wreckage. The cause is still unclear, but initial indications suggest that the helicopter may have exceeded the altitude limit. President Trump blamed diversity programs without evidence, which sparked criticism. Among the victims are people from several countries, including young figure skaters. Recovery work is ongoing.
Today, the Bundestag is voting on the CDU/CSU's “influx limitation law”, which provides for a tightening of migration policy, including a limit on immigration and the end of family reunification for those in need of subsidiary protection. A majority is expected, with the support of the CDU/CSU, AfD, FDP and BSW. The SPD and Greens are against it, mainly due to constitutional concerns. If it is passed, it still has to go through the Bundesrat. The issue of migration is also an election issue, as the AfD is voting in favor of the law, which is causing tensions.
Japan's new energy planning anticipates rising demand for electricity from AI and data centers. However, Chinese startup DeepSeek is causing uncertainty with more energy-efficient models. While analysts speculate about falling or rising energy demand, cheaper AI development could expand the market and ultimately increase consumption. Japan, which only covers 13% of its energy needs itself, is keeping a close eye on developments. The government is considering nuclear power, but critics are calling for more renewable energies. Past misjudgements call for caution when making new forecasts.
Japan is considering supporting a 44 billion dollar gas project in Alaska to avoid trade disputes with the USA under President Trump. Despite doubts about its economic viability, the project could help to diversify Japan's energy sources. Prime Minister Ishiba cannot make any firm commitments at the upcoming meeting with Trump, but possible LNG purchases and investments are on the table. Trump sees the project as an economic win, while Japan is negotiating price flexibility. The decision could also have an impact on future US tariffs and security relations.
Markets are acting cautiously ahead of US President Trump's expected decision on tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada. The yen is strong, while technology stocks are hoping for a recovery after a turbulent start to the week. Trump's threat to impose 100% tariffs on BRICS countries in order to secure the supremacy of the US dollar is particularly in focus. Inflation data from Germany and France and the US core PCE price index are also due, which could provide clues as to future interest rate policy.
Despite global interest rate cuts, the US Federal Reserve remains cautious and is keeping interest rates stable, which makes Trump's trade objectives more difficult. While the ECB, the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England are lowering their interest rates, this is strengthening the US dollar and making US exports more expensive. Trump has called for an immediate interest rate cut, but Fed Chairman Powell sees no pressure to act. The strong US economy is causing the Fed to take a wait-and-see approach, while uncertainties about Trump's economic policy are growing.
Israel has released 110 Palestinian prisoners after Hamas handed over three Israeli and five Thai hostages following a delay. In Ramallah, the released prisoners were celebrated while clashes broke out. Hamas remains active despite heavy attacks and the situation in Gaza remains critical.
Trump continues to call for the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, although Egypt and Jordan refuse. Five Thai hostages released by Hamas are in good condition. There is a warning about unexploded ordnance in Gaza. Israel has attacked Hezbollah positions in Lebanon. Syria announces a national dialog conference. Reconstruction of Gaza could take 10-15 years, says US ambassador.
The investigation into the burnt-out Air Busan plane at Gimhae Airport begins on Monday. All 169 passengers and 7 crew members were able to escape, some suffered minor injuries. The fire started in a baggage compartment, the wings and engines remained intact. France's BEA is supporting the investigation.
Russian troops are advancing on the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk, an important supply hub. The city is increasingly encircled, with supply routes under threat. If it falls, Russia could launch further offensives in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian soldiers are complaining of high enemy numbers and new Russian tactics.
A US judge temporarily blocked the transfer of a transgender woman to a men's prison and the withdrawal of gender reassignment treatments. The lawsuit is against an executive order by President Trump that restricts trans rights. Further lawsuits against the policy have already been filed.
M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured Goma and are pushing further south to reach Bukavu. This could further escalate the conflict in the region. According to the UN, the fighting risks turning the conflict into a wider regional war. Rwanda claims to be defending itself, while the Democratic Republic of Congo describes the M23's deployment as a “terrorist proxy army”.
In Japan, food prices are rising, especially for vegetables. Many, like Kirina Mochizuki, are looking for substitutes or growing their own vegetables. YouTuber Kazuki Nakata shows how you can grow vegetables at home to save money.
The cost of a US Army-operated deportation plane to Guatemala, which took off on Monday, could be at least US$4,675 per migrant - more than five times the cost of an American Airlines first-class ticket for the same flight. A C-17 transport plane costs about $28,500 per hour to operate, and the flight took about 10.5 hours. In comparison, ICE charter flights for deportation cost about 630 US dollars per person.
Tulsi Gabbard, Donald Trump's nominee for Director of National Intelligence, faced harsh criticism during her confirmation hearing. Senators questioned her about her statements favoring Russia and questioning the role of the US in the Syrian conflict. Particularly controversial was her earlier defense of Edward Snowden and her refusal to call him a traitor. Gabbard, who left the Democratic Party in 2022, emphasized that Snowden broke the law but revealed important information that led to reforms. Her unconventional views, particularly on issues such as data protection and military deportations, raise questions about the independence of the secret service.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) has condemned Italy for failing to act in the fight against the waste mafia in Campania and Naples. Waste has been dumped illegally in the region for decades, leading to high cancer rates. More than 40 affected residents had complained that the Italian authorities had done too little to tackle the problem and had not provided the population with sufficient information. The ECtHR ruled in their favor and ordered Italy to take action within two years or face severe penalties.
An organizer of Koran-burning rallies has been killed in Sweden, writes SVT. Salvan Momika was found with gunshot wounds in Södertälje, south of Stockholm, late on Wednesday evening. He had previously intended to move from Sweden to Norway and apply for asylum there. His actions were one of the reasons for the delay in Turkey's ratification of Sweden's application to join NATO. At the same time, Momika had the approval of the Swedish authorities for his actions, which according to them fell under freedom of speech.
France is considering sending troops to Greenland in response to Trump's threat to annex the island, France's foreign minister has said. Jean-Noël Barrot explained that other EU countries are also prepared to consider sending troops if necessary. However, he does not believe in an American invasion of Greenland.
Rwanda's special forces attack UN and Congolese positions! UN peacekeepers in eastern DR Congo report a large-scale attack by the Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) on joint UN and Congolese positions in Bukavu, South Kivu. This could mark Rwanda's first direct ground attack on Congolese territory!
Microsoft's shares fell 6% after cloud growth missed expectations in the fourth quarter. Azure grew by 31%, but capacity constraints and high investments in data centers were cited. Despite a +17% operating profit, uncertainty remains high for tech stocks.
A group of American investors, including YouTuber MrBeast, Roblox founder David Baszucki and Anchorage Digital founder Nathan McCauley, are said to have secured +€20 billion for a takeover bid of TikTok's US business. (TI)
Apple beat expectations with revenue of $124.3bn, despite stagnating iPhone sales ($69.1bn). The services business achieved record sales of $26.3bn, but sales in China fell by 11%. The company cites the slow rise of “Apple Intelligence” as the reason for the late iPhone upgrades.
The German economy is under pressure from many sides and the country is in recession. Yesterday, the Federal Statistical Office confirmed the feared poor figures for Q4 2024. (STAT)
While the German economy is in recession, the other countries in the eurozone are doing somewhat better. However, the major euro countries fared differently. (EC)
Bitcoin is approaching its record high and scratching the $110,000 mark. Background: US Federal Reserve Chairman Powell commented on cryptocurrencies following the Fed's interest rate decision. When asked about possible risks posed by cryptocurrencies, Powell said that banks are perfectly capable of serving crypto customers “as long as they understand and can manage the risks”. (CS)
- DAX: Investors remain in record mood (TAG)
- EU Commission: Draws up support plan for car industry (NTV)
- Deutsche Bank: Misses cost target - profit for 2024 falls more sharply than expected (MM)
- Continental: Further job cuts and more plant closures at the supplier (MM)
- Refueling: Getting a little cheaper (SUED)
- US economy: Growth of 2.3% in 2024 (HB)
- Gold: Stocks rise in New York, London struggles with shortage (FT)
- Hedge funds: Equity funds record sharp slump after DeepSeek turmoil (RT)
- Tesla: Misses analysts' expectations - shares still rise (HB)
- Meta: Pays Trump $25m - due to previous account suspension (MM)
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