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In a dramatic last-minute move, the US Congress has passed a crucial funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. The Republican-led House of Representatives approved the bill with a strong majority of 366-34. The bill then moved to the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it was expected to be voted on shortly after midnight. This legislation extends government funding until March 14, while also providing essential disaster aid and financial support for farmers. Despite President-elect Donald..

The European Central Bank (ECB) is preparing to lower its deposit facility rate to 3% in 2024 and potentially to 2% in 2025. This decision comes as Eurozone inflation drops to 2.2%, while economic growth slows to 0.4%, edging towards a recession. ECB's projections anticipate inflation stabilizing around 1.9% by 2026, with growth forecasts for 2025 and 2026 revised down to 1.1% and 1.4% respectively. The slowing inflation and growth are prompting the ECB to adopt a more accommodative monetary p..

The cancellation of a TV debate between Green candidate Habeck and AfD candidate Weidel has sparked significant debate in German politics. While the focus shifted to a debate featuring Scholz and Merz, critics argue that this decision undermines equal opportunities for all candidates. Concerns have been raised about the public broadcasters' independence and their role in maintaining a 'firewall' against the AfD. Protests against the AfD's campaign have also emerged, highlighting societal divis..

Volkswagen and the IG Metall union have reached an agreement securing the future of 10 production sites in Germany. The deal assures no layoffs until 2030, providing employment security for the company's 120,000 German employees. This agreement revises the long-standing salary structure and prevents immediate factory closures. Volkswagen had previously considered reducing salaries by 10% and laying off thousands of employees to achieve savings of 10 billion euros. However, the new arrangement..

Volkswagen and IG Metall have engaged in intense negotiations for over 70 hours, focusing on significant issues such as wage reductions, potential plant closures, and job security. The discussions, which took place in Hannover, culminated in a compromise that, while assuring no factory closures, will result in the loss of 35,000 jobs. A job guarantee has been established until 2030, alongside a commitment to no salary increases or bonuses until 2027. This agreement, deemed socially acceptable..

In Germany, nearly one in ten employees find themselves working beyond 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve, with 22% starting as early as the morning of December 24. This is particularly prevalent in sectors like hospitality, retail, logistics, and healthcare. The need for uninterrupted services means that industries such as steel production, transport, and health services operate even on public holidays. Employees working during these times can expect wage supplements ranging from 50% to 200% of their re..

A series of traffic accidents in Germany have highlighted the dangers on the roads, resulting in several injuries. On the B51 near Ostercappeln, a 70-year-old man's unsecured vehicle led to a collision involving two other cars, leaving one person seriously injured. In Braunschweig, a 70-year-old woman tragically lost her life when she was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the street in poor visibility. Other incidents included a severe crash in Berlin-Schöneberg that injured four..

The United States is on the brink of a government shutdown as political tensions rise over a last-minute budget deal. With federal funding set to expire, a bipartisan agreement is at risk following interventions by President-elect Donald Trump and tech magnate Elon Musk. Their rejection of the deal, which included disaster relief and farm aid, has thrown Congressional negotiations into disarray. Trump and Musk's unexpected move has sparked sharp criticism, particularly from Democrats, who acc..

Bitcoin has recently dipped below the $100,000 mark, reflecting heightened volatility in cryptocurrency markets. The Federal Reserve's rejection of Bitcoin as a reserve currency has contributed to this instability, leading to significant outflows from Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Analysts report a mixed outlook influenced by liquidity, macroeconomic factors, and the upcoming holiday season. Meanwhile, the anticipated return of former President Trump on January 20th could further stir market dyna..

A significant strike by thousands of Amazon employees across seven U.S. facilities threatens the company’s ability to process Christmas orders on time. Workers demand improved conditions and collective bargaining rights, as Amazon remains resistant to union negotiations. The ongoing labor dispute highlights concerns over employee treatment and the company’s aggressive productivity targets, which experts argue compromise worker health. With the holiday season approaching, Amazon may face delays..

Volkswagen, in collaboration with the IG Metall union, has reached a pivotal agreement to navigate economic challenges by restructuring its workforce. This agreement precludes any immediate factory closures or forced layoffs in Germany. Instead, the company will gradually reduce its workforce by 35,000 jobs in a "socially responsible" manner by 2030. This strategic reduction aims to align Volkswagen's operations with shifting market demands, especially the rise in electric vehicle production. ..

Bitcoin has recently experienced significant fluctuations, with its price dropping sharply from record highs to around $92,000. This decline triggered major liquidations across the crypto market, reflecting the volatile nature of digital assets. Despite these short-term corrections, experts remain optimistic about Bitcoin's future trajectory. Analysts highlight historical patterns where Bitcoin often undergoes corrections before embarking on new bullish runs. Such market behavior aligns with..

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has reshuffled his cabinet following the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Freeland's departure came after a disagreement with Trudeau over the tariff threats posed by the prospective US President Donald Trump. To manage the situation, Trudeau replaced eight ministers and reassigned four others in his 35-member cabinet. The reshuffle occurs at a time of mounting political pressure on Trudeau. His Liberal Party,..

Political tensions in the United States are reaching a fever pitch as the threat of a government shutdown looms large. The debate centers around a transitional budget, with former President Donald Trump and tech mogul Elon Musk at the heart of the controversy. Their insistence on slashing government spending and altering the debt ceiling has spurred significant unrest among both Republicans and Democrats. House Republicans are racing against the clock to pass a budget before funding expires,..

A Norwegian Air Shuttle Boeing 737-800 narrowly avoided disaster when it slid off the runway at Molde Airport, stopping just 15 meters from entering the fjord. The incident occurred during strong winds and slippery conditions, as 165 passengers and six crew members were aboard. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and all passengers were safely evacuated. The pilot's quick response and the professional conduct of the crew were instrumental in preventing panic and ensuring everyone's safety...

A series of tragic traffic accidents has led to extensive investigations and legal proceedings. In Riekofen, a hit-and-run incident remains unresolved, with police inspecting nearly 2,000 vehicles to find the driver responsible for a pedestrian's death. Meanwhile, in Mühlheim an der Ruhr, a man faces murder charges after a high-speed crash killed a 47-year-old woman and severely injured her family. The accused reportedly ignored red lights and drove recklessly. In Wesel, an alleged illegal race..

Volkswagen and the IG Metall union are locked in a prolonged negotiation over wages and job security, marking the longest tariff dispute in VW's history. The discussions are centered around Volkswagen's proposed cost-saving measures, which include a potential 10% wage cut and the closure of certain plants. These proposals have been met with significant resistance from IG Metall, which has drawn 'red lines' against any such cuts and closures. Despite the prolonged talks, there are signs of a p..

After years of negotiations, Switzerland and the European Union have reached a comprehensive agreement to deepen their partnership. This landmark deal aims to streamline more than 120 individual agreements into a cohesive framework, enhancing cooperation in various sectors such as health, agriculture, police, and research. Central to the agreement is Switzerland's commitment to pay an annual contribution of 375 million euros to support the EU's structurally weak regions. This financial obliga..

The United States faces a potential government shutdown as tensions rise over federal funding. Elon Musk, in his role as an influential advisor to President Trump, is at the heart of the controversy. He opposes a proposed interim funding agreement, pushing for significant cuts and reforms. This resistance threatens to halt government operations, affecting federal workers and social programs. Congress is under pressure to agree on a budget by the looming deadline, yet divisions are stark. Repu..

Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum to the European Union: increase imports of American oil and gas or face substantial trade tariffs. Despite being the largest supplier of natural gas and a significant exporter of oil to the EU, the US is pushing for further energy trade to address a substantial goods trade deficit. In 2023, the US had a $155 billion deficit with the EU, although it maintained a surplus in services. Trump's threat comes amidst geopolitical tensions and a shifting energy..

Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, has stirred controversy by openly endorsing the German far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), during the country's election campaign. This action has sparked a wave of reactions from a broad spectrum of German politicians, including Chancellor Olaf Scholz and former Chancellor Angela Merkel. Musk's endorsement was met with enthusiasm from AfD leaders, who quickly used his support to bolster their campaign. However, the response from other..

Authorities in Germany are raising alarms about imported chocolate from Dubai, noting significant quality concerns. The Chemical and Veterinary Examination Office (CVUA) identified contaminants, undeclared dyes, allergens, and foreign fats in chocolate samples from the UAE and Turkey. This discovery has prompted a call for nationwide scrutiny, with plans to evaluate pistachio cream for mold toxins, specifically aflatoxins. Despite these findings, the popularity of Dubai chocolate remains high,..

In 2025, health insurance companies will increase their additional contributions, affecting millions of retirees and insured individuals. Retirees with a pension of 1,200 euros can anticipate a monthly payment of 102.60 euros due to a 2.5% additional contribution. Notably, the care contribution will also rise by 0.2%, reaching 3.6%. Despite these increases, pensions are set to rise by 3.6% in 2025. Major insurers such as Techniker Krankenkasse, AOK Hessen, and AOK Bayern are significantly rai..

Deutsche Bahn is embarking on an ambitious renovation initiative aimed at improving its punctuality in long-distance travel to 75-80% by 2027. The comprehensive plan, known as the "S3" program, was recently approved by the Supervisory Board and involves significant infrastructure upgrades, operational enhancements, and financial strategies. A central feature of the program is the refurbishment of 41 heavily utilized routes by 2030, with corridor improvements also on the agenda. While the finan..

The Swiss government is reconsidering its decision to phase out nuclear energy, a move initially supported by a 2017 public vote. This shift is driven by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russian conflict with Ukraine, which has disrupted gas supplies. While the government proposes lifting the ban on new nuclear construction, it emphasizes that expanding renewable energy remains a priority. Currently, Switzerland operates four nuclear plants: Beznau I and II, Leibstadt, and Däniken. The..