In a significant development within Germany’s political landscape, Carsten Linnemann, General Secretary of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has proposed freezing funding for the country’s public broadcasters. This move comes in response to the reduced airtime of Julia Ruhs, a right-leaning journalist and moderator of the show ‘Klar,’ which addresses contentious topics such as immigration and COVID-19 policies. The decision to limit Ruhs’ presence on air has sparked outrage among conservative politicians, who view it as a blow to Germany’s debate culture. Linnemann emphasized that public broadcasters must adhere to their mandate of providing cultural, educational, and informational content, suggesting that funding should remain at current levels until further notice. This controversy unfolds against a backdrop of global debates on media freedom, with parallels drawn to similar issues in the United States. Critics of Germany’s public broadcasting system, which generated over €8 billion in license fees last year, argue for greater accountability, while defenders highlight its role in safeguarding democracy. Ruhs, who gained prominence for her commentary on immigration, expressed disappointment over the decision by northern Germany’s NDR to seek another presenter for her show, stating that it reinforces public prejudices against the media.
作者： admin
-
US, Israel criticise UN staff over Gaza war stance amid protests, documents show
In a poignant demonstration of solidarity, hundreds of United Nations staff gathered outside the European headquarters in Geneva on September 18, 2025, to denounce the killings of their colleagues in Gaza since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. The protest, marked by placards reading ‘Peace for Gaza’ and ‘Not a Target,’ also featured the laying of 370 white roses—a somber tribute to each UN aid worker lost in the nearly two-year war. Nathalie Meynet, president of the UN refugee agency staff council, emphasized the urgency of the protest, stating, ‘Enough is enough. We cannot kill our colleagues in Gaza with such impunity.’
The event, however, has sparked significant controversy. Both the United States and Israel have lodged formal complaints with UN leadership, accusing the organization of breaching its principle of impartiality. In a letter dated September 10, Israel’s ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, criticized the protest as politically charged and called for disciplinary action against participants. Similarly, US Charge d’Affaires Tressa Finerty condemned the event, labeling it a ‘grave violation of the UN’s principle of neutrality’ and alleging systemic anti-Israel bias within the organization.
Amid these tensions, UN management has reiterated the importance of neutrality. A confidential memo issued on September 17 reminded staff to avoid activities perceived as political, warning of potential risks to the organization’s integrity. Despite these directives, many UN employees remain outraged by the scale of the losses and the perceived failure to uphold humanitarian law. Yousra Ahmed, a UN staff worker at the protest, asserted, ‘It’s not a question of neutrality. I’m just outraged that the rules of the United Nations and humanitarian law are not being applied.’
The protest and subsequent backlash underscore the deepening rift between the UN and its largest funder, the US, which has previously disengaged from the UN Human Rights Council over allegations of anti-Israel bias. With over 543 aid workers killed in Gaza, including 373 UN staff members, the conflict has exacted an unprecedented toll on the organization’s humanitarian efforts. As the UN grapples with these challenges, the balance between neutrality and advocacy remains a contentious issue.
-
Diamond selling processes are outdated and hurting producers, trader says
The diamond industry is facing a significant crisis, with experts calling for a complete overhaul of its sales practices to address inefficiencies and help producers survive the ongoing price slump. Oded Mansori, co-founder and managing partner of Belgian gem trader HB Antwerp, emphasized the need for reform during a recent statement. He criticized the current tender and auction systems, describing them as opaque and inefficient, likening them to a ‘casino’ where the true value of rough diamonds is often uncertain. Mansori argued that these systems leave producers vulnerable, especially during periods of declining global demand, ultimately resulting in job losses and reduced revenues. The diamond market has been severely impacted by global economic uncertainty and the growing popularity of lab-grown stones, leading to significant challenges for producer countries like Botswana and major mining operations such as Burgundy and Letseng. Mansori advocates for a profit-sharing model, similar to the one HB Antwerp has with Lucara Diamond Corp, where producers’ revenues are tied to the polished value of their stones rather than speculative rough sales. This approach has already shown promise, with HB Antwerp accounting for 72% of Lucara’s $74 million diamond revenue in the first half of the year. Mansori estimates that producers could earn up to 40% more revenue by adopting such models, offering a potential lifeline to an industry grappling with its deepest crisis in history.
-
US vaccine panel sets up two working groups to study pregnancy and childhood vaccination schedule
In a significant move to enhance vaccine research and policy, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has formed two new specialized working groups. These teams will focus on vaccines during pregnancy and the childhood immunization schedule, as announced by Dr. Martin Kulldorff, chair of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), on September 18, 2025. The working groups, composed of ACIP members, CDC staff, and external experts, aim to address critical gaps in vaccine safety and efficacy for these vulnerable populations. The initiative underscores the CDC’s commitment to advancing public health through targeted, evidence-based strategies. The announcement follows a series of meetings held in Atlanta, Georgia, where Dr. Kulldorff and other experts discussed the evolving landscape of immunization practices. This development is expected to have far-reaching implications for healthcare policies and maternal and child health outcomes in the United States.
-
Trump says TV networks ‘against’ him should ‘maybe’ lose licence, after Kimmel suspension
In a recent development, former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to consider revoking the licenses of television networks that provide predominantly negative coverage of him. This statement came amidst the controversy surrounding the suspension of ABC host Jimmy Kimmel, who was taken off air indefinitely following his remarks about the murder of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Kimmel had suggested that the suspect was a Maga Republican, despite authorities stating the alleged gunman was influenced by leftist ideology. Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, criticized the media’s portrayal of him, claiming that 97% of network coverage was negative, yet he won the election decisively. He questioned why such networks should retain their broadcasting licenses. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr supported the suspension of Kimmel, emphasizing the need for broadcasters to adhere to public interest standards. However, legal experts argue that the First Amendment protects free speech, making it unlikely for the FCC to revoke licenses based on political disagreements. The incident has sparked a broader debate on cancel culture and free speech, with prominent figures like former President Barack Obama condemning the suspension as a dangerous escalation of regulatory threats against media. Meanwhile, others, including media personalities like Piers Morgan and Greg Gutfeld, have criticized Kimmel’s comments as misleading and offensive. The controversy continues to unfold, raising questions about the balance between accountability and censorship in media.
-
Bulgaria’s government survives fifth no confidence vote
The Bulgarian government, led by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, successfully weathered its fifth no-confidence vote on Thursday, as reported by the BTA news agency. The motion, initiated by the opposition, accused the government of failing to implement crucial reforms in the justice and security sectors, which are vital for combating corruption in the EU and NATO member state. The vote concluded with 101 lawmakers supporting the motion and 133 opposing it, with no abstentions. A majority of the 240-seat parliament would have been required for the motion to pass. This latest political challenge comes as Bulgaria prepares to adopt the Euro in 2026, aiming to become the 21st country in the single currency area. The government’s resilience in the face of repeated no-confidence votes underscores the ongoing political tensions and the critical need for reform in key sectors.
-
Russia dismisses Yale report on Ukrainian children as fake propaganda
MOSCOW, Sept 18 (Reuters) – Russia’s Foreign Ministry has vehemently rejected a report from Yale’s School of Public Health, labeling it as anti-scientific propaganda filled with baseless claims and dubious data. The report, published earlier this week, alleged that over 210 sites in Russia are being used for the forced re-education of Ukrainian children, including military training and drone manufacturing, as part of a large-scale deportation program. Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokesperson, dismissed the findings during a press briefing, questioning the methodology and integrity of the data collection. She specifically criticized Yale’s estimate that 35,000 Ukrainian children had been illegally deported or displaced, calling it ‘fake fabrications’ and accusing the institution of failing to verify its claims. Zakharova further suggested that the report was part of a broader Western propaganda campaign aimed at justifying the seizure of Russian assets. Ukraine, however, maintains that over 19,500 children have been forcibly relocated to Russia and Belarus, a violation of the Geneva Conventions. Zakharova noted that the only official list of children provided to Russia contained 339 names, shared during negotiations in Istanbul in June 2025. The escalating dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between Russia and the West over the treatment of Ukrainian children amidst the conflict.
-
Over 30 people have died from Ebola in Congo, says World Health Organization
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a concerning escalation in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with 48 confirmed cases and 31 fatalities as of Thursday. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus disclosed the figures during a press briefing held via video link from the organization’s headquarters in Geneva. The outbreak, declared by the DRC government two weeks prior, has raised alarms within the global health community. Health workers at the ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action) Ebola treatment center in Beni are seen donning protective gear before entering the Biosecure Emergency Care Unit (CUBE), highlighting the rigorous measures being taken to contain the virus. The situation underscores the persistent threat of Ebola in the region and the critical need for international support and resources to combat the spread of the disease.
-
Trump’s TikTok deal may be close. But what’s in it for China?
A landmark agreement over TikTok’s US operations is on the horizon, with US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping poised to discuss final terms this Friday. This follows a framework agreement reached by top officials from both nations earlier this week, which could see TikTok’s US operations acquired by a consortium of American firms, including tech giant Oracle and investment firms Andreessen Horowitz and Silver Lake. The deal, described by experts as a “rare breakthrough” in US-China trade relations, aims to resolve a long-standing issue that has dominated headlines for years. Chinese state media has hailed the potential agreement as a “win-win” for both countries, while Trump has emphasized its importance for younger users. However, critical details remain unclear, particularly regarding TikTok’s algorithm—the core technology driving its success. ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent company, has been reluctant to part with its prized algorithm, but Beijing has signaled a willingness to allow licensing rather than outright transfer. This marks a significant shift from China’s previous hardline stance. Experts warn that a “stripped-down” version of the app in the US could impact user experience, though it would allow ByteDance to retain its competitive edge. The deal must still navigate political hurdles in the US, with lawmakers expressing concerns over Chinese influence. Despite these challenges, the agreement could set a precedent for other Chinese tech companies seeking to enter the US market, potentially easing broader trade tensions between the two nations.
-
Barcelona’s epic Sagrada Familia could be finished in 10 years
Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of renowned architect Antoni Gaudi, is inching closer to its long-awaited completion. Project leaders announced on September 18, 2025, that the modernist basilica could be finalized within the next decade, marking over a century since Gaudi’s death in 1926. Esteve Camps, the project’s chairman, expressed cautious optimism during a press conference, acknowledging delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted visitor revenues and pushed the completion timeline beyond the initial 2026 target. Camps emphasized that under normal circumstances, the project could be finished in approximately 10 years, though uncertainties remain. Next year, to commemorate the centenary of Gaudi’s death, the team aims to complete the external aspects of the basilica’s main 172.5-meter tower, dedicated to Jesus Christ, which will become Barcelona’s tallest structure. The completed Sagrada Familia will feature three facades and 18 towers. Pope Leo has been invited to lead a commemorative mass and opening ceremony for the tower in June 2026, with a response from the Vatican expected soon. Meanwhile, local authorities are yet to approve plans for a large staircase outside the basilica’s main gate, a proposal that has sparked protests due to potential residential demolitions. Despite challenges, Camps remains confident in the project’s progress, though he acknowledged that negotiations and legal disputes may arise. The basilica, a major tourist attraction, welcomed a record 4.9 million visitors last year, highlighting its enduring global appeal. However, officials note that even after completion, the site’s maximum capacity will remain unchanged.