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NPR — Top Stories

Icelanders Vote on EU Membership

Icelanders are currently voting on whether to join the European Union. The final vote is anticipated to be very close, with ballot counting ongoing.

Al Jazeera English

Memorial Display in Berlin Commemorates Hind Rajab

A memorial display in Berlin has been set up to commemorate six-year-old Hind Rajab, a Palestinian girl who was killed. The installation recreates the scene of her death to raise awareness about the incident.

Al Jazeera English

Voting Concludes in Iceland's EU Membership Negotiation Referendum

Iceland has concluded voting in a referendum on resuming EU membership negotiations. The outcome is expected to be closely contested, with polling indicating a near 50/50 split. The current pro-EU government has pledged to honor the public's decision.

Deutsche Welle

Merkel Urges Germans to Support Democracy Ahead of Saxony-Anhalt Elections

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged Germans to support democracy in light of the far-right AfD's lead in Saxony-Anhalt polls. The German government plans to hold Russia accountable for a drone incident, while a study indicates a significant rise in sick leave payments by German firms. Additionally, the Taliban has sent a delegation to facilitate deportations of Afghan nationals, and the AfD's youth wing has opposed leaving the euro currency.

Fox News — Latest

Dutch Institute Issues Warning About Trump-Shaped Ecstasy Pills Containing PMMA

The Trimbos Institute in the Netherlands has warned against ecstasy pills shaped like Donald Trump's head, which contain a high concentration of PMMA, a potentially dangerous substance. The institute advises against using these pills, as they may lead to overdose due to their slow onset. There have been no reported overdoses or deaths linked to these pills so far.

New York Post

Finland Extends Defense Agreement with Israel for Ten Years

Finland and Israel have extended their defense agreement for another ten years, which has drawn criticism from left-wing opposition parties in Finland. The agreement, first signed in 2013 and renewed in 2019, focuses on military cooperation. Finland's Defense Minister stated that this extension is standard practice and aims to enhance the country's air defense capabilities.

Al Jazeera English

King Haakon VIII Honors Late Father King Harald During National Mourning

King Haakon VIII of Norway delivered his first speech as monarch following the death of his father, King Harald, who passed away at age 89. During a national mourning period, King Haakon praised his father's legacy and emphasized the importance of democracy and equality in his address. The government has organized memorial services across the country as citizens pay their respects.

BBC — World

King Haakon VIII of Norway Honors Late Father in First Speech

King Haakon VIII of Norway honored his late father, King Harald V, in his first speech since taking the throne, expressing gratitude and emphasizing national unity. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, including health issues within the royal family and controversies involving family members, while committing to understanding the diverse situations of the Norwegian people.

Deutsche Welle

Konstantin Sokolov Leads Investment Fund for Caucasus Trade Route

Konstantin Sokolov, a Russian-American businessman, is leading the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, which is financing the "Trump Route" corridor connecting Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through Armenia. The fund, launched with over $200 million, aims to support infrastructure projects in the South Caucasus and Central Asia. While the Armenian government welcomes the investment, opposition figures express concerns about foreign influence in key sectors.

Deutsche Welle

Sick Leave Wages in Germany Double Over 15 Years

Former Chancellor Angela Merkel has urged citizens to defend democracy ahead of elections in Saxony-Anhalt, where the AfD leads in polls. German firms reported a record €85.6 billion in sick leave wages last year, more than double from 2010. Meanwhile, a Taliban delegation has arrived in Germany to assist with deportations, and a fire at a refugee shelter in Berlin led to the evacuation of hundreds.

Hacker News — Front Page

Iceland Holds Referendum on Resuming EU Membership Talks

Icelanders are voting in a referendum to decide whether to resume talks on joining the European Union, with the latest poll showing the No campaign leading at 51.6%. The debate primarily focuses on concerns regarding the fishing industry and sovereignty rather than security issues. A Yes vote would initiate negotiations but would not finalize EU membership, which would require further approval through a second referendum and parliamentary consent.

The Atlantic

Analysis of Asset Recovery from Authoritarian Leaders and Its Implications for Trump

This article examines the challenges and implications of recovering assets from authoritarian leaders, drawing parallels between the situations in Peru, the Philippines, and Nigeria with the potential future of Donald Trump's wealth. It highlights the complexities of asset recovery and the risks associated with the political influence of former leaders and their families.

Al Jazeera English

Norway Declares Mourning for King Harald as Haakon VIII Assumes Throne

Norway is in a period of mourning following the death of King Harald, who passed away at the age of 89. His son, Haakon, has become the new monarch, known as King Haakon VIII, and is set to take the oath of office in parliament. The transition comes amid recent scandals affecting the monarchy.

Deutsche Welle

Fire at Berlin Refugee Shelter Leads to Evacuations

A fire at a refugee shelter in Berlin-Spandau led to the evacuation of several hundred residents, with four individuals treated for smoke inhalation. Meanwhile, a Taliban delegation has arrived in Germany to assist with the deportation of Afghan nationals. Additionally, a poll indicates increased US influence in Germany since President Trump's return to office, and Volkswagen's shareholder calls for a restructuring plan amid business challenges.

New York Post

Norwegians Gather to Mourn King Harald at Royal Palace

Norwegians gathered on Saturday to mourn King Harald, who died at the age of 89. Crowds paid their respects at the royal palace, where his coffin will lie in state. His son has become the new king, known as King Haakon VIII, and is expected to take the oath in front of parliament on Tuesday.

New York Times — World

Iceland to Vote on Restarting EU Membership Talks

Iceland will vote on Saturday to decide whether to restart talks about joining the European Union. The outcome of this vote may impact Iceland's future relationship with the EU.