29. November 2025 – Kurznachrichten

Latvia increases its Ukraine support – assistance for a country in winter mode!!

Latvia made another commitment today and is providing an additional 125,000 euros to stabilize Ukraine’s energy infrastructure ahead of winter. The money is intended to help repair damaged facilities, prevent power outages, and secure the supply in regions where Russian attacks repeatedly knock out power lines, substations, and heating systems. For Ukraine, every bit of support in this area is crucial because attacks on energy centers have long become a permanent part of the war. As temperatures drop and millions of people live with unstable supply, every repaired mast, every secured line, and every newly connected station feels like a piece of normal life. Latvia’s contribution is small compared to the sums from larger states, but it arrives at a moment when every repair counts. For many Ukrainians, this money can determine whether homes remain warm, hospitals remain supplied, and cities do not fall into darkness during the harshest time of year.

Latvia is sending a signal and reminding Europe of its responsibility. The decision from Riga is more than a technical measure. It is a political message: if Russia is trying to break the country during winter, Europe cannot simply watch. Every bit of support for the energy supply is ultimately support for people who continue their daily lives despite attacks. For Ukraine, it means it is not alone. For Europe, it means solidarity is not measured by the size of a country but by the clarity of its decisions. Latvia showed that clarity once again today.

The first images from Gießen

In Giessen, a stream of demonstrators has been arriving since early morning to protest against the newly planned founding of the AfD youth organization. Around the main train station, the first groups can be seen, accompanied by a massive police presence from across the country. The city has prepared for a state of emergency: 30 registered demonstrations, about 50,000 participants, and more than 6,000 police officers brought together from 15 federal states. Hesse’s interior minister openly speaks of a “challenging major situation”. Even before sunrise, the police warned of traffic jams and road closures because countless buses were on their way to Giessen. Designated parking areas have been set up in the Ringallee to handle the arrivals at all.

While the night remained calm, the morning shows how strong the opposition is to the planned founding of the AfD youth group. Trade unions, student organizations, left-wing groups, church initiatives, Attac, the Jusos, and Omas gegen Rechts are part of an unusually broad alliance. Many of them have announced that they will severely disrupt access to the venue, and some plan to block the assembly altogether. The police have made it clear that blockades are not lawful and warn of possible clashes. The armed forces have even advised their soldiers to avoid certain areas. For one day, Giessen is becoming the focal point of a conflict that reveals how polarized the country has become. With “Generation Germany”, the AfD is trying to launch a new project after dissolving its previous youth organization, and it is doing so in a city that shows more clearly than ever today how many people refuse to accept it quietly.

The Savannah – an elegant beauty with a gentle nature

The Savannah cat stands out immediately: long legs, large ears, a slender and strong build reminiscent of African wild cats. And yet, at home she is a calm and friendly animal that prefers staying close to her humans rather than insisting on her own way. Her name comes from the African savanna, the home of the serval with which this breed was originally crossed. Despite her impressive appearance, she is affectionate, curious, and often surprisingly gentle. Many Savannahs follow their humans through the house with a mixture of alertness and calmness, present but never intrusive. Her nature blends playfulness and serenity in a way that stays with you.

What makes this cat so distinctive is not only her beautiful coat or her elegant gait, but the way she relates to people. She watches attentively, responds to voices, and seeks closeness without demanding it. Some Savannahs come when called, bring back toys, or simply lie quietly nearby when someone sits down. Despite their size, they move with care and sensitivity, especially around children. The contrast between their wild look and their peaceful character gives them a charm of their own. Anyone who knows a Savannah knows that behind the spots is a warm and loyal animal that makes every day a little better.

Invitation declined – Senator Walker accuses the White House of breaking the law

Republican Senator Greg Walker of Columbus is creating open tension between Indiana and Washington. He said he declined an invitation to the Oval Office last week. At the same time, he accuses the White House of breaking federal law by trying to pressure the Republican majority in the state to redraw its congressional districts. Walker speaks of improper influence and an approach that goes far beyond political persuasion. Redistricting has been a contentious issue in Indiana for months because any change could shift majorities. The fact that the White House got involved has intensified the situation. Walker sees it as an attempt to bend the state politically and says he will not let the matter rest. Indiana is responding with irritation, and the conflict is getting more personal.

Reactions from Indianapolis show how sensitive the issue has become. Some of Walker’s colleagues support his account, while others advise caution. But one thing is clear: the alleged interference from Washington hits a climate that is already distrustful whenever district maps are involved. The White House has yet to provide a clear statement. The dispute shows once again how strained the relationship between individual states and Washington has become, especially when it comes to decisions that determine for years who enters Congress. Walker has drawn a line with his refusal, and the debate is only beginning.

A phone call that raises questions – Trump speaks with Maduro about a possible meeting

Donald Trump spoke last week with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro and discussed a possible meeting. That the conversation took place at all is surprising, because Washington is simultaneously increasing military pressure on the country. According to several people familiar with the call, they discussed a meeting in the United States, although there are no concrete plans. The phone call took place only days before Washington’s designation of Maduro as the leader of a terrorist organization, from the administration’s point of view, took effect. Meanwhile, the US government has strengthened its military presence in the Caribbean and made clear that it is aiming for a change of power in Caracas, if necessary by force.

Three nuns against the abbot – and a compromise that is no compromise

The three elderly nuns who fled from a senior center in Austria to their old abbey in September are allowed to stay, says Abbot Markus Grasl. But his concession comes with conditions. Sisters Rita, Regina, and Bernadette are to receive round-the-clock care, have access to a doctor at any time, and a priest is to hold weekly services. In return, they must stop letting visitors into the cloister and shut down their social media account, which has brought them nearly one hundred thousand supporters. Their lawyer advises against accepting the offer and calls it a gag contract. The order would gain power of attorney over the sisters and over donations they received since returning to the abbey. For the nuns, this means the risk of being sent back to a care home later. After everything they have experienced, they now trust only the people who helped them rebuild daily life in the abbey.

The three sisters were the last of their order in Castle Goldenstein in Elsbethen. When the abbot closed their living quarters, they were supposed to move to a care home. They say it happened against their will. In early September, they decided to return with the help of a locksmith and their former students. They restored electricity, water, and care and rebuilt a daily life that resembled earlier times. With short videos and photos, they shared their story and made it known worldwide. Diplomats visited, media reported, and a book will be published soon. Donations enabled care workers and even a stairlift. For many people, the nuns became a symbol that age does not mean submitting. And despite all conflicts, Sister Rita still says she hopes for reconciliation with the abbot.

Trump should publish the MRI results – Governor Walz pushes back

Minnesota’s Governor Tim Walz responded sharply to an outburst from President Donald Trump. Trump had called him “severely retarded”. Walz answered with a sentence that spread nationwide: he should “publish the MRI results”. With this, Walz made clear that he would not accept insults and pushed the question of Trump’s mental fitness back toward him. The scene shows how low the political tone has fallen and how naturally the president disparages elected officials. Walz did not respond with insults but with a simple demand Trump did not expect. When a president uses such words, it is not only a personal attack but an attempt to undermine opponents instead of discussing issues. Walz chose a clear answer that also sends a message: one must push back against such language so that it does not become the norm. His reaction was brief, direct, and without any embellishment, and that is why it had an impact.