UN Diplomacy Shock: Germany failed to win a non-permanent UN Security Council seat for 2027–28, losing in a first-round vote to Portugal and Austria; Berlin’s foreign minister called it “bitter and truly disappointing,” with officials pointing to Russia’s campaign and backlash tied to Germany’s Ukraine and Israel positions. Courts & Free Speech: A German court ruled that calling Chancellor Friedrich Merz a “lying Fritz” can be prosecuted as an insult to a public political figure, with police having opened dozens of similar cases over Facebook comments. Aviation Safety: Lufthansa says several employees were injured at Frankfurt when a Boeing 787-9’s nose gear unexpectedly retracted while parked; authorities are investigating. Tech & Industry: Amazon unveiled a next-generation AI-powered Proteus warehouse robot for Europe (arriving early 2027) and plans more ultra-fast delivery sites, including in Germany. Climate & Food Safety: The EU-funded HOLiFOOD project launches a digital campaign (with German creators) to explain how climate change can raise food safety risks, from warmer-weather bacteria to crop toxins. Sports & Work: New research estimates the 2026 World Cup could cost Germany about $1.34bn in lost productivity. Nazi Records Online: US National Archives’ release of Nazi party membership cards is driving a wave of German family searches, forcing many to confront uncomfortable wartime links.