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Tragic fire at Constellation bar in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, kills forty, injures sixteen. French co-owners, Jacques and Jessica Moretti, face negligent homicide, bodily harm, and arson charges. Early reports suggest sparklers ignited soundproofing foam, but investigations ongoing. Bar had age restrictions, but security may have been lax. Families grieve, seeking answers to prevent future tragedies.

Winter storm Elli wreaks havoc in Germany, suspending rail services and causing accidents. Central and southern regions brace for heavy snowfall, while ski resorts in the north enjoy a boom. Travelers face ongoing challenges, and civil servants warn of potential power outages. Temperatures plummet, and cities prepare for a long, cold winter.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz makes a surprise move, replacing his chief of staff, amidst complex foreign policy challenges, particularly with the US. Merz treads carefully on the USs capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, avoiding harsh criticism to maintain US support for Ukraine security guarantees. Tensions rise with Trumps Greenland claims, as seven EU nations, including Germany, insist on Denmark and Greenlands self-determination. Merzs internal shake-up aims to improve communication and economic focus, as his approval ratings plummet.

A massive blackout in southwest Berlin, caused by suspected left-wing saboteurs, left hundreds of thousands without power for days. The slow response and overlapping agencies in Germanys disaster setup have sparked criticism and calls for improved preparedness. Households and towns are now stocking up and reviewing readiness for future outages.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen calls for immediate release of imprisoned protesters in Iran, condemns violent crackdown, and urges restoration of internet access. Protests continue amid reports of high casualties and arrests, with world leaders rallying in support of the demonstrators.

President Trump aims to meet with health insurance companies, using his dealmaker style to cut prices and ease voter concerns about rising healthcare costs. However, experts suggest that the real drivers of high costs are hospitals and doctors, accounting for about eighty percent of the spending gap. Reactions are mixed, with some Republicans praising Trump and stressing the need to tackle hospital prices, while Democrats criticize the move as ignoring the systems deep problems. Industry groups remain quiet, but insiders hint at insurers readiness to control costs through cutting red tape and boosting transparency. As talks loom, this could highlight frustrations with the healthcare system and test if presidential jawboning leads to real relief for Americans.

President Trump criticizes major defense contractors for delays and overruns, causing defense stocks to plunge but later rebound. Lockheed Martin and others agree on the need for speed and accountability. Startups and investors see this as an opportunity to challenge the status quo, while lawmakers and experts warn of potential lawsuits and chaos. The Pentagon pushes for flexible contracts to transform suppliers and ensure faster, cheaper weapons.

President Trump proposes a longer timeline for stabilizing Venezuela post-Maduro, focusing on security and oil industry rebuilding before elections. However, Republican lawmakers like Díaz-Balart and Giménez push for quicker votes, citing the risk of illegitimate regimes entrenching. Democrats warn against trusting Maduro loyalists. The situation remains fluid, with growing rifts in the Republican Party over Venezuelas future.

Storm Goretti wreaks havoc in northern Europe, claiming a life in the UK and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Fifteen deaths across Europe from storms and gales, with schools closed and travel chaos in freezing cold. Power outages persist in England and Germany, as Europe braces for more wintry disruptions.