World Cup Shock: Ecuador stunned Germany 2-1 to reach the Round of 32, with Gonzalo Plata’s winner sealing a dramatic comeback after Leroy Sané’s early strike; Germany still topped Group E but suffered their first group-stage loss to a South American side. National Mood: Ecuador President Daniel Noboa declared a national holiday after the win, as celebrations spread from New York/New Jersey stadiums to fans nationwide. Justice in Focus: A man who killed six in the Magdeburg Christmas market car attack was sentenced to life in prison, with prosecutors citing an attack planned over weeks and carried out in a rented BMW. Tech & IP: Swiss watchmaker Swatch is seeking $170m from Samsung in a long-running London trademark dispute over smartwatch watch-face apps. Energy Transition: Germany concluded a solar-plus-storage tender awarding 29 projects (482 MW) at an average tariff of €0.0534/kWh. Mobility Innovation: Avinox won a 2026 Eurobike Award for a smart heart-rate control system that adjusts pedal assist. Heatwave Watch: Western Europe is baking under a “heat dome,” with record-breaking temperatures and widespread alerts, including near Germany’s border. Gaming & Oversight: Germany-based GoreBox developer Felix Filip declined to attend a Philippine Senate hearing tied to the Tacloban school shooting, saying the game is 18+.