Trump's fight against the media + Syria's struggle for peace

Following the recent revelations surrounding sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (1953 - 2019), US President Donald Trump (79) is under increasing pressure.

With these five topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Monday.

This is what happened: Due to the revelation of a salacious letter in the Epstein scandal, US President Donald Trump (79) has sued media entrepreneur Rupert Murdoch (94) and his "Wall Street Journal" for $20 billion. Murdoch, previously an ally of Trump, is now becoming an antagonist.

Why it's important: The case could have massive consequences for press freedom in the United States. Never before has a newspaper been sued by a sitting president on this scale. It demonstrates how Trump is using legal means to combat undesirable reporting.

Here's what's happening: Trump is trying to appear transparent by releasing selected Epstein documents – and to ward off further criticism. However, experts see this as a diversionary tactic.

Trump's attack on media mogul Murdoch

This is what it's about: Many schools are frustrated by the lack of leadership, the lack of creative opportunities, and poor working conditions. Former headmaster Gert Mengel (54) draws a bitter conclusion after 27 years in the profession.

This is why it's important: Rigid structures in schools often hamper motivated teachers. Many resign and leave. Former principal Mengel calls teachers' rooms "alchemists' dens of an outdated self-image" where "toxic authority" is sometimes brewed.

This is how it continues: Schools cannot renew themselves if the most committed teachers leave. Critics like Mengel say new approaches to organizing learning are needed to meet challenges like AI or climate change.

Reform ideas for schools

What it's about: In Syria, the south of the country around the city of Suweida is becoming a war zone. Fighting between Druze and Bedouin is flaring up again and again. This has also drawn Israel's attention.

That's why it's important: Great hopes are resting on Syria. After the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad (59), who drove millions to flee their homes, the country was supposed to become a stabilizing factor in the region. The new developments are jeopardizing this.

Here's what's happening: With the help of the US, a ceasefire has been negotiated. What's important is that it holds. And that the interim regime under President Ahmed al-Sharaa (42) implements its commitments to protect the country's minorities.

The most important questions and answers about the new Syria conflict

This is what happened: One of the EU's largest refugee disasters is unfolding on the French island of Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. More than half of the population are now refugees.

Why it's important: "The largest cemetery in the EU" – that's how the authorities of the neighboring Comoros describe the region. 10,000 to 17,000 people are said to be buried here; hundreds of thousands live in Mayotte under dire conditions. The situation is reminiscent of the conditions in the former Moria refugee camp on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Here's what's happening: France has amended its constitution so that people born in Mayotte don't automatically receive French citizenship. Mayotte's natives welcome this.

How hundreds of thousands are risking their lives for a new start in the EU

This is what it's about: According to a study by the Berlin Social Science Center, women with children are less likely to be invited to job interviews than women without children.

That's why it's important: Parents don't have to list their children on their resumes—after all, they're applying for a job, not "as a family member," as a specialist lawyer explains. However, they should tell the truth during the interview itself.

What we're taking away from this: Clear and honest communication is the best strategy – even when it comes to the question of whether to mention parental leave. If employers are put off by this, it's their own fault.

Application, children and parental leave – what you should know

We wish you a good start to the new week.

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