The heatwave that had been building for days peaked on June 26, with multiple outlets reporting a new all-time German temperature record of 41.3°C. Bild and Tagesspiegel led with the historic mark, while RP Online noted the 40°C threshold being crossed and rising wildfire danger prompting grill bans. TAZ highlighted unprepared schools and clinics. The heat overshadowed other stories, though the aftermath of Germany's World Cup loss to Ecuador lingered in morning sports analysis, and VW's plan to cut up to 100,000 jobs drew attention. By evening, a new geopolitical shock emerged: US strikes on Iran in retaliation for a tanker attack, reported across outlets despite a ceasefire.