Stories from Cologne · Germany

A former guard sold his life story and technical details regarding the SM70 self-shooting device to Spiegel for 12,000 Mark. The guard, identified as Gartenschläger, spent nearly ten years in a prison in Verbraach.

The new building modernization law will include a cost-sharing provision for landlords installing new oil or gas heating systems. The announcement was made by Hubig on Thursday. The agreement was reported by NDR Info. The Union and SPD parties have reached an agreement to protect tenants against rising energy prices. Justice Minister Stefanie Hubeich described the compromise as fair and sustainable. The agreement follows intense debate regarding the Building Energy Act, previously known as the heating law. The Merz-led government had previously agreed to relax regulations, though specific details remained under dispute. The German federal government has reached an agreement on a reform of the heating law. The reform was discussed in the context of state government priorities and education policy cuts.

The German federal cabinet approved a health insurance savings package as part of a broader health reform plan. The source noted that stable insurance contributions may not offset a deteriorating supply of medical care.

Germany has seen more than three million unemployed individuals since January. In March, the number reached 3,021,000 with an unemployment rate of 6.4 percent. There is uncertainty regarding whether the figure fell below three million in April as hoped by the federal government.

Current data suggests there may be 10,000 violations occurring. The organization is urging the Federal Cartel Office and state authorities to investigate and penalize these actions to reduce consumer uncertainty.

Game developer Jörg Friedrich and his team won an award for their game titled 'Das schlug'. The game involves players taking on the role of lawyers in post-war Germany collecting evidence to bring Nazi criminals to court. Friedrich expressed being overwhelmed by the win, noting the team's status as a third-division-equivalent entity competing against larger developers. Sabiha Khelal stated that the volunteer jury faced difficult decisions this year due to over 500 entries. David Zapfe Wildemann of the game Tiny Bookshop noted the significance of being nominated among many peers. The event celebrated game developers in Cologne. The game was developed by the Cologne-based studio Neo Ludic Games. The game reportedly uses technology to allow users to view 3D copies of crime scenes or traffic accidents.

The Verdi union has called for an 8 percent wage increase for approximately 9,000 Postbank employees. Some branches are expected to remain closed today due to industrial action. Further strikes are scheduled to occur the day after tomorrow.

Approximately 60,000 cases have been identified where gas stations raised prices at unauthorized times or with excessive frequency. Operators risk penalties for late or incorrect reporting and price adjustments. Andreas Hein is investigating the frequency and timing of these unauthorized increases. About one-fourth of the country's 15,000 gas stations allegedly violated pricing regulations at least once since the start of the month. SWR data journalist Jan Rosetzki investigated the causes behind these suspected illegal price increases. However, the analysis indicates most suspected increases may stem from other factors. Data analysis suggests approximately one in four of Germany's 15,000 gas stations may have violated pricing rules at least once since early April.

Protesters breached a fence during demonstrations on Monday, storming across a meadow toward a polling station. Experts reported receiving death threats during the unrest. Police faced difficulties containing the crowd, which created an explosive situation on site.

Directors of the Federal Institute for Population Research noted a gap between the desire to have children and actual implementation. Spies noted that motherhood is not declining, but rather the realization of parental intent is being hindered.