Stories from Cologne · Germany

Smoking rates have decreased to 30 percent, according to a report discussed on WDR 5. The figure has reportedly stagnated for several years despite ongoing tobacco cessation programs.

A new overview suggests that advertising bans are associated with a reduction in the risk of starting to smoke by up to 37%. The report notes a statistical correlation between these bans and lower smoking rates, particularly among youth.

The family of Eva Maria Michelmann is calling on the German government to increase diplomatic efforts for her release from Syria. Michelmann, a 36-year-old woman from North Rhine-Westphalia, has been in detention in the Rojava autonomous region. She was known for advocating for minority rights and reporting on Turkish media. Her family reported her situation in late February and has since received a sign of life. The brother of Eva Maria Michelmann, a German journalist reportedly abducted and tortured abroad, is calling for high-level political intervention. Antonius Michelmann, a teacher in Cologne, is using social media alongside his students to raise awareness about his sister's fate. The family is demanding that the German Federal Government make her release a top priority. The journalist, who has been imprisoned since 2021, was reportedly tortured and abducted.

Prosecutors have leveled a second charge in the investigation of a planned attack on a Teleswift concert in March 2024. An Austrian national of Turkish descent, identified as Ardakar, has been charged alongside Beren A. and was involved in the plot. The group also reportedly included a third individual, Hassan E., a school friend from the Netherlands.

Tests on 40 rice varieties revealed the presence of arsenic, pesticides, and the heavy metal cadmium. The contamination affected organic and whole grain rice as well. Only four of the 40 tested varieties received a good rating.

Stiftung Warentest found arsenic and other impurities in various rice varieties during an investigation. The contamination affected organic and whole grain rice samples. Only four out of 40 tested samples were found to be clean. Tests found arsenic, cadmium, pesticide residues, and mold in rice samples, including organic and whole grain varieties. The contamination occurs naturally through soil and water in cultivation areas. The Warn-Test Foundation advised consumers not to open the rice packages despite the findings. Testing of 40 rice varieties revealed the presence of arsenic, heavy metal cadmium, and pesticides. Only four of the tested varieties received a 'good' rating.

Authorities have located a World War II-era bomb in the Niehl district of Cologne. Local authorities stated the bomb must be defused today. Approximately 2,500 residents are required to evacuate their homes for the operation. A World War II bomb was discovered near a harbor in Cologne during construction work on Tuesday morning. Euskirchen Mayor Sascha Reichelt stated that existing plans must be partially revised to comply with safety regulations and norms. Additional specialists are required for assessments, and experts must also survey the local wildlife at the Steinbach Dam before work continues. Refilling of the Steinbach Dam is not expected until at least the 2030s.

German politicians and the Green Party are seeking to tighten sexual criminal laws to define sex without explicit consent as rape. Mertens noted the importance of ensuring criminal law does not become unclear or difficult to apply. German politicians are proposing new legislation to define rape based on the absence of clear consent. Verena Mertens, a member of the CDU in the European Parliament, stated the priority is maintaining a balance between increased victim protection and ensuring criminal law remains clear and applicable. The Union party has criticized the proposal, claiming it would be difficult to implement. The proposal aims to establish that sexual assault occurs if explicit consent is not present, regardless of whether a victim can physically resist. The model is based on a system used in Sweden since 2018.

ADB-Werk will close its operations by the end of the year and relocate to Poland. The company terminated 360 of its 400 employees with immediate effect. Michael Leitner from Chinese management delivered the announcement during a meeting that was subsequently dissolved. The move was described as a reduction in workforce.

The messaging service Signal announced it will improve its security measures following a hacker attack on German Bundestag politicians. The provider stated that its own software was not hacked during the incident. Investigators are looking into whether military transports were involved in the breach. The messaging app Signal plans to introduce additional security measures in the coming weeks following phishing attacks targeting politicians, military personnel, and journalists in Germany. Instead, attackers reportedly deceived users through messages to obtain data. The company did not provide specific details regarding the upcoming changes.