Stories from Cologne · Germany

Construction for the future MiQua Jewish Museum in Cologne has uncovered a group of Roman stairs and a unique lararium. The archaeological find was located beneath the museum site.

RWE CEO Markus Krepper stated the company is well-positioned for the energy transition. RWE plans to increase net investments to 35 billion euros. The company's stock has risen 80 percent over the past 12 months.

RWE Chairman Frank Appel addressed the company's virtual annual general meeting today. The company has transitioned into a financially strong growth enterprise. Lignite mining in the Rhenish mining area is now a secondary role for the firm.

Concept artist Tim Ulrichs has died, according to a report from WDR 5.

Real revenues in the North Rhine-Westphalia hospitality sector have decreased over the past two years despite rising overnight stay numbers. High costs for goods, personnel, and energy, alongside inflation, have reduced profit margins for businesses. Patrick Rothkopf, a hotel operator and president of the Hotel and Restaurant Association of North Rhine-Westphalia, noted that cost-adjusted revenues are significantly lower than pre-pandemic levels. State statistics confirm that hospitality revenues in the region have declined when adjusted for inflation. These findings align with data from state statisticians.

Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia and the German federal government have halted decommissioning work at a nuclear facility after thousands of cracks were detected. Two reactors remain active while five are currently inactive.

A German court has banned the use of an extremism label against a non-partisan state minister. The ruling follows a dispute regarding a book prize where the minister's comments were made in an interview. The minister had previously refused to provide a cease-and-desist declaration before the verdict. A complaint to the Higher Administrative Court remains an option. The dispute originated from the removal of three bookstores in Berlin, Bremen, and Göttingen from a prize winner list by a jury. A Berlin administrative court has issued a preliminary injunction against Culture Minister Weimar. The ruling prohibits the minister from labeling the operators of the bookstore 'Zur schwankenden Weltkugel' as political extremists. Weimar had previously removed the bookstore from the German Bookstore Prize shortlist, stating the state cannot award prizes to political extremists.

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.