Stories from Cologne · Germany

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.

The private association DUMMI is planning Germany's first museum for immigrant history in the Kalk district of Cologne. The project is currently at risk due to 33 million euros in settlement costs.

The German Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) plans to use artificial intelligence to assist in solving crimes. The head of the fuel price watchdog, Zorn, is calling for increased pressure on petroleum companies following indications of potential violations. The watchdog is demanding action from the Federal Cartel Office to address suspected breaches of the 12:00 rule intended to provide consumer transparency. The law includes specific penalties for such violations. The Baden-Württemberg Ministry of Economic Affairs is reviewing jurisdiction regarding potential fuel price rule violations at gas stations. In Rhineland-Palatinate, officials are working to clarify how to penalize such violations. An evaluation by SWR found that some gas stations continued to increase prices multiple times per day despite a new 12:00 rule.

The Cologne fire department evacuated the Cologne Cathedral and its treasury early this afternoon following reports of a burning smell. 25 vehicles and 70 emergency responders were deployed to the site. Fire officials stated that the cause of the odor could not be identified.