Stories from Cologne · Germany

The goal includes everything from launch in French Guiana to landing on the lunar surface. If the Mona Luna rover is selected, the first mission is targeted for the 2030 horizon. Astronaut Jean-François Clairvoix stated a rover will be used to traverse hundreds of kilometers on the Moon to search for water. The mission aims to use electrolysis to produce oxygen for drinking and cultivation. The European Space Agency (ESA) is currently selecting a group to complete a future mission. The selection process for the rover is expected to conclude within a few weeks. This mission would represent a step in lunar exploration capabilities.

A 26-year-old man is in pretrial detention in Cologne-Lindenthal following an alleged stabbing of his father. The victim is no longer in life-threatening condition, according to the source. Prosecutors are investigating the son on suspicion of attempted manslaughter and dangerous bodily harm.

The Verdi union is calling for a 6.6 percent wage increase for Deutsche Telekom employees. A German union is demanding a 6.6 percent wage increase for approximately 60,000 Telekom employees. Two previous rounds of collective bargaining negotiations have concluded without an agreement. The third round of negotiations is scheduled for May 11 and 12. The union suggests data analysis will assist investigators in these proceedings. Approximately 3,000 Telekom employees participated in a Verdi union action regarding wage negotiations. The union reports no progress was made during the second round of negotiations on Monday as Telekom provided no offer. Verdi is demanding a 6.6 percent pay increase for a 12-month term. The union also requested a new annual bonus of 660 euros per employee.

The SPD is discussing a proposal to increase health insurance contributions for Bürgergeld recipients. The plan involves an estimated 250 million euros in the coming year. These costs are expected to be increased in stages over the next several years.

The SPD confirmed that negotiations at Villa Borsig became heated when the Union proposed abolishing the first public holiday. No specific date for a decision was provided in the broadcast.

The A71 highway is closed between Köleder and Heldrungen for repair and installation work until approximately 6:00 AM. Additionally, the A71 between Gräfenroder and Oberhof is closed due to a night construction site. In Cologne, the area between Kreuzmonheim and Südenkreuz-Leberkusen-West is closed for construction until May 20. Several German highways are experiencing closures due to ongoing construction and repairs. The A 59 near Cologne toward Düsseldorf is closed between Mohnheim and Düsseldorf-Garrat until approximately 5:00 AM. In the opposite direction, the A 59 from Düsseldorf toward Cologne is closed between Düsseldorf-Süd and Kreuz-Levacosen-West until May 20. The A 71 tunnel Alteburg is closed toward Sul until approximately 6:00 AM. Additionally, closures are in place on the A 59 between Bremerhaven, Bremen Fahr, and Bremen Horn Lehe in both directions.

A trial is underway to determine if a defendant killed an eight-year-old boy named Fabian in October of last year. A 30-year-old woman, identified as a former partner of the boy's father, appeared in court for the first day of her trial in Cologne.

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.