Stories from Hamburg · Germany

St. Pauli fell to 17th place, the direct relegation spot, following a 2-1 defeat against Mainz. Mainz secured their top-flight status with the victory. Mönchengladbach also secured safety after a 1-0 win against Dortmund, featuring a late goal by Tabakovic. Union Berlin and Hamburger SV have also secured their positions in the league. The results were reported by sports editor Marcel Stober. The club has 26 points, the same as Wolfsburg, though Wolfsburg holds a superior goal difference. Fans expressed frustration during the match, with some whistling at halftime. Despite the loss, coach Blesin stated he still believes the club can avoid relegation. Pauli suffered a 1:2 home defeat against Mainz in Hamburg. Defender Hauke Wahl stated the team must work together to reverse the negative spiral. The club faces a difficult period ahead as they attempt to improve their standing.

The Authority for Justice and Consumer Protection reported that the number of unfinished proceedings decreased from 77,000 to 66,000 by the end of March. This reduction allowed for 28 positions to be newly filled. Out of a total of 231 prosecutor positions, seven remain vacant.

German inflation for goods and services fell to 2.9 percent in April compared to April 2025. This represents the lowest inflation rate in over two years. Energy and fuel prices were primary drivers, increasing by more than 10 percent compared to the same month last year.

The number of open criminal investigations in Germany fell by nearly 14 percent during the first three months of this year.

Finnish company Kone is set to acquire German rival TK Elevator in a deal valued at approximately $24 billion.

Hamburg is pushing for stricter rules regarding trade tax (Gewerbesteuer) within the Bundesrat. The city seeks to implement a higher minimum levy rate to determine the actual tax amount companies pay. This move aims to prevent companies from using large city infrastructure while registering their headquarters in municipalities with low levy rates to avoid taxes. Susanne Röse reported on the city's position. The Hamburg Senate intends to increase the minimum trade tax assessment rate to at least 300 percent. Currently, the lower limit is set at 200 percent. The German federal government has already decided to raise this minimum to 280 percent. Susanne Röse from Hamburg reported that businesses have been using lower rates in Schleswig-Holstein to save on taxes. The trade tax rate remains a factor for business locations.

Costco plans to acquire 80% of the shares in ZIPPL, a logistics company specializing in inland container transport and handling. The acquisition comes as the port of Hamburg has become a primary transshipment hub for Chinese goods, with one in three containers in Hamburg originating from China. Michael Kellner, the Green Party energy policy spokesperson in the Bundestag, expressed concerns regarding potential chain dependencies. Chinese shipping company Kosco is planning to acquire the logistics firm Zippel in Hamburg. The move follows Kosco's existing involvement in a terminal through Costco. The company is reportedly looking to make further investments in the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. China remains the most trading partner for the Port of Hamburg. The acquisition follows Costco's established role as a major player in the port's operations.

An environmental authority reported that a wolf, which previously injured a woman in downtown Hamburg, is now located in the Lüneburg Heath. The authority has access to a transmitter attached to the animal.

The German environmental agency stated that if the wolf causes further problems, non-lethal measures such as paintball guns could be used. The agency noted that killing the animal remains a last resort. This follows reports of a wolf migrating south from Hamburg.

Chinese state-owned company Cosco aims to acquire 80% of the logistics firm Zippel. German domestic intelligence services have issued warnings regarding the acquisition, according to reports from NDR and WDR. The company serves as a hub for Chinese goods, with Hamburg acting as a transit point for shipments from China. Michael Kellner, an energy spokesperson for the Green Party in the Bundestag, expressed concerns regarding the logistics and transport of these goods. Chinese state-owned shipping company KOSCO intends to acquire 80% of Zippel Logistics. The company operates green trucks with gold lettering from the port to surrounding areas. Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution has opposed the acquisition. The agency warned of increasing Beijing influence over German infrastructure.