Stories from Leipzig · Germany

The survivors of actress Libusche Schafrankova, who died in 2021, are seeking posthumous compensation from the Leipziger Volkszeitung and another Saxon newspaper. The lawsuit alleges a violation of personality rights after images were reportedly shown without authorization.

The Copernicus climate report indicates that 2025 was the third warmest year ever recorded in Europe. Approximately 95 percent of the European continent registered annual temperatures significantly above the average last year.

Interim director Malte Wasem announced he will let his contract expire at the end of the 2025-2026 season. This departure is earlier than previously expected and follows criticism of his reform course.

The Copernicus Climate Change Service report confirms Europe has been warming at twice the global average rate since 1980. World Meteorological Organization Secretary-General Celeste Saulo noted that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. In 2025, prolonged heatwaves were observed spanning from the Mediterranean to the Arctic Circle. The report attributes these changes to a combination of various factors. Samantha Burgess, deputy director of the EU Copernicus program, stated that parts of Europe reaching into the Arctic are warming faster than the rest of the world. Northern and eastern European countries, including the United Kingdom, Norway, and Iceland, have experienced their hottest year on record. Ireland, Sweden, and Finland recorded their second-warmest year. Europe has been identified as the region of the world where temperatures have risen most significantly.

Jörg Handrock was forced to book his own return flight costing nearly 1,300 euros one-way. The incident occurred following a dispute involving the booking portal Tripcom. Travel organizers maintain a duty of assistance for package tours, according to the report.

Alexander Berechny, Managing Director of Systems, described the lack of AI regulation as potentially as dangerous as uncontrolled nuclear power. The discussion addressed the need for developing regulatory frameworks for AI use in warfare.

The rapid development of artificial intelligence is proceeding with few established rules, according to industry experts.

German performer Evelyn Kühnike died of lung cancer on April 28, 2001, at the age of 79. The news was noted in a retrospective regarding her career and Oscar nomination. The news was noted in relation to the 25th anniversary of her death.

The Green Party aims to increase its parliamentary group size in the upcoming elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Currently, the party holds only the smallest possible factions in both state parliaments.

The Green Party parliamentary group is holding a three-day meeting in Leipzig starting today. The Green Party has proposed a 2% reduction in health insurance contribution rates to alleviate costs for citizens.