A large fire in a Belgian nature reserve has caused a widespread odor in Cologne, Germany, though the flames are reportedly largely under control, with efforts now focused on creating firebreaks to protect Germany.

The Higher Regional Court of Cologne has allowed the Hamburg Cum-Ex affair to proceed to main proceedings, focusing on whether financial official Daniela P. assisted MM Warburg bank in unlawfully retaining tax money.

The city of Cologne is facing accusations of actively preventing the deportation of approximately 500 asylum seekers who were legally obligated to leave the country. This alleged 'asylum scandal' has raised questions about the city's handling of immigration policies.

Nurse Ulrich S. was convicted in November for murdering ten patients, but investigators in Aachen and Cologne now believe he could be responsible for far more cases, leading to further exhumations.

The Brussels Times website has been compromised, displaying numerous search results and articles promoting the purchase of cocaine and other illicit drugs in various international locations. These articles appear to be spam or a result of a cyberattack, redirecting users to drug-related websites.

The Cologne-based aid organization Blau-Gelbes Kreuz has significantly expanded since the Russian invasion and has now delivered its thousandth rescue vehicle to Ukraine, aiming to send a strong signal of support.

The Rhine river in Germany has reached its lowest recorded level in Cologne, surpassing the previous 2018 record, impacting river transport, chemical and steel industries, and slow tourism.

A Lithuanian man, Augustas Didžgalvis, recounted his experiences visiting what is described as Europe's largest brothel in Cologne, Germany, where prostitution is legal.

This article highlights five new tech products, including a miniature Cologne Cathedral, Dolomite shoes, an electric air mattress, a camera, and a sports car version of Call of Duty.

The Adenauer School of Government in Cologne is set to become an experimental 'real laboratory' for good governance, aiming to train strategists for a complex world and defend liberal democracy, according to Chancellor Merz.

Hungarian police, in collaboration with German authorities, have arrested a 33-year-old suspect in Budapest believed to be responsible for a serious violent crime in Cologne's Neustadt-Süd district.

The individual responsible for a shooting in Cologne, Germany, has been apprehended in Budapest, Hungary. Hungarian special forces (TEK) were involved in the arrest of the highly dangerous suspect.

Shortly after its extensive renovation, the railway line between Hagen and Cologne/Wuppertal is facing traffic restrictions due to newly discovered damage on a bridge. This comes months after the line's general overhaul.

A discarded bottle of 'Nina Ricci' cologne, a man searching through trash, and a dark international espionage case have combined to create a nightmare for an unsuspecting couple and an entire city.

An unexploded World War II bomb was discovered during construction work in Cologne, Germany, prompting a large-scale evacuation, including a children's hospital, within a 500-meter radius.

A 31-year-old man was sentenced to three years in prison by a Cologne court after being caught with 75 drug sachets, totaling nearly 450 grams, inside his body while boarding a train from Amsterdam to Salzburg.

Stephan Kemen is leading an effort to save and expand the historic German cologne brand 4711, planning to introduce it to the Chinese market and position it across luxury and mass-market segments.

Cologne's 'Pascha,' known as Europe's largest brothel, is now central to an economic crime investigation involving Chinese investors and a multi-million euro loan. The case also highlights a Volksbank employee and a sum of 75,000 euros in cash.

Cologne Cathedral, a renowned German landmark, has begun charging an entrance fee, a decision announced in March that has caused discontent among some local residents.

Luxembourg has decided against implementing an entrance fee for its cathedral, unlike the model adopted by Cologne's Bischofskirche. This decision means visitors will continue to have free access to the religious site.

German bicycle industry associations, which previously withdrew from Eurobike, are planning to establish their own trade fair in Cologne starting next year.

Kumho Tire showcased its latest premium and future mobility tire technologies at The Tire Cologne 2026, the world's largest tire exhibition in Germany, as part of its strategy to expand in the European market.

Germany's economy is expected to be hit harder than previously thought by the retirement of the baby boomer generation, with millions leaving the workforce and a lack of replacements, according to the German Economic Institute in Cologne.

A professor from the German Sport University in Cologne discusses the importance of a quality morning meal for sustained energy throughout the day.

Unknown individuals fired several shots into a snack bar in Cologne, western Germany, overnight, leading to a large-scale police operation involving a helicopter on Sunday. Several people have been detained in connection with the incident.

Cologne Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Germany’s most iconic landmarks, will begin charging an entry fee for tourists starting July 1. This new fee aims to support the cathedral's maintenance and preservation.

A review of the biopic 'Köln 75' charts how an 18-year-old German teenager managed to book the sickly American pianist Keith Jarrett for what became a legendary and landmark jazz concert, highlighting a crucial chapter in experimental jazz history.

A personal essay reflects on the experience of moving from Cologne to Belgrade at the turn of the millennium, observing a society resistant to change, characterized by passive smoking and traditional drinks.

A political columnist observes a tradition being broken in Berlin, where political figures from Cologne and Düsseldorf, historically rivals, are seen dining together, symbolizing a bridging of their divide with food like sausage, chicken, and asparagus.

Hans Knipp, a revered poet and composer from Cologne, is being celebrated as a folk hero, with his admirers actively campaigning for his recognition due to the ongoing closures of city museums.

Croatian publicist and journalist Gojko Borić passed away on May 3rd at the age of 94 in Cologne, Germany, where he resided. Born in 1932 in Podgora, Borić had a rich career.

Known as 'kolonya,' Turkish lemon cologne is a deeply ingrained cultural tradition, found in homes, businesses, and public transport, symbolizing hospitality and cleanliness.

ZDF's German series 'The Flaws' has been honored with the official competition award at this year's Seriencamp Festival in Cologne. The show follows employees in a German government office who are rerouted to an advanced program after a mix-up.

Spanish singer Rosalía's 'lux' tour concert in Cologne's Lanxess Arena combined elements of opera, ballet, reggaeton, and techno, including her 'Berghain' rave-aria, creating a 'sacred pop mass'.

Six individuals, including a Polish participant, have begun a 100-day isolation experiment called SOLIS100 in Cologne, Germany, to study the effects of long-term isolation on the human body,…

A court in Cologne sentenced young racers to several years in prison for a fatal accident on the highway between Cologne and Bonn that killed a mother and her daughter, with sentences exceeding prosecutor demands.

Anke Greifeneder, a leading programming executive for WBD and HBO Max, will be honored with Deadline’s 2026 German TV Disruptor award at Seriencamp in Cologne.

Cologne is vying to be the center of the Rhein-Ruhr campaign for the Olympic Games, despite facing significant challenges such as dilapidated bridges, miscalculations, and an emergency-mode transport system. However, proponents highlight a valuable characteristic that could aid its bid.

A 32-year-old man, Paul H., is on trial in Cologne for allegedly removing the breathing tube of his 75-year-old cancer-stricken fellow patient, causing him to suffocate.

Ford is celebrating the 30th birthday of its distinctively designed Ka model in Cologne, a car that pioneered the company's "New Edge" design philosophy.

The latest "Tatort" episode from Cologne delves into the studio of a legendary children's show where a cameraman has been murdered, leading Commissioner Schenk to uncover the truth.

The Cologne Cathedral is contemplating introducing an entrance fee for visitors, a move that could potentially lead to more losses than gains for the church.

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has directly responded to viral rumors alleging he sent inappropriate DMs to pop star Sabrina Carpenter, including bizarre claims about bottling her flatulence for cologne, denying the accusations.

Germany's Seriencamp is gearing up for its 2026 edition in Cologne, with the industry-facing confab set to reflect industry transformation and host a world premiere alongside its public festival.

Uschi Niggemann, the former president of Sotheby's Germany, has passed away. She was known for establishing an international network from Cologne that significantly benefited the German art market.

A retrospective of Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's work is currently on display at Museum Ludwig in Cologne, showcasing her highly relevant art despite her age.

S-Bahn services between Cologne-Mülheim and Bergisch Gladbach are currently suspended. Deutsche Bahn is now offering rental bikes via the 'nextbike' app as an additional alternative to standard rail replacement buses.

In March 1926, the Grand Ducal Consulate in Cologne felt compelled to take an unorthodox step by issuing a warning against Germany, while Luxembourg itself was focused on its blast furnaces.

La cathédrale de Cologne, l’un des monuments les plus emblématiques du pays, va instaurer un droit d’entrée pour les visiteurs afin de financer son entretien.

The stadium announcer for FC Köln, Mr. Trippel, has been criticized for twice attacking referee decisions that cost the team in their home defeat against Dortmund. His comments were described as 'disgusting' by some.

Airspace over Sofia Airport was briefly closed after security systems detected a drone, causing a flight from Cologne to be diverted to Varna.

The iconic cathedral's chapter said the fee is meant to cover the increasing cost of the facility's maintenance, security and operation. The cathedral attracts some 6.6 million visitors annually.

A Cologne administrative court has temporarily halted the classification of the AfD party as 'confirmed right-wing extremist' in an urgent procedure, with the main proceedings now set to follow.

A Cologne administrative court has ruled that Germany's Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution must withdraw its classification of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party as a 'confirmed right-wing extremist' organization, though the decision is not final.

A Cologne administrative court ruling states that the AfD cannot be definitively labeled as 'secured right-wing extremist,' making a potential ban of the party significantly more difficult, according to legal experts and politicians.

The biggest day of Carnival celebrations puts political caricatures at the center of it, with tens of thousands of revelers set to line the streets to watch the Rosenmontag parades in Cologne and Düsseldorf.

Donald Trump, Friedrich Merz and Emmanuel Macron are all targets of satirical floats at this year's Rose Monday Parade in Cologne. But Vladimir Putin will be spared — and there is a reason for that.

Rain helps, but the wind carries the smoke as far as Cologne: Belgium's firefighters continue to battle the largest forest fire in the Hohes Venn since 1911.

North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister for Refugee Affairs, Verena Schäffer, has criticized the Cologne immigration office for allegedly refusing to assist with the deportation of migrants required to leave the country. The minister expressed incomprehension regarding the office's stance.

Astrophysicists have found water in the immediate vicinity of Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy, a discovery that challenges existing theories. A Cologne-based researcher has proposed a new theory to explain this unexpected presence.

Approximately 10,000 people gathered in Cologne for a demonstration supporting the queer community, organized by Cologne's Pride celebrations two weeks after an Islamist attack at Berlin Pride.

A criminal case against a Cologne teacher for abuse and rape has been ongoing since 2024, yet the state only recently stopped payments to him despite multiple convictions. The article questions how this was possible.

Police in Cologne have arrested several suspects following a shooting incident in North Rhine-Westphalia that resulted in multiple injuries.

The Yayoi Kusama exhibition at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne has achieved a visitor record, captivating audiences worldwide with her signature dots and Infinity Rooms.

Cologne-based media scientist Martin Andree has released a new book that explores and answers the question of which platforms people spend their time on while using the internet.

This summer, prominent art galleries in European cities like London, Paris, Cologne, and Venice are hosting major exhibitions. These shows primarily feature iconic female artists of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Frida Kahlo, Marilyn Monroe, and Yayoi Kusama.

German cyclist Matthias Kröner embarked on a journey from Cologne to Lapland, seeking the cool, fresh nature of the Arctic summer to escape the heat.

A teacher from Cologne, Germany, who sexually abused a student and raped his own baby, has had his prison sentence extended to over five years after the Federal Court of Justice overturned a previously milder verdict.

Deutsche Bahn's promises of a 'new start' and 'concrete improvements' are being undermined by a dilapidated bridge on a recently renovated route between Cologne and Hagen, highlighting ongoing infrastructure problems.

An entrance fee has been introduced for visitors to Cologne Cathedral, a decision that has drawn criticism from the president of the Central Cathedral Building Association, who views it as alienating to locals.

German rock band BAP celebrated its 50th band anniversary with a sold-out concert in Cologne's football stadium, performing to an enthusiastic audience without prominent guest appearances.

Train routes between Hamburg-Hannover and Cologne-Hagen are scheduled to reopen soon. Meanwhile, planning for the new Rheinstraße bridge in Darmstadt continues, with designs for flatter arches dependent on Deutsche Bahn.

Kai-Uwe Steck, a key witness in the Cum-Ex tax fraud scandal, will not go to prison, unlike his former mentor Hanno Berger. Prosecutors in Cologne failed in their attempt to have him incarcerated.

An exhibition at the Museum Ludwig in Cologne highlights what East and West Germans had in common during the 1980s. This comes as people still identify as 'Ossi' and 'Wessi' and find reasons to differentiate themselves.

Visitors to Cologne Cathedral are reacting with mixed feelings to the newly introduced entrance fee. While foreign tourists often show understanding, some Cologne residents are frustrated, deeming the price too high.

A review of the film 'Köln 75', directed by Ido Fluk, which delves into the improbable story behind Keith Jarrett's legendary 1975 concert in Cologne. The film uses a unique narrative style, occasionally breaking the fourth wall.

Following the announcement by German bicycle industry associations to host their own fair in Cologne, Eurobike in Frankfurt expresses confidence at its start and plans significant changes for 2027.

This article discusses whether democracy and art can still tolerate tough confrontations, noting a trend of disinviting guests in the art world in cities like Bayreuth, Cologne, and Vienna.

DSDS winner Pietro Lombardi crashed his Audi Q8 into another vehicle at an intersection in Cologne, leaving a 20-year-old slightly injured, and expressed shock and outrage at onlookers.

The Seriencamp conference in Cologne focused on the small screen, with discussions highlighting the impact of Gen-Z creatives and the 'Backrooms' phenomenon on the box office and TV markets.

Germany's largest TV industry gathering, SerienCamp 2026 in Cologne, will highlight microdramas, artificial intelligence, and a shakeup of the financial fundamentals of series production.

The article discusses the controversial topic of entrance fees for churches, noting the Parisian Archbishop's rejection of fees for Notre Dame, required payments for a church in Rome, and black market tickets for Sagrada Família.

The Cologne Cathedral, a major landmark and one of the world's largest Gothic cathedrals, will no longer be free to visit starting in July, impacting millions of tourists.

Cologne Cathedral will begin charging a 12-euro entrance fee for adult visitors outside of religious service hours starting in July, citing rising operational costs.

Armedangels CEO Martin Höfeler's message of fair fashion is under scrutiny following investigations by 'Spiegel' magazine into the work climate at the Cologne-based fashion company, prompting the founder to take action.

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's men's grooming brand, PAPATUI, has expanded into fine fragrance with the release of three new colognes. Fans can now smell like the celebrity for an affordable price.

A look inside Rimowa's factory in Cologne, Germany, reveals the intricate process behind the creation of the brand's iconic aluminum suitcases. The feature highlights the craftsmanship and manufacturing techniques involved in producing the luxury luggage.

A Macedonian citizen has been arrested in Salzburg, Austria, on suspicion of involvement in a robbery and murder that occurred during the first weekend of May in Cologne, Germany.

Two police officers were injured and hospitalized after intervening in a dispute between two groups at a fair in Cologne, leading to the detention of two 18-year-olds and one 17-year-old.

The Cologne Higher Regional Court has ruled in favor of discount retailer Penny in a dispute over price indications in its brochures, rejecting claims by consumer advocates that the company misled customers. The case is not yet fully concluded.

A ten-centner World War II bomb is scheduled for defusal on Monday in Cologne's Lindenthal district, necessitating the evacuation of schools, kindergartens, a hospital, and the complex transfer of eleven intensive care patients.

Cardinal Woelki is alleged to have failed to report a suspicion to the public prosecutor's office, contrary to church rules, with a report on the matter reportedly being toned down.

A large number of firetrucks were mobilized to the Cologne Cathedral after a churchwarden reported the smell of smoke, prompting an investigation into the incident.

Following the example of Cologne Cathedral, St. Sebald church in Nuremberg will now charge visitors a five-euro entrance fee, a decision explained by the local pastor.

Journalist Werner Rügemer successfully sued the "Berliner Zeitung" in court, asserting that the newspaper could not alter his article without his consent. The Cologne Regional Court ruled that the changes constituted a violation of his copyright.

Cologne and the Ruhr region are pursuing a bid to host the Olympic Games, with a majority of residents supporting the effort in referendums held across seventeen cities. They are targeting the Summer Games of 2036, 2040, or 2044.

Former football world champion Pierre Littbarski has written an autobiographical theater play, "Litti macht Theater," which premiered in Cologne. The piece reportedly oscillates between self-heroization and self-accusation.

A recent survey indicates that 54% of residents in the 17 cities and towns of the Rhine-Ruhr region support an Olympic bid, ahead of a referendum.

The Cologne 'Tatort' episode titled 'Showtime' offers an ironic portrayal of a television team with double standards and criminal depths. The plot delves into themes of hate and murder within children's television.

A preview of the upcoming "Tatort" episode from Cologne, titled "Showtime," reveals a plot involving the mysterious death of a cameraman. Detectives Ballauf and Schenk investigate, discovering that a popular children's show host is not as friendly as he appears.

Jan Davidszoon de Heem's rediscovered flower still life, which was auctioned last year at Lempertz in Cologne from family ownership, is now heading to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles.

Metal Gear creator Hideo Kojima went viral after instinctively throwing his t-shirt into a crowd, leading to a widespread investigation into the distinctive cologne he uses.

A comprehensive retrospective exhibition of Yayoi Kusama's work, featuring 300 pieces and a new "Infinity room," has opened at the Ludwig Museum in Cologne, Germany.

The Migration Museum in Cologne is being significantly reduced in scope, a development described as part of a broader museum crisis in the city.

Around 1,500 Bosniaks prayed Eid al-Fitr morning prayers at the mosque of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in Cologne. One of the streets was illuminated during Ramadan.

Germany's Federal Court of Justice (BGH) has ruled that it is possible to seize personal Cum-Ex profits from Warburg CEO Olearius, even though the proceedings against him were dropped in 2024 due to health reasons, increasing the chances for the Cologne public prosecutor's office.

Visiting the Cologne Cathedral - one of Germany's most important monuments and a symbol of Cologne - will soon be subject to a fee for tourists.

Limiting access to German church to well-off visitors would be ‘socially unjust’, critics say Plans at Cologne Cathedral to start charging visitor fees have sparked an outcry, with critics warning…

March 9, 1946, marked a significant political and social turning point in Luxembourg with the repatriation of 78 Luxembourgers murdered in Hinzert and Cologne during World War II.

Astronauts are undergoing training in a facility in Cologne, Germany, to prepare for an upcoming manned mission to the moon.

From the second half of the year, a visitor fee will have to be paid for Cologne Cathedral. Rising costs and depleted reserves are responsible for this.

The Cologne Administrative Court has taken a step that is expected to lead to a change in the public perception and legal classification of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) party.

The Cologne Administrative Court found no overall pattern of anti-constitutional efforts by the AfD, despite acknowledging individual extremist program points, raising questions about how these points are connected.

The Cologne Administrative Court issued a temporary ruling that the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) is not allowed to classify and treat the 'Alternative for Germany' (AfD) party as 'securely right-wing extremist' for now.

Cologne's Carnival celebration has a new sound. Young music, viral hits and new costume trends are re-shaping the event. Carnival is more than just a tradition — it has secured itself a place in pop culture as well.

An online search query on where to order cocaine, or yeyo, in Cologne was published by The Brussels Times.

A man climbed the Cologne Cathedral, prompting police to surround the church and record his personal details. The church has since filed a complaint against him for the dangerous act.

Cologne and Düsseldorf are considering a model experiment with 'drug micro-trade' inspired by Zurich, Switzerland. Zurich's approach, which tolerates micro-trade in 'drug consumption rooms,' has shown some success in managing its drug scene.

Two weeks after a fatal attack on the CSD in Berlin, numerous people demonstrated for queer rights and diversity in Cologne, Essen, and Braunschweig, commemorating the victims of July 25 under heightened security.

As a heatwave grips Germany, the city of Cologne is implementing various measures to provide relief and combat the deadly dangers of extreme heat.

A Cologne-based Michelin-starred chef shares her recipe for couscous, inspired by a version she enjoyed as a child in Tunisia, offering a high-quality dish for home cooks.

A Cologne-based antique dealer is reportedly misusing the logo of the popular ZDF show "Bares für Rares" for advertising purposes, employing a new trick to leverage the program's brand.

Germany and France have initiated their first practical steps towards cooperation in nuclear deterrence, with joint exercises involving the refueling of a French Rafale fighter jet at Nörvenich Air Base near Cologne.

The Rhine River, a crucial German waterway, is experiencing critically low water levels due to prolonged high temperatures and lack of rainfall, severely hindering river traffic, with levels near Cologne dropping to 90 centimeters.

The far-left group "Kommando Angry Birds" has claimed responsibility for an arson attack on the railway line between Cologne and Düsseldorf, which Interior Minister Reul described as targeted sabotage.

The railway line between Düsseldorf and Cologne has been closed until Saturday following a fire on an embankment. This closure will impact train services in the region.

A 31-year-old man was sentenced to three years in prison by a Cologne court after being caught on a train from Amsterdam to Salzburg with 75 packets of drugs inside his body.

Cologne Cathedral has begun charging an entry fee of up to 12 euros for tourists, effective today. The decision was made as the influx of tourists had become a financial burden on the historic site.

High construction costs are making a place in a German nursing home as expensive as 9,000 euros per month, with a visit to a construction site in Cologne illustrating the reasons behind these prices.

The Eurobike bicycle fair in Frankfurt is facing an uncertain future as the bicycle industry plans a new competing trade fair in Cologne. This development suggests a potential end for the long-standing Eurobike event.

Police in Cologne arrested a 22-year-old man after he allegedly attacked several people at train stations, including dragging one man towards the tracks.

The disinvitation of author Mirna Funk from a discussion event at Cologne's Comedia-Theater, where she was to discuss power and beauty, has been criticized as a sign of Germany's intellectual poverty, with the theater's reasoning causing bewilderment.

An 18-year-old in Cologne has been sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being hired as a contract killer, though police intervened before he could meet the intended victim.

An upcoming 'Evening Sale' of modern and contemporary art at Van Ham in Cologne will feature notable works, including four pieces by Andy Warhol, a silver wall by Heinz Mack, and a seascape by Lovis Corinth.

Shots were fired at a closed imbiss in the Höhenberg district of Cologne in the middle of the night, leading to the arrest of three suspects by police.

The proposal to charge an entrance fee for Cologne Cathedral is being criticized as a 'bankruptcy declaration' and a 'taboo breach' that contradicts the church's mission to promote its message, arguing that the cathedral is not a museum.

Test your knowledge of today's news with the FAZ daily quiz, featuring questions like the cost of entry to Cologne Cathedral, and compare your score with other readers.

A unique marble sculpture by Wilhelm Lehmbruck, held in a private collection for over a century, is set to be auctioned for the first time at Lempertz in Cologne.

A new trend in men's fragrance use has emerged, with some individuals reportedly spraying themselves up to 100 times.

A Cologne administrative court ruled that the controversial association 'Jüdische Stimme' (Jewish Voice) can be classified as extremist, accusing its activists of 'glorifying Hamas.'

A Cologne court has ruled that the organization 'Jüdische Stimme' (Jewish Voice) can provisionally be classified as a confirmed extremist organization, overturning a previous decision by a Berlin administrative court.

The upcoming "Fine Art" auction by Van Ham in Cologne will feature Old Masters artworks, including three pieces from the collection of Augustus the Strong, with an estimated total value of 1.3 million Euros.

A young Swedish man has been indicted in Germany on charges of planning a contract murder in the city of Cologne.

Upcoming auctions at Lempertz in Cologne will focus on Old Masters and 19th-century works, with Baroque masterpieces taking center stage. The most expensive lot is a still life by Jan Davidszoon de Heem.

The 24th 'Major' Counter-Strike 2 world championship is set to take place in Cologne, Germany, this summer. Special attention is being given to the Baltic region, whose teams are considered among the favorites.

The Adriatics Tech Summit in Sarajevo sold out before its opening, attracting over 500 participants and 60 speakers. The same organizing team is now planning a larger conference for 3,000 participants in Cologne.

The 100-day SOLIS100 human isolation experiment has commenced at the German Aerospace Center in Cologne, with researchers from Hungary's HUN-REN Research Center also taking part, simulating conditions for long-duration space missions.

Cologne-based auction house Lempertz is celebrating the success of its twentieth 'Berlin Auction,' featuring historical treasures from the Royal Porcelain Manufactory.

Voters in the CologneRhineRuhr region have backed an Olympic bid with 66% support in a recent referendum. This outcome demonstrates significant public approval for the potential hosting of the games.

The "Forever Fresh" collective of senior women DJs, an initiative from the c/o pop music festival in Cologne, is gaining significant popularity for their performances.

The German TV market Seriencamp, based in Cologne, is introducing a new "Plot Next" strand this year. This initiative will explore the intersection of storytelling and technology, with a significant focus on artificial intelligence.

The Cologne-based trio Fortuna Ehrenfeld, led by Martin Bechler, is set to release a new album and will perform twice in Austria.

Art Cologne is organizing another art fair on Mallorca, exploring whether holding an exhibition where Germans prefer to vacation is a smart strategic move or merely a sunny idea. The event aims to bring art to a popular holiday destination.

Vienna has welcomed its first Kölsch-Bar, an establishment aiming to bring the distinctive Cologne lifestyle and beer culture to the Austrian capital.

A former Hells Angels rocker, who was sought for murder and had been on the run for eleven years, has been found dead. Prosecutors ordered his body to be seized at Cologne/Bonn airport for investigation.

A review of Geese's live concert in Cologne describes their rock'n'roll as unpredictable, hallucinatory, and childish, embodying what the genre should be.

The 26th Lit.Cologne literary festival featured pop literature classics reflecting on their debuts and discussions, including Olaf Scholz's search for a publisher for his memoirs.

German prosecutors in Cologne are investigating Deutsche Bank over suspicions of illegal Cum-Cum tax transactions, which could have allowed the bank to illicitly gain around 600 million euros. The probe focuses on activities up to 2019.

Nationwide warning strikes by the Ver.di union are causing significant disruptions in Germany, leading to flight cancellations at BER airport and public transport issues in Munich and Cologne.

Point and line to surface: With the elaborate exhibition "Yayoi Kusama," the Cologne Museum Ludwig celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.

The Administrative Court of Cologne is slowing down the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and is temporarily prohibiting the classification of the AfD as 'securely right-wing extremist'. This has consequences for the political debate.

One of Germany's most famous landmarks, Cologne Cathedral, plans to introduce an entrance fee for tourists soon.

Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany's best-known landmarks, to charge tourists for admission  AP News

Deutsche Bahn announced an additional ICE high-speed rail link between Cologne and Brussels for the summer holidays, connecting Germany to the Belgian coast.

X-ray anomalies helped German customs officials crack a daring ketamine smuggling operation. A bumper haul of the drug was found stuffed inside a troop of fancily decorated outdoor figurines at Cologne/Bonn Airport.

Green Party MP Till Steffen is still advocating for a ban on the AfD party in Germany and explains how a recent decision by Cologne judges might influence the process.

A court in Cologne has ruled that while there is 'strong suspicion' of unconstitutional aspirations within the AfD party, there is insufficient 'unequivocal evidence' that these aspirations apply to the party as a whole, particularly regarding its 'remigration' concept.

A Cologne court ruled that Germany's domestic intelligence agency cannot classify the Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a confirmed right-wing extremist organization.

Cologne/Bonn Airport temporarily suspended outgoing passenger processing and cleared a security area following a security alert.