Convict connection: US pen pals found in jail
A growing number of Germans are becoming pen pals with inmates serving time in US prisons. The Local's Moises Mendoza explores what's behind these unusual transatlantic relationships.
Day: August 1, 2011
Greens sue government over Saudi tank deal
Germany's opposition Green party is taking the government to court over a reported secret deal to sell hundreds of tanks to Saudi Arabia, a party spokeswoman said Monday.
Gloomy summer provides extra sunshine for tanning salons
Germany's rainy summer has provided unexpected boon to the nation's tanning salons, as people shun soggy parks and beaches in favour of businesses offering artificial sunshine.
‘Naked’ body scanners a failure, police union says
One of Germany’s police unions is calling for the controversial “naked scanners” at airports to be abandoned after a trial at Hamburg showed an unacceptably high rate of false alarms.
Couple killed in home explosion hours before eviction
A middle-aged couple were believed killed late on Sunday night in an apparent gas explosion at their home in Bavaria just hours before they were due to be evicted.
Franco-German alliance for warships mooted
Germany and France are reportedly considering a military ship-building alliance, an "EADS of the Seas," that could resemble their current arrangement for military aircraft.
Telekom reportedly mulling massive job cuts
German communications giant Deutsche Telekom will cut up to 1,600 jobs in its Bonn headquarters as part of an aggressive cost-cutting measure targetting senior management, media reported Monday.
Thai prince to pay €20m bond on seized jet
Thailand's crown prince has offered to pay from his own pocket to end an awkward episode between his country and German authorities, who seized his plane in a long-running debt dispute.
Despite skills shortage, many qualified workers remain jobless
Despite the serious skills shortage facing the German economy, qualified workers are continuing to lose their jobs, a union study has found.
Conservatives rule out legalising gay marriage
Leading German conservatives have ruled out putting same-sex partnerships on the same footing as marriage, dousing an effort by Justice Minister Sabine Leutheusser-Schnarrenberger to put gay marriage on the agenda.
Germany demands UN meeting on Syria
Germany has called for the UN Security Council meet urgently on Monday to deal with the Syrian government crackdown on demonstrators that reportedly left 80 people dead on Sunday.