The trial against steakhouse heiress Christina Block (52) and her partner Gerhard Delling (66) for the kidnapping of Block's children begins today in Hamburg. We have compiled the most important preliminary information for you.
With this and four other topics from Germany and the world, you are well informed for your Friday.
This is what it's about: Two children are said to have been kidnapped from Denmark on New Year's Eve in front of their father. Their mother, steakhouse heiress Christina Block, is said to be behind the kidnapping. Starting today, she, along with her partner, former TV presenter Gerhard Delling, and other defendants, must answer to the Hamburg Regional Court.
That's why it's important: The trial goes far beyond an escalated custody battle. It involves alleged former Israeli military intelligence officers, kidnapping plots, and the question of how far love for children should go.
Here's what's next: The court has scheduled 37 hearing dates until the end of the year. RND is reporting live from the first day of the trial in Hamburg.
This is what happened: After a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (75), US counterpart Marco Rubio (54) called on the Europeans to help Kyiv with additional air defense systems. Chancellor Friedrich Merz (69, CDU) had previously announced his intention to purchase Patriot systems from the US to hand them over to Ukraine.
That's why it's important: The country attacked by Russia depends on such weapons to continue defending itself. After a phone call with US President Donald Trump (79) and before the meeting of foreign ministers, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin (72) launched the largest airstrike on Ukraine to date.
Here's what's next: For now, the US is back among Ukraine's supporters. At the same time, Europe is planning for a ceasefire: At a Ukraine conference in Rome yesterday, public and private funds were raised for reconstruction; Great Britain and France announced that their plan to secure a ceasefire is in place.
This is what it's about: A good two years after the end of the last nationwide coronavirus restrictions, the Bundestag is embarking on a comprehensive review of the pandemic and its consequences. Yesterday, Parliament voted by a large majority to establish a commission of inquiry.
This is why it's important: The political management of the pandemic has divided large parts of society. Systematic analysis is considered a prerequisite for drawing the right lessons for possible new pandemics and bringing some peace to society.
Here's what's next: The final report of the Enquete Commission is expected in summer 2027, although interim reports on individual topics are possible. It remains unclear what will happen next with regard to the mask procurement issue by former Health Minister Jens Spahn (45, CDU). The Greens and the Left Party continue to call for a parliamentary committee of inquiry.
This is the issue: Parents have to spend more and more money on their children's school supplies.
Background: School notebooks and drawing pads, for example, have become around 38 percent more expensive since 2020. In addition, the demands of many teachers are increasing. This is becoming an increasingly heavy financial burden, especially for low-income families—despite government aid.
This is how it continues: The Union for Education and Science is calling for nationwide freedom of learning materials, including school materials.
The point: Mammography screening can reduce breast cancer mortality by 20 to 30 percent. This is the conclusion of a new study by the Federal Office for Radiation Protection.
Why it's important: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. Approximately one in eight women will develop the disease during their lifetime, and thousands of women die each year. Mammography screening can help detect tumors early. The earlier the cancer is discovered, the better the chances of recovery.
Here's what happens next: The Federal Office for Radiation Protection recommends offering mammography screening to women aged 45 and over, as many in this age group also become ill.
Have a great start to the weekend. We'll bring you up to speed again on Monday morning.
PS: Away from the news storm...
… we recommend our reading recommendations for the weekend:
Capital Radar: Personal impressions and background information from the government district. Every Thursday.
Life and Us: The guide to health, well-being and the whole family – every other Thursday.
US radar: What's moving the United States: RND's US experts provide context and background information. Every Tuesday.
The RedaktionsNetzwerk Deutschland (RND) with its hundreds of correspondents provides you with information about Germany, the world, and a growing number of regions and cities in Germany, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Use our RND app and rnd.de. Learn more about our network and our partner editorial offices at rnd.de/netzwerk .
