COGNICURRENT

The article discusses the legacy of the oak sapling awarded to African American Olympian Corny Johnson at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and the artist Christian Kosmas Mayer's exploration of that history.

The film "Melania" portrays Melania Trump as a victim of judicial persecution while reflecting the opulence associated with the Trump family.

An old prison in Braunschweig, Germany, known for its historical use during the Nazi era, is set to be transformed into residential space.

Mechthild Seithe discusses the deteriorating conditions in social work, emphasizing that they have worsened significantly over the years.

The sight of dead swans in Berlin's frozen Landwehr Canal highlights the cruelty of winter during the ongoing war in Ukraine, drawing stark contrasts between local concerns and the suffering in Ukraine.

Protests erupted in Berlin against the founding of the AfD youth wing, 'Generation Deutschland', leading to clashes and injuries.

Israel plans to displace Médecins Sans Frontières and 36 other organizations from Gaza, raising concerns about the implications for local aid efforts.

SPD leaders Lars Klingbeil and Bärbel Bas delivered keynote speeches at the party headquarters in Berlin, aimed at discussing their party's direction and a new party program amidst a backdrop of political challenges.

The Maja T. case in Hungary raises critical questions about societal resistance to authoritarianism and far-right extremism.

The hot water bottle as we know it celebrates its 50th anniversary, a notable milestone highlighted by the cold weather in Germany this January.

Cem Özdemir's campaign for the state election in Baden-Württemberg appears to be gaining traction due to his political experience and pragmatic approach.

The article discusses the formation of a right-wing alliance in Latin America, with Argentina's President Milei acting as a key ally of Donald Trump in countering China's influence.

The article discusses how Nellie Bly, a pioneering investigative journalist, entered a mental institution to expose the treatment of women, thus creating a new genre in journalism.

The Epstein scandal seemingly has no impact on Trump, as liberal values are disregarded in his political landscape.

The Greens in Germany's Bundestag will not file a constitutional complaint against the 2025 federal budget, arguing instead for individual constitutional complaints due to a lack of sufficient investments.

Thousands gathered in Berlin to protest against the Iranian government and advocate for solidarity with the people of Iran.

British producer Adrian Sherwood is embarking on a tour to promote his new album 'The Collapse of Everything', reflecting on his musical journey influenced by legendary producer Lee 'Scratch' Perry.

The mascots for the 2026 Winter Olympics, Tina and Milo, embody both Olympic spirit and contemporary culture through their versatility.

Trump denies responsibility for a racist post featuring depictions of former President Obama and his wife, which the White House had published and then deleted.

The planned expansion of the Mother’s Pension in Germany is set to add billions in costs, primarily funded by taxpayers, with significant implications for social welfare funding.

The Cuban government has declared a four-day work week in response to severe energy shortages exacerbated by U.S. sanctions.

Brazil's Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino has ruled that Indigenous groups should be allowed to conduct mining on their lands, reversing previous trends.

The article discusses newly released files about Jeffrey Epstein that reveal his connections to powerful individuals and implications for figures like Trump, along with foreign entanglements involving Russia and Israel.

Concerns are raised over proposals to remove dental health coverage from statutory health insurance in Germany, highlighting the potential repercussions for uninsured individuals.

Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announces that Trump has suggested a meeting in the US to discuss the Ukraine war, while ongoing attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure persist.

The new taz podcast discusses the delayed Artemis II moon mission and the upcoming Winter Olympics, examining the value of human versus robotic exploration and the significance of lofty promises in sports.

The Olympic Winter Games in Northern Italy were joyfully inaugurated with a pop show, although the event received boos aimed at Israel and JD Vance.

The article discusses the impact of the documentary film "Melania" and the emergence of similar films focusing on the lives of women beside powerful men, highlighting the commercial potential and cultural significance of these narratives.

Historian Martina Heßler discusses the human tendency to idealize machines and the implications of this mindset.

The article discusses the growing popularity of AI-generated music on streaming platforms and raises questions about listeners' awareness and enjoyment of the genre.

The article discusses the issue of medical gaslighting towards women over 40, where many symptoms are dismissed as hormonal changes regardless of the actual condition.

Spiegel-TV has curtailed an investigative documentary about radical Christians and their influence, removing parts related to the International Christian Fellowship following a complaint, which raises concerns about journalistic integrity.

Thousands of winter athletes are urging the International Olympic Committee to stop accepting funds from the fossil fuel industry, warning that the Olympic Winter Games are literally 'melting away'.

The article discusses the celebration of the ideal world of sports during the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo amidst growing global turmoil.

The article discusses allegations that Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, may have been involved in trafficking women for the Russian FSB, with many hints but no solid evidence presented to date.

The article explores the scant archaeological evidence from the Paleolithic era and speculates on the significance of fire in human evolution, suggesting it fostered the development of language and music.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced plans to reduce state pensions in favor of private savings, claiming this will instigate a significant shift in pension policy, benefiting the capital market more than the population.

Dentist Peter Urbanowicz advocates for uninsured patients, opposing the CDU's proposal to exclude dental care from health insurance coverage, which has sparked controversy even within the party.

A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison by the Frankfurt District Court for multiple crimes, including attempted murder and severe rape, spanning over 20 cases.

Rescue operations are underway in the southern Mediterranean to find over a thousand missing persons, feared lost to the stormy seas that have swallowed multiple boats.

A doctor has won the right to perform abortions against his Catholic employer, but Green politician Ulle Schauws believes this decision is insufficient.

France's social security fund URSSAF is demanding 1.7 billion euros from Uber for not declaring its workers as employees and failing to provide appropriate insurance coverage.

The volume of approved German arms exports has slightly decreased to around 12 billion euros, with Ukraine remaining the main recipient, while peace groups criticize cooperation with Gulf states.

Psychiatric hospitals in Hubei province are reportedly holding 'long-term patients' to collect insurance money, revealing a shocking case of systemic corruption in China's healthcare system.

The article discusses the challenges and loneliness faced by people walking in Berlin's icy and snowy conditions amid a winter cold front from Finland.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasizes closer economic ties with the Gulf States during his visit to Abu Dhabi, including an LNG purchase agreement with RWE, while peace groups criticize arms exports.

Union leader Frank Werneke criticized economic associations for their relentless attacks on the welfare state and called for a halt to discussions advocating for drastic cuts.

In Tempelhof, people from politics and civil society gather to remember Hatun Sürücü on the 21st anniversary of her death, highlighting the increasing violence against women.

A lawyer associated with the Bremen State Court is involved in the exposure of an undercover operative, a situation deemed by the Bremen Left faction as damaging to the state's judicial integrity.

This week’s key climate news includes the low insurance coverage for properties against natural disasters, the Sanierungsquote issue, and the resignation of an ADAC president due to climate protection demands.