📰 CORRECTIV · 57

CSD Dresden: Video used for disinformation about the number of participants
A video circulating on social media claims to show fewer attendees at this year's Christopher Street Day (CSD) in Dresden than reported by media and city officials, which was 250,000 visitors. The video has been shared by accounts labeling their content as satire, with some comments being anti-LGBTQ+. The Austrian conspiracy channel Auf1 also spread the claim. However, neither media nor the city claimed 250,000 participants, and the video does not depict the main event. Additional footage provides a different picture.

Nord Stream investigation ends in dispute: government speaks of discharge, opposition of deception
The state government led by Minister President Manuela Schwesig (SPD) has been cleared of allegations of Russian influence and deception regarding its role in establishing a foundation aimed at building the Nord Stream 2 pipeline. The conclusion comes from an investigative committee's final report, which found no wrongdoing by the state. The nearly 1000-page document was provided exclusively to CORRECTIV. The parliamentary investigation, initiated under pressure from the CDU and Greens, examined why the so-called Climate Foundation was established to circumvent potential U.S. sanctions and to

Jens Spahn and Peter Thiel: In anti-democratic circles
The article reports that German politician Jens Spahn attended five meetings organized by billionaire Peter Thiel, who is associated with conservative and libertarian circles. The information comes from a leaked list published by the research platform Correctiv, which describes Thiel’s network as 'clandestine' and aimed at bringing together 'global and emerging leaders.' Spahn confirmed his attendance after the list was hacked. The Union faction confirmed Spahn's participation in these meetings, some of which occurred during his tenure as Federal Minister of Health and as State Secretary in a

War in the Mind
The article discusses the psychological impact on German military veterans who have experienced combat, highlighting the issue of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTBS). It mentions figures provided by the Bundeswehr for 2023 and 2024, noting 322 and 235 cases of service-related mental health conditions respectively. The article also references the independent organization Bund Deutscher Einsatzveteranen, which estimates significantly higher numbers of affected individuals. The exhibition 'Verwundet' by Canadian photographer and singer Bryan Adams is mentioned as part of the Veteran Day event,

This would break up the BSW: internal dispute over possible AfD majority
The article discusses internal conflicts within the German party BSW regarding potential cooperation with the AfD ahead of upcoming state elections. While the national leadership of BSW has so far rejected forming a coalition under AfD leadership, some regional leaders appear more open to the idea. The article explores whether BSW might be preparing for an AfD-led government, citing internal discussions and ideological proximity between the two parties. It also highlights growing concerns among members about authoritarian leadership structures within BSW.

Selensky is said to have over 80 properties abroad?
The article investigates claims circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook and X that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy owns over 80 properties abroad. These claims include specific numbers of properties in countries like Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. The claims are based on a video featuring an individual named 'Olena K.' who allegedly worked at Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU). However, NABU confirmed that while there was an employee named Olena Krolovetska between 2015 and 2023, she is not the person shown in the视频.

No, Germany has not pledged €233 million for social housing in Ukraine
An article by CORRECTIV refutes the claim that Germany has committed to providing 233 million euros in development aid for social housing construction in Ukraine. The article notes that this false information spread widely on social media, including through the youth organization of the far-right BSW in North Rhine-Westphalia. The claim appears to originate from a report by journalist Florian Warweg, who previously worked for the Russian propaganda channel RT Deutsch. While the article mentions that Germany allocated up to 233 million euros for development cooperation, it does not specify how

Spying on German Universities: The Playbook of Chinese Agents
The article discusses a case involving suspected Chinese spies who targeted German universities under false pretenses. The suspects, identified as Hua S. and her husband Xuejun C., allegedly lured scientists with offers of high-paying speaking engagements in China. These individuals were later arrested. The article includes email excerpts revealing details of their alleged espionage activities.

Almost 100 attacks on German transport infrastructure
An article by CORRECTIV reports an increase in sabotage attacks against Germany's transportation infrastructure in 2025, citing data from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). The report highlights a specific incident where a freight train derailed due to sabotage on a track between Essen and Oberhausen, which was originally intended to carry a U.S. military convoy. The article also references similar incidents involving rail, air, and maritime transport, noting a rise in such attacks compared to previous years. It mentions two Ukrainians acting on behalf of Russia who carried out bombings

Conservatives want to relieve the pharmaceutical industry
The conservative factions in the European Parliament, including CDU/CSU and AfD, have weakened the new European wastewater directive by voting to delay improved protection against chemical pollutants in wastewater. They also aim to exempt the pharmaceutical industry from filtering residues from their products, such as medication ingredients or contrast agents used in X-rays, which end up in rivers. German Health Minister Nina Warken (CDU) had previously called for a review of the directive at a meeting of European health ministers. The new directive (KARL) aims to strengthen water protection,

How does the protection of the constitution rank the AfD in the federal states?
The article discusses how the Federal Office for Constitutional Protection (Verfassungsschutz) classifies the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party across different federal states. The federal AfD was initially classified as 'securely right-extremist' in 2025 but this classification was temporarily halted by an emergency application. The Cologne Administrative Court did not dispute the existence of anti-constitutional tendencies within the AfD but concluded that these tendencies do not define the party's overall orientation. In five federal states, the AfD has been classified as 'securely right-

Official announcement of disturbance due to Turkey's World Cup match is fake
A fake official notice from Germany's Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) warning of increased noise disturbance due to Turkey's World Cup match against Australia has been circulating on social media. The notice was shared with laughing emojis by some users, but others took it seriously. CORRECTIV has identified the document as a forgery.

Inter-party civil war: the dispute over Matthias Helferich is a turning point for the AfD
The power struggle within the North Rhine-Westphalia branch of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a critical stage. The party's federal arbitration court will decide whether to expel Matthias Helferich, a far-right member of parliament who has been described as the 'friendly face of National Socialism.' Helferich advocates for mass repatriation and is associated with radical elements within the party, including activist Martin Sellner. He faces opposition from Martin Vincentz, the current leader of the NRW AfD chapter, who represents a more moderate approach aimed at making the AfD煤

There are no alleged new anti-Islam laws in Japan
A claim circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) asserts that Japan has enacted new anti-Islam laws banning halal food, mosques, prayer calls, and burkas. This information was widely shared, with some posts including clips from the Japanese parliament showing politicians applauding after a brief announcement. However, according to the Japanese Ministry of Culture’s Department of Religious Affairs, there are no such laws in place or planned. The ministry also stated that there are no known cases of mosque construction being halted, nor any bans on burkas,祷

Berlin conference with Trump fans to be held again
The article discusses plans for the resumption of the Berlin Campaign Conference, an event organized by the agency The Republic, which previously brought together supporters of U.S. President Donald Trump and figures from the network of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. The conference focused on the organization of political campaigns. Despite the website of The Republic currently displaying '404 – Page not found,' the founder of the organization, Armin Petschner-Multari, stated that his work continues unchanged and that the conference is planned again for early autumn. Social scientistDi

AfD delegate to Parliament: After the performance in the Bundestag, police were deployed to the hotel
A violent incident occurred at a hotel following an event attended by youth representatives in the German parliament, involving members of the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party.

Video of allegedly planned vaccination in Switzerland misleads
The article examines claims circulating online about an alleged planned vaccination mandate in Zurich, Switzerland, following reports of a Hantavirus outbreak in May 2026. These claims were spread by influencer 'Bitcoin Hotel' on social media and in a YouTube video, where he suggested individuals could pay 50,000 Swiss francs to avoid vaccination. The article clarifies that these claims are based on a proposed revision of Zurich’s health law, which does not include a mandatory vaccination requirement. It also notes that fines for violations of health laws in Zurich are not new and vary between

FIFA World Cup: image of Germany fan as Hitler is not real
After Germany's opening match victory against Curaçao at the FIFA World Cup, a photo circulated online showing what appeared to be a German fan resembling Adolf Hitler in appearance. The image went viral across multiple platforms, sparking discussions about whether such content is permissible in Germany. The article notes that some posts were from parody accounts or described the image as 'dark humor,' while others questioned its legality. Original footage from the game shows that the individual in the photo was indeed a genuine German fan.

Temporary injunction against DIE WELT: Court prohibits false claims
The Hamburg Regional Court has issued an injunction against Axel Springer Germany GmbH, preventing the further dissemination of a false claim made by Welt editor-in-chief Andreas Rosenfelder in his March 27, 2026 commentary titled 'Der Aufschrei der Profiteure.' The claim stated that CORRECTIV had coordinated with the federal government and the constitutional protection agency for a research project. The court ruled this statement untrue and noted that spreading such false factual claims does not fall under protected freedom of speech. The ruling also emphasized that the statement violated COR

The scene of police being locked in a shopping cart was played
A video circulating internationally showed what appeared to be students trapping a police officer inside a shopping cart. However, the footage from England was revealed to be fake, likely created by a known prankster.

Deepfakes with ZDF moderator Christian Sievers on the lead up to Tiktok online
The article discusses deepfake videos featuring ZDF moderator Christian Sievers that spread a fabricated story about a Ukrainian. After receiving tips from CORRECTIV.Faktencheck, Tiktok deleted some of these posts. The case highlights gaps in Tiktok's approach to handling such content.

US embassy in Kiev was not evacuated Grok and community notes are wrong on AI fake
A photo supposedly showing the evacuation of U.S. embassy staff in Kyiv in May 2026 was identified as AI-generated. Elon Musk's AI program Grok misclassified the image as authentic.

The Perfect Woman: How Autokrates Create an Ideal
The article discusses how female politicians in autocratic regimes often serve as symbols of the regime, using their appearance and behavior to convey political messages that would otherwise be difficult to express openly. It explores the role of women in promoting authoritarian values through carefully curated public personas.

New Record for Students Receiving Special Educational Support
The number of students in Germany receiving special educational support has reached a new high, with over 630,000 children in the 2025/26 school year being identified as needing such support. This represents an increase of nearly a third over ten years. The proportion varies by federal state, with Bremen and Saxony-Anhalt having the highest rates at 10.1% and 9.1%, respectively, while Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate have the lowest at 5.1% and 5.9%. North Rhine-Westphalia, the most populous federal state, has a rate of 8.2%.

The future of CORRECTIV: We ask you
CORRECTIV, a German fact-checking and investigative journalism organization, is launching a comprehensive user survey to better understand how people consume information today, what formats they prefer, and their expectations from journalistic offerings. The findings will influence CORRECTIV's strategic development. The article discusses broader changes in the media landscape driven by technology platforms, algorithms, and AI, which affect how journalism reaches audiences.

Pension at all costs
The article reveals that at least eight Swiss pension funds have invested over 638 million Swiss francs in the arms industry, including companies involved in producing banned weapons. These investments have benefited pension funds through high returns from arms-related stocks, despite the ethical concerns surrounding funding industries linked to war and conflict. The article highlights that these investments are kept secret by most pension funds.

Common for Europe: LensEU brings EU issues closer to people
The article introduces lensEU, a new multilingual news project launched in April with the goal of bringing European Union topics closer to people across Europe. The initiative produces a podcast and newsletter in English, translated into Polish, Latvian, German, and Croatian. It involves eight media partners across Europe who will create over 350 journalistic articles in five languages over two years. Topics covered include affordable housing, green transformation, disinformation, foreign influence on elections, and the power of large technology companies.

Germany wants to build a fighter jet without France
Germany plans to develop its own combat aircraft independently after the failure of the Franco-German FCAS project. According to defense officials familiar with the plans, Chancellor Friedrich Merz intends to outline the strategy at the ILA air show in Berlin. The plan involves forming a consortium led by Airbus and other companies to continue work on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Initially, this effort will focus on national-level development, with potential inclusion of companies from Italy, Spain, and Sweden in later stages. Industry experts suggest the path will be more expensive,且它

Big cities warn of the Reich's heating law
The article discusses Germany's proposed 'Heating Law' (Gebäudemodernisierungsgesetz), which aims to modernize heating systems by promoting renewable energy sources such as heat pumps and district heating networks. However, the law has been criticized by several major German cities like Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich, who argue it creates uncertainty and could hinder investments in climate-friendly heating solutions. The law relaxes requirements for new heating systems to include at least 65% renewable energy and allows fossil fuel-based heating systems to remain in use longer. Critics worry a

From the Right Thought Factory to Catherine Riche
The conservative think tank Republik 21 (R21), founded in Munich in 2021 as a non-profit organization, has received public funding from the federal budget up to 500,000 euros per year. Recent research by CORRECTIV raises questions about the organization’s close ties to party politics. A regular employee of R21, Nils Hesse, has been appointed to a key position in the Federal Ministry of Economics under Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU). Hesse now leads the department responsible for speeches and strategic communication. He was previously known for critical assessments of Germany’s energy policy.

Salon5: Teenagers exposing disinformation on TikTok
The article discusses the rise of misinformation and AI-generated fake content on social media platforms like TikTok, highlighting examples such as false claims about figures like KI-Frauen promoting the AfD, Jim Carrey being cloned, and Jeffrey Epstein allegedly living in Florida. It introduces 'Salon5 FaktenChecker – Jugend gegen Desinformation,' a pilot project aimed at training young people aged 16–19 in journalistic skills and digital literacy to identify and combat misinformation. The program enables participants to conduct their own fact-checks and share tips with peers. A second round,

Cross-party: MEPs want to support the ban on the AfD European Party ESN
In the European Parliament, pressure is mounting against the far-right ESN party, which includes the German AfD. Several parliamentary factions, including the Greens, Left Party, and Social Democrats, are pushing for the deregistration of ESN due to alleged violations of EU core values such as racism and hate speech. The European Union's party oversight body has indicated potential breaches of these principles by ESN. If successful, this could lead to the loss of EU funding for the party, with over two million euros allocated for 2026.

The overwhelming system
The article discusses the increasing issue of substance abuse among young people in Germany, focusing on the treatment provided by Dr. Verena Riedner at a clinic in Munich. The patients often seek relief from stress and self-overload rather than seeking a dopamine rush. There has been a shift in the types of drugs being used, with more young people becoming dependent on strong painkillers like oxycodone, which are typically used in cancer treatment. This change may be linked to factors such as isolation during the pandemic.

No Ukrainian reference: photo of rescued cat from the USA
A TikTok user claims that a photo of a woman rescuing her cat after a tornado in the U.S. in 2011 was falsely used by media in the context of a bombing in Ukraine in 2023. The article investigates this claim and finds no evidence supporting it. A reverse image search confirms the original event took place during a tornado in Joplin, Missouri, in 2011, with detailed accounts available on a cat blog. No verified reports link the photo to any Ukrainian bombing incident.

Organ donor registry: What happens when the dispute is resolved?
The article discusses the proposed introduction of a presumed consent organ donation system in Germany, where individuals would automatically be considered organ donors unless they explicitly opt out. This proposal has garnered support across multiple political parties but remains controversial. The article notes that despite recent increases in the number of organ donors, there is still a significant shortage, with over 8,000 people waiting for transplants in 2025.

Pfizer document does not prove 80 percent miscarriages in vaccinated pregnant women
The article refutes a claim circulating online that 270 pregnant women who participated in Pfizer's coronavirus vaccine trials experienced miscarriages, with over 80% losing their babies. The claim has been widely shared on platforms like X, Facebook, and Instagram, often linked to videos by author Naomi Wolf. The article clarifies that the number 270 comes from a Pfizer safety report, not from a study involving pregnant participants. It also notes that Naomi Wolf's related claims are false and highlights her history of spreading conspiracy theories during the pandemic.

CORRECTIV develops game: Project G makes journalism a reality
CORRECTIV has developed an interactive game called 'Projekt G' designed to simulate investigative journalism. Players take on the role of journalists who must follow clues, verify facts, and uncover who is behind a mysterious meeting. The game is based on real research and aims to demonstrate the importance of journalism in democracy. It is intended for use in social settings such as family gatherings or friend get-togethers.

AfD European Party ESN threatens to lose its status and millions of support
The European Union's oversight body for European parties has found evidence suggesting that the far-right European Party 'Europe of Sovereign Nations' (ESN), which includes Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), may have violated EU core values. This could result in the loss of funding and political status for ESN. The document from the authority, obtained by CORRECTIV, details allegations including cooperation with Putin's party, antisemitic rhetoric, and calls to revoke citizenship. The director of the oversight body, Pascal Schonard, sent a nearly 300-page letter to EU institutions in May

Where Russia's propaganda is shattered by reality
The article describes a campaign event attended by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Paschinjan in late May, where he addressed supporters and emphasized his role as a leader who represents the people. The text includes details about the setting, audience size, and Paschinjan's speech style.

Set up CORRECTIV as the preferred source on Google
The article explains how users can set CORRECTIV as a preferred source in Google search results. It describes two methods for doing so: through a direct link or via the Google search interface. The goal is to increase the visibility of CORRECTIV's content in search results, helping users find their journalism more easily and supporting independent reporting.

Where do you get the money to live?
The article discusses the housing crisis in Zurich, focusing on the high cost of living and the challenges faced by young professionals like Lena, who earns between 1'000 and 1'500 Swiss francs per month working part-time. Lena shares her experience of finding a shared room in a soon-to-be-demolished apartment at a monthly rent of 600 francs. The piece highlights the trend of demolishing older buildings and rebuilding them at higher costs, leading to unaffordable rents for those with low to moderate incomes.

A leak reveals how the Kremlin, intelligence and private companies work together
A leak has revealed details about how the Kremlin, intelligence agencies, and private companies collaborate in carrying out various actions. These include mysterious incidents such as plastic skeletons with messages found near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and the defacement of Holocaust memorials and synagogues in Paris. The leaked documents also provide insights into these events and suggest coordination by Russia's influence apparatus.

A police officer known to be mentally ill?
A proposed law in Lower Saxony would allow psychiatric institutions to report individuals with mental illnesses to police authorities if they pose a risk to others after discharge. Similar legislation was passed in Hesse in December 2025. The proposal has faced criticism, including from concerned citizens online. A video by Hessian CDU health expert Ralf-Norbert Bartelt supported the idea, stating that mentally ill individuals who pose a danger to themselves or society require state intervention.

Remigration Summit: AfD seeks to be close to US hardliners and selllers
Several high-ranking members of Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD), including federal board member Kay Gottschalk, attended a summit in Portugal organized by Martin Sellner, a leader of the far-right Identitarian Movement. The event brought together hundreds of far-right activists, influencers, and politicians across Europe. A notable guest was Greg Bovino, a former top official at the U.S. immigration agency ICE, who was invited to share ideas on 'remigration' modeled after U.S. policies. This summit represents an open alignment between the AfD and far-right groups, despite previous cauc

Did Pistorius violate the law on military service?
The article discusses whether Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) violated the law by suspending the requirement for military-capable men to obtain approval for extended foreign travel through an administrative act. The debate around the revised Military Service Act had seemingly concluded after Pistorius suspended the regulation following criticism. However, several legal experts and opposition politicians argue that Pistorius bypassed parliamentary rights with this action. A recent report by the Parliamentary Research Service, commissioned by the Left Party, suggests that Pistorius may've

The Commission has already made a number of proposals to the Council.
The article examines the claim by Bavarian Minister of Economics Hubert Aiwanger that burning firewood is better for the climate than heating oil or fracking gas. The piece investigates whether this statement holds true, consulting experts in forestry and forest policy. It outlines the energy content of heating oil and firewood, discusses carbon emissions from burning wood, and explores the complexity of the climate balance of firewood. The source of firewood used in Germany and the release of harmful substances during combustion are also addressed.
AI voice by Friedrich Merz announces invented minimum wage cut on Tiktok
A TikTok video circulating in May 2026 falsely claimed that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a reduction of the minimum wage from 13 to 11 euros per hour starting in 2027. The videos purportedly featured Merz’s voice stating that the minimum wage would be cut to improve Germany’s infrastructure. However, official sources such as the federal government website and the German Confederation of Trade Unions show that the minimum wage is set to increase gradually, reaching 14.60 euros per hour by January 1, 2027. The Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs confirmed that no changes

An Unexplained War: Poland as a Test Site for Russian Operations Against the West
A report by Poland's domestic intelligence agency describes Russia as conducting an 'unexplained war against the West,' with Poland serving as a key battleground. The report highlights how Russia's hybrid warfare tactics, previously used in Ukraine, are now being tested in Poland. Given Poland's strategic location at the eastern edge of the EU and NATO, it has become a major target for Russian intelligence operations. The findings are particularly relevant for Germany, which also plays a crucial military role in the region.

Warship damaged: Navy again suspected of sabotage
The German Navy appears to have been targeted by another suspected act of sabotage. In late February, a two-centimeter slit was discovered in the fuel line of the frigate 'Rheinland-Pfalz' in Wilhelmshaven. According to informed circles reported by CORRECTIV, the Bundeswehr internally suspects intentional damage. Similar incidents involving the navy have increased since early 2025, with approximately ten potential sabotage cases identified among German naval forces, five of which involved corvettes. The Bundeswehr confirmed the suspicion regarding the 'Rheinland-Pfalz' but declined to comment

Sea level is rising in Sydney too Photo comparison says nothing
A German Facebook post from February 2026 claims that sea level rise is not significant by comparing two images of Big Rock at Bondi Beach in Sydney labeled with the years 1912 and 2026. The post was shared in a group called 'Facts against Climate Hysteria.' The article explains that these images do not prove that sea levels have not risen, as they are misleadingly presented. It also notes that similar false claims were previously debunked using images from Rio de Janeiro, New York, and Rügen. According to data, sea levels in Sydney have risen by approximately eight centimeters since 1915.

Easy calculation: contributions to the Mathematics Examination from the NRW are uncontextual
An image of a math exam page for the Mittlerer Schulabschluss in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) has sparked online controversy, with some users claiming it is too easy compared to past standards. The page features tasks such as estimating the number of tubes in an insect hotel and converting units like hours to seconds. Critics have posted on social media platforms like X and Facebook, comparing the difficulty to historical education systems in East Germany and ancient Egypt. However, the article clarifies that the page is part of sample questions and not an actual exam. It also notes that the流传

No, there's no 3,500-acre solar park near Cottbus.
A claim circulating on social media in May 2024 asserted that a massive 3,500-hectare solar park with a capacity of 2,200 megawatts had been built in Cottbus, Germany, capable of powering 1.5 million households. The post gained significant attention online, including shares by former Health Minister Karl Lauterbach before it was deleted. However, this solar park does not exist. According to local authorities, the largest solar park in Cottbus covers only 16 hectares—less than 0.5% of the claimed size. Images used in the posts appear to have been generated using AI. A search for such a large太阳能

Climate change: Why the worst-case scenario has been mitigated
The article addresses false claims made by members of the AfD and other figures regarding the World Climate Council (IPCC) retracting its worst-case climate scenario. The article clarifies that the IPCC does not create climate scenarios but evaluates existing scientific literature. It criticizes the misinformation spread by individuals like Stefan Homburg and Marc Friedrich, who promote misleading information and conspiracy theories.

No real incident at IKEA: Tiktok video is a mix of AI and old footage
A TikTok video circulating online depicts a young boy painting an IKEA sofa with a marker, allegedly leading to a police intervention involving his mother, who is shown not intervening. The video has been widely shared but contains inconsistencies suggesting it was created using artificial intelligence and old footage. The woman in the video changes her appearance significantly between scenes, including her hairstyle, earrings, and clothing. Additionally, the police uniform in the video displays 'Police' instead of 'Polizei,' and the IKEA store setup does not match real locations.

Illegal landfill in Gelsenkirchen: Of course the toxic waste is
An illegal landfill site at the Grimberg harbor in Gelsenkirchen has been found to contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals that can cause cancer and contaminate groundwater, according to an analysis by CORRECTIV using waste and water samples. However, both the city of Gelsenkirchen and the property owner, RAG Aktiengesellschaft, claim there is no danger to people or the environment based on their own recent assessment, though they did not provide details.

Care work days without end?
The German federal government plans to reform the Working Time Act by shifting from a daily maximum working time limit to a weekly maximum. This change could allow up to 13 hours of work per day over six days, aiming to better distribute workloads based on demand and provide more flexibility for employees. However, critics argue this could exacerbate existing gender inequalities, particularly affecting women who might face increased pressure to work longer hours, potentially undermining efforts to achieve equal distribution of labor.

Perfect pitches, AI and press freedom in busy times: A look at the CORRECTIV.Local Conference 2026
The fourth CORRECTIV.Lokal Conference will take place in Saxony-Anhalt for the first time, shortly after the state election. The conference focuses on challenges facing local journalism and democratic public discourse, including political hostility, polarization, structural changes in the media landscape, and working conditions in rural areas and eastern Germany. A key theme is the use of artificial intelligence in local journalism and its impact on editorial workflows and professional roles. The event includes 36 sessions across five thematic tracks, with highlights already announced.