Thursday's top story:PHP cybersecurity alert forces German websites offline
A critical security vulnerability in the widely used programming language PHP has caused widespread disruption to websites and online services around the world, prompting many German authorities, universities, hospitals and transport operators to take precautionary action.
Numerous websites were temporarily taken offline after cybersecurity experts warned that attackers could exploit the flaw to gain control of servers or access sensitive data.
While many affected services have since been restored, some websites continue to face restrictions. Authorities in several federal states reported progress in bringing government and police portals back online, though disruptions remain in parts of the country.
The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has classified the vulnerability as a significant threat and urged organisations to install security updates immediately. For most internet users, the risk is indirect, stemming from potential service outages or data breaches rather than vulnerabilities on personal devices.
CDU politician Marc Henrichmann described the incident as one of the most serious cybersecurity threats in recent years, warning that advances in artificial intelligence are making previously difficult exploits increasingly accessible.
Youth alliance calls for nationwide protests over climate, education and military service
A youth-led movement is planning demonstrations across Germany at the end of October to draw attention to concerns about climate policy, education funding and potential compulsory military service.
The alliance, known as “Gen Z regelt”, has called for peaceful protests on October 31st in more than 20 cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne.
According to organisers, the campaign seeks greater investment in education, healthcare and climate protection, while opposing any return to mandatory military service. The group is also demanding that younger generations have a stronger voice in political decision-making.
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The initiative has drawn inspiration from youth protests seen elsewhere in Europe, including France and Spain. But organisers have stressed that their demonstrations will be non-violent and have explicitly rejected the riots and unrest that have accompanied some overseas protests.
German authorities are monitoring developments closely. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry of the Interior said security agencies were aware that extremist groups can seek to exploit public demonstrations and are maintaining close coordination on the issue.
Participation levels remain uncertain, although the alliance claims that more than 10,000 people across 21 cities have already pre-registered.
Moscow arrests German 'mercenary' who fought for Ukraine
Russia's FSB security services have arrested a German national accused of being a "mercenary" for Ukraine, Russian media reported Wednesday.
"The Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation has detained a German citizen who is a serving member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine," said a statement cited by state news agencies.
According to the FSB, the man, who had previously fought in Afghanistan and Syria, arrived in Ukraine last November and signed a three-year contract with the Ukrainian army, but had deserted after not receiving promised wages.
Born in 1976 and described as a "sniper", the German national had reportedly also served in Ukraine between 2016 and 2018.
The FSB also released a video, published on Telegram by the TASS news agency, in which the detained man -- his face uncovered -- spoke in German.
The German foreign ministry was aware of the the reports of the man's arrest, a spokeswoman told reporters in Berlin.
The arrest came a week after Russia said it arrested a Swedish man whom it also accused of fighting for Ukraine and a Japanese journalist it accused of espionage.
Several foreign nationals have also been convicted and imprisoned, including over alleged "mercenary activity" on behalf of Ukraine.
Feminist magazine Emma*to end print publication after nearly 50 years*
Emma, one of Germany’s most influential feminist magazines, has announced it will cease print publication in December after almost five decades.
Founded in 1977 by prominent feminist campaigner Alice Schwarzer, the magazine played a significant role in shaping debates on women’s rights, gender equality and social policy in West Germany and later reunified Germany.
Over the years, Emma became known for its outspoken editorial stance and its willingness to tackle controversial issues, including child sexual abuse, pay inequality and prostitution. Despite a relatively modest circulation, the publication frequently influenced national political and cultural discussions.
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The final print edition will be the magazine’s 398th. Schwarzer, now 83 and still serving as publisher and editor-in-chief, said the publication would maintain an online presence. The editorial team insisted the decision was not driven by financial pressures or declining readership, but by a sense that their work had reached a natural conclusion.
In recent years, Emma has attracted criticism over its opposition to transgender rights and other positions viewed by critics as out of step with younger generations.
The magazine’s farewell statement reiterated its stance on these issues and acknowledged difficulties in finding successors willing to continue its editorial approach.
Six dead boars and €100,000 in damages after devastating traffic pile-up
A traumatic wildlife collision on a German highway shows just how dangerous wild boars can be for drivers.
Two people were injured, six boars killed and a scene of devastation left behind after a car struck a group of wild boars in the Taunus region.
According to police, the driver was traveling on Federal Highway 456 between Bad Homburg and Saalburg earlier this week when a group of wild boars ran onto the road.
The impact killed the six boars and blocked the road for several hours. The situation was subsequently made worse when a car stuck in the resulting traffic jam attempted a U-turn and collided with two other vehicles. Two people sustained minor injuries, and another was taken to hospital for examination.
A total of four vehicles and five people were involved in the accident.
According to the German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation (BUND), many wild animals are currently active at dusk. The conservation organisation in Hesse is urging drivers to exercise particular caution, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.
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