Rhine Shipping Crisis: Persistent drought is pushing the Rhine toward “two-part” navigation, with inland waterway operators warning freight could stop on stretches as water levels fall to single digits at the Kaub gauge, raising costs and straining supply chains. Aviation & Tech: Lufthansa says its first Starlink-equipped jet will fly with free onboard Wi‑Fi and streaming for Travel ID users and status passengers starting Aug. 19, with group-wide rollout targeting about 850 aircraft by 2029. Migration & Deportations: Germany continues deportations, including charter flights sending Nigerians back as the EU asylum pact takes effect and Berlin seeks more migrant returns to Italy and Greece. Security & Drones: After explosive-drone scares near key sites, Germany is stepping up anti-drone defenses and security research, with officials warning of “daily” hybrid warfare threats. Politics & Society: A racism row erupts after a lifeguard at a German lake told bathers they must speak German; authorities warned the move could be seen as xenophobic. Economy & Industry: Volkswagen’s restructuring plans and job cuts are framed as a sign of Germany’s broader industrial slowdown, while heat and drought add pressure to recovery. Culture & Sports: A rare WWII German torpedo boat LS 6 is discovered near Greece after 13 years, and Innes-Irons reaches the top-five in para dressage rankings ahead of major championships in Germany.