Wednesday 12 August 2026: Suspected arson damages five cars; cooling water for birds; new strikers for Lok and Chemie

Dieser Artikel ist auch in deutscher Sprache verfügbar: Zum deutschen Artikel.

Two cars were completely burnt out and three others were badly damaged – that is the outcome of a suspected arson attack last night in Leipzig-Altlindenau. The intense heat is also causing serious problems for sparrows, blackbirds and other birds. A charity is sounding the alarm and advising people to set up bird baths. And: The Regional League teams Lok and Chemie have signed new attacking reinforcements. The LZ summarises the key events from Wednesday, 12 August 2026, in Leipzig and beyond.

Suspected arson damages five cars

As many as five vehicles were damaged, some severely, overnight in a fire in the Altlindenau district of Leipzig, the Leipzig Police Headquarters announced today. The fire was reported at around 2.30 am, whereupon firefighters from the West Fire Station were dispatched to the car park in question on Erich-Köhn-Straße. Despite their rapid response, two cars were completely burnt out. According to a report by tag24.de, these were two Seat Ibizas.

However, the flames had also spread to three other cars. Two electric cars sustained severe damage, whilst another was destroyed by the intense heat. The police suspect that the fire was started deliberately. The criminal investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. In addition, the police are seeking any witnesses who may be able to provide information about the incident or potential suspects.

Cooling water for birds

The Saxon State Foundation for Nature and the Environment (LaNU) is sounding the alarm: the persistently hot summer temperatures are causing major problems, particularly for our wild birds. On these hot days, they need significantly more water than usual, yet this is scarcely available in parks, gardens and the open countryside. Young birds and smaller species are particularly affected by this. They need water not only to stay hydrated, but also to cool down and preen their feathers.

This is because, unlike mammals, wild birds are unable to sweat, nor can they simply shed their plumage. Excess heat can therefore only be released via unfeathered parts of the body such as their legs and beaks. They also try to cool themselves by panting, but this is only partially effective. “By setting up a drinking trough in the garden or even on a balcony, anyone can quite easily help our feathered friends get through hot days,” suggests LaNU.

“The containers should have flat rims and a slightly rough surface. A depth of two to ten centimetres is ideal. Ideally, a stone should be placed in the centre of the container to act as an island. It is essential to ensure that the water in the drinking trough is changed once or twice a day. Otherwise, there is a risk that the drinking trough will become a source of infection. The drinking troughs should be positioned in clearly visible and easily accessible locations. It is recommended to place them near hedges, bushes and trees. This makes it harder for predators to get to them.”

New strikers for Lok and Chemie

The footballers of 1. FC Lok Leipzig have already scored nine goals in their four matches so far this season in the Regionalliga, which is still in its early stages. Now the Blue and Yellows have signed an attacking player who is expected to boost that tally even further. We’re talking about Julian Kügel. The 29-year-old joins from third-division side FC Ingolstadt and brings with him to Probstheida the experience of a total of 88 matches in the third division, during which he scored nine goals and provided 13 assists.

“I had a great feeling right from the first conversation. Both Torsten Ziegner and Toni Wachsmuth made it clear to me that they have great confidence in me and really want me here. That’s why I’m really delighted to now be part of this fantastic club. I’m really raring to get out on the pitch with the team and make my debut in the blue and yellow kit,” says the 1.91-metre-tall player, brimming with enthusiasm. His contract initially runs until the end of the season.

Sporting director Toni Wachsmuth welcomes Julian Kügel (right), a new Lok striker. Photo: 1. FC Lok Leipzig

Local rivals BSG Chemie are also in desperate need of goals. The Leutzsch-based side have scored just a single goal in four matches, which has currently left them at the very bottom of the table. To turn this around, the signing of centre-forward Philipp Kühn was announced today. The 23-year-old is also a tall 1.90 metres and joins the Green-Whites from league rivals BFC Preußen.

“I’m delighted that the move to Chemie has gone through and that I’ll be able to play here with this ‘green wall’ by my side rather than against me. With my style of play, I want to help us really get the fans fired up as a team. I can’t wait to get started!” says Philipp Kühn, who is also raring to go. He has signed a one-year contract with an option to extend and is eligible to play with immediate effect.

BSG Chemie coach Alexander Schmidt is delighted with the signing of centre-forward Philipp Kühn (right). Photo: BSG Chemie Leipzig

What the LZ reported on today:

Commentary: Heat protection in Leipzig – what’s missing? Trees, for one thing.

The new 2026/27 school year in Saxony: Minister for Education faces strong criticism over homework.

Hello Leipzig: How Wednesday, 12 August 2026, begins.

Questions from an author: What happens when more and more people simply look the other way?

A mountain shakes one’s faith: A murder in the mountains full of human abysses

With white wine, beer and syrup: NABU Leipzig asks for reports of the Asian hornet

What else was important:

Pupils should be required to visit memorial sites relating to the history of the GDR. At least, that is what Evelyn Zupke, the Bundestag’s Commissioner for Victims of the SED, is calling for. She also believes this history should be covered more extensively in school lessons. This is intended to foster an understanding “that it was a dictatorship and a state based on injustice”.

With stricter packaging rules coming into force today, the EU aims to significantly reduce the amount of waste produced. The main objective is to make almost all packaging recyclable by 2030. The set of regulations drawn up for this purpose runs to a full 124 pages. Among other things, the regulations address chemicals previously used in food packaging which, on the one hand, pose health risks and, on the other, are barely biodegradable in the environment.

The draft bill presented by the Federal Ministry of Finance to introduce an early retirement pension was approved today by the Federal Cabinet. The aim is to provide all children in Germany with start-up capital for their own private pension provision in future. From a child’s sixth to their 18th birthday, the federal government will pay 10 euros per month into an individual, funded pension account. Parents must open the account with a provider of their choice and may also contribute up to 50 euros per month themselves. The early-start pension scheme will come into effect retroactively from 1 January 2026 for children born in 2020.