Rats Plague Pied Piper City

(NEWSER) - A German couple has been detained in Italy for abandoning their three hungry kids at a pizzeria, reports Der Spiegel. The poverty-stricken young parents, found in a forest outside the town of Aosta, said they didn't know what else to do. The parents had left behind their car and a diary that suggested they were considering suicide. The children—ranging in age from 8 months to 2 years—will be sent to their grandparents in Germany, officials said. More»

...Because they are 6 and 7 years old

(NEWSER) - Police in Germany spoiled the nuptial plans of a pair of childhood sweethearts, AFP reports. The 6-year-old boy and his girlfriend, 7, secretly plotted to elope to Africa together. They sneaked out of their houses at dawn on New Year’s Day with suitcases, food, swimming gear—and the girl's 5-year-old sister, to serve as a witness. More»

Advocates for poor squeal about Dickensian plan

(NEWSER) - One German politician has a solution to help Berlin's poor: let them catch the rats that are plaguing the city. "People who collect bottles could get one euro [$1.40] for every dead rat," he cheerfully explained. But the Dickensian plan, which may be officially introduced today, wasn't widely hailed. "It's inhuman and cynical to send poor people out to chase rats," said an activist. Besides, the rats are protected by law against inhumane treatment. More»

Suit seeks money for psychological treatment

(NEWSER) - An Israeli group is about to file a class action lawsuit against Germany on behalf of 15,000 children of Holocaust survivors in need of psychological treatment. The children suffer from depression and other problems stemming from being raised in dysfunctional homes. The suit, to be filed Sunday in Tel Aviv, is the work of the Fisher Fund, an Israeli charity. More»