Servus, Waymo will trial driverless robotaxis in Munich from 2027 with geofenced tests and strict safety oversight while officials decide permitted zones, hailing and payment. A deportation pause lets a Colombian start an apprenticeship near Erlangen on September 1. Nuremberg seeks trained volunteers for a cardiac responder app. The sugar tax may expand to more drinks. Kurzarbeit use is rising locally.

1. Waymo to trial driverless taxis in Munich from 2027

Waymo plans to start test operations of autonomous, driverless robotaxis in Munich from 2027, bringing its self-driving service to the city with phased rollouts and safety monitoring. Officials and the company are addressing questions about safety, permitted areas and how passengers will hail and pay for rides. Early tests will likely be geofenced and under regulatory scrutiny before full public rollout.

Why this matters: As a resident of Munich, expect new mobility options and changing rules for taxis and ride services, which could affect how you get around the city.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

2. Deportation paused, Colombian allowed to start apprenticeship in Erlangen

A Colombian worker who faced deportation has been allowed to begin vocational training near Erlangen on September 1 after intervention by the interior minister, ending weeks of uncertainty for his employer and colleagues. The company owner in Weisendorf campaigned for him and the decision preserves the trainee position. The case shows that political or administrative decisions can sometimes secure training places for threatened employees.

Why this matters: If you employ or mentor non-EU workers in Bavaria, this is a reminder that residency decisions can affect apprenticeships and that advocacy can make a difference.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

3. Nuremberg app mobilises volunteer responders for cardiac arrests

Nuremberg has launched an app that immediately alerts trained volunteer first responders to nearby cardiac arrests, shortening time to CPR and defibrillation. The project seeks more volunteers and donations to expand coverage and improve outcomes, and the health office says community participation is vital. If you have first-aid training you can sign up to help, and victims will get faster care while emergency services are en route.

Why this matters: As a resident of Nuremberg or the surrounding area, registering as a volunteer or knowing the app exists could save a life in your community.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

4. Government may widen sugar tax to include more drinks

The federal government plans a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and is considering expanding it to cover items like fruit nectar and plant-based milk drinks such as oat drinks, sparking debate about scope and fairness. Critics warn it could raise prices for popular drinks while supporters say it promotes public health and reduces sugar consumption. The final list of taxable products will determine how much your grocery bill is affected.

Why this matters: If you buy drinks in Bavaria, an expanded sugar tax could change prices on items you shop for regularly, so expect possible cost changes at supermarkets.

Source: Tagesschau

5. Short-time work explained as more local firms adopt Kurzarbeit

Many companies in the region are using Kurzarbeit, Germany's short-time work scheme, to avoid layoffs by temporarily reducing employee hours while the state covers part of wages. The article explains who qualifies, how costs affect employers and why experts are watching a worrying trend of more firms relying on the measure. If economic pressure continues, Kurzarbeit can protect jobs but may also signal deeper business weakness in some sectors.

Why this matters: If you work in the region, understanding Kurzarbeit helps you know your rights and what to expect if your employer reduces hours instead of making redundancies.

Source: Nürnberger Nachrichten

Before you go: If you have first aid training, sign up for Nuremberg’s volunteer responder app to help shorten time to CPR.