ESAC

Per Mertesacker has said goodbye as a ZDF television expert with an emotional final appearance marked by a farewell gift of an ice bath tub. The former Germany defender says he has an 'incredible desire' to work for the DFB again and is looking forward to working alongside coach Jürgen Klopp, prompting fans to speculate about his next role.

The ARD crime series WaPo Elbe is starting a new season, opening with a case centred on the murder of a jeweller. The series, set in Pirna in Saxony and following the work of the river police along the Elbe, is drawing attention among German television viewers as broadcast details emerge.

Per Mertesacker, the former Germany and Arsenal defender, has been saying goodbye in an emotional television appearance, with comments about it getting emotional drawing attention in Germany. The exact reason for the farewell and his next step have not been made clear in the available coverage, leaving viewers and fans speculating about what the ex-international will do next.

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada has confirmed it will rebrand as Video Games Canada, though no date for the change has been announced. The industry body said the new name better reflects its mission to represent the country's game developers and publishers. The rebrand is expected to roll out sometime in 2026.

Niners Chemnitz have claimed their first victory, though it was a nervy affair that went down to the wire, with German reports describing the team as 'zittern sich zum ersten Sieg' - trembling their way to the win. The result gives the Saxony side their opening points in the Basketball Bundesliga and lifts early-season pressure after a difficult start.

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada is undergoing a rename, a move described as affecting its 23 member companies and a CAD $5.1 billion industry heading into 2026. Details on the new name and rationale are limited so far, with industry observers watching what the rebrand signals for the Canadian games sector's direction and advocacy.

The Entertainment Software Association of Canada, the country's video game industry lobby group, has announced it is renaming itself Video Games Canada. The rebrand is expected to take effect in 2026. The move signals an effort to present the industry body under a simpler, more direct name as it continues representing game developers and publishers in Canada.

Florida is taking Meta to court in an effort to force the company to disable infinite scroll, autoplay and other features the state says are designed to keep minors hooked on Facebook and Instagram. The case forms part of a broader push by US states and regulators to hold social media companies accountable for the effects of their platforms on children's mental health.

The DOK Leipzig documentary and animation film festival is presenting 30 world premieres in its latest edition, with a programme placing a special focus on Eastern Europe. The festival in Saxony showcases documentaries, animated films and works by international directors and screenwriters, drawing attention from the German film community and cultural media.

Chapter two of the serialized fiction 'Mala-kai y los atracos' is out, continuing the story of Mala-kai, a character who now possesses a mysterious gem and, according to the new installment, needs blood next. The chapter opens with a false police report, a cat vomiting a sphere, violet smoke, and a woman disabling security cameras as officers suffocate, while a character named Wing-Steel waits for her. Readers of the series are following the fantasy-heist plot as it unfolds chapter by chapter.

Science City Jena defeated Chemnitz in a German Basketball Bundesliga game, pulling away with a strong finish after a close contest. The report from dpa highlights Jena's decisive late run as the key to the win in the match between the two East German clubs.

Warner Music Group, Universal Music Group, SESAC and BandLab have all announced new appointments as part of the latest round of music industry hires. The moves show continued staffing activity across major labels, publishing rights organizations and independent music technology companies, with new leadership taking on roles spanning operations, licensing and artist services.

Sean Flood is leaving German Basketball Bundesliga club Mitteldeutscher BC with immediate effect to move to Italy, according to a report from Saxony-Anhalt. The early departure cuts short his stint with the club, and fans are discussing what the move means for MBC's squad depth as the season continues.

SESAC Music Group has named Nick LaPointe Senior Director of Business Development within its Music Services division, while Jay Sudarma has been promoted to Vice President of Marketing. The appointments strengthen the company's commercial and marketing leadership as it continues expanding its music services operations.