Klaus-Michael Kühne, one of Germany’s wealthiest individuals, has died at 89, leaving behind a logistics empire. Meanwhile, Raphaël Glucksmann announces his bid for the French presidency, and digital tipping practices stir controversy.

Renowned German billionaire Klaus-Michael Kühne has passed away at the age of 89. Kühne transformed his family’s mid-sized logistics firm into a global powerhouse, amassing an estimated fortune of 38 billion euros. His empire encompassed stakes in prominent companies such as Kühne+Nagel, the Hamburg-based shipping giant Hapag-Lloyd, and Lufthansa. Known for his hands-on approach to business and philanthropy, Kühne made significant contributions to cultural and sports institutions, including funding the Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg and investing in the local football club. Despite criticism for moving his company headquarters to Switzerland to avoid higher German taxes, Kühne remained an influential figure in Germany’s business and cultural scenes.

In France, Raphaël Glucksmann, a social-democratic Member of the European Parliament, has declared his intention to run for president in the upcoming 2027 election. With Emmanuel Macron unable to seek a third term, Glucksmann joins a growing field of candidates, including far-right leader Marine Le Pen. His announcement has significant personal repercussions, as his partner, Léa Salamé, a prominent journalist, has temporarily stepped away from her role on the French 8 p.m. news to avoid conflicts of interest.

In another development, digital tipping practices are under scrutiny as consumer advocates criticize percentage-based suggestions in payment apps. Critics argue that these preset options pressure customers into tipping more than they may intend. The debate underscores broader concerns about the influence of technology on spending habits and the transparency of app-based financial transactions.