🌤️ Guten Morgen, Berlin!
Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Friday, September 12 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 100+ articles, posts and events so you don't have to. Let’s dive in.
🇩🇪 Thousands of households without power for the third day in a row: this information is still important
In Berlin’s Treptow-Köpenick, 13,700 customers remained without electricity for a third day, the grid operator said, with full restoration expected today but no precise timing.
The blackout began Tuesday, affecting about 50,000 homes, businesses, schools, and transit, and briefly knocking out emergency numbers 110 and 112. Authorities are probing suspected arson after perpetrators claimed responsibility; attackers reportedly burned cable lines, causing a short circuit that crippled the district.
Crews aim to restore power districtwide today and stabilize mobile and emergency-call services, while state security pursues the investigation and potential suspects. (Berliner Zeitung, 2 minute read)
🇩🇪 Gaza demonstration to take place at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Saturday
Organizers of a Gaza protest featuring Sahra Wagenknecht said they reached a deal with Berlin Marathon organizers to hold Saturday’s rally at the Brandenburg Gate, prompting withdrawal of an emergency court challenge; police confirmed the Platz des 18. März site while coordination continues.
The site had been disputed because marathon preparations require space; police had suggested a location 600 meters away. Organizers expect about 15,000 attendees at a protest opposing Israel’s actions in Gaza and weapons shipments to war zones.
Police will finalize conditions and space allocations with organizers ahead of Saturday, including managing overlap with marathon setup at the Brandenburg Gate. (rbb24, 1 minute read)
🇩🇪 How three young Berlin women unwittingly became drug mules
Three young women from Berlin were arrested in Australia and Iceland with hard drugs in their luggage after accepting free trips arranged online, according to Berlin police, who say chats suggest the women did not know the bags contained narcotics.
Investigators say traffickers promise paid flights and hotels in exchange for transporting a suitcase, sometimes recruiting via social media or in clubs. Authorities warn that ignorance is no defense, and penalties abroad—such as for 20 kilograms of crystal meth in Australia—can exceed a decade in prison.
Berlin police are coordinating with foreign authorities and families and have launched Instagram warnings about the scam; outcomes for the arrested women, including where any sentences are served, will depend on local prosecutions and bilateral agreements. (rbb24, 3 minute read)
⚡ Quick Hits
🇩🇪 Power failure affects streetcars and bus routes - restrictions on S1 (rbb24, 1 minute read)
🇩🇪 Interior Senator: Left-wing extremists responsible for arson attack (rbb24, 2 minute read)
🇩🇪 Berlin uses this trick to access the clans' properties (Berliner Morgenpost, 4 minute read)
🇩🇪 Thousands demonstrate against the Berlin Senate's austerity plans (rbb24, 3 minute read)
🇩🇪 End of huge demolition plan in Kreuzberg? District wants to protect residents around pyramid on Hafenplatz (Tagesspiegel, 1 minute read)
📅 Events Today
🎟️ Wine and Vintners Festival in Lichtenrade | September 12 - 14, 2025 | Winegrowers from Germany and Austria present their wines and celebrate the 650th anniversary of the district of Lichtenrade with the festival participants.
🎟️ International Literature Festival | September 11 - 20, 2025 | In September, Berlin becomes the capital of literature. Around 200 authors from over 40 countries are expected at the International Literature Festival
🎟️ Silent Film Festival: Stummfilm Live | September 04 - 14, 2025 | Under the motto "100 Years of Silent Film!" the Babylon Cinema is showing films that celebrate their 100th anniversary this year.
💬 What Berliners Are Talking About
🗣️ Laurent Garnier closing instead of All night long Friday’s :) - Fans are buzzing, skeptical and nostalgic about Laurent Garnier possibly closing Panorama Bar.
🗣️ Bicycle Ride & Demo this Saturday, September 13th - Join a relaxed, police-protected 30 km bike demo around central Berlin promoting cycling infrastructure.
🗣️ Electricity is back! - Power restored after multi-day outage, prompting gratitude, community solidarity, and skepticism.
🗺 Fun Fact: Berlin covers 892 km², making it almost nine times larger than Paris (which is only about 105 km²).
👋 That's a wrap!
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