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Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Thursday, October 02 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 100+ articles, posts and events so you don't have to.
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🇬🇧 Germany arrests suspected Hamas members accused of procuring weapons to target Jewish or Israeli institutions
German police arrested three suspected Hamas members in Berlin for allegedly procuring weapons for assassinations targeting Israeli or Jewish institutions, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors charged them with membership in a foreign terrorist organization and preparing a state‑endangering violent act, alleging weapons procurement since at least summer 2025; police seized an AK‑47, pistols, and ammunition. Hamas denied any connection.
The suspects are scheduled to appear before a judge Thursday as investigators continue the case. (CNN, 1 minute read)
🇩🇪 New rent review body finds extortionate rents in almost two-thirds of cases
Berlin’s rent review office found rents above legal limits in 177 of 190 finalized checks—over 93%—from 255 submissions in its first six months, the city’s housing department said.
Berlin set up the advisory service to help tenants challenge overcharging under the rent cap, which limits most pre-2014 units to 10% above local reference rents. Officials and tenant groups say larger landlords frequently breach the rules, prompting calls for stronger enforcement and fewer exemptions.
Lawmakers are weighing a third location for the service and potential legal changes to let authorities act against violators; watch for expanded tenant support, enforcement steps, and possible rent refunds as cases proceed. (rbb24, 3 minute read)
🇩🇪 Berlin: Vietnamese trainees disappeared from schools
Berlin vocational schools report many Vietnamese apprentices disappearing from classes, including about one-third of roughly 700 at the Brillat-Savarin School, with staff unsure of their whereabouts, according to public broadcaster RBB.
The disappearances come amid rising recruitment of Vietnamese trainees via private agencies; many arrive indebted and with limited German despite certificates. Similar trends are reported in other states; about 16,000 Vietnamese train in Germany, nearly 2,000 in Berlin, with roughly 4,000 newcomers in 2024.
Officials warn some may be drawn into undeclared or exploitative work, and teachers report strained classrooms; authorities are likely to scrutinize recruitment practices, language certification, and potential organized-crime links. (B.Z. – Die Stimme Berlins, 2 minute read)
⚡ Quick Hits
🇬🇧 Renewed ban on weapons in major Berlin train stations | Berlin's federal police reimpose temporary weapons ban and random searches amid rising station violence.
🇩🇪 1 million street trees for Berlin - referendum unnecessary | Berlin’s coalition vows one million street trees, sparking park-space and funding debates.
🇬🇧 Germany's government wants to replace passwords with passkeys | German government pushes to replace passwords with user-friendly, phishing-resistant passkeys nationwide.
🇩🇪 How to reduce the amount of food thrown away in Berlin | Berlin mobilizes community groups, stores and kitchens to rescue and redistribute food.
🇩🇪 Berlin police launch campaign against pickpocketing in supermarkets | Berlin launches weeklong supermarket pickpocket prevention drive with demos and multi-state participation.
🇬🇧 Groundbreaking of Chemical Invention Factory in Berlin | Berlin breaks ground on Europe's largest green chemistry lab to commercialize research.
🇬🇧 Germany approves arms exports to Israel again | Germany quietly approved millions in non-war military equipment exports to Israel, sparking criticism.
📅 Events Today
🎟️ Street Food Thursday at Markthalle Neun | Every Thursday | A bustling and delicious weekly event where dozens of vendors offer a huge variety of international street food, craft beer, and wine in a historic market hall.
🎟️ Oktoberfest at Lehmann's Farm | October 02 - 05, 2025 | Bavarian atmosphere in southern Berlin: Lehmann's farm in Marienfelde will host an Oktoberfest celebration in 2025.
🎟️ Berlin Autumn Carnival | September 19 - October 19, 2025 | High Sky, Anubis and more: Expect lots of fun rides at the Berlin Autumn Carvival on the fairground at Kurt-Schumacher-Damm.
💬 What Berliners Are Talking About
🗣️ wo kauft ihr eure Kaffebohnen in Berlin ? | Berlin coffee fans trade budget-friendly roastery recommendations and beloved blends.
🗣️ Where to buy drug test kit | Locals recommend headshops, drug‑checking, or Amazon, amid dubious suggestions.
🗣️ Do you skip Berlin airport and fly to/from elsewhere? | Travelers note Berlin's short-haul fares are inflated, so people fly from nearby airports.
😠 Word of the Day: Morgenmuffel | Literal: Morning-grouch | Meaning: A person who is grumpy and unsociable in the morning. | Example: Sprich mich vor meinem ersten Kaffee nicht an, ich bin ein echter Morgenmuffel. (Don't talk to me before my first coffee, I'm a real morning-grouch.)
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