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Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Friday, December 12 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 197 sources so you don't have to.
📣 Schedule Update: Starting this week, we will temporarily be moving from 5 emails a week to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. I want to make every issue a must-read so I'm cutting back to focus on quality and depth.
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🍣 Lidl Recalls Tuna Over Listeria Risk
The manufacturer Sicily Food is recalling its "Sansibar Deluxe Thunfisch Carpaccio" sold at Lidl stores in 11 German states. The recall is due to contamination with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria. It affects 100g packages with use-by dates of December 27, 28, and 29, 2025. Customers can return the product for a full refund without a receipt. (rbb24)
Listeria monocytogenes is a harmful bacterium found in soil, water, and some animals, which can cause an infection called listeriosis. Unlike many other bacteria, it can survive and grow in cold temperatures, such as in a refrigerator. This makes it a particular risk for ready-to-eat chilled foods, including deli meats and soft cheeses. (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
This recall highlights the ongoing threat posed by listeriosis, which is rare but can be severe, especially for vulnerable populations. The danger is persistent across Europe. In 2022, the European Union reported 2,738 cases of listeriosis, which resulted in a high hospitalization rate and was the fifth most reported foodborne zoonotic disease. (European Food Safety Authority)
🚨 Berlin Revives Emergency Call Pillars
Berlin is reintroducing public emergency call pillars, starting with a pilot project in Tempelhof-Schöneberg. A modern pillar will be installed at the corner of Bülowstraße and Frobenstraße, an area known for street prostitution and drug trafficking. The project, launching in early 2026, aims to improve safety for vulnerable groups including sex workers and queer people. (rbb24)
Unlike older models, the new pillar is a high-tech security station. When activated, it transmits real-time video and audio to emergency services, illuminates its surroundings, and documents the situation. The legal basis for this enhanced surveillance was recently established through an amendment to Berlin's General Security and Order Act (ASOG), which expanded police powers. (nd-aktuell.de)
This project suggests that despite near-universal mobile phone access, significant public safety gaps remain for the most vulnerable. A study on emergency calls found that 85% of people still unlock their phone and dial manually in a crisis. This process can be too slow or complex for individuals experiencing extreme stress or who do not have a functioning phone. (Verivox Study)
💰 Berlin Boosts Enforcement Against Illegal Rents
Berlin's CDU and SPD coalition is allocating an additional €4.5 million to combat excessive rents. The funds will support up to 19 new staff positions for rent supervision across the city's districts. A new online portal is also planned, allowing residents to report suspected violations of rent control laws directly to authorities. (Tagesspiegel)
The new measures address a rental market under severe strain. Berlin, a city where approximately 84% of households are renters, is facing a significant housing crisis. Median asking rents across the city increased by a staggering 21.2% in 2023 alone, as the demand for housing continues to far outpace the available supply. (The Guardian)
This initiative highlights that Berlin's rent control laws are frequently ineffective without active enforcement. Despite the rent brake's existence, widespread non-compliance undermines its purpose, leaving tenants to navigate a market where illegal rents are common. A recent analysis by the German Tenants' Association found that 46% of apartment listings in Berlin exceeded the legally permitted rent. (Newsworm)
⚡ Quick Hits
🇩🇪 Terminations for personal use are a big problem | The tenants association reports about 2,000 consultations on such terminations each year. Every fourth case ends in an eviction lawsuit. Many follow rent disputes or recent property sales.
🇬🇧 BVG celebrates a new electric bus depot | The €120M depot will charge and service over 250 electric buses by 2027. It is key to BVG’s plan for a fully emission‑free fleet in the early 2030s.
🇬🇧 Germany’s wage hike is about more than fair pay | The higher wage floor ties directly to new migration rules. Germany is trading cheap labor for skilled migrants. Officials hope this mix offsets aging, sustains growth, and preserves social stability.
🇬🇧 Activists upset Chancellor Merz with CDU memorial | Activists installed the statue to accuse the CDU of drifting toward AfD positions. The clash revives debate over Germany’s “firewall” against the far right and how to honor Lübcke’s legacy.
🇩🇪 Police warn Berlin parents about bullet bombs" | Berlin police urge parents to avoid illegal fireworks, especially homemade “Kugelbomben” (powerful explosive shells). Officials cite last New Year’s injuries and property damage. Violations can bring fines up to 10,000 euros.
📅 Events Today
🎟️ Christmas at the Tierpark | November 21, 2025 - January 10, 2026 | From €15,90 | A two-kilometre trail winds through the zoo in dazzling light installations. Thirty luminous sculptures, glowing treetops and water shows lead to a festively lit palace. Carousel rides and seasonal treats boost the magic.
🎟️ Medieval Christmas Market at the RAW Compound | An atmospheric medieval market conjures torchlit lanes and artisans forging handmade gifts. Performers juggle and tumble. Hot mead warms you (try the Feuerzangenbowle). Kids try archery and a wooden carousel.
🎟️ Christmas Market on Lehmann's Farm | December 12 to 14, 2025 | Cozy farm stalls sell handmade wooden, wool and felt gifts. Local cooks serve hearty winter dishes (and mulled wine). Children meet animals and ride ponies.
💬 What Berliners Are Talking About
🗣️ Böllerverbot. Ja oder Nein ? | Most commenters call for a fireworks ban to protect people, animals, and services.
🗣️ Outstanding BVG payment, what to do? | They missed BVG notices, facing a steep unexpected charge and told to call and pay.
🗣️ Berlin hates bathrooms | Visitors notice Berlin's scarce public toilets, blamed on culture, funding, vandalism.
🙂 The Bright Side of Berlin
Today’s story comes from reader Roger K., who shared a moment of quick thinking and teamwork in the Spandau U-Bahn:
"One morning I entered the station and noticed heavy smoke coming out of a metal trash bin, presumably from a cigarette thrown in there. I ran to the underground kiosk to buy a bottle of water to put it out.
When the shopkeeper asked if I was buying the water for the fire, I said yes. Instead of selling it to me, he gave me the water for free, which I used to extinguish the flames."
We are collecting stories of positivity, generosity, and unexpected kindness across the city. Tell us what you saw!
🛣 Fun Fact: Berlin’s road network stretches 5,480 km. The city’s longest street – Adlergestell – runs 11.9 km, while its shortest – Eiergasse in Mitte – is only 16 m long (blink and you’ll miss it!).
👋 That's a wrap! Thank you for reading.
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