☀️ Guten Morgen, Berlin!
High: 2.3°C | Low: -2.7°C
Chance of Rain: 93%
Sunrise: 8:17 AM | Sunset: 4:01 PM
Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Wednesday, December 31 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 200 sources so you don't have to.
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🎆 New Year's Eve Preparations
Berlin will deploy 4,300 police officers this New Year’s Eve, a massive increase from the usual 1,000, to prevent riots and targeted attacks on emergency services. Authorities have expanded firework prohibition zones to include the Admiralbrücke, alongside existing bans in Steinmetzkiez and Sonnenallee. Police will also use preventive custody for up to five days against aggressors. (Tagesspiegel)
Public transport will facilitate safe travel with S-Bahn and U-Bahn lines running throughout the night at short intervals. Brandenburger Tor will host the "Yeah 26" party for 20,000 registered guests while underground trains will bypass the station from late afternoon. Officials also advise owners to keep pets indoors to protect them from the noise. (berlin.de)
These precautions respond to escalating violence during previous celebrations, where emergency responders were deliberately targeted. Last year, 44 officers were injured in Berlin alone, including one who was nearly killed by a firework. Officials hope the increased police presence and new legal tools will deter offenders and protect the 1,600 rescue workers deployed. (Tagesspiegel)
❤️ 'Cold Bus' Arson Attack
Berlin police are investigating a suspected arson attack that destroyed one “Kältebus” (cold bus) and damaged another belonging to the Berliner Stadtmission on Sunday night. A witness alerted the fire department around 3:15 a.m. after seeing an unknown person near the vehicles on Seydlitzstraße in Moabit. The incident leaves the organization with only one operational bus during freezing temperatures. (FAZ)
The attack triggered an immediate wave of solidarity to keep the vital service running without interruption. A private ambulance company and the social carrier Gebewo stepped in to lend vehicles, while an auto rental agency offered temporary replacements. Stadtmission spokesperson Barbara Breuer described the team as "overwhelmed" by the offers of help and donations from across the city. (Tagesspiegel)
These patrols serve as a critical lifeline when temperatures drop, with the Stadtmission fielding approximately 120 calls nightly. During the last winter season, the organization successfully transported 2,100 individuals to warm accommodations. Social Senator Cansel Kiziltepe condemned the destruction of the lifesaving vehicles as an attack that "directly endangers lives." (Ntv)
🎥 3,000 Bodycams Before NYE
Berlin distributed 3,000 body cameras to emergency personnel yesterday ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations. The €3 million rollout assigns 2,300 units to police officers and 700 to firefighters. Interior Senator Iris Spranger confirmed this delivery marks the final transition from trial operations into standard daily service. (rbb24)
Strict privacy regulations govern when officers may activate the devices. Recording is not continuous but "event-related," permitted only during dangerous situations, evidence collection, or to protect officers. A recent legal change now allows use inside private homes if there is an immediate threat to life or safety. (Berliner Kurier)
Police President Barbara Slowik emphasizes that the footage will create objective documentation of critical incidents to increase transparency. Beyond evidence, the visible presence of cameras aims to deter aggression and de-escalate volatile encounters. Fire Chief Karsten Homrighausen noted the devices allow for "court-proof" records of assaults on his staff. (rbb24)
⚡ Quick Hits
🇩🇪 Straße des 17. Juni becomes the longest dance floor in the world on New Year's Eve | A compromise now lets a techno demo run from Siegessäule to Brandenburg Gate. It includes 16 trucks and 100 DJs. The city’s official New Year’s party and fireworks will still happen there.
🇩🇪 More than 2.5 million Berliners can vote in 2026 | Berlin expects about 2.5 million eligible voters in 2026, including first-time 16 and 17 year olds. Officials plan 2,550 polling places and 40,000 staff. Cyberattacks and possible referendums could strain polling stations.
🇩🇪 Orange alert and weather warnings in over 300 districts | More than 350 districts have DWD warnings for ice, frost, and some snow. Orange alerts cover Berlin and areas near Dresden for freezing wet surfaces. The wintry pattern should persist through New Year’s.
🇩🇪 What helps pets on New Year's Eve | Many pets panic at fireworks, and some need medication. Early training can help, but Berlin’s weeks of blasting can overwhelm animals. Dogs may hold urine for up to 30 hours, risking kidney damage.
🇬🇧 Emergency aid for homeless: Cold weather buses and shelters | Forecasters expect freezing temperatures in Berlin soon. Caritas estimates more than 6,000 people are homeless. Aid groups urge residents to check in, call emergency help, and donate time, money, or warm shoes.
📅 Events Today
🎟️ New Year's Eve Party at Brandenburg Gate | December 31, 2025 | Free | Berlin becomes a giant dance floor. Thousands dance to live DJs on multiple stages. Expect a spectacular fireworks display.
🎟️ Berlin New Year's Run | January 01, 2026 | Free | Thousands of runners and walkers can join a relaxed four-kilometer run.
🎟️ Michel's Eve: New Year's Party | December 31 | 16:00 - 00:00 | 25.00€ | A festive party blending soul, pop and techno with live band sets and a legendary house DJ.
📊 Chart of the Day
Germany is setting €250,000,000 on fire this week. 🔥💸
🤓 Word of the Day: Klugscheißer | Literal: Smart-shitter | Meaning: A know-it-all. | Example: Hör auf, mich zu korrigieren, du Klugscheißer! (Stop correcting me, you know-it-all!)
👋 That's a wrap! Thank you for reading.
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