#310: Toxic lakes
Cannabis clubs are still waiting
Hey 20 Percent,
Every year, around this time, my positive emotions about summer begin to fade — and most years the same thing is to blame: the lakes getting disgusting, thanks to thriving algae and even e. coli contamination.
Berlin tests water quality at 39 swimming spots within the city limits. Currently, 12 show issues.
Some bodies of water aren’t totally toxic just, er, unsafe. Take the the warning for Schmöckwitz: “Very low visibility depths due to blue-green algae mass development (water rescue difficult).”
But at Strandbad Wannsee, for example, there’s so much algae, contact could be toxic, especially for small children.
Then there’s Teufelssee: “Increased bacterial count values for faecal indicators.”
Bring on the ice bathing!
More news below.
Maurice
Hope for cannabis clubs?
From booming algae to the not-so-blooming cannabis clubs. Non-profit grow associations have been legal in Germany since July 1, but Berlin has failed to set up the necessary bureaucratic structures to handle permit applications. Observers have noted the city government headed by the conservative CDU might be deliberately dragging its feet. Now Lageso (Health and Social Services department) has been assigned the task of processing weed-related paperwork. Enthusiasts shouldn’t hold their breath: Legislation still needs to be discussed and passed in the local parliament. Perhaps they’ll succeed in stalling the whole thing till the national elections a year from now, when a victorious CDU says it will overturn decriminalisation.
Hertha hooligans
From intoxicating weed to toxic Berlin football fans: Around 100 supporters of 2nd division team Hertha BSC plundered a gas station near Neuruppin Sunday night, while on the way back from a match in Rostock. Hertha actually beat Rostock 5:1 which apparently emboldened the fans to steal beers and snacks from the service station. The police are investigating at least 40 instances of robbery and/or breach of peace.
Attempted money laundering up
And then there’s toxic cash: The number of cases of suspected money laundering reported by Berlin notaries has been rising for years. In the first half of this year, 362 cases were reported, mostly because a suspicion that money used to purchase properties could have come from criminal transactions. Last year saw a total of 478 cases. Until April 2023, it was legal in Germany to buy real estate with cash. Now, criminals often attempt to purchase property through dodgy front companies. According the Berlin’s Chamber of Notaries, Germany is one of the most popular destination countries for illegally acquired funds (e.g. from drug trafficking, prostitution or tax evasion).
… a few events curated by The Next Day Berlin:
🎹 Openless by Berlin Atonal
Fri-Sun, 23-25.08, 8 pm - 8 am. Sunday from 6 pm. Kraftwerk/Tresor/Globus/OHM, Köpenicker Str. 70. Tickets: €26/55.
The newest project from Berlin Atonal comprises site-specific concert experiences and parties. It’s the perfect event for those who love experimental music. The main program happens at Kraftwerk with works commissioned by some of the best experimental music festivals. My highlight is Saturday to see, 🎧 Niksi, 🎧 Lamin Fofana, and 🎧 Holy Tongue meets 🎧 Shackleton.
💿 OYE x LACATY Cascade Release Party
Thursday, 22.08, 5 - 8 pm. OYE Kreuzkoelln, Friedelstr. 49. Free admission.
Early party happening at the re-launch of the OYE record label to kick off the weekend. An intimate and laid-back vibe. 🎧 Lacaty
🎶 silent green summer festival
Saturday, 24.08, 2 - 8 pm. silent green, Gerichtstrasse 35. Free admission.
This event promises a beautiful afternoon at silent green, featuring concerts with 🎧 Wooly Aziz and 🎧 Blush Aways, a 🎧 Primeiro listening session, a guided tour, short films, and workshops for kids.
🖼️ Lange Nacht der Museen / Long Night of Museums
Saturday, 24.08, 6 pm - 2 am. 75 museums around Berlin. Tickets: €12/18.
You can visit 75 museums and 750 events with one single ticket. Our highlight is Floating Mocambo by HKW, a boat tour with interactive installation, workshop, and listening session.
Germany-wide news
🏭Germany’s economy: down but not quite out
⚽Germany captain Gündoğan retires from international football
📀Viral AI-generated song targets immigrants
💡Handpicked Berlin: Career, tech, startup, and Berlin news, plus timeless inspiration. Mondays in your inbox.💡
Factoid
Once ridiculed as a shabby settlement of bohemians and unemployed people, the capital city has begun to outshine the rest of Germany, at least when it comes to the economy. Berlin’s gross domestic product will grow by 2% this year, predicts local economy minister Franziska Giffey (SPD), outpacing the national outlook of 0.3%. Two driving factors were “innovation and internationalisation”, Giffey said, but issues such as a lack of international flights at BER and a shortage of specialist workers still presented obstacles. Tja, as the Germans say.
Sure, you don’t need to learn German to live in Berlin…
…but wouldn’t it feel damn good to master your der-die-das once and for all? Get serious about learning German at the Berlin-based online course, Smarter German. Sign up for a free trial today.
re one of your links to wider German news... Is it crazy to wonder whether actually trying to prosecute the nord stream blasts was part of the "hostage" deal?