Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Wednesday, February 04 - from urgent alerts to stories in the subreddit. Today we went through 212 sources so you don't have to.

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📣 Public Sector Strike Called for Feb 11

Major unions including Verdi and the GEW have called for a comprehensive warning strike across Berlin and Brandenburg on February 11. This coordinated walkout will affect state-run daycares, schools, police, and administration offices to coincide with the start of the third negotiation round in Potsdam. (rbb24)

Negotiations stalled after employers failed to present a concrete offer in previous meetings, sparking outrage with comments about offering inflation adjustments plus "a schnapps on top." The unions are demanding a 12-month contract with a 7% salary increase, ensuring a minimum rise of €300 per month. (Gewerkschaft der Polizei (GdP))

Unions aim to force a respectable offer, arguing that current proposals ignore severe staffing shortages and real wage losses. While emergency service agreements will ensure safety during police and fire department walkouts, leaders emphasize that failing to invest in public workers threatens the system's long-term stability. (Tagesspiegel)

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📉 Risk of Poverty Affects 17.6 Million Germans

Germany's Federal Statistical Office reported Tuesday that roughly 17.6 million people faced the risk of poverty or social exclusion last year, impacting 21.2% of the population. This figure remained virtually unchanged from the previous year, though the specific share of those falling below the income poverty line rose slightly to 16.1% overall. (DW.com)

The European Union defines the poverty risk threshold as having less than 60% of the national median income. For a single person in Germany, this limit stood at a net monthly income of €1,446, while families with two children required €3,036. Data indicates unemployment remains the highest risk factor, affecting 64.9% of that demographic. (tagesschau.de)

Social groups are warning that these poverty numbers aren't just data. They represent real people who can't afford to heat their homes or pay for a doctor. The Paritätische (Germany's main social welfare group) is calling on the government to "poverty-proof" all future laws. They argue that if people feel financially abandoned, it will tear society apart and put the country's democracy at risk. (ZDFheute)

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❄️ Body Found on Frozen Lake

The Berlin Fire Department discovered a body on the ice at the Biesdorfer Baggersee last Thursday, January 29. While the state prosecutor has opened an official death investigation to determine the victim's identity and specific cause of death, authorities confirmed the individual was already deceased when found. (rbb24)

Emergency crews responded to three separate ice rescue incidents across the capital last week, including saving an ice sailor who fell into the Wannsee on January 21. Although thick layers have formed on many ponds, officials warn that a safe load-bearing depth of 15 centimeters has not yet been reached. (Berliner Morgenpost)

Authorities emphasize that Berlin never issues official clearances for entering frozen water bodies because a risk always remains regardless of apparent thickness. Water police are currently patrolling with specialized "ice wagons" and thermal suits, urging citizens to avoid flowing waters like the Spree and never step onto the ice alone. (SZ.de)

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⚡ Quick Hits

🇬🇧 Germany has highest share of older workers in EU | Roughly 9.8 million workers (~24% of the working population) are between 55 and 64 years old. The statutory retirement age will gradually rise to 67 by 2029.

🇩🇪 Subways, trams, and buses in Berlin running again on Tuesday morning | Regular operations resumed Tuesday at 3 AM following the 24-hour Verdi walkout. S-Bahn services were mostly unaffected. Commuters can expect standard timetables for all U-Bahn, tram, and bus lines.

🇩🇪 800 apartments will soon be available for rent in these Berlin districts | Rentals start now through April in Lichtenberg, Treptow-Köpenick, and Marzahn-Hellersdorf. You must apply on the Howoge website or app. Half the units require a WBS housing permit.

🇬🇧 Pieces of the Berlin Wall as souvenirs: Fake or genuine? | Most souvenirs are genuine concrete from existing stockpiles. Suppliers often repaint these pieces for visual appeal. You should check for a certificate of authenticity. Prices generally start at €9.90.

🇬🇧 Germany's $3.9B TenneT Acquisition: Implications for Energy Grid | Germany is buying a 25.1% stake in TenneT’s German division for $3.9 billion. This deal secures state control and essential funding for critical high-voltage power grid infrastructure upgrades through 2029.

🇬🇧 Germany eyes lasers, spy satellites in military space spending splurge | Germany is investing €35 billion in military space tech, including 100+ satellites and lasers, to counter threats from Russia and China and bolster deterrence in the contested orbital domain.

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📅 Events Today

🎟️ Life Drawing x Anatomy | February 04 | 18:30 - 21:00 | 16.00 € - 25.00 € | Refine your craft at this open-level figure drawing class. You will study live models with a specific focus on anatomical structure and leave with a better understanding of the human body.

🎟️ This weekend: The Crafty Market | February 7 and 8, 2026 | Free | Handmade South and Latin American design. Discover ceramics, textiles and jewellery that feel personal.

🎟️ This weekend: WeinBerlin | February 7 and 8, 2026 | Taste your way through 900 wines poured by the people who actually make them. Compare German classics with bottles from Chile, South Africa and beyond.

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🚚 Word of the Day: Elefantenrennen | Literal: Elephant race | Meaning: When two trucks overtake each other at a snail's pace on the highway, blocking traffic. | Example: Wir stecken im Stau wegen einem Elefantenrennen auf der A9. (We're stuck in traffic because of an elephant race on the A9 motorway.)

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👋 That's a wrap! Thank you for reading.

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