Here’s your quick update on what’s happening around the city on Friday, September 26 - 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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🇩🇪 US company Planet Labs announces satellite production in Berlin

Planet Labs said it will open its first satellite factory outside California in Berlin, investing €45M to produce its high-resolution Pelican satellites and adding about 70 jobs.

The move makes Germany a hub for Planet Labs’ European operations and is expected to roughly double its production capacity. The company already employs 150 people at a Berlin control center and in July won a €240M German government contract for satellite services.

Production timelines were not disclosed; watch for facility construction, hiring in Berlin, and potential new European contracts as Planet Labs scales Pelican output. (rbb24, 2 minute read)

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🇩🇪 Number of syphilis cases continues to rise - Berlin most affected

Germany recorded 9,519 syphilis cases in 2024, up 3.9% year over year, a new high, with the highest incidence in Berlin (35.7 per 100,000), the Robert Koch Institute reported.

While cases have risen since 2010, the sharp post-pandemic surge is easing after a 23.7% jump in 2022. RKI cites changing sexual behavior, dating apps, reduced condom use amid HIV PrEP, and expanded screening that may detect more asymptomatic infections.

Health authorities are expected to continue monitoring and targeted prevention; PrEP-linked screening may aid earlier detection and help break transmission chains, with regional patterns shaping local responses. (Berliner Zeitung, 2 minute read)

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🇬🇧 Meet Germany's Version of Elon Musk: Minister Karsten Wildberger

Germany’s digital transformation minister Karsten Wildberger urged looser rules and faster innovation at a Berlin AI summit, criticizing the EU’s AI Act as burdensome for startups and advocating that Germany prioritize building products and services on top of foundation models.

The EU unveiled the risk-based AI Act in 2021 to safeguard rights and manage high-risk uses. Wildberger, a former tech executive leading a new ministry to cut red tape, argues overregulation before markets mature pushes innovation abroad.

Watch for proposals from his ministry to streamline approvals and reduce compliance burdens, and for funding and commercialization efforts focused on applied AI within the EU framework. (Business Insider, 3 minute read)

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⚡ Quick Hits

• 🇩🇪 BER Airport continues to operate in "exceptional mode" (rbb24, 2 minute read)

• 🇩🇪 Tens of thousands expected at Gaza demonstration in Berlin on Saturday (rbb24, 2 minute read)

• 🇬🇧 Germany updates: Berlin vows billions in space defense (Deutsche Welle (DW), 9 minute read)

• 🇩🇪 Black-Red wants its own law for urban trees - initiative wants to sue if necessary (rbb24, 3 minute read)

• 🇩🇪 Police publish photos: Manhunt for Wedding rapist (Berliner Zeitung, 1 minute read)

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📅 Events Today

• 🎟️ Coffee Festival Berlin | September 26 and 27, 2025 | For the first time in Berlin, people who have made coffee their favorite topic, whether professionally or privately, will meet at the Atelier Garden in Berlin-Neukölln. 

• 🎟️ Hive Film Days | September 26-28, 2025 | The Hive Film Days celebrate diversity in the short film industry. 

• 🎟️ Rooftop Flea Market Berlin | September 26 und 27, 2025 | The large rooftop parking deck of the Gesundbrunnen-Center is transformed into a flea market and street food festival above the rooftops of the city. 

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💬 What Berliners Are Talking About

• 🗣️ Berlin SBahn E-Scooter - Users explain folded e-scooters are allowed on S‑Bahn but not on U‑Bahn.

• 🗣️ Where to eat some damn fine sushi? - Berliners recommend dedicated sushi spots like Omoni, Sasaya, Kuchi Kant over pan-Asian chains.

• 🗣️ Laser cutting? - Berlin locals recommend makerspaces and specialist shops for MDF laser cutting, note thickness.

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☎️ Fun Fact: Berlin is home to the world’s smallest nightclub – the Teledisko, a converted telephone booth that fits up to 2–3 people. For just €2, you can choose a song, dance under strobe lights, and even get a photo strip of your micro-party.

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