The German nonprofit Sea-Watch is celebrating the decision of an Italian judge to release captain Carola Rackete. Meanwhile, Italy’s Interior Minister criticized the ruling on Twitter.
As an alternative to Hartz IV, Berlin plans to pilot “solidarisches Grundeinkommen” or a solidarity basic income for 1,000 unemployed people over five years. In other news, governing Mayor Michael Müller hoisted a rainbow flag outside of the Rotes Rathaus on Monday, signifying the start of “Berlin Pride Weeks.” Find out more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
The German Ethics Council said a general vaccination requirement for all adults or children is not justified, referencing the already-high vaccination rates for German children. In other news, a report presented by Federal Interior Minister Horst Seehofer identified a rise in the number of people in Germany classified as far-right extremists. Find out more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
Two additional suspects have been arrested in the killing of Kassel district president Walter Lübcke. In local Berlin news, the Senate has allocated a million euros to help protect the city’s plant life against dry weather. Find out more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
The German government bans arms exports to nations outside of NATO or the EU. In other news, Germany’s production of clean energy reaches a new half-year record of 44%, but the federal energy office says it’s not enough to reach energy goals. Find out more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
The suspect in the killing of CDU politician Walter Lübcke has confessed, admitting he shot Lübcke earlier this month. In other news, in Berlin and Brandenburg, police are deploying drones to help patrol traffic along the A12 Autobahn. Find out more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
Following the collision of two Eurofighter jets in the German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany’s military has suspended training flights from the Laage air base near Rostock for the time being. Also, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reports Germany’s federal prosecutor has brought charges against eight members of “Revolution Chemnitz,” an alleged right-wing terror group. Read more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
The BVG is making some changes to bus routes in Berlin. Cannabis consumption is on the rise among young people. Berlin is cracking down on the number of Spielhallen, or gambling halls in the city. Find out more in your KCRW Berlin News Brief.
CDU party leader Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer said in an interview on ARD’s talk show “Anne Will” that she can’t imagine cooperating with the right-wing populist Alternative für Deutschland party at this time. Meanwhile, the SPD considers dual leadership to replace former party leader Andrea Nahles.
The head of the German Medical Association has suggested a new standard for organ donation. Also, security is being tightened at Berlin’s state parliament house in order to protect against attacks by people in cars or other vehicles.
