Berliner Volks-Zeitung - News from Berlin and the world for the people

England skipper Sciver-Brunt 'threw everything' at World Cup semi-final return

England captain Nat Sciver-Brunt says she "threw everything" at being able to make her comeback in a Women's T20 World Cup semi-final against South Africa on Thursday.

Noosha Aubel: 10 km/h for residents – Potsdam’s approach to potholes: indifference or incompetence?

Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße in Potsdam Babelsberg, in the German federal state of Brandenburg, does not look like a road in a state capital. It looks like a record of neglect: torn-up tarmac, exposed paving stones, deep potholes, dangerous kerbs, patchwork repairs instead of proper refurbishment. Anyone travelling here by car, bicycle, moped or motorbike is not driving along a road – they are driving through a publicly funded failure. Whether this publicly funded failure stems from a lack of interest or incompetence at Potsdam Town Hall – where Noosha Aubel (50), as mayor of an independent city in salary grade B7, receives a monthly basic salary of 11,921.34 euros paid for by the taxpayers, according to the pay scale – is a matter for scrutiny.The city, and above all those in charge at Potsdam Town Hall, were aware of the situation, particularly Mayor Noosha Aubel. As early as 2024, Potsdam itself stated that the condition of the roads had deteriorated to such an extent that a 10 km/h speed limit was ‘unavoidable’; the cost of resurfacing the road was estimated at 3.3 million euros. According to the city, the funds for this were not available. However, the blame for this financial crisis – at the citizens’ expense – lies with those in charge at Potsdam City Hall, who are funded by the citizens on a daily basis.

Stocks mixed with eyes on US Fed

Stock markets traded mixed on Wednesday amid a bout of profit-taking, with the new head of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh, indicating taming inflation is his top priority.

Bayern to host Stuttgart in Bundesliga season opener

German champions Bayern Munich will host Stuttgart when the 2026-27 season kicks-off on August 28, the Bundesliga announced Wednesday.

Trial begins for suspected mastermind of Malta journalist killing

A Maltese tycoon went on trial on Wednesday accused of ordering the murder of a hard-hitting investigative journalist that rocked the island nation, brought down a government and drew global condemnation.

US Fed chair says committed to combatting 'too high' prices

US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh said Wednesday the central bank was committed to fighting "too high" prices, as inflation fuelled by the US war on Iran surges through the world's largest economy.

Traditionalist Catholic society defies Vatican by consecrating new bishops

An ultra-traditionalist breakaway Catholic group consecrated four new bishops on Wednesday in defiance of Pope Leo XIV, who pleaded with them to turn back from what he called a "schismatic act" with Rome.

Portugal braces for high temperatures in new heatwave

Parts of Portugal including the Lisbon region will be placed on red alert after being relatively spared from Europe's worst heatwave which set records in several countries.

World number ones Sinner, Sabalenka into Wimbledon third round

Defending champion Jannik Sinner produced another gritty victory to reach the Wimbledon third round, while women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka battled through as Novak Djokovic prepared for action on Centre Court.

Trump upbeat as US, Iran hold indirect talks in Qatar

US President Donald Trump hailed the progress on Wednesday of indirect talks between the United States and Iran in Qatar, as the sides aimed to push forward negotiations and quell tensions following exchanges of fire.