David Rising, Associated Press Updated 2:14 am CDT, Saturday, April 6, 2019 Apartment buildings in the district Mitte photographed from the television tower in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, April 4, 2019. A campaign is being launched in the German capital to force the Berlin's state government into taking over nearly 250.000 apartments from corporate owners like Deutsche Wohnen and others. less Apartment buildings in the district Mitte photographed from the television tower in Berlin, Germany, Thursday, April 4, 2019. A campaign is being launched in the German capital to force the Berlin's state ... more Photo: Markus Schreiber, AP Photo: Markus Schreiber, AP Image 1 of / 4 Caption Close Image 1 of 4 Apartment buildings in the district Mitte photographed from the television tower … [Read more...] about Berlin housing activists lead campaign to fight rising rents
Berlin real estate
Plan emerges for a ‘radical solution’ to lower rising rents in Berlin
Amid frustration surrounding Berlin’s rent increases, a controversial idea has emerged. But would the state seriously consider forced socialization of properties owned by large companies? Once the capital of affordable rents, prices have increased in Berlin to a point where in some areas even high earners cannot afford to keep pace. Week after week new stories emerge about rising competition for affordable apartments, with open viewings frequently attracting more than 100 hopeful tenants. From strengthening rent controls (Mietpreisbremse), encouraging the building of new apartments or restricting foreign investment, government and tenancy advocacy groups have developed a range of policy approaches to halt the increases. The latest idea, is a referendum on ‘expropriating’ - i.e. a forced buyback by the government - flats owned by large companies. SEE ALSO: Germany's housing crisis: Is development without displacement possible? Supporters of the … [Read more...] about Plan emerges for a ‘radical solution’ to lower rising rents in Berlin
This Man Sang the National Anthem Before Running a Marathon in All 50 States
For Jim Diego, most weekends are spent singing chords of patriotic songs and running marathons around the world—often in that order. In fact, when Diego spoke to Runner’s World over the phone from his office in Queens, New York, he had just flown back from Amsterdam where he ran his fastest marathon outside of the U.S. The Amsterdam Marathon, which Diego completed in 4:45:32, was his 26th marathon of 2018 and his 85th career marathon. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below The following weekend, he finished the Swiss City Marathon in Lucerne, and then on November 4, he ran the New York City Marathon—the day after singing the national anthem at the Dash to the Finish 5K. Diego has used running and singing as a way to see the world, and he set his sights high: to sing the national anthem and run a marathon in all 50 states. On November 18, he completed the pursuit at the Route 66 Marathon in Tulsa, Oklahoma.On the way to reaching his goal, Diego has met hundreds of … [Read more...] about This Man Sang the National Anthem Before Running a Marathon in All 50 States
Vermonters electing top officials and state Legislature
Wilson Ring, Associated Press Updated 1:28 pm PST, Tuesday, November 6, 2018 FILE - This combination of 2018 file photos show Vermont Democratic gubernatorial challenger Christine Hallquist, left, and Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who will face off in the November general election. FILE - This combination of 2018 file photos show Vermont Democratic gubernatorial challenger Christine Hallquist, left, and Republican Gov. Phil Scott, who will face off in the November general election. Photo: Charles Krupa, AP FILE - In this Oct. 30, 2018 file photo, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks in support of Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous at a campaign rally in Bethesda, Md. Sanders is seeking reelection in Vermont's Nov. 6 general election. less FILE - In this Oct. 30, 2018 file photo, Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks in support of Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous at a … [Read more...] about Vermonters electing top officials and state Legislature
Free Press endorsement: Our choices for state House and Senate seats
opinion Detroit Free Press Editorial Board Published 7:00 AM EDT Nov 2, 2018 EDITOR'S NOTE: Because Michigan's political map has been configured to the advantage of incumbents in both parties, most legislative races in the tri-county area are not competitive. Our recommendations in this year's closest contests follow: WAYNE COUNTY Senate District 7 Livonia, Northville, Plymouth, Wayne, and Canton, Northville and Plymouth townships Two Livonia residents are vying for the state Senate District 7 seat, currently held by term-limited Sen. Patrick Colbeck. Republican Laura Cox, 54, is a former U.S. Customs special agent and has represented Livonia in the state House of Representatives since 2014, but opted in this cycle to try for the Senate seat. Democrat Dayna Polehanki, is 49, a political newcomer, and a teacher with 12 years' experience in Michigan public schools. Cox is favored to win. Generally viewed to tilt Republican, the western … [Read more...] about Free Press endorsement: Our choices for state House and Senate seats