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Local Germany
25-06-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
Why Germany's nationwide rail upgrade faces a five-year delay
With endless disruption, cancellations and old infrastructure, Germany's rail system is in desperate need of a makeover. Deutsche Bahn last year launched an ambitious project to improve the network. It involves the repair and modernisation of 40 of the most important railway lines in Germany. But on Wednesday, it emerged that the "corridor refurbishment" was at least four years behind schedule. The state operator was scheduled to get the project wrapped up by 2031. But the expected completion of the project is now 2035. Deutsche Bahn revised its outlook at a recent industry event, but says it still needs to finalise the schedule. "The aim of the industry forum is to develop an adapted proposal for extending the corridor refurbishment programme until 2035," the company announced. "A further meeting of the forum is planned for July. As soon as the positions of the other transport companies and associations have been incorporated, the responsible railway subsidiary DB InfraGo intends to coordinate and approve a final concept with the federal government." Why is the refurb delayed? The initial timetable is said to have been slammed by many, especially in the freight transport sector, as too ambitious. There have also been complaints that diversions to alternative routes have not been sufficiently prepared. Advertisement The conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) and its sister party, the CSU, was also sceptical about the concept put forward by former Transport Minister Volker Wissing (a former FDP member). The coalition agreement drawn up by the new government stipulates that the strategy will be reviewed and possibly adapted. Deutsche Bahn previously said it had earmarked €16.4 billion to its infrastructure programme, with the aim of renewing about 2,000 kilometres of track and 2,000 points as well as upgrading several stations and bridges. A Deutsche Bahn ICE (Inter City Express) train departs from Freiburg Central Station towards Switzerland. Deutsche Bahn customers experience frequent delays on connections to Switzerland, and will now need to change trains at Basel on some routes as well. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Philipp von Ditfurth What is the rail upgrade project? The aim is to gradually improve punctuality in long-distance transport, which last year was worse than at any time since the railway reform in 1994. Only 62.5 percent of long-distance trains arrived without a delay of six minutes or more. And this figure does not include cancelled trains. Experts say the main reason for unreliable trains is the dilapidated and overloaded network. Numerous construction sites slow down rail transport on a daily basis. Of a total of 41 rail corridor upgrades, only one has been completed: the overhaul of the Riedbahn between Mannheim and Frankfurt am Main. This redevelopment was supposed to show that it was possible to close an important route for several months and put it back in operation as a "high-performance line". However, Christian Böttger, railway expert and professor at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, takes a critical view of the result of the upgrade, which was largely completed at the end of 2024. "The main goal of 'punctuality' was missed, but it has become three times as expensive," he told Spiegel . "So I don't see it as a great success story." Furthermore, one of the goals of the project was not actually delivered on schedule – the modernisation of the line with the European Train Control system (ETCS). READ ALSO: The major rail disruption in Germany to prepare for this summer Advertisement Which routes are affected? Following the Riedbahn, the Hamburg-Berlin route is next on the list. The renovation is set to take place as scheduled from August 1st this year to April 20th 2026. During much of this time, the tracks will be closed. Long-distance trains between Hamburg and Berlin will be rerouted, while trains between Hamburg and Rostock/Stralsund will be diverted via Lübeck. Some regional trains will run, while other journeys will get a bus replacement service. The first delays are expected to occur after that. For example, the Frankfurt-Heidelberg line is likely to not see an upgrade until 2030 instead of 2027. The Lübeck-Hamburg upgrade is set to be postponed by one year to 2028. And in 2028, only four lines are to be refurbished instead of nine, as previously planned. According to DB's plans, several refurbs have a new scheduled completion date including: Würzburg-Ansbach-Treuchtlingen (2029), Aachen-Cologne (2029), Forbach-Ludwigshafen (2029), Minden-Wunstorf (2034) and Weddel-Magdeburg (2032). The last and only refurbishment in 2035 would therefore be the Flensburg-Hamburg line. The lines are set to remain construction-free for at least five years following the rail upgrades.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Stunning photos show the rare strawberry full moon lighting up the sky
The full strawberry moon rises behind the Empire State Building in New York City on Tuesday, as seen from Weehawken, N.J. () June's one full moon — the so-called strawberry moon — dazzled the night sky Tuesday into Wednesday. Photos show the low-hanging reddish moon low in the sky in places including New York City, Greece, Germany, Malta, China and Britain. Last night's moon reached its lowest point in the sky in nearly two decades — and the lowest it'll be until 2043, due to what's called a 'major lunar standstill.' The phenomenon, which occurs every 18.6 years, happens when the moon reaches its furthest northern and southern points in the sky. The last major lunar standstill was in 2006. Advertisement The term 'strawberry moon' came from the Native American Algonquian tribes because this moon takes place during the time of year when strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest. Despite the moon having a reddish hue while it nears the horizon, the moon's nickname isn't a specific reference to its color. 'The origin of the name 'Strawberry Moon' has nothing to do with the Moon's hue or experience,' according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. 'A Moon usually appears reddish when it's close to the horizon because the light rays must pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere.' The nickname given to June's full moon varies based on tribes. The Haida people, an Indigenous group in the Pacific Northwest, refer to it as the 'berries ripen moon,' while the Muscogee call it the 'blackberry moon' and the Shawnee tribe know it as the 'raspberry moon." The strawberry moon rises in the sky behind the 5th century B.C. Parthenon temple at the ancient Acropolis hill, in Athens, on Tuesday. (Petros Giannakouris/AP) The moon can be seen over the Schluchsee in Baden-Württemberg, Schluchsee, Germany on Tuesday. (Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images) The strawberry moon rises behind the steeple of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral and the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Valletta, as seen from Sliema, Malta, on Tuesday. (Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters) A full moon shines over the Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform on Tuesday in Chongqing, China. (Zhou Zhiyong/VCG via Getty Images) Advertisement A person watches the strawberry moon rise, as seen from Hampstead Heath, in London, on Tuesday. (Peter Cziborra/Reuters) See more of our photo features on Yahoo News.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Stunning photos show the rare strawberry full moon lighting up the sky
The full strawberry moon rises behind the Empire State Building in New York City on Tuesday, as seen from Weehawken, N.J. () June's one full moon — the so-called strawberry moon — dazzled the night sky Tuesday into Wednesday. Photos show the low-hanging reddish moon low in the sky in places including New York City, Greece, Germany, Malta, China and Britain. Last night's moon reached its lowest point in the sky in nearly two decades — and the lowest it'll be until 2043, due to what's called a 'major lunar standstill.' The phenomenon, which occurs every 18.6 years, happens when the moon reaches its furthest northern and southern points in the sky. The last major lunar standstill was in 2006. Advertisement The term 'strawberry moon' came from the Native American Algonquian tribes because this moon takes place during the time of year when strawberries are ripe and ready for harvest. Despite the moon having a reddish hue while it nears the horizon, the moon's nickname isn't a specific reference to its color. 'The origin of the name 'Strawberry Moon' has nothing to do with the Moon's hue or experience,' according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. 'A Moon usually appears reddish when it's close to the horizon because the light rays must pass through the densest layers of the atmosphere.' The nickname given to June's full moon varies based on tribes. The Haida people, an Indigenous group in the Pacific Northwest, refer to it as the 'berries ripen moon,' while the Muscogee call it the 'blackberry moon' and the Shawnee tribe know it as the 'raspberry moon." The strawberry moon rises in the sky behind the 5th century B.C. Parthenon temple at the ancient Acropolis hill, in Athens, on Tuesday. (Petros Giannakouris/AP) The moon can be seen over the Schluchsee in Baden-Württemberg, Schluchsee, Germany on Tuesday. (Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images) The strawberry moon rises behind the steeple of St Paul's Anglican Cathedral and the dome of the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, in Valletta, as seen from Sliema, Malta, on Tuesday. (Darrin Zammit Lupi/Reuters) A full moon shines over the Nanshan Tree Viewing Platform on Tuesday in Chongqing, China. (Zhou Zhiyong/VCG via Getty Images) Advertisement A person watches the strawberry moon rise, as seen from Hampstead Heath, in London, on Tuesday. (Peter Cziborra/Reuters) See more of our photo features on Yahoo News.
Forbes
11-06-2025
- Science
- Forbes
In Photos: Strawberry Moon Skims Horizon In Once-In-A-Generation Event
The most southerly full moon for 19 years — the strawberry moon — rose late at night into twilight skies on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. The rare occurrence won't happen again until 2043. Here are all the best full moon photos from around the world. The full strawberry moon rising over Cardiff, Wales, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. On Tuesday, June 10, the full strawberry moon appeared on the southeast horizon during dusk, as seen around the world. It turned 10% full at 3:45 a.m. EDT on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. The sixth full moon of 2025 rose farther to the southeast than at any time since 2006, skimming the southern horizon and setting in the southwest. It was the first full moon of meteorological summer in the Northern Hemisphere and of fall in the Southern Hemisphere. However, astronomical summer and winter, respectively, doesn't begin until the solstice on June 21, 2025. June's strawberry moon is named after the ripening of the berries in the Northern Hemisphere, though it's also called the flower and rose moon. The moon can be seen over the Schluchsee. A rare celestial phenomenon appears in the night from June ... More 10 to 11: the strawberry moon Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa (Photo by Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images) The strawberry moon rose so far south because of an 18.6-year cycle called 'major lunar standstill' or 'lunistice.' Across a period of about a year, it sees the moon's path through the sky at its maximum tilt relative to Earth, so at its furthest extreme north and south. In 2025, the strawberry moon was at its most southerly moonrise point since 2006 and until 2043. The strawberry Moon rises in the sky behind the 5th century B.C. Parthenon temple at the ancient ... More Acropolis hill, in Athens, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris) In the eastern sky before sunrise on Monday, June 23, 2025, a slender waning crescent moon will be positioned within half a degree of the Pleiades, an open cluster of stars also known as the Seven Sisters and M45. Venus will shine brightly nearby. The full Strawberry Moon rises behind the Empire State Building in New York City on June 10, 2025, ... More as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey. (Photo by) In the western sky after sunset on Friday, June 27, 2025, the planet Mercury — rarely seen by skywatchers — will appear to the lower-left of a 9%-lit waxing crescent moon. It's hard to see from Earth because it's so close to the sun, so it's mostly lost in its glare. The full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon rises over St Mary's Lighthouse in Whitley Bay. ... More Picture date: Tuesday June 10, 2025. (Photo by Owen Humphreys/PA Images via Getty Images) In the western sky after sunset on Sunday, June 29, 2025, Mars will be in a very close conjunction with a 23%-lit waxing crescent moon. The two planetary bodies will be just a fifth of a degree apart. For context, a degree in the sky is the width of a little finger held against the sky at arm's length. People photograph the full Strawberry Moon rise behind the skyline of midtown Manhattan and the ... More Empire State Building in New York City on June 10, 2025, as seen from Weehawken, New Jersey. (Photo by) June's full moon is the sixth of 12 full moons in 2025, three of which will be supermoons (in October, November and December). September's full moon will be a 'blood moon' total lunar eclipse, though it won't be visible in North America. The full strawberry moon rises on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, over Cardiff, Wales. The next full moon will occur on Thursday, July 10. Known as the buck moon, it will be the first full moon of astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere and fall in the Southern Hemisphere.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Say no to American strawberries? Federal leaders reveal how they 'Buy Canadian', what U.S. products they avoid after Trump tariffs
In the midst of the federal election debate, leaders revealed they actually do agree on one key issue: buying strawberries 15 April 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Oberkirch: Master orchardist Dominic Ell holds a bowl of his strawberries in his hand. In South Baden, some strawberry varieties are already ready for harvest. Photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa (Photo by Philipp von Ditfurth/picture alliance via Getty Images) During the French-language leaders' debate, candidates from four different political parties were asked a seemingly simple question that made for a rare quirky moment from the night. Radio-Canada's Patrice Roy, who moderated the Wednesday night debate, asked Mark Carney, Pierre Poilievre, Jagmeet Singh and Yves-François Blanchet what they had given up since the trade war began with the U.S. Before he was able to finish his question, Blanchet replied: "Strawberries! I buy them myself. They cost six bucks for a box." Roy chuckled and followed up to confirm if he had given up strawberries. Blanchet was quick to reveal he only buys Quebec strawberries. ADVERTISEMENT The moment briefly stuck with Canadian viewers following the debate online, some of whom seemed to have enjoyed the admission. French Debate is pretty good. All the "other" leaders said what they do not buy from the US is Strawberries, and that they do their own shopping. Carney said in an interview last week that he does not buy strawberries or anything, others buy for him — Bill Nadraszky (@billnad) April 16, 2025 This strawberries conversation is the least edifying part of the debate so far. — Andrew Coyne 🇺🇦🇮🇱🇬🇪🇲🇩 (@acoyne) April 16, 2025 Surprised no one said Spinach.. its one thing I miss about buying Canadian. Cant wait to grow my own soon. — Siva Swaminathan 🇨🇦 🌻 (@chezsiva) April 16, 2025 NDP leader Jagmeet Singh said he avoids American products as he shops for groceries himself and cooks at home. ADVERTISEMENT Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre said "I love beef," noting he only buys Canadian beef and no American strawberries either. Mark Carney took a slightly different route as he said he is not buying any more of the American wine, but all four leaders agreed they were not buying American strawberries. The leaders are asked to name one American product they've stopped buying. Carney says wine. Blanchet, Singh and Poilievre all say strawberries. The moderator says 'everyone's eating a lot of strawberries.' #cdnpol — Touria Izri (@TouriaIzri) April 16, 2025 Leaders were asked which American products they no longer buy at the debate. All mentioned food. Strawberries were mentioned a few times. I think the party leaders are hungry tonight. — Matt Dagley (@mattdagley) April 16, 2025 Tariffs on common Canadian goods Roy's question came as part of a larger discussion over how the leaders planned to tackle Donald Trump and his administration imposing additional tariffs on Canada. ADVERTISEMENT On March 4, 2025, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian exports, and 10 per cent on energy product exports from Canada. In response, the Canadian government imposed 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States. The 25 per cent retaliatory tariffs mean Canadians may have to pay more for a wide range of U.S. products. While light-hearted, the exchange highlighted a deeper political undercurrent — the everyday economic pressures facing Canadians during the U.S. tariff standoff. Trump's attacks against Canada — both annexation threats and tariff charges — have played a critical role in shaping the Canadian election over the last three months. For instance, the race to the finish line, which was a one-sided story back in Dec. 2024 in favour of Poilievre is now back to a tight race with the Liberals back in the game after polling their lowest numbers ever during Justin Trudeau's last days as prime minister. Trump's tariff policies seems to have put domestic issues like inflation, housing affordability and economic insecurity on the back-burner for Canadians remain concerned about their nation's identity and sovereignty.
