MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- According to a recent report from Deutsche Welle, the historic Hofbräukeller in the heart of Munich was forced go ahead with a planned party event hosted by the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany (AfD), the German court ruled. The hall proprietor claimed concern for the famous hall's reputation and security.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- The votes are in, America, and the best country in the world is ...

(Drum roll, please.)

It's Germany. Sorry, United States, you're fourth — right behind third-ranked Britain and second-ranked Canada. But, hey, America beat Sweden!

Munich (MunichNOW Life) -- We are in the middle of one of the truly great times in Germany. Though this winter was mild it is still a big deal, this springtime festival.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW Arts) -- Founded in 2009 by the brothers Marco and Raiko Schwalbe, the STROKE Art Fair's vision from the very beginning was to realize a vision of art, design, and urban lifestyle in the 21st century for as wide an audience as possible.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- 1st May is Maypole Day in Bavaria and a day for the local folklore group dressed in their finest costumes to gather all the villagers together to celebrate this important annual occasion. Each and every maypole is uniquely decorated with ribbons, wreaths or signs denoting local craftsmen’s guilds.

A MunichNOW Interview

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW Life ) -- We have been seeing some postings on social media about an event this weekend with the unusual title of "500 Artists Say Hello" and wanted to find out more about just what this is. We managed to track down the busy woman behind it all, Emmy Horstkamp, and she was kind enough to give us the scoop on the this unique art event.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- According to recent reports from the Muenchen.de website, there is renewed interest in extending the existing pedestrian zone at the northern end of Sendlinger Straße all the way down to Sendlinger Tor.

MUNICH -- MunichNOW News) -- The doors have opened on the 31st edition of bauma, the world’s leading Trade Fair for Construction Machinery, Building Material Machines, Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- Turning Tables is a refugee integration project that was started by expats and Germans in October 2015 and is part of Thrive International e.V., a not-for-profit organization based in Munich that focuses on promoting cultural understanding, tolerance and education.

Munich - (MunichNOW News) -- The well-known landmark Hugendubel store on Marienplatz has made significant progress in the planned 18 month renovation of the landmark building. 

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW Life) -- The Easter bunny,  Sunday morning Easter egg hunts, and chocolate bunnies are all part of the popular spring holiday tradition. Along with these more modern customs, there are also historical traditions. While not as well-known, these traditions are still alive in many parts of Bavaria.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- German car producer BMW Group announced on Wednesday that its group revenues last year hit a new record for the sixth consecutive year.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- As the US Presidential election process moves through its series of nomination primaries it has become readily apparent that more than ever before - every vote counts.

MUNICH -- ( MunichNOW NEWS) -- Cyclists, taxis and buses have been banned from Marienplatz due to the renovation work of the Hugendubel building, but there are also further plans to extend the pedestrian zone in the long term.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry arrived here in Munich late Wednesday night to participate in the 52nd Munich Security Conference.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW Opinion) -- Why radical politicians dominate the US election campaign - Opinion from William Clark, a student at the Bavarian International School in Munich.

GRAFING (MunichNOW Life) -- The untimely death of musician, singer, producer, actor and artist David Bowie was a shock to everyone. His parting gift was a mysterious new studio album; his 27th, “Blackstar”, which some critics, even before his death cited as the best he’s ever made - and two haunting videos leaving us with everlasting images of a man who knew his end was near.

MUNICH (MunichNOW News) -- Munich Airport reveals how deploying a crew of 179 and state-of-the-art equipment helps maintain flight operations on runways, taxiways and aprons during winter weather conditions.

Munich (MunichNOW LIFE) -- There are plenty of ways to enjoy a wide range of winter sports without having to snap on your skis.

Bavaria’s ski resorts also offer well prepared sled runs, snow tubing runs, snow parks for freestyle fans and ice sport centres all guaranteeing a wealth of wonderful winter fun and games.

How do you fancy spending the night in an igloo or going for a ride in a piste groomer?

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- The tunnel project underneath the English Garden has been a discussion topic among Munich’s politicians and citizens for almost five years now. In order to move things along supports of the tunnel have now set up an information stand with a 3D model of the tunnel in the English Garden hoping that Munich’ citizens will approve of their project once they understand the details.

MUNICHNOW COMMENT:
MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- It´s hard to miss the headlines in the media, no matter whether they’re on TV or in the newspapers: “New refugees every day”; “Thousands on the run”; “Escaping home”. It goes on and on.

MUNICH (MunichNOW News) -- In this age of über-Christmas commercialism, Germany has somehow kept a sense of mysticism alive in its long nights, warm, cozy Wirtshouses, Christmas markets, and candle-lit Christmas trees. This mysticism is also kept alive in the eerie tradition of Krampus: the devil-faced, horn-headed, whip-bearing “companion” to St. Nick.

MUNICH (MunichNOW News) -- Munich holds its traditional Christmas Market from November 27th to December 24th 2015 on Marienplatz (St. Mary’s Square) in the center of Munich. A huge Christmas tree covered in lights towers over the many stands all aglow with pre-Christmas magic. Advent music is performed live every evening at 5.30 p.m. from the balcony of the Town Hall.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- Munich is losing its bookstores faster than you can say “Amazon Prime”. After Hugendubel at Marienplatz almost closed down but was saved with last minute reprieve, Munich may now be facing the loss of two more chain bookstores under the Weltbild brand.

MUNICH -- (MunichNOW News) -- The proposal for the reunification of the English Garden has found a large number of supporters. Citizens, the media, and politics are getting involved in this project. Even though the building costs have been estimated at around 70 million euros, which are not available at the moment, the participants still seem to edge on the project.

A guest commentary from Munich's own Fat Girl With Glasses at Oktoberfest time...

Munich (Germany) is a city filled with diversity and has welcomed me as a foreigner with an open mind and heart since I set foot here 13 years ago, much as they have recently thousands of refugees. I am super proud to live here!

MUNICH --  (MunichNOW Life) -- It's that time of the year again: All around Munich Dirndl and Lederhosen are being taken out of the closet, stores are starting the big Trachten (the traditional Bavarian dress) sale and tents are being planned. Yes, Oktoberfest time is coming closer and, of course, the most important part of Oktoberfest has to be considered also: the beer “glass” or to be precise, the Maßkrug, the all-important mug you drink your beer from at Oktoberfest.