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ETSU to name College of Arts and Sciences after $15 million gift
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – East Tennessee State University announced a new name for its College of Arts and Sciences on Friday. The Phil and Martha Bachman College of Arts and Sciences, the…
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
Although Black men vote overwhelmingly Democratic, even small shifts in their support can help swing razor-thin elections. They are often some of the most scrutinized but least understood voters, a blind spot that political strategist Khalil Thompson wants to fix.
iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8 Ultra: Apple's and Samsung's Premium Foldables Compared
From durability to cameras and battery life, here's how the premium foldable phones stack up.
Cyberpunk: Edgerunners Is Overwatch's Next Big Anime Collaboration
Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition will also come to Battle.net later this year
Political debate over AI intensifies amid warnings about ‘catastrophic risk’
(CNN) — The debate around artificial intelligence is ramping up in Washington, with Democratic lawmakers sounding alarms on the dangers they say the technology poses and Republican leaders suggesting those concerns are inflated and secondary to winning the AI race with China.Some Democratic lawmakers last week pressured House Speaker Mike Johnson to reconvene the chamber immediately to work on AI regulation, citing what they describe as the “catastrophic risk posed by advanced artificial intelligence.” But the Louisiana Republican on Sunday resisted those calls, instead saying industry leaders should meet with lawmakers to find “balance” in any potential guardrails.“If Congress just races in and does some sort of emergency session to try to regulate AI, we will lose the race to China, and that is a threat to every single American,” Johnson said on CNN’s “State of the Union.”Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama told Democrats to make artificial intelligence regulation a central part of their agenda during a private fundraiser Thursday, warning that the technology could be dangerous “if we don’t get on top of it.”In a fireside chat with House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Obama said whoever runs in the 2028 presidential election should have a “very clear plan” on AI, adding that he saw the need for a “blueprint” on AI guardrails even at the end of his presidency a decade ago.“Certainly, if I were running for president next year, this would be one of my central agendas, and I would have a very clear plan, and I would talk about this, and I would say, ‘Here’s our plan for safety, here’s our plan for making sure our kids are not corrupted by this,’” he said, per excerpts of the remarks provided to CNN by his office. Obama’s remarks were first reported by the New York Times.Concerns over the rapid acceleration of AI reached a fever pitch after Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei wrote in a 3,800-word essay Saturday that the race to develop artificial intelligence is in dire need of a slowdown. The call to action came after an OpenAI test model breached the Hugging Face online platform, deepening concerns about cybersecurity.In an exclusive interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Saturday, Amodei called on industry leaders to work together to avoid “the wrong paths” and the possibility of AI harming humanity.One Anthropic researcher, Jacob Coxon, resigned from the firm over worries that the industry wasn’t doing enough to prevent AI from destroying humanity by the end of the decade.Obama said Democrats need a plan to get their agenda on AI underway should they win the House majority in this year’s midterms.Speaking to Jeffries, who is presumed to be speaker of the House should Democrats prevail in November, Obama said, “Once you are speaker, I would strongly urge that the Democrats put together a framework for a very public conversation, and you can break it out into three or four or five issues.”Obama stressed that the framework should be centered on the reality that the technology can’t be stuffed “back into a box.”“This is something that is moving very fast in private hands, and if we don’t get on top of it, I think can be dangerous. If we do get on top of it, I do think it’s beneficial,” Obama said, laying out examples of AI’s potential use in drug development and finding pathways to a clean energy future.“We don’t want to shut off those opportunities, but we have to understand that this is a tool,” he said.Jeffries agreed with the former president in a statement provided to CNN on Sunday.“President Obama is correct that decisive action must be taken on Artificial Intelligence,” he said, adding, “In the majority, we will move urgently on this issue with a legislative response that recognizes the importance of American companies continuing to lead in the Artificial Intelligence area, while putting in place meaningful guardrails that protect the American people from bad actors and the very real damage that can be done to humanity.”Jeffries also accused Republicans of having “abdicated their responsibility to govern” and said Democrats “will not repeat their error.”A source familiar with Obama’s thinking said the former president sees Amodei’s letter and similar reaction from other tech moguls as an encouraging development.But President Donald Trump waved off their concerns, saying he is not worried about any existential threat posed by AI, focusing instead on the US winning in its development of the technology over China.“We’re leading China in AI. We’re the most sophisticated country in the world, and frankly, I want to keep it that way,” Trump said to reporters at the Amgen Irish Open on Sunday.About the concerns expressed by Democrats and others over the technology, the president said, “I think you have a lot of negative forces that are bringing it up that shouldn’t be bringing it up, and they’re bringing up things that won’t happen.”One of Trump’s top economic advisers, Kevin Hassett, also rejected the calls for slowing the technology down, saying on Sunday the bigger concern is a scenario in which a “malevolent actor has access to an AI that’s better than the one we have that can protect us.”Hassett, the National Economic Council director, said on “State of the Union” the White House may hold meetings this week about addressing Amodei’s concerns, but he did not specify whether Trump had floated greater safeguards.“I have concerns that if we don’t win AI, we’re going to be put in a very bad position,” Hassett said. “We are leading China right now.”CNN’s Alison Main and Molly English contributed to this report.The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2026 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.THE-CNN-WIRE (TM) & © 2026 CABLE NEWS NETWORK, INC., A TIME WARNER COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Political debate over AI intensifies amid warnings about ‘catastrophic risk’
(CNN) — The debate around artificial intelligence is ramping up in Washington, with Democratic lawmakers sounding alarms on the dangers they say the technology poses and Republican leaders suggesting those
Political debate over AI intensifies amid warnings about ‘catastrophic risk’
The debate around artificial intelligence is ramping up in Washington, with Democratic lawmakers sounding alarms on the dangers they say the technology poses and Republican leaders suggesting those concerns are inflated and secondary to winning the AI race with China.
Political debate over AI intensifies amid warnings about ‘catastrophic risk’
(CNN) — The debate around artificial intelligence is ramping up in Washington, with Democratic lawmakers sounding alarms on the dangers they say the technology poses and Republican leaders suggesting those
Pam Oliver Has Painful Health Issue As NFL Fans Express Concern
Pam Oliver has revealed what she battles.
Nighttime bathroom trips could reveal hidden health issues
Getting out of bed once during the night to use the bathroom is common, but repeated trips could signal underlying issues, health experts warn.
Nighttime bathroom trips could reveal hidden health issues
Getting out of bed once during the night to use the bathroom is common, but repeated trips could signal underlying issues, health experts warn.
Former NBA Champion Discredits New Miami Heat's Giannis Antetokounmpo Skills
Channing Frye sparks debate by labeling the multi-time MVP a physical "running back" lacking technical finesse, reigniting the rivalry between pure athleticism and versatile shot-making dominance.
Celine Dion Delivers Emotional Speech at Paris Residency as She Says Health Battle Gave Her a New 'Reason for Living': Photos
Celine Dion suffers with Stiff Person Syndrome.
WDBJ7's New Political Program Opens With Data Center Debate and One-on-One With Virginia AG
WDBJ7's new Sunday program tackles Virginia's data center debate and a $353M Meta settlement in its first episode airing September 13.
Penn State Battles Past Temple: Post-Game Link Dump
Penn State had to deal with adversity after several missed opportunities lead to a slow start. The Nittany Lions defense continues to dominate with another tenacious performance. Matt Campbell discussed the time management situation at the end of the first half. The are concerns about Penn State’s rushing attack after the run game failed again […]
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
PHILADELPHIA — Ever since Democrat Kamala Harris lost the presidential election to Donald Trump two years ago, political strategist Khalil Thompson has been traveling the country to figure out why Black men inched toward a white Republican rather than a Black woman. Although Black men vote overwhelmingly Democratic, even small
The AI doomsday debate intensifies
In this Sunday edition of Business Insider Today, we're talking about the AI industry's existential angst, and its plan to slow everything down.
Debate: Masterson, Holscher clash over water, taxes and health care
Photo courtesy KWCH MARC JACOBSHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Republican
Russell dismisses wall scare as cause of Madrid qualifying slump
George Russell explained the difficult qualifying session that left him only sixth on the grid for the Madrid Grand Prix, while Mercedes teammate Kimi Antonelli will start from the front row alongside Lando Norris. The British driver endured a difficult qualifying session, once again losing out to the championship leader in the intra-team battle.
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ever since Democrat Kamala Harris lost the presidential election to Donald Trump two years ago, political strategist Khalil Thompson has been traveling the country to figure out why Black men inched toward a white Republican rather than a Black woman.
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Ever since Democrat Kamala Harris lost the presidential election to Donald Trump two years ago, political strategist Khalil Thompson has
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
Political strategist Khalil Thompson is on a mission to understand why some Black men leaned Republican in recent elections | 1080 WTIC NEWSTALK
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
Political strategist Khalil Thompson is on a mission to understand why some Black men leaned Republican in recent elections. His organization, Win With Black Men, aims to address this by
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
Political strategist Khalil Thompson is on a mission to understand why some Black men leaned Republican in recent elections | K-DAWN
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
Political strategist Khalil Thompson is on a mission to understand why some Black men leaned Republican in recent elections.
Inside a Philadelphia barbershop, Black men debate their political past and future
Political strategist Khalil Thompson is on a mission to understand why some Black men leaned Republican in recent elections.
Nanny Begins Babysitting Kids Who Never Watch Screens—Then Makes Discovery
A childcare worker's experience with one family has reignited the debate over young children and screens.
Today on Pinstripe Alley
The battle across local public transit concludes today.
Are fish farms the future of Gulf seafood? The stakes are high for Louisiana.
Aquaculture experiments are emerging in the Gulf and prompting intense debate. For Louisiana and its seafood industry and culture, the stakes are enormous.
This Week in Pokémon GO: September 14-20, 2026
Pokémon GO’s September 14-20 2026 week has us enter the second week of the season of Twilight Trails! We welcome the new season with the end of the Mega Squads event, celebrate Pokémon Horizons with a new event, and Super Mega Staraptor Raid Day. Plus the weekly rotating Raid Hours, Spotlight Hour, Dynamax Battles and […]
Sky Sports expert’s verdict on Newcastle United and a struggle to disagree with much of this
The Sky Sports column ‘Jones Knows’ has given some interesting analysis and commentary on what is currently the position at Newcastle United. The column makes predictions on what will happen at certain Premier League matches and also debates other matters/issues at clubs as well.
Friday Football: Helias takes care of business with shutout of Battle
The Helias Crusaders got exactly what they wanted Friday night: jump out to a big lead, get the starters out of the game for the second half, finish with a shutout. “The challenge all week was to play to our standard,” Helias coach Chris Hentges said Friday night after the Crusaders rolled to a 52-0 win against the Battle Spartans in a Central Missouri Activities Conference contest at Ray Hentges Stadium.
Atlanta Beltline expands small-business incubator with 13 businesses
The Atlanta Beltline has expanded its small-business incubator program to 13 businesses, adding entrepreneurs offering everything from vegan food and desserts to fashion, gifts, specialty foods and ha...
Atlanta Beltline expands small-business incubator with 13 businesses
The Atlanta Beltline Marketplace program provides affordable commercial space and business mentoring to local entrepreneurs.
Fans Believe Jeremiah Smith Cemented His Heisman Win Tonight
What was supposed to be a close battle of top top-five teams like last year's Ohio State-Texas game has turned into "The Jeremiah Smith Show."
Messi scores but Miami held by Nashville
Lionel Messi extended his incredible scoring streak against MLS-leaders Nashville on Saturday as Inter Miami battled to a 2-2 draw in their top-of-the-table Eastern Conference clash. And Messi could have even improved his goals record against in Saturday's game between the first and second-placed sides in the Eastern Conference.
Your Employer's Health Plan Is the Single Largest Tax Break in America, and It Never Shows Up on Your Return
The biggest tax break most American workers receive never appears on their return, never gets debated at filing time, and quietly delivers a bigger federal subsidy to higher earners than anything they could ever itemize.
Grading Arizona football’s performance in loss to BYU
In the first big test of the season, Arizona traveled to BYU and kept in touch with the Cougars but ultimately fell 28-17 in a hard fought battle. In the first half, the Wildcats looked like they were up to the task but a second half shutout killed any confidence from the first 30 minutes. […]
Celine Dion returns to the stage after battling rare illness
The Canadian singer opened up her 16-show residency in Paris at the Plenitude Arena. The entire series is sold out.
BRPD: Two arrested after narcotics search at business on South Choctaw Drive
Two people were arrested after the Baton Rouge Police Department detectives executed a search warrant at a local business.
Twins 4, Guardians 3: Coming Out Party
That the article editor’s thumbnail selector offered two dozen images of a beaming Emmanuel Rodriguez, smiling as he jogged around the basepaths with his fist in the air, should tell you everything you need to know about the top prospect’s first major-league at-bat. A 2-1 fastball was swiftly deposited 420 into left-center field, tying the […]
St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago White Sox Game Discussion Saturday
After a rousing St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame ceremony where Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and Bill Sherdel were immortalized, the team will take the field and do battle with the Chicago White Sox Saturday night. Kyle Leahy will get the start (for a couple innings at least) while Chicago sends Luis Castillo to the […]
Céline Dion breaks down in tears as she makes her emotional return to the stage after yearslong health battle
BRPD: Two arrested after narcotics search at business on South Choctaw Drive
Baton Rouge Police said two people were arrested after narcotics detectives seized marijuana, a handgun, and cash from a business on South Choctaw Drive.
Saturday Night Open Thread: Giving the dirty bird (Week 1)
Come and join this merry band of Steelers’ faithful for some lively debate about our Steelers, good food, music, and the merits of the odd cold beverage.
😱 Is Diomandé worth 140m? The video fuelling the debate
The debate over Yan Diomandé is ongoing. After becoming the most expensive signing in Real Madrid’s history at a fee of 140 million euros, the player has yet to dispel doubts about his true level i...
Hundreds of thousands of finger light toys sold on Amazon recalled over swallowing risk
Hundreds of thousands of children's finger light toys recalled after the CPSC warned their button cell batteries pose swallowing and burn risks.
Tigers roar and rally to down the Rockies again
This was a wild, woolly one, but the kids came through with great at-bats late to rally and take down the Rockies.
Joanna Gaines reveals soul-weary experience that made her pause Magnolia brand
HGTV alum Joanna Gaines explained why she and her husband, Chip Gaines, decided to take a three-month sabbatical from their Magnolia brand.
Kansas candidates for governor used the State Fair debate to call each other extremists
At the State Fair debate, Democrat Cindy Holscher tied Republican Ty Masterson to former Gov. Sam Brownback, while Masterson compared Holscher to national Democrats. Both hope to court independent voters.
Brief 9/11 ceremony exchange between Mamdani, AOC sparks political backlash
A brief video of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a 9/11 ceremony sparked backlash and debate over its context.
Health officials provide warning after possibly rabid bat found at New England zoo
Rhode Island health officials are warning the public that a bat at a local zoo may have been infected with rabies.
Immigration reporting measure fuels debate over Colorado’s role with ICE
A coalition of advocacy groups and several district attorneys rallied outside the Colorado Capitol on Thursday to oppose a ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, would require state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Backed by Advance Colorado, Proposition 81 would require local law enforcement agencies to notify […]
Nighttime bathroom trips could reveal hidden health issues
Nocturia affects half of adults over 50, but experts say frequent nighttime urination could signal sleep apnea, diabetes or an enlarged prostate.
Orange County School Board candidate Diana Moore faced parent and colleague complaints, suspensions as teacher
Her co-workers call her confrontational and combative. Moore says she's just asking questions.
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Chicago Cubs: Paul Skenes vs. Clay Holmes
The Bucs are battling to finish the year but the MLB Playoffs are slipping away.
Atlanta Beltline expands small-business incubator with 13 businesses
The Atlanta Beltline expanded its marketplace incubator to 13 businesses across four locations, including many Black-owned shops.
How Recent Roster Move Impacts Toronto Blue Jays' Brett Bateman
The rookie seemed to get a vote of confidence from the organization on Friday afternoon.
Amid uptick in rabies calls across US, bats are main threat in Sonoma County
Sonoma County health officials have a simple message for anyone who finds a dead bat: don’t touch it — it may have rabies.
Single California condor mother gets help raising her chick
After coming back from the brink of extinction in the 1980s, the birds are still considered critically endangered.
Dear Abby | Relative's gift came with strings attached
Dear Abby: About 15 years ago, my nephew gave me a birthday gift of a baseball bat signed by a top player. I love baseball, so it was a lovely
Broncos vs. Chiefs: 3 Players to Watch in Week 1
The Denver Broncos battle the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. Here are three players that need to perform well to earn a victory.
Notes: MLB expansion, position players pitching, 2028 Olympics
One aspect of the upcoming labor battle this offseason, after the collective bargaining agreement expires on December 1, is Major League Baseballs desire to expand from 30 to 32 teams. MLB’s last expansion was in 1998, and Jeff Passan at ESPN in his outline of potential new cities notes that commissioner Rob Manfred wants the […]
TV broadcast map for Bears vs. Panthers in Week 1
The Chicago Bears will battle the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. See if the game will be on in your part of the country.
Germany’s Political Tailspin: Your Weekly SPIEGEL Recap
It might be tempting to dismiss the results of last Sunday’s state election in Saxony-Anhalt, in which the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party raked in 43.8 percent of the vote, as a rather unimportant extremist blip in a state that hardly anyone can find on the map. And you wouldn’t necessarily be wrong to do so. The state’s population – around 2.1 million – is a mere 2.5 percent of the German total. And while the state capital of Magdeburg was once the political heart of the Holy Roman Empire back when Otto the Great used to hang out there (more than a millenium … no … milennium … nope … millennium ago), it is today something of a backwater, albeit one with a ginormous cathedral in its center. We wanted to briefly interrupt this week’s newsletter to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of our subscribers, both new and old. And to remind you all that a free subscription gets you access to this newsletter every Saturday. A paid subscription, by contrast, gets you one DER SPIEGEL article every weekday, delivered to your inbox. We strive to select pieces that both demonstrate what Europe’s leading newsmagazine has to offer and provide an international audience – namely, you – with an insight into how Germany and Europe view the world. If you haven’t already signed up for a paid subscription, please consider doing so if you can. Our Substack channel relies entirely on reader support and we are excited to continue offering you the best of DER SPIEGEL. Subscribe But even beyond the fact that a huge percentage of the voters in the state decided to place an X next to a party with an ideological lineage that runs rather directly back to the right-wing extremist soup out of which the Nazi Party was born, the results are a perfect example of a phenomenon that has been plaguing German elections in recent years: the lack of an obvious path to a majority. Call it the Balkanization of German politics. There are a number of developments driving the phenomenon, but for the purposes of this newsletter, here are two of the most salient: Persistent voter frustration with the country’s two (former) big-tent parties – the Christian Democrats (CDU) on the center-right (17.2 percent in Saxony-Anhalt last Sunday) and the Social Democrats (SPD) on the center-left (9.3 percent). The presence of parties on the far left (Left Party), the populist left (the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance – BSW) and the far right (AfD) with which mainstream parties are reluctant to form coalitions. So what happens now? Stories of the Week A Lack of Leadership The answer for many people in the country, and particularly within the CDU, is clear: pin (some of) the blame on Chancellor Friedrich Merz. According to a survey taken directly after the election in Saxony-Anhalt, 88 percent of respondents agreed with the statement that if the federal government in Berlin were doing a better job, the AfD wouldn’t be as strong. And it is true that the predominant impression of the federal government ever since Merz was sworn in on May 6, 2025, is one of ineffectiveness and bickering. His rather unique combination of bumbling-plus-bravado has also not exactly endeared him to the German public. Indeed, his standing in the country is so shaky that his popularity – according to recent polls – has now dropped even below the historic lows associated with his predecessor Olaf Scholz. The situation is such that the CDU even opted to keep him largely out of the campaign ahead of the Saxony-Anhalt vote. And since then, dissatisfied rumblings within the CDU have grown louder. DER SPIEGEL’s Swantje Karich notes that the problems with the CDU go much deeper than Merz. “The center-right has a trust problem. At a press appearance following the devastating election result in Saxony-Anhalt, Friedrich Merz said that the party wanted to ‘reach people more effectively’ through ‘emotional engagement.’ It sounded as though he were announcing a political program. On the basis of that statement, it is difficult to take his empathy seriously.” “The Chancellor’s chastened appearance did, at least, reveal where he stands: with his back to the wall. Elections will be held in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania next week, and the CDU could fare even worse there. The party is polling at between 8 and 10 percent in the state.” “What is at stake is the political tradition that has lent stability to the Federal Republic since 1945: a democratic conservatism that understands what must be preserved, but also how to embrace progress and openness to the world. If the Union continues along its current path, it risks becoming politically irrelevant after the 2029 federal election – and Germany could soon find itself with a government of the far right.” The Trumpification of Political Debate? It is often said in Germany that to understand the political and social trends that will soon be dominant in Europe, one need only look across the Atlantic to the United States. When it comes to political debate, that has certainly proven true. Donald Trump understood early on that triggering mouth-foaming outrage among Democrats is an ideal way to both generate headlines and to secure loyalty among supporters. And he realized that far more quickly than the left side of the political spectrum understood that simply ignoring the old man might be the best recipe. To be sure, there have been signs recently that the US president may be over-relying on the strategy. Earlier this week, in an apparent grandpa-discovers-AI moment, Trump sent out 60 posts in the space of 10 hours, many of them AI-assisted images portraying him as a hero – or showing Iceland as part of the US (outrageous!!!). It was also during that slew of schlock that he explicitly backed the AfD with an “MGGA” post. In Germany, though, the outrage cycle remains in full swing, with much of the focus on those who would dare to vote for the AfD. They are alternately portrayed as being dim-witted, ungrateful, backward, racist or all of the above. That, argues DER SPIEGEL columnist Sabine Rennefanz, is not particularly helpful. “Everywhere on election night, people spoke of a watershed moment, a rupture, a turning point. But what is that supposed to mean in concrete terms? A watershed would imply an interruption, a moment of pause – perhaps even a willingness to rethink and learn. At first, there was little sign of that in the main television panels. Instead, the familiar rituals that had already shaped the election campaign continued: outrage, lecturing and abuse.” “That’s just the tone, one might object. They’re only talk shows. Given that the party’s state branch has been classified by domestic intelligence officials as confirmed right-wing extremist, there are more important problems than hurt feelings on television. Yet although the condescending tone is not the cause of the AfD’s success, it is an expression of the broader mood within the so-called political center – a kind of institutional blindness that too often treats material concerns as a communications problem.” “People have a pretty good sense of whether you like them – whether you approach them with curiosity or merely study, lecture and manage them as a problem group. They notice whether you genuinely want to understand their fears and pain, or whether you are simply waiting for the chance to correct them. They can also tell whether someone still has the energy to change things, or whether they have barricaded themselves behind platitudes and empty phrases.” “Anyone who wants an egalitarian democratic society cannot promise equality only to those whose language, tastes and moral convictions they share. They must also acknowledge the wounds, resentments and fears of those whose political conclusions they consider wrong. Acknowledging them does not mean agreeing with them. But a democracy that communicates with almost half its citizens only through warnings and labels gives up on political debate before it has even begun. An atmosphere must be created in which people can express their opinions without fearing that they will be canceled. We are currently a long way from that.” East-West? One of the clear undercurrents in the election last Sunday was, of course, Germany’s ongoing east-west divide, particularly as it pertains to the success of the AfD. Historically, the party has been far stronger in the former East German states than in former West German states. The fact that this generalization no longer reliably holds is certainly one of the primary concerns that many have about the party’s growth. And yet, there is still a distinct flavor of “stupid easterners, they don’t understand democracy” to the coverage. In the weeks before the vote, there was even a rather interesting back-and-forth in Germany’s culture pages about how ungrateful eastern Germans allegedly are for being pulled out of their pre-reunification backwardness and into the light of the West. DER SPIEGEL’s Jochen-Martin Gutsch has had enough. “Ten years ago, in 2016, elections were also held in Saxony-Anhalt. The AfD won more than 20 percent, which at the time rightly provoked outrage and incomprehension in western Germany. Today, in 2026, the AfD is also polling at around 20 percent in western German states, but this no longer provokes outrage and incomprehension. Instead, it is now regarded as proof of democratic conviction and civilizational resistance. After all, in the east, it’s 40 percent!” “This allows people to continue feeling morally superior to the East, but the wiser course would be to admit: if something doesn’t happen soon, the West will turn AfD-blue too. Or bluish.” “But will anything happen? The truly depressing thing about election night was not so much the AfD leaders intoxicated by their own success. It was the representatives of the other parties, who once again said that they were utterly shocked, needed some time to digest the result and would, of course, not simply return to business as usual. The SPD, a former big-tent party, celebrated its ‘stable’ result of 9.3 percent. Congratulations!” “For 10 years, the AfD has gone from one electoral success to the next. And still, the established parties remain ‘shocked’ and scratch their heads in astonishment. How long can they keep being shocked? Friedrich Merz says he may need to communicate his reform ideas in a more ‘emotional’ way. So the CDU’s political professionals sit down together after the election, mull over a strategy, and in the end come up with this: Fritz, try to be a little more relaxed, charismatic and emotional – or something. Beyond that: no political plan, no defiance, no promise of a future. That is frightening.” What was good, what was bad for democracy? Good: Voter turnout in Saxony-Anhalt was 77.8 percent, the highest ever recorded in the state. Whatever one thinks of the result, that figure is encouraging. Democracy needs citizens to take an interest. Bad: Although a strong AfD result had been expected in Saxony-Anhalt, many politicians from the mainstream parties – including in Berlin – appeared confused, helpless and overwhelmed in their initial reactions. That is not how they will win back voters’ trust. Last Week’s Highlights: 🗳️ Meet the Germans Who Voted for the AfD: Why would voters in a country like Germany, with its Nazi past, vote for a right-wing party? It’s a question only an editor in Berlin could come up with. On the ground, the view is different. 🟦 How the AfD Wants to Expand Its Power Across Germany: The far-right AfD is planning to decimate public broadcasting in Saxony-Anhalt, revamp education and install extremists in positions of power. And it is eyeing victory on the national stage as well. 🕯️ The Continuing Reverberations of September 11: It was a generational shock, and the consequences can still be felt today - from massive surveillance and significant increases in presidential power to violent excesses at ICE. 🤝 “For Europe, Canada Is the Preferred Partner in Trans-Atlantic Relations”: In an interview with DER SPIEGEL, Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne discusses his country’s failed trade deal with the US and why Canada is looking to Europe. 🏛️ The True Historical Roots of the AfD: During the Weimar Republic in the 1920s, there were numerous parties on the extreme right espousing “Germany first” nationalism. The Nazis may not be the best comparison for today’s AfD. 🌊 AfD in a Landslide: Merz Is the Wrong Leader for Germany: The right-wing Alternative for Germany won in a landslide in Saxony-Anhalt state elections on Sunday. What does that mean for the country at large? Thank you for your continued support and have a wonderful week! Subscribe Share Leave a comment Your SPIEGEL Substack Team Compiled and edited by Charles Hawley
How to Watch the Iowa Hawkeyes vs Iowa State Cyclones
The Hawkeyes are back in Kinnick hosting the Iowa State Cyclones in the battle for the Cy-Hawk Trophy!
State Fair continues Saturday with candidate debates, entertainment
(Hutch Post photo) MARC JACOBSHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — The Kansas
5 Small Business Ideas for People Who Want a 4 Day Workweek
These small business ideas allow for longer weekends by batching jobs, charging recurring fees, or concentrating work on a given four-day period.
Colorado Politics Calendar Sept. 14-20
CoPo’s weekly political calendar will help you find political and public-policy events throughout Colorado. It includes candidate and issue campaign events, public policy meetings, court hearings, state and local party conventions, assemblies, debates, rallies, parades, speaking engagements, traveling dignitary appearances, water meetings, book signings, county commission hearings, city council meetings and more. As a subscriber, […]
Bat at Providence zoo prompts rabies warning from RI health officials
A bat showed signs of having rabies at a Providence, Rhode Island, zoo last month, health officials said Friday.
Huddle Highlights
Here's your final scores as teams battled it out in Week 3 of The Huddle
Kauai residents, business assess destruction after Hurricane Lowell batters south shore
Hurricane Lowell’s storm surge flooded south shore Kauaʻi homes along Hoʻona and Lāwaʻi roads and shoved a longstanding shave ice shack into a pond.
Kauai residents, business assess destruction after Hurricane Lowell batters south shore
Hurricane Lowell’s storm surge flooded South Shore Kauaʻi homes along Hoʻona and Lāwaʻi roads and shoved a longstanding shave ice shack into a pond.
Firefighters still battling health effects 25 years after 9/11
One of the most comprehensive efforts to understand the cancer risks firefighters face began at the Tucson Fire Department.
Local American Red Cross volunteer recalls Ground Zero response, health battle on 25th anniversary of 9/11
21Alive News at 6
Weather forecast for Auburn's Week 2 game vs Southern Miss
Fans attending Saturday's game between Auburn and Southern Miss will be battling high temperatures and possibly a few rain drops.
Albany County Flock case fuels push for ALPR guardrails
An Albany County sheriff's investigator is accused of conducting more than 4,000 unauthorized Flock camera searches. The case is renewing debate over privacy, police oversight, and proposed statewide rules for license plate readers.
Politics Needs More Pragmatism
To the Editor: It’s no secret that our political climate has grown wildly polarized and shockingly partisan. I recall growing up in a time when the hot topics for debate […]
Laurel police charge man with hiding camera in business bathroom
The man was charged with two counts of violation of privacy, felony charges, following his arrest.
Vikings-Packers Week 1 score predictions from the Bring Me The Sports staff
Our writers are pretty confident in the home team heading into this Border Battle showdown.
The Witcher 3's New Weapon Was 'Impossible' 11 Years Ago
The Witcher 3's upcoming Songs of the Past DLC finally gives Geralt a chain
GOP and Democratic officials in Nashville unite over renaming airport for Dolly Parton
In Nashville, Tennessee, Republican and Democratic leaders are in an ugly partisan battle over who controls the city's airport, but they agree on one thing | 1080 WTIC NEWSTALK
Three Bills Questionable For Week 1 Against The Texans
Buffalo faces a depth test in Houston as three players across the roster battle injuries, potentially forcing the team to elevate practice squad talent for Sunday's opener.
GOP and Democratic officials in Nashville unite over renaming airport for Dolly Parton
In Nashville, Tennessee, Republican and Democratic leaders are in an ugly partisan battle over who controls the city's airport, but they agree on one thing.
Immigration‑reporting measure fuels debate over Colorado’s role with ICE
A coalition of advocacy groups, community members, and several district attorneys rallied outside the Colorado Capitol on Thursday to oppose a ballot measure that, if approved by voters in November, would require state and local law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Backed by the interest group Advance Colorado, Proposition 81 would require law […]
Could Clowney Be Nets Most Improved Player in 2026-27?
With an elite foul-drawing rate and explosive statistical growth, the young forward is mirroring NBA superstars as he battles for a long-term future in Brooklyn’s rotation.
Could Latinos flip this Colorado district blue?
Colorado’s 8th Congressional District is a battleground: evenly divided politically, 40% Hispanic and critical in deciding control of Congress. John King talks to voters to explore whether the Latino trend toward President Trump continues.
New business incubator aims to transform North Lake Charles
A new business hub is coming to north Lake Charles, aiming to give local entrepreneurs a hyper-local launchpad for success. “We already have the McNeese SEED Center, which is a […]
New Additions: LSU & FMOL Health Nursing Wing
LSU students are now able to earn that nursing degree right here close to home. This new addition located in Huey p. Long Field give students that chance to earn a bachelor’s degree right here in Baton Rouge As well as giving these students the skills they will need once they enter the healthcare field...
Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan Score Prediction
Fresh off a gritty victory over Toledo, the Spartans must stifle former teammate Noah Kim and a hungry Eagles offense to remain undefeated in this heated intrastate battle.
SC television group requiring candidates to sign non-compete clauses for upcoming debate season
Television stations owned by Gray Media are allegedly requiring participants in upcoming debates for governor and U.S. Senate to agree not to work with their competition to participate.
Massive Bold Prediction For Orlando Magic Season
Health remains the ultimate gamble as Orlando’s core aims for statistical dominance. With a new head coach and battle-tested stars, the Magic must prove their elite potential.
Politics Friday: How 9/11 changed Minnesota and the nation
Friday at noon, we kick off a season to cover the midterm election. For the next several weeks, we'll bring you interviews with candidates, voices of voters and some head-to-head debates. It’s just a taste of what's in store as Election Day approaches where the state will pick a new governor, U.S. senator and much more.
House Panel Weighs Energy Costs as Small Business Demand Grows
House subcommittee hearing reveals energy policy clash over small business costs. Experts debate resource needs and opportunities. Read the latest.
Deregulation Debate: Business Groups vs. Labor on Workplace Rules
Trump administration pushes to repeal 60+ workplace regulations. Business groups vs. labor unions clash over worker protections. See the debate.
“Dark Knight” actor makes rare comment on moment he learned costar Heath Ledger died
Gary Oldman reflected on Ledger’s 2008 death, after he and the Australian actor starred in Christopher Nolan’s acclaimed “The Dark Knight” Batman movie.
Ground Zero volunteer battles lung cancer 25 years after 9/11: "They forgot about us"
Real-life nudist resort forced to speak out after appearing in GTA VI leak
A real-life nudist resort has spoken out after a similar-looking business appeared in Cyberleek's GTA VI development leak as set pulses racing.