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Reports: Kennedy Center warns of bankruptcy unless Trump’s name returns
Officials at the Kennedy Center warn it faces “certain fiscal collapse” within weeks unless President Donald Trump’s name is added back to the building, according to documents obtained by The New York Times and The Washington Post.
More data, more answers? A 1.9 million-person health study shows why scale has limits
Researchers analyzed phenotypic and linked health-record data from more than 1.9 million adults in Our Future Health, comparing demographic characteristics, disease patterns, clinical associations, and rare-condition case counts with national data and other major cohorts. The cohort's size provides unusually large samples for many common and less common conditions, although its demographic composition and current data sources require careful consideration when interpreting population-level estimates.
Statewide assessments demonstrate ELA and math recovery accelerate as science reaches record high
The Utah State Board of Education release 2025-2026 statewide assessment results in Utah show English Language Arts (ELA) and mathematics recovery accelerating, and science results reaching record highs. The Big Picture The 2025–2026 Utah statewide assessment results demonstrate continuous multi-year academic growth following pandemic-related disruptions. Across all core subjects, student performance increased year-over-year, reflecting sustained multi-year gains.Most notably, Science performance has exceeded pre-pandemic baseline levels, while English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics are closing in on full recovery. Assessment results are available interactively […]
Josiah Trotter has Historic Debut in Buccaneers Loss
Buccaneers rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter made history on Sunday, becoming the only player in NFL history to record a pick-six and a sack in his debut.
Early Sun May Have Devoured A Super-Earth, Scientists Say
According to research, adding a swallowed planet to the Sun's early history solves these mysteries all at once.
Takeaways from Memphis’ 18-point loss to Boise State
Memphis lost for the first time in the Charles Huff era Saturday night against Boise State. The Tigers led by 14 points in the first half, but the Broncos dominated the second half to record an 18-point victory.
EPA poised to repeal carbon standards for coal, gas power plants
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected to formally rescind carbon pollution standards for fossil fuel-fired power plants as soon as Monday, according to people familiar with the matter. The
Japan’s biomass energy boom threatens further deforestation in Indonesia
Expanding deforestation in Indonesia caused by the country’s wood pellet and chip industry is putting further pressure on tropical forests, Key Biodiversity Areas, and Indigenous territories in the archipelago, according
My Chemical Romance hint at first new album in over 15 years: ‘You guys deserve another record’
Killjoys, make some noise!
Jhené Aiko Announces First Album in Six Years, 'Westside Whimsy’
The R&B singer's follow-up to 2020's 'Chilombo' lands Sept. 11 via Def Jam Recordings.
4 Steps for the Perfect Fall Reset, According to a Mental Health Expert
Start by observing your routine, pick one or two priorities, make a more/less list, and treat missed goals as information instead of failure.
Convicted sex offender offered opening prayer at rally for GOP Senate nominee in North Carolina
A North Carolina pastor who led the opening prayer at a recent campaign stop for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley is a registered sex offender, twice sentenced to prison. Records
Highlights! You want to see some dead bodies?
We were all expecting a lopsided affair on Friday night, but I’m not sure anyone anticipated the sort of lopsided affair that involves breaking century-old records and setting multiple Carter-Finley Stadium records. Over 700 yards of offense, over 400 rushing yards, 10 different guys with at least one carry—seven of them with at least one […]
Jade Warshaw breaks down record-high 401(k) balances
"The Ramsey Show" co-host Jade Warshaw discusses why Americans' 401(k) balances have reached record highs and shares her advice for building long-term wealth.
Kenyon Sadiq picks up first career touchdown
Jets TE Kenyon Sadiq records rushing touchdown and three catches in Week 1
T.J. Watt joins rare group in NFL History
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt had a banner day in the season opener against the Atlanta Falcons. Watt recorded a pick-six, two sacks and two tackles for losses.
Denzel Boston records first NFL TD
Browns rookie Denzel Boston scored in his first NFL game in Jacksonville.
Inside Hegseth’s push to showcase Iran rescue on ‘60 Minutes’
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and political appointees in his department pushed for the US airmen whose F-15 was shot down over Iran in April to participate in Sunday’s highly publicized “60 Minutes” report about their rescue operation, according to sources. CNN’s Brian Stelter reports.
3 Plano restaurants closed for serious health violations, roaches seen at others
Three Plano restaurants were temporarily closed for serious health violations, according to the latest city health inspections.
Arizona football opens as five-touchdown favorite vs. Northern Illinois
Arizona football hasn’t covered the spread in its first two games of the season, but that didn’t stop oddsmakers from setting a large spread for the Wildcats’ game against Northern Illinois. Arizona has opened as a 35.5-point favorite over NIU, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The over/under is 50.5 points. The game kicks off Saturday at […]
Will record donations to Reform be a moment of political change?
Andy Burnham is likely to face fresh pressure to further change the rules on party donations, writes Jack Fenwick.
A night of fire: Krakatau’s eruption amazes scientists with rare spectacle - Futura-Sciences
A Legendary Volcano With a Fearsome Reputation Krakatau (or Krakatoa, for those fond of old spelling bees) is not just any volcano: it’s a name that echoes through the annals of disaster. Most famously, its 1883 eruption unleashed the loudest sound ever recorded by humans, with the bang heard as...
Apple planning three major changes for its retail stores, per report
Apple is preparing “major changes” to its retail stores, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Perhaps most notably, the...
Pennsylvania woman dies of measles-related complications, local coroner says
The 40-year-old woman, who was from Jefferson County was unvaccinated, according to the coroner.
CDC issues advisory on uptick in rabies exposures. See where N.Y. stands
According to data from the New York State Department of Health, around 150 animals across the state have tested positive for rabies this year.
Promising Entertainment Stocks To Add to Your Watchlist
Verizon Communications, Walt Disney, Spotify Technology, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Live Nation Entertainment are the five Entertainment stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeat's stock screener tool. Entertainment stocks are shares of publicly traded companies involved in producing, distrib
LG officially denies reports that its smart TVs are secretly recording users
The company responded to accusations that it created a spy network in people's homes.
Coventry 0-5 Brighton: What Hurzeler said
On Bart Verbruggen's performance: "Big saves and we know that we have a great goalkeeper so really good to have him." On Lewis Dunk's goal: "We always know that he has a great technique with his right foot and we know that he has the courage so I'm happy that he gets his rewards." Since his Premier League debut in August 2017, Brighton's Pascal Gross has now recorded 50 assists in the competition, the joint-fourth most by any midfielder in this period (level with Bernardo Silva on 50).
Two Ways Brewers Made Franchise History vs. Reds
The Milwaukee Brewers shattered a 36-year scoring record in a win over the Cincinnati Reds and reached an unprecedented 37 games over .500.
Brandon Johnson launches re-election bid — this time as the unpopular incumbent
He's seeking a second term, this time with a record to tout — and defend — among crowded field of well-funded challengers.
Tennessee's 2026 record projection, strength of schedule after Week 2
Tennessee football's updated record projection and strength of schedule after Week 2 in 2026.
FCB Women head to Leverkusen with record run behind them
FC Bayern Women boast a perfect record after the first three matchdays of the Bundesliga season: following the opening win at Union Berlin and the victory against Mainz 05, the double winners also s...
Chelsea secure huge victory at Manchester United
Chelsea made easy work of Manchester United as they recorded a 5-0 victory at the Progress with Unity Stadium this afternoon.Five different players got their names on the scoresheet as The Blues colle...
Your brain makes choices very differently than scientists thought
Brain recordings reveal that people blend competing goals rather than simply switching from one choice to another.
Naomi Klein and Astra Taylor: the future according to end times fascism
In a new video, Klein and Taylor outline a ominous evolution taking shape on the far right – and how to stay loyal to this planet and each other
168 Away: Lillard's Has His Sights on Assist Record
Returning to Portland after a devastating injury, the legendary point guard chases Terry Porter’s long-standing mark to cement his status as the greatest playmaker in franchise history.
Global warming is breaking a 400-year climate link between two oceans
The Indian and Pacific oceans have been climatically linked for centuries, but scientists say that connection is now breaking down in an exceptional way. Ancient climate records suggest volcanoes disrupted the relationship in the past, while today human-caused warming appears to be driving a much more unusual shift.
What Is Dub Music? Reggae's Studio Science Explained
What Is Dub Music? Reggae's Studio Science Explained - DancehallMag. Dub music is one of recorded music's most consequential inventions, and yet it remains one of the least understood. At its simplest, dub music is a. DancehallMag is an independent news outlet that covers all things Dancehall and Reggae music, the artists, and culture.
Averett wins over Southern Virginia in a high scoring game
BUENA VISTA, Va. – Averett University football utilized a pair of fourth-quarter touchdowns, including a record-setting 73-yard scoring run from sophomore quarterback Brandon Saunders, to pull away for a 41-34 victory over Southern Virginia University on Saturday evening at Knight Stadium. Head coach Matt Quinn recorded his first collegiate win in the process. Along with that […]
Washington & Lee Completes Second Half Comeback to Defeat Gettysburg
LEXINGTON, Va. (WFXR) – The Washington and Lee University football team found the end zone with 28 seconds remaining to complete a second half comeback to defeat Gettysburg College, 27-23, on Saturday night at Musselman Stadium. HOW IT HAPPENED W&L GAME NOTES GC GAME NOTES TOP PERFORMERS PROGRAM RECORD NOTES UP NEXT
Midtown record shop Sig's Lagoon's YouTube show is a campy must-watch
'Late Night at the Lagoon, inspired by the goofy likes of 'Space Ghost: Coast to Coast,' is a platform for local musicians such as Kam Franklin and Peyton.
Juventus and Inter tracking Dortmund's Italian duo Inácio and Mane
According to Tuttosport, Borussia Dortmund duo Filippo Mane and Samuele Inácio have potential suitors in their native Italy.Two of the Serie A's most prestigious clubs in Juventus and Inter Milan are...
Dortmund's Gregor Kobel reportedly offered to Real Madrid
According to a report in Spanish sports daily AS, Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel has seemingly been offered to Real Madrid.Speculation suggests that the 28-year-old's agents are looking to capitaliz...
Barcelona want to renew the contracts of another 4 players
The board at La Liga giants Barcelona are ready to reward four more young members of the club’s first-team setup with improved contract terms.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who have this wee...
Mbappé Double Helps Real Madrid See Off Rayo Fightback
Real Madrid beat Rayo Vallecano 4-1 in La Liga on Saturday, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and Álvaro Carreras and Jude Bellingham also finding the net, according to Managing Madrid. The victory g...
Caesars Entertainment, Inc. $CZR Position Increased by Tidal Investments LLC
Tidal Investments LLC increased its holdings in shares of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:CZR - Free Report) by 198.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 292,248 shares of the company's sto
National Pension Service Has $54.36 Million Stake in Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. $LYV
National Pension Service decreased its stake in shares of Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV - Free Report) by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 296,881 shares of the company's stock after
Robert Jenrick faces questions after Reform nets £72m in donations in just 24 hours
Reform UK’s economic spokesperson talks to Sky News and BBC after record donations
Manchester United tracking attacking prodigy amid interest from Europe’s elite
Manchester United are keeping tabs on Norwegian wonderkid Gabriel Rajkovic, while Alejandro Balde could still emerge as an option for the Premier League giants in the coming months.According to TEAMta...
Rafael Devers Approaching Barry Bonds’ San Francisco Giants Record
Despite his team’s season-long struggles and his own early-season slump, Rafael Devers is having one of the best seasons a San Francisco Giants hitter has had in a long time.With a strong finish to the season, Devers can break a franchise record held by Barry Bonds.Rafael Devers Closing in on Record From Barry Bonds’ Historic […] The post Rafael Devers Approaching Barry Bonds’ San Francisco Giants Record appeared first on HEAVY.
Unfinished Business: Star-Studded Moorhead Spuds Eye State Championship Run
recurring recording of Valley News Live at 10:00PM Sunday KX4 - VOD
What is the healthiest sport? The No. 1 pick, according to science
Playing tennis is associated with a 56% reduced risk of dying from heart disease compared to not playing the sport.
What is the healthiest sport? The No. 1 pick, according to science
Playing tennis is associated with a 56% reduced risk of dying from heart disease compared to not playing the sport.
UW-Madison police investigate video from meat science facility
University of Wisconsin-Madison police are investigating after a recent UW-Madison graduate released video he says he secretly recorded inside the university’s meat science facility.
Diablo 5 Officially Revealed at BlizzCon 2026, Set to Arrive Spring 2029
Blizzard has officially announced Diablo 5 at BlizzCon 2026, confirming a Spring 2029 release window for the next mainline entry in its action RPG series. The reveal came during the event's opening ceremony alongside a cinematic marking Diablo's 30th anniversary. According to game director Joe...
Mental Health Warrior Film Festival brings stories of hope, anxiety and healing to Madison
Recurring recording of WMTV 15 News at 6 p.m. Saturday edition
Red Wings First-Round Pick Makes Loud Statement Against Dallas
Red Wings first-round pick Carter Bear recorded 10 shots and an assist as Detroit rallied to beat Dallas 4-3 in a prospect tournament shootout.
Wisconsin records lowest home football opener attendance since 1990s
Wisconsin football made the wrong type of history with the crowd size in the Badgers' 36-9 win against Western Illinois.
Wolves trounce Mustangs in 2026 road opener
Marshall, Minn. – Three is the charm for the Northern State University football team in 2026, defeating Southwest Minnesota State 30-3 in their first road contest of the season. The Wolves remain undefeated on the season, while holding the Mustangs scoreless through the opening three quarters. THE QUICK DETAILSFinal Score: NSU 30, SMSU 3Records: NSU […]
Eating alone may be quietly hurting mental health and social connection, expert says
Regularly splitting apart for meals may contribute to isolation and disconnection, according to dietitian Tanya Freirich. Sharing flexible, modular meals can make it easier for people with different needs or schedules to eat together.
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.
Last chance to predict the Colts’ record this season.
I think the Colts will be good. Will we be this good?
Security stops alleged trespasser on Kamala Harris’ Malibu property
Security stopped an alleged trespasser on Kamala Harris’ Malibu property on Friday night, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and her spokesperson, raising security concerns about the former vice president.
Brungard sets school record in YSU blowout win
The historic performance came in just one half, with seven of his eight touchdowns scored before halftime.
Maryland football slices through UConn in 38-14 victory
Quarterback Malik Washington had a record-setting stretch of 18 consecutive completions to seal the victory.
Man wanted on several warrants arrested near Colorado Springs business
A man who was wanted on several warrants was arrested Friday night near a business in Colorado Springs, according to police.
Trumann woman arrested after meth, fentanyl and weed seized from business
A Trumann, Arkansas woman has been arrested after a search warrant at a business turned up meth, fentanyl, marijuana, paraphernalia and money, according to the Trumann Police Department.
Grading the Mountaineers: WVU takes care of business
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Game No. 2 of the 2026 season for the Mountaineers may not have been perfect, but they did what they needed to do in recording a 52-7
Texas business says record diesel prices are 'derailing' projects, and could raise food costs
"Every single thing we projected in January is no longer the case today."
Penn State football's Max Granville out for the season
After missing all of last season due to injury, Max Granville's 2026 campaign comes to an abrupt end.
Former Charlotte Hornets first-round pick signs with Real Madrid
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Nick Smith Jr. has signed a one-year deal with Real Madrid.
Oregon Makes Sad History in Contest With Oklahoma State
The Ducks shattered an unwanted decade-long record after sluggish starts against Boise State and Oklahoma State exposed deep flaws in Dan Lanning’s highly-ranked roster.
Lady Gaga, Michael Polansky welcome first child together
NEW YORK — A baby star is born! Lady Gaga and her fiancé Michael Polansky have welcomed their first baby together, People confirmed. Few other details were provided — the
Baker Mayfield Holds Surprising Record Over Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow will look to change a surprising piece of history when the Bengals take on Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers in Week 1.
😮 Everything clicks, Bundesliga club enjoys record start
The defining topic of Saturday’s football action was definitely the major crisis and nightmare start of Borussia Mönchengladbach, which was completed in brutal fashion this afternoon with a 0–5 t...
Inside Hegseth’s push to showcase a dramatic Iran rescue on ‘60 Minutes’
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and political appointees in his office pushed for the two crew members of an F-15 who were shot down over Iran in April to participate in Sunday’s highly-publicized “60 Minutes” report about the ensuing rescue operation, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
LG Denies Accusations Of Smart TVs Continuously Recording Its Users
The company said that user privacy is a “fundamental principle” of its products.
Diablo 4 coming to Nintendo Switch 2
As announced by Activision Blizzard today, Diablo 4 is receiving a new Nintendo Switch 2 version with the Age of Hatred Collection. It will be available on September 15, 2026. Diablo 4: Age of Hatred Collection includes the base game and expansions. According to the Nintendo eShop listing, HDR and touchscreen support are included. The action RPG first came out...
On-loan Real Madrid star breaks Lionel Messi record
On-loan Real Madrid starlet Franco Mastantuono on Friday secured for himself a noteworthy piece of European football history. This came owing to his exploits in Fiorentina’s Serie A meeting with Ven...
Ohio Republican in Key Senate Race Fires Campaign Aide, Citing Social Media Photo of Nazis
Senator Jon Husted dismissed his political director because of activity displaying a “complete lack” of judgment, according to a spokeswoman.
Bears were imported to medieval England for a brutal form of entertainment
Records, bear bones, and artwork show bear-baiting became more widespread in England after the Norman Conquest of 1066.
Promising Entertainment Stocks To Watch Today
Verizon Communications, Walt Disney, Spotify Technology, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Live Nation Entertainment are the five Entertainment stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeat's stock screener tool. Entertainment stocks are shares of publicly traded companies involved in producing, distrib
King County hosts public health gun buy back in support of Suicide Prevention Month
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and in Shoreline on Saturday, King County held a public health gun buy back event. According to the CDC, suicide has accounted for the majority of firearm deaths every year since 1995.
Where have all the Atlantic hurricanes gone? El Niño might bring record slow storm season
On Saturday, 2026 set a record for the longest a season has begun without a storm that has reached winds of 64 mph to qualify as a hurricane — at least in the satellite era, said Nick Novella, a meteorologist at the government's Weather Prediction Center.
Dortmund and Freiburg keep up 100% records in the Bundesliga
Borussia Dortmund made it three wins from three in the Bundesliga this season thanks to Fabio Silva's early goal and Felix Nmecha's double in a 3-0 victory at home to promoted Paderborn on Saturday. Freiburg, leaders on goal difference, hammered ten-man bottom side Borussia Mönchengladbach 5-0 in the Black Forest to seal a club record sixth victory out of six games across all competitions this term.
Sony’s Now Making Decisions Specifically To Avoid Another ‘Concord’
Sony's big cancellations and cost-cutting moves are reportedly inspired by 'Concord' as the company cannot afford another flop at that level.
Rutgers Researchers Find Stigmatizing Language in Most Gender-Expansive Patient Records
Rutgers researchers found stigmatizing language in 62% of hospital discharge notes for gender-expansive patients and propose AI tools to flag the problem.
Kings’ Acuff Jr. Predicted To Make All-Rookie 1st Team
Sacramento’s top pick prepares to lead a rebuilding roster, aiming to shatter franchise scoring records and outshine his peers as a definitive centerpiece for the Kings' future.
🤯 Penalty king! Bundesliga keeper extends his own record
He is already known both internationally and nationally as an absolute penalty killer: in today’s match for his new club, Eintracht Frankfurt, Noah Atubolu extended his own record even further. Agai...
Phoenix Suns 2026-27 Player Profile: Collin Gillespie
After a record-breaking shooting campaign, the sharpshooting guard aims for stardom by refining his drive-and-kick game while challenging for a spot in Phoenix’s star-studded starting rotation.
As his presidency enters its final stretch, Isaac Herzog lays out his three priorities for Israel
PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS: From the Abraham Accords to Israeli social divides, Herzog says diplomacy and unity will define the remainder of his presidency.
Crypto billionaires make record donations to UK political party
Reform UK, the anti-immigration party led by Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage, received $97 million from two cryptocurrency billionaires this weekend.
Confirmed Lineups: Mainz 05 vs. Eintracht Frankfurt
Eintracht Frankfurt will hope to record their first Bundesliga win of the season away at Mainz. The hosts sealed a five-star win in Hamburg last week as they currently sit in fifth place in the standi...
🚨 Borussia Dortmund v Paderborn XI: Schlotterbeck returns!
Borussia Dortmund and Paderborn face off on Matchday 3 of the Bundesliga. The home side comes into this with a perfect record and sits joint top, while the visitors are coming off a defeat to Freiburg...
Fit, Finances and Playing Time Ended Silva’s Barcelona Move
Barcelona sporting director Deco has said that Bernardo Silva wanted to join the club before he ended up signing for Real Madrid this summer, according to an interview on Spanish radio. Speaking about...
Confirmed lineups: Augsburg vs. Bayer Leverkusen
FC Augsburg welcome Bayer Leverkusen to the WWK Arena on Saturday afternoon, looking to continue their impressive start to the Bundesliga season.Augsburg head into the clash in fine form after recordi...
How to use AI for health questions, according to a doctor
This internist and AI researcher gives recommendations for how to best use chatbots if you have health questions.
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
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