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Cedar Shoals wide receiver gets redemption with game-winning TD
Cedar Shoals football needs to correct mistakes as it dives further into region play. A sophomore showed it's possible on Friday. See what happened.
In Kastellorizo, Science Becomes a Game of Questions
KASTELLORIZO – On Kastellorizo this October, you will not have to walk into a laboratory to find science. You may encounter it on a narrow island street, in a school classroom, at a workshop table, in the middle of a game — or in the sudden question of a child who wants to know why. For three days,
2026 Maker Faire in Vallejo intersects art, science and all things inquisitive
Now in its 20th year, Maker Faire returned Friday to Mare Island’s historic Naval Shipyard, bringing together artists, engineers, scientists, students and curious minds from across the region for a weekend of experimentation and creativity.
Duo provides the Jackson Street soundtrack
Daniel Zeina and Alemayehu Gulelat play music outside Quick Pack Food Mart in Seattle's Central District on Thursday. While the instruments change day to day, here Zeina is playing a
Red Sox eager to ‘take care of business’ in Wild Card rematch with Yankees
Members of the Red Sox are eager to ‘take care of business’ after Wild Card rematch with Yankees made official
Changing the partying landscape: Health and wellness parties to come to fraternity and sorority life across the country
The wellness industry has surpassed a value of $6 trillion dollars this year, according to Forbes. In the saturated wellness market, brands like Marty Moc’s Sweat and Soak is trying to be the next big thing that wellness consumers move toward. Marty Mocs, a 24-year old recent graduate of Liberty University, started his wellness brand...
Vector Science and Therapeutics Corp. Issues Options
Mequon, Wisconsin--(Newsfile Corp. - September 25, 2026) - Vector Science and Therapeutics Corp. (TSXV: PAIN) ("Vector" or the "Company") today announced that the Board of Directors has approved the grant of 150,000 stock options (the "Options") to an Officer of the Company in accordance with the Company's stock option plan. The Options vest in 25% tranches over a three year period, have an exercise price of C$1.80 and are exercisable for a period of five years from the date of grant. This...
School mental health program expands to offer play therapy for elementary students
A school-based clinical therapy program is expanding across the Lowcountry this fall, reaching children as young as 3 years old.
NeuroSense Provides Business Update and Progress for the First Half of 2026
/PRNewswire/ -- Therapeutics Ltd. (NASDAQ: NRSN) ("NeuroSense" or the "Company"), a late-stage clinical biotechnology company focused on developing...
Former Sonics broadcaster Kevin Calabro to join Timberwolves
After decades in the Pacific Northwest, former SuperSonics and Trailblazers broadcaster Kevin Calabro has a new home.
‘Are we back in the Middle Ages?’ State cites mental health ALFs over deaths, care
“The conditions in these homes are intolerable and despicable. But if the state shuts them down, the residents have nowhere to go.”
Ed Sheeran cancels New England concerts as Nor'easter looms
Ed Sheeran can’t be in love with the shape of this forecast. A weekend nor’easter bound for New England has prompted the cancellation of the English pop singer’s concerts Friday
This week in health care policy: September 21–25, 2026
Innovation watch FDA approves the first treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome. On September 17, the FDA approved Ultragenyx’s Fayuvi, a one-time gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, an inherited disease that progressively destroys cognitive function in young children. Until this week, there was no approved treatment at all. BioNTech’s lung cancer candidate shows promising results. […]
Adventist Health strikes $18.5M settlement resolving sexual abuse lawsuit
Adventist Health has struck an $18.5 million settlement resolving a lawsuit brought by former patients who alleged sexual abuse from an employed physical therapist. | The settlement translates to more than $2.6 million per plaintiff, “representing one of the nation’s largest per-plaintiff recoveries in a sexual abuse case involving a medical provider,” law firm Lewis & Llewellyn said.
What to know about Taylor Swift’s new music
Taylor Swift has released “The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore.” It's an extended version of her 2025 album with four new tracks. Those include the single “Patient Zero” as
Glen Cove Street Fair brings nearly 100 vendors, entertainment and community together
For one September Saturday, downtown Glen Cove became a gathering place for neighbors, families and visitors as the annual Street Fair filled Glen Street, School Street and Village Square with …
Seattle and Western WA celebrate ‘9 to 5’ Dolly Parton Day
Communities across the world, including Seattle, are celebrating Dolly Day on Sept. 25 — or 9/25 — in a clever nod to her hit song “9 to 5.”
Seattle, Western WA celebrates ‘9 to 5’ Dolly Parton Day
Communities across the world, including Seattle, are celebrating Dolly Day on Sept. 25 — or 9/25 — in a clever nod to her hit song “9 to 5.”
‘War’ review: HBO legal drama is a delicious dive into the muck
The eight-episode series, premiering Oct. 1 on HBO Max, focuses on the tense legal battle behind an extremely high-profile and nasty divorce.
Space Needle, more Seattle landmarks anchor community fitness events
Base 2 Space, the Light Rail Relay and the Dick's-A-Thon are uniquely Seattle fitness challenges — with racers participating for a number of good causes.
Pioneer of China NewCo model sued in US over trade secret misuse, double-dealing
A legal feud unfolding in New York is putting a spotlight on the work of a business development veteran who is credited for pioneering one of biopharma’s hottest dealmaking mechanism: the China “NewCo” model. In a lawsuit originally filed in New York state court and recently moved to federal court, China’s Lepu Medical Technology has alleged that biopharma business development consultant Su Zhang, who was hired to help shop its GLP-1 weight-loss candidates to Western partners, engaged in corporate double-dealing and trade secret leaks. According to the complaint, while acting as Lepu’s primary dealmaking liaison for a group of obesity and metabolic disease drug candidates, Zhang was secretly double-dipping as the acting chief business officer for a direct competitor, BrightGene Pharmaceutical. “She never adequately disclosed the role, never sought Lepu’s consent, and never proposed any safeguard,” Lepu alleged in its complaint, which was filed in July after Zhang’s consulting firm, CoDevCo, sought certain transaction-based success fees from its angry customer through an arbitration process in Singapore. Lepu, the parent company of Lepu Biopharma, has asked Zhang to pay back its $500,000 retainer and disgorge all benefits she received during the alleged breaches of fiduciary duty, plus other damages and relief. The company has also requested the court grant injunctions to protect Lepu’s trade secrets. The ill-fated partnership officially kicked off in December 2024, when Lepu tapped CoDevCo as its “exclusive business development mechanism” to identify collaborators for the company’s drug candidates. According to Lepu’s complaint, Zhang personally negotiated and signed the agreement as managing director for CoDevCo, which used her home address. Before the Lepu deal, Zhang made a name following a short stint as the global head of business development for Hengrui Pharmaceuticals. It was during her tenure that Hengrui signed a landmark deal granting exclusive rights for a portfolio of GLP-1 assets to Hercules, which was at that time newly established by a group of private equity and venture capital firms. In addition to the regular upfront and milestone payments, Hengrui also gained an equity stake in Hercules, which later became Kailera Therapeutics. The Hengrui-Hercules deal opened a new paradigm, where a Chinese biopharma company spins off certain early-stage assets to investors for further development through the creation of a new company abroad. The “NewCo” model quickly came into vogue as it allows Western investors to access high-potential assets originating from China at an early stage while giving the Chinese licensors an opportunity to reap long-term benefits through equity stakes in the new firms. The NewCo model proved its value when Kailera staged a record-breaking $625 million IPO on Nasdaq this April, merely two years into the Hengrui deal. Related Kailera CEO 'knew we were in a good spot' before obesity biotech's record-breaking $625M IPO On her LinkedIn page, Zhang described her work at Hengrui as “[b]uilding team and capability from the ground up,” forming NewCo and major pharma partnerships worth billions of dollars. Lepu clearly wanted that kind of track record to help boost its own cardiometabolic portfolio, which includes a range of assets for obesity, Type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and muscle preservation during weight loss treatment. “Lepu’s pipeline is very valuable, but only if Lepu could secure the right international partner to expand into the overseas market during the available commercial window,” the company argued in its complaint. The Chinese biotech said it had little knowledge of U.S. laws, customs or business practices in the business development field, and therefore “needed to rely entirely” on the expertise of Zhang and her team as the firm’s first engagement of a U.S.-based BD consultant. “Zhang’s dominating influence on the business development strategy is further evidenced by the fact that she personally controlled the business-development communications on behalf of Lepu with potential partners,” Lepu said in its complaint. After entering the deal, Zhang introduced Lepu to her four associates. According to Lepu’s version of events, all of them were allegedly employed at different time points to perform similar jobs at other Chinese companies that Lepu described as its competitors, while having access to Lepu’s confidential information. As such, Lepu described Zhang’s team as “a roster of individuals whose primary professional loyalty, by virtue of their concurrent full-time employment, ran to Lepu’s competitors.” As well as the specific examples set out in the case, a look at Lepu’s deals over the period suggests Zhang may have been involved in at least one transaction. During their partnership, Lepu, through its subsidiary Shanghai Minwei Biotechnology, also out-licensed its GLP-1/GIP/FGF21 agonist MWN105 to a NewCo called Sidera Bio in the fall of 2025. The deal included an upfront and near-term payment of $35 million, up to $1.01 billion in milestones, and a 9.99% stake in the Danish startup. It seems likely that Zhang facilitated the Minwei deal given that Lepu is on record as having used CoDevCo as its “exclusive business development mechanism.” The big shock for Lepu came in the form of a news article on June 25, 2025. The article, reporting on phase 2 data for BrightGene’s GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist BGM0504, identified Zhang as acting chief business officer of the Lepu rival. Blindsided by her association with BrightGene, Lepu confronted Zhang in July 2025. “Lepu was given assurances that there was nothing to be concerned about and told that Zhang would explain the matter to Lepu,” Lepu alleged in its complaint. “Zhang never did.” Lepu claimed that Zhang had the motive and opportunity to steer potential prospective partners toward BrightGene or other competitors. Later, in February 2026, one of Zhang’s associates joined BrightGene as the vice president for global business development, according to the complaint. Around the same time, Lepu sent written demand letters asking Zhang to account for her BrightGene role, identify what confidential data were shared with the rival firm, and provide any conflict-of-interest or firewall policies during the engagement. According to Lepu, neither CoDevCo nor Zhang answered the questions in their responses. Related Novo vs. KBP: How a $1.3B deal turned into a fraud accusation and an international legal fight In a motion to dismiss filed with the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of New York on Sept. 4, Zhang’s legal team argued that Lepu’s agreement was signed with CoDevCo, and that an employee of the contractor does not owe fiduciary duties to the client. In its complaint, Lepu said: “That CoDevCo was the contracting entity does not insulate Zhang from personal liability for duties she personally undertook and personally breached.” Taking the argument one step further, the defending party argued that the consulting agreement “does not create a fiduciary relationship even between CoDevCo and Lepu; instead, it identifies CoDevCo as an independent contractor retained to market Lepu’s business to potential western partners.” Although CoDevCo was Lepu’s exclusive business-development contractor, there were no terms stipulating that the consulting firm should serve only Lepu, Zhang’s lawyer noted. As to Lepu’s claims that Zhang misappropriated trade secrets, the defendant argued that Lepu authorized the use of the information so Zhang’s team could perform their service per the agreement. In a rebuttal filed on Sept. 11, Lepu’s lawyer set out why they believe the Chinese biotech satisfied New York law’s misappropriation definition by alleging that the defendant used a trade secret “in breach of a duty or through improper means.” As an alternative to dismissing the suit, the defendant suggested the action should be stayed pending outcomes from the arbitration of a separate case in Singapore. While NewCo pioneer Zhang is defending her business arrangements, momentum behind the NewCo trend has continued unabated into 2026. Through August, Chinese biotech assets have spurred 15 NewCo deals this year, according to local trade publication PharmaDJ.
Angie Nixon’s campaign runs through the labor, Civil Rights movements
Nixon’s rise comes as Democrats, Black activists and legal scholars say the gains of the Civil Rights Movement are under attack.
Editorial Cartoon
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Imprisoned tech fraudster Elizabeth Holmes to be moved to halfway house
Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced onetime youngest self-made billionaire whose health care startup Theranos turned out to be a fraud, will be moved from her current minimum-security prison to a halfway
‘Forgotten Island’ review: A mythical memory worth making
Stunning animations and a stellar cast uplift a DreamWorks film steeped in Filipino mythology that explores the importance of memories and friendship.
Adventist Health's Sonora hospital settles sexual abuse lawsuit for $18.5M
Adventist Health Sonora will pay $18.5 million to settle a lawsuit brought by seven women who say they were sexually abused by a physical therapist, the plaintiffs' law firm announced this week.
14 things to do around the Seattle area this weekend
From sightseeing on the way to WSU Cougar games to WhirlyBall, here are the latest local things to do around the Seattle area.
Nick Robinson talks new film ‘Charlie Harper,’ favorite romantic movies
Seattle actor Nick Robinson shares how his new film, "Charlie Harper" (out Thursday) was impacted by the Netflix Western series "The Abandons."
US government foots bill for television advertisement featuring Trump's midterm messaging
An ad running on Fox News and Newsmax showing images of President Donald Trump and calling for the defeat of communism was paid for by the U.S. government. The 30-second
Kyle MacLachlan analyzes his ‘Fictional Selves’ in new memoir
The Yakima-born actor and University of Washington alum spoke with The Seattle Times ahead of an event with Seattle Arts & Lectures.
Insurance Coverage Lags as Cancer Science, Treatment Move Forward
Health insurance may not cover experimental targeted therapies for rare cancers, which do not have an established standard of care.
VNC Panel Preview: International Business – Market Conditions, Opportunities & Strategies
VenuesNow Conference Panel Preview: International BusinessWednesday, Sept. 30 11:20 AM – 12:00 PM | Grand Ballroom A & B at the Sheraton Grand Seattle
Multicultural Meet and Greet celebrates belonging and community
Multicultural Affairs for Students (MAS) hosted the 2026 Multicultural Meet and Greet on Sept. 22 in the WMU Student Center.
Starbucks to close 250 stores in North America this week
Starbucks plans to close 250 North American stores later this week. Starbucks Chief Operating Officer Mike Grams said the locations targeted either aren’t delivering acceptable financial results or can’t provide
Why Tacoma athletes and seniors alike are braving this freezing, sub-zero box
Move aside, ice bath and cold plunges. Cryotherapy is having a moment in Tacoma thanks to this former Wilson High hooper.
Mental and Behavioral Health Profiles – Memorial Regional Hospital – Lisa Wasserman, PsyD, ATR-BC, ATCS
For Lisa Wasserman, PsyD, ATR-BC, ATCS, art has always been a powerful tool for expression and healing. Rather than pursuing a career as a fine artist, she chose to help others explore their emotions, experiences and resilience through creative expression as a board-certified clinical art therapist. Colleagues describe her therapeutic approach as creating a safe, […]
Therapy returns for St. Louis County jail residents in an effort to address mental health needs
With the county jail dealing with staffing issues and crowding, the St. Louis County Public Health Department is providing therapists to conduct group and one-on-one sessions with detainees who are interested.
Coffee, condos and shopping: Track top business changes in South Florida
Here’s what to know.
The Herald's weekly entertainment picks
Looking to be entertained from Thursday, Sept. 24, through Wednesday, Sept. 30? Check out the Skagit Valley Herald’s weekly recommendations.
Biophysical Therapeutics brings longevity science to skincare with its new IF1 brand
From equations and experiments in the laboratory to exclusive skincare for skin longevityWILMINGTON, Del., Sep. 23,
Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Names 3 Contenders to Replace Mike Onwenu
The New England Patriots aren’t automatically handing one veteran the right guard job after losing Mike Onwenu.Head coach Mike Vrabel said Greg Van Roten, Walter Rouse and Ben Brown are among the players who will work at guard this week, Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald reported on X on Sept. 23. Patriots HC Mike […] The post Patriots’ Mike Vrabel Names 3 Contenders to Replace Mike Onwenu appeared first on HEAVY.
Dolly Parton's estate granted temporary restraining order against singer's nephew
A Tennessee judge has granted Dolly Parton’s estate a temporary restraining order against the late singer’s nephew Bryan Seaver and his private security company. She’s Alive, the entity founded to
Loved ‘The Women’ by Kristin Hannah? Read these 5 books next
"The Women" was King County Library System's most checked-out title in 2024 and 2025. Here are a few recommendations in the same vein as Hannah's tour de force.
Genialis and Inventia Life Science Collaborate to Link Patient Biology with 3D Pancreatic Cancer Models
Recent advances in targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer have brought renewed attention to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
‘Primetime’ review: Robert Pattinson dazzles in ‘To Catch a Predator’ drama
“Primetime” not only frequently falls prey to its limitations, but it seems nervous to push against them, writes our reviewer.
‘Politics means caring for people’ says city council candidate Dina Ramaha
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – A recent voice in city council public comment, Dina Ramaha announced her campaign during the Fourth of July parade. Ramaha, who owns Three Pines Coffee and Conscious Mind Therapy, says...
Seattle Symphony and Seven Lions team-up marks an orchestra first
Dance music titan Seven Lions has headlined the Gorge Amphitheatre and thrown a Sodo block party. But this year he's felt the Seattle embrace more than ever.
Faculty Spotlight: How a Florida State University professor is advancing music therapy in healthcare
Although music has been used as a form of healing for centuries, music therapy is still considered an emerging healthcare practice. At the Florida State
Congo is running short of health workers as Ebola remains out of control, WHO says
“The human resources gap is one of the biggest gaps.”
Harry Shum Jr. explains why he screamed in the middle of ‘DWTS’ week 2 routine
Harry Shum Jr. had a ‘therapeutic’ moment in the middle of his ‘Dancing With the Stars’ routine set to ‘Iris’ by Goo Goo Dolls.
Last call: Bellingham’s Rock and Rye Oyster House announces last day of business
Owners told The Herald the closure is due to rising rent costs, high labor costs, increasing utilities.
Using archery to help first responders with mental health support
Initiative born from 2024 ambush that killed four officers now taking shape with outdoor therapy approach
Using archery to help first responders with mental health support
Initiative born from 2024 ambush that killed four officers now taking shape with outdoor therapy approach
Using archery to help first responders with mental health support
Initiative born from 2024 ambush that killed four officers now taking shape with outdoor therapy approach
New schizophrenia treatments, AI in mental health among topics at inaugural symposium in Roanoke
The two-day gathering on precision therapeutics will be held at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC.
Burbank business owner disputes $2,000 Zelle transfer, bank's fraud review
The physical therapist said she’s fighting to recover nearly $1,980 she said was fraudulently transferred from her Bank of America business account.
Burbank business owner says fraudulent Zelle transfers cost her $2k
The physical therapist, who has had a business account with Bank of America for 20 years, said the bank’s responses were unsatisfactory. Carolyn Johnson reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026.
Did Tri-City Latino business leader threaten Canadian immigrant with ICE?
“Immigration is not a joke. It’s serious what’s going on in our world today.”
7 Micro-Habits for Mental Health That Psychologists Say Are Backed by Real Research
Skip the 90-day reset and try these seven micro-habits psychologists say actually work.
Patrick Clancy opens up about kids, mental health in extended interview
Patrick Clancy believes that there are “compassionate” ways to handle cases where postpartum psychosis and mental health issues lead to violence.
‘The Chinese Lady’ at ArtsWest makes trenchant points
Lloyd Suh's play is based on the real-life story of a Chinese woman displayed as a living exhibit in 1800s America.
UAFS makes progress toward offering respiratory therapist program
The University of Arkansas at Fort Smith (UAFS) said Tuesday (Sept. 22) it is making progress on plans to offer an associate of applied science degree (AAS) in respiratory therapy,...
Seattle’s Grand Illusion Cinema to take over Varsity Theatre
The Grand Illusion plans to reopen its new home in the University District in late November or early December and to show movies every day of the week.
The Low-Cortisol Workout Trend Is Going Viral and Here Is What the Science Actually Says
Should you swap HIIT for low-cortisol workouts? Here is what exercise scientists actually say.
Journey delivers farewell blast in Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena
Despite internal turmoil, the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers presented a strong, united front on their supposed farewell tour stop in Seattle.
5 novels that offer horror and thrills for the season change
This batch of horror novels comes with plenty of reasons to keep the lights on — may your fictional nightmares stay safely between the covers.
Rachel Marsh on ‘Love Hypothesis,’ ‘Adults’ and figuring out Hollywood
Seattle-raised Rachel Marsh stars in Prime Video's new rom-com, "The Love Hypothesis," which premieres Wednesday on the streaming service.
Entrepreneurial Shades of Gray: Building Foundation Health with Sara Beck
Foundation Health owner, Sara Beck, shares why she decided to open her own physical and occupational therapy practice.
Byron Donalds strips Trump references from his campaign website
The Republican gubernatorial candidate stopped emphasizing his endorsement from Donald Trump as the presidents’ approval ratings plummet.
Clemson, Georgia Cancel 4-Game Series in Football
Clemson and Georgia have mutually agreed to cancel the upcoming 4 game series between the two schools according to reporting by the Athens Banner-Herald. The news was discovered via an open records request this week, though the agreement was signed back in March. The Tigers and Bulldogs planned to play each other 4 times starting […]
Newsom signs bill expanding mental health options for veterans
A state budget trailer bill with funding for psychedelic therapy research to help veterans has been signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom, Sen. Brian W. Jones, R-Santee, announced Tuesday.
Hayden Panettiere died from accidental overdose involving fentanyl, coroner says
A coroner has determined that actor Hayden Panettiere died from an accidental overdose of several drugs including fentanyl. The 36-year-old Panettiere was found unresponsive in an apartment in Greenville, South
Calvin Klein Introduces the New Perfectly Fit Bra Starring Teyana Taylor
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 22, 2026--
Flyers and NexGen Hyperbaric Announce Multi-Year Partnership Extension
Extension Builds on Multiple Seasons of Experience and Continues Flyers' Commitment to True Medical-Grade Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Player Health, Recovery and Performance.
BetterMynd & Lavender Collaborate To Improve Mental Health Resources for College and University Students
/PRNewswire/ -- BetterMynd, a leading online therapy platform centered on the mental health needs of university and college students, has announced a...
Monday Night Therapy: Huskers vs. Spartans Week 4
Minnie Hunt welcomes Husker Chuck back to Monday Night Therapy to recap Nebraska’s 3-0 start and look ahead to the Huskers’ first Big Ten matchup against Michigan State. While Nebraska handled its first three opponents as expected, Chuck cautions that conference play represents a significant jump in competition and should provide a much better measuring […]
URochester developing Doctor of Physical Therapy program amid broader health sciences expansion
The University of Rochester is developing a doctor of physical therapy program to expand its health sciences education and research offerings.
PureTech Health H1 Earnings Call Highlights
PureTech Health (NASDAQ:PRTC) outlined progress across its portfolio in its 2026 half-year results call, highlighting external financings for Celea Therapeutics and Seaport Therapeutics, regulatory progress at Gallop Oncology, and a strategy centered on earlier external funding for its founded entit
China's Alibaba unveils new powerful chip and ambitious AI model plans
China's Alibaba has unveiled new plans for its AI model and new chip technologies, including what it claims is China's most powerful AI chip. This launch comes as U.S. AI
Global benchmarks mostly rise after Wall Street's rally
Global shares are mostly higher, as the market mood turned positive from the overnight rally on Wall Street. Benchmarks are trading higher in early Tuesday trading in France, Germany and
Minogue calls for federal probe into $2B state contract awarded to political heavyweights
Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Minogue is calling on U.S. Attorney Leah Foley to investigate “everything around” the $2 billion state contract awarded to politically connected bidders.
The science on relieving cancer symptoms is clear. Why isn’t insurance paying?
Research shows that integrative therapies reduce cancer-related pain, fatigue, anxiety, and nausea. Why won't insurance pay?
All-clown ‘Godspell’ with comedy stars? ‘You Had to Be There’
The 1972 Toronto engagement of Broadway’s phenomenally popular hippie musical “Godspell” is an unlikely subject for a contemporary documentary. Especially when there is no video.
Jiang Feng: The Unravelling of German & European Politics
A state election in eastern Germany has become a revealing test of the changing political landscapes of Germany and Europe, writes Jiang Feng, Professor and Chairman of the Council of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS) at Shanghai International Studies University. His analysis follows the decisive victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) (which has been classified as right-wing extremist by German authorities)in the state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, in which it finished far ahead of its mainstream rivals. Jiang previously served as Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The following article was published on 8 September 2026 on huanqiu.com, the online platform of the Global Times. On 6 September, the results of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, were announced. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), classified as far-right by German authorities, made history by becoming the largest party in the state parliament, winning 43.8 per cent of the vote — twice its share in the previous election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which had governed the state continuously for 24 years, won just 17.2 per cent, its worst result ever in Saxony-Anhalt. On the night the results were announced, the atmosphere at the CDU gathering was unusually calm. There was neither shock nor argument, as if the defeat had long been expected. Several veteran party members who had spent years working in the state government said: “Defeat is not a bad thing. It is time to make changes.” This state election has not only upended Saxony-Anhalt’s political landscape, but also laid bare the deep tensions between Germany’s traditional party structure and model of governance, on the one hand, and an increasingly polarised society on the other. Its repercussions are already being felt at the federal level, making Saxony-Anhalt a useful case study of the broader trend towards political polarisation and realignment in Europe. Governing Difficulties after Electoral Victory The most immediate consequence of the election is a historic setback for the mainstream party order that took shape in post-war Germany. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has leapt from a peripheral party to the largest political force in the state. Its electoral base has expanded beyond the traditional category of “marginal protest voters” to take on the characteristics of a cross-class coalition. The party has not only consolidated its support in rural areas, but also attracted many middle-class voters and even members of the social elite with stable jobs, their own homes, and substantial incomes. It has thus evolved from a “protest party” into one with the potential to govern. Despite its commanding lead in the vote, however, the AfD faces an institutional obstacle to governing the state: the mainstream parties’ long-standing “firewall” against it. Neither of the two potential routes to forming a government appears likely to break the current political deadlock. The first would be a coalition of establishment parties, led by the CDU and bringing together the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in a cross-camp government. In terms of parliamentary arithmetic, such a coalition could prevent the AfD from forming a government and preserve the outward stability of the traditional political order. Yet these parties are fundamentally divided over key issues including immigration, the energy transition, economic management, and cultural and education policy. Coalition negotiations would therefore be extremely difficult, and even if a government could be formed, it would most likely prove short-lived. More importantly, an alliance of establishment parties aimed at keeping the largest party out of government would play directly into the AfD’s narrative that “political elites are suppressing public opinion”. It could deepen perceptions of political unfairness, further strengthening the AfD’s political capital, and creating a dynamic in which “the more it is suppressed, the more people vote for it”. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s candidate for state premier, has said that if efforts to form a government fail because other parties refuse to cooperate, the AfD will push for a fresh election, which he believes could deliver the party an absolute majority of seats. This points to more intense political battles ahead. The second option would be a coalition between the AfD and the BSW. Together, the two parties would command a simple majority in parliament, making this, on paper, the quickest route to forming a government. The BSW is the only elected party that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD, and the two parties share some common ground, including on policy towards Russia. There is therefore a degree of political basis for cooperation. Were such a coalition to materialise, Germany would see its first state government jointly formed by a party defined as far-right and one with a far-left background, creating what might be called a “bipolar anti-establishment alliance”. Such an outcome would fundamentally break with the ideological boundaries of post-war German party politics. It is worth noting that even if the AfD ultimately fails to enter the state government, its roughly 47 per cent share of parliamentary seats would give it a powerful blocking minority. Without its consent, major decisions requiring a two-thirds majority — including constitutional amendments, significant budgetary adjustments, and state-level institutional reforms — would be extremely difficult to pass. Therefore, whoever ultimately forms the government, the AfD will be an unavoidable force in Saxony-Anhalt politics, with a direct influence on the state’s legislative process. Systemic Failures in Germany’s Governance Model The Saxony-Anhalt election result reflects a systemic failure of Germany’s post-war mainstream-party model of governance to adapt to rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions. It stems from multiple, mutually reinforcing structural tensions and highlights the existing political system’s difficulty in adapting to “an increasingly polarised society First, collective anxiety has replaced individual material hardship as a central driver of political mobilisation. The rise of the AfD can no longer be explained simply by poverty or social marginalisation. Its increasingly cross-class electoral base suggests that what is driving voters towards the party is, above all, concern about the broader direction of society. This anxiety about the future of the political community goes beyond individual gains and losses. In political discourse, economic anxiety has become closely intertwined with immigration, while immigration and refugee issues are, in essence, questions of social fairness. This perception turns conflicts over the distribution of social resources into negative assessments of governing parties, providing a broad social basis for far-right political narratives. Second, regional disparities and East German identity have undermined the strategy of addressing eastern Germany’s structural challenges at the regional level. More than three decades after German reunification, eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt have experienced periods of economic growth, but their underlying economic structures remain weak, and household incomes and wealth remain significantly below those in western Germany. At the same time, they continue to face population outflow, an ageing population, labour shortages, and other structural challenges. At a deeper level, historical experiences — including the collapse of the former East German economic system, mass unemployment during the transition, and the westward shift of decision-making power over major issues — have left some residents with a sense of being “second-class citizens” and of being excluded. For years, the German government treated the “syndrome” of reunification as a regional problem to be gradually addressed at the local level. That approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as regional development disparities emerge as a core structural factor shaping national politics. Third, the erosion of institutional trust is perhaps the most decisive factor. AfD supporters tend to distrust establishment institutions, including parliament, government, and the mainstream media. Their concerns about economic security, pensions, and social fairness are significantly greater than the social average. Increasingly, their support for the AfD reflects not an expectation that the existing system can be improved, but a search for an alternative to the current political order. Such a systemic deficit of trust will be extremely difficult for the traditional parties to repair in the short term. Fourth, a generational shift in political mobilisation has amplified political polarisation. Unlike traditional parties, which rely heavily on offline rallies and mainstream media coverage, the AfD has developed a social-media mobilisation strategy built around “raising an issue — identifying who is responsible — offering a simplified solution — building a shared identity”. It turns complex social tensions into concise political narratives, rapidly channelling public sentiment into political support. The contrast on the eve of the election was particularly telling. The establishment parties, together with trade unions and churches, organised an offline march attended by more than 10,000 people, but its reach was largely confined to those present and to traditional media coverage. The AfD held a much smaller indoor event, yet livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, combined with the involvement of online influencers, gave it a reach and mobilising capacity far beyond that of the march. The contrast illustrates how the traditional parties’ methods of political mobilisation are increasingly struggling to keep pace with a political environment transformed by changes in media technology. A Microcosm of Structural Political Change in Europe The shockwaves from the Saxony-Anhalt election quickly travelled beyond the state to the federal level. Calls for political accountability followed immediately after the results were announced. The governing CDU and SPD are now under enormous pressure, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil face an unprecedented test. Political polarisation in Germany is no longer simply a regional phenomenon. The post-war model of multiparty government by establishment parties is breaking down and being reshaped. Viewed in a broader European context, the Saxony-Anhalt election is part of a continent-wide wave of party polarisation, mainstream-party decline, and rising right-wing forces. Far from an isolated phenomenon, it is a microcosm of the structural political changes unfolding across Europe. Weak economic growth, cultural tensions over immigration, and declining trust in institutions are fuelling the rise of right-wing forces in several countries, challenging the liberal internationalist order established in post-war Europe. As a core member state of the European Union, Germany’s ability to adapt its political system and the direction of its politics will have profound implications for both European integration and the evolution of the international order. Subscribe [ Pekingnology China’s Germany watchers take stock of Berlin’s uneasy turn On 7 December 2025, nearly 50 Chinese scholars and policy researchers gathered in Beijing for the 2025年德国形势年终研讨会 “2025 Year-End Seminar on the Situation in Germany… Read more 9 months ago · 31 likes · 1 comment · YIRUI LI and Yuxuan JIA ](https://www.pekingnology.com/p/chinas-germany-watchers-take-stock?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1151841) [ Jiang Feng on Germany's 2025 and beyond: no easy exit ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond) Yirui LI and Yuxuan JIA · Jan 24 The following is an op-ed by Jiang Feng, published on 29 December 2025 at Shanghai Observer 上观新闻, the digital platform of Jiefang Daily, the official newspaper of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). [ Read full story ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond)
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