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Chivas Thrash Pumas and Take the AP26 Lead!
What Guadalajara did tonight belongs in soccer academies. With a dominant performance from start to finish, quick and fluid ball movement, an efficiency few teams can match, and a Nación Rojiblanca t...
Lifelong Deafness Could Rewire a Person's Peripheral Vision
Our senses are shaped by how we use them.
The Last of Us Part 2 Multiplayer Mod Cancelled at Sony’s Request
A PvP multiplayer mod for The Last of Us Part 2 on PC is no longer going to be released after the mod maker says it was contacted by Sony Interactive Entertainment and asked not to release the project to the public.
Steichen reacts to Colts' Week 1 loss to Ravens
Colts coach Shane Steichen stressed accountability amid a long season after Indianapolis allowed 506 yards in a 41-23 Week 1 loss to the Ravens.
Dolphins Rookie Michael Taaffe Has Inspiring Story
Michael Taaffe didn’t take long to make an impact in his NFL debut.Playing for the Miami Dolphins in Las Vegas against the Raiders on Sunday in Week 1, the rookie safety found a way to intercept Kirk Cousins.In a game that hadn’t been going particularly well for Miami, it was a key moment. Cousins missed […] The post Dolphins Rookie Michael Taaffe Has Inspiring Story appeared first on HEAVY.
Cardinals’ Mike LaFleur breaks 53-year old curse against Chargers
Mike LaFleur’s Cardinals debut ended with a Week 1 win over the Chargers and a long-awaited coaching milestone.
PENN Entertainment holds steady with $18 target amid mixed earnings and debt concerns.
PENN Entertainment maintains a Hold rating with an $18 price target due to mixed Q2 earnings and limited valuation upside compared to peers. The retail segment showed solid growth with a 5.6% increase in adjusted EBITDAR, especially strong in the Midwest and West regions. However, the Interactive segment's revenue growth has slowed sharply despite improving profitability, raising concerns about long-term competitiveness. The company remains highly leveraged with net debt around 5.2x–5.5x, making proactive debt reduction and consistent Interactive profitability key factors to watch going forward.
The System Is Not the Patient
Across OECD countries, healthcare spending has long grown faster than GDP, while health-adjusted life expectancy has stagnated or declined and up to 20% of spending remains directed to low-value care. Outcome-based care measures success by patient outcomes relative to resources used, yet no health system has implemented it end to end. The World Economic Forum convened expert workshops to identify practical solutions. This paper argues that full system redesign, perfectly aligned incentives and flawless measurement systems are not prerequisites for progress, highlighting instead six interconnected priorities. The challenge is now to connect existing building blocks into a coordinated system focused on improving patient outcomes.
Detroit Tigers Long for Someone Like Todd Jones Again
As Detroit’s bullpen struggles to close the door in 2026, we revisit the dominant, mustachioed reign of franchise saves leader Todd Jones and his unmatched ninth-inning reliability.
St. Elmo's Fire star's rare appearance sparks an '80s double take
Judd Nelson looked strikingly different with a long grey beard during a rare motorcycle outing in West Hollywood. See the photos.
Oscar Health (OSCR), Why Is This Insurer Drawing Fresh Attention?
Investor rotation into healthcare in response to tougher macro conditions has put Oscar Health (OSCR) on watch, as the insurer rides sector momentum alongside its revenue growth and expanding free cash flow margin. Recent price action backs up that story. Oscar Health’s share price return of 12.46% over the past 90 days and 118.90% year to date, alongside a 1-year total shareholder return of 69.53% and a very large 3-year total shareholder return above 4x, points to momentum that investors...
Pennsylvania officials report state\'s 3rd death involving measles
A Pennsylvania woman's death is the state's third this year involving the measles virus. Jefferson County Coroner Greg Furlong says on Facebook the 40-year-old woman died Saturday from complications associated
Former Miami Heat All-Star Praises Davion Mitchell's Work Ethic
Norman Powell hails the defensive specialist’s relentless gym habits as the guard gears up for a pivotal contract year alongside the Miami Heat's newly formed superstar core.
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.
Cardinals’ Catcher Leo Bernal Off to Blazing Start
With as many talented catchers as the St. Louis Cardinals have brought through their pipeline, the odds were that one would be the long-term solution. And Leo Bernal, who debuted with the club less than two weeks ago, has shown more all-around promise than the organization’s other backstops. If Bernal can consistently produce at the …
Kyler Murray Suffers Brutal Head Injury on Illegal Hit
The Minnesota Vikings had to wait a bit longer to kick off their season in Week 1, with their matchup […]
Feds sue Gold Star Distribution to cease operations until company complies with health regulations
A Minneapolis warehouse has been storing baby formula, Tylenol and other everyday products alongside live rodents, bird droppings and worms — and the federal government wants it shut down for good.
Eagles vs. Commanders: Live score updates, highlights, injury news
Follow along with Week 1 updates here!
Former “Wendy Williams Show” producer recalls ‘long, slow descent’ of the show: ‘Just kind of like fizzled out’
Norman Baker is breaking his silence about the final days of the beloved talk show.
Why Trump's united Ireland stance hit such a nerve
He broke with a longstanding U.S. convention of not taking sides on whether Northern Ireland should be British or Irish.
Fall stargazing 2026: The best skywatching sights in autumn (and how to see them)
As longer nights draw in over the fall, we see the return of some stargazing favorites, including the Andromeda Galaxy, the Pleiades star cluster and the first supermoon of the season.
BYU Moves up in AP Poll after Arizona Win
BYU was ranked #15 for the Arizona game, and moved up to #11 in the latest AP Poll released Sunday. BYU is one four Big 12 teams ranked along with Texas Tech (13), Utah (17), and Houston (22). Notre Dame remained at #3. BYU passed Oregon and Oklahoma after their losses, and also passed USC […]
Scott Boras Makes Cincinnati Reds Star's Future Clear
The long-time agent's recent statement indicated that Elly De La Cruz will likely test the market when he hits free agency in 2029.
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” star Christopher Briney finally reveals how he broke his hand
The actor stars alongside Chase Infiniti, Jason Isaacs, and Gillian Anderson in “The Julia Set.”
‘An emotional moment’: Business Women of Pocatello to dissolve after 9 years
POCATELLO — After nine years of supporting women in business and the community, Business Women of Pocatello (BWP) will dissolve early next year. The board of directors made the decision after evaluating the organization’s long-term sustainability, participation, the changing needs of its members and BWP’s future direction. BWP was founded in 2017 by Whitney Poleki […]
City Hall Construction Is Squeezing Old Town Businesses. Alexandria Is Looking for Ways to Help.
Businesses beside Alexandria City Hall say the years-long renovation is cutting foot traffic and parking. The City is now considering parking help, promotion and other relief.
Kosovo gets new government but political impasse persists
Kosovo lawmakers have voted in a new government led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti. It follows an early election in June amid a prolonged political crisis. Kurti's government received support
Has Aaron Nola Been Unlucky with the Homer Thing?
Moonshot misfortune? Longball luck? Or just cold tater truth?
I've spent 20 years caring for 5 loved ones. It cost me my career
Laura Lee Ehrlich, 54, spent two decades caring for five loved ones. She left work and used savings and her 401(k) along the way.
United Way launches health plan for Indiana nonprofits
By Eniola Longe | Inside INdiana Business
Faith-based film productions are thriving in Sacramento. It’s part of a trend
The Sacramento region has long sought to attract film productions. One genre that is thriving in the region: Faith-based films.
💥Earthquake in Valencia: Corberán and the sporting director sacked
Valencia CF announced a major restructuring after terminating the contract of its CEO of Football, Ron Gourlay, along with his staff. The decision aims to begin a new chapter in the sporting managemen...
The World of Warcraft "Classic+" rumours were true and it's called World of Warcraft: Forever
Blizzard has confirmed World of Warcraft: Forever, the long-rumoured Classic+ experience, launching 4th November with a beta this week.
56 educators take part in summer Educator Exchange program
DOBSON — Surry-Yadkin Works and the Surry County Economic Development Partnership continued their Educator Exchange program this summer, welcoming the Yadkin County Economic Development Partnership to the initiative alongside 56
Overwatch Announces What's Next As It Reaches The End Of Its First Year-Long Story Arc
A new hero, map and more is on the way!
Leeds v Newcastle: Key stats and talking points
Leeds United host Newcastle United with both teams yet to suffer defeat in this season's Premier League. Leeds' unbeaten start continues the streak of resilience that was evident in the second half of 2025-26, notably after head coach Daniel Farke's much-heralded switch to a back three last winter. The new signings have also bedded in well, in particular Tarik Muharemovic, who has had to fill the sizeable shoes of Pascal Struijk – the Bosnian has made 16 headed clearances so far, joint-top of the Premier League standings alongside Sunderland's Dan Ballard.
A visit to LSU's bookstore led me to author Wendell Berry, who refused to be pigeonholed
A happy accident turned into a lifelong appreciation of the writer.
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.
Willy Chavarria on His Don Julio Creative Director Role, the Fashion-Entertainment Crossover and Expanding His Brand ‘Into a Full Creative Studio’
“Fashion and entertainment have been overlapping for so long, it only makes sense that we start to interconnect and join each other’s worlds,” Willy Chavarria tells Variety. The Mexican American desig...
Chimpanzees once used for vaccine research get health checks as part of long-term care
Chimpanzees once used in hepatitis B vaccine experiments are getting health checks at their new home in Liberia. The West African chimpanzees receive care such as teeth cleanings and X-rays
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.
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 […]
Lothar Matthäus confident Harry Kane should win Ballon d’Or
Matthäus feels the Ballon d’Or belongs to FC Bayern’s Harry Kane
Scientists asked machine learning what a “youthful” diet looks like — the answer comes with an important catch
Nutrition research has spent decades asking what people who live longer tend to eat. A new study tried a more computational approach: let machine learning sift through the diets of nearly 192,000 people and identify the food pattern most strongly associated with healthier aging. The researchers called the result the Machine-learning YouTHful, or MYTH, Diet. People with higher scores had lower aging-related mortality and more favorable patterns on several aging measures. It is a clever use of a h
Why Trump’s effort to build more refineries won’t lower gas prices
President Donald Trump wants to reverse the decades-long decline in the number of US refineries in operation, which he believes is key to lowering gas prices, and he recently called oil executives to the White House to make that push.
This Democrat’s comeback saga began long before his primary upset
David Crowley had a surprising path to becoming his party’s nominee for governor of Wisconsin. His life before that was even more unlikely.
Forsaken Kingdom Fills a Long-Standing Warcraft III Gap, Adding 30 Hours of Story Between Arthas and World of Warcraft
Warcraft III Reforged: Forsaken Kingdom is out now, adding a 30-hour campaign, Definitive Edition graphics, a new tavern hero, and more.
This Is Why Ohio State Should’ve Let Texas Score
The Ohio State Buckeyes had no business losing to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday night, not after the way OSU had dominated much of the game. But down the stretch, Arch Manning and the Longhorns started scoring, and the Texas defense began getting stops. All of a sudden, Texas was on the doorstep with less […] The post This Is Why Ohio State Should’ve Let Texas Score appeared first on HEAVY.
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.
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...
Harrisburg beats O’Gorman by one in 48th Dakota Bowl
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A missed extra point was the difference between #3 O’Gorman and #5 Harrisburg in the 48th annual Bob Burns Dakota Bowl, and this year the visiting Tigers will head back home with the win, 21-20. O’Gorman scored on their first drive of the ballgame, a long sustained push capped off […]
How the HOPES Program Strengthens Culturally Responsive Mental‑Health Care
"I thought there was no way I could become a doctor. Now I know I can."As I looked around the room, I noticed heads nodding in agreement.That student's reflection wasn't an isolated experience. One by one, others shared similar stories describing how they had questioned whether they belonged in medi...
Thomas Gore scandal shows sex and politics have long collided
A 1914 assault allegation became a sensational trial and a defining test for Oklahoma’s blind senator.
Hinge Health (HNGE) Stock Looks Overvalued On Earnings But Mixed On Broader Checks
Hinge Health stock has nearly doubled year to date, yet the latest valuation checks point to a company that screens as overvalued on market multiples and only delivers a mixed overall value score. For anyone tracking the recent rally, the question is whether the current price already bakes in most of the optimism around the business. Hinge Health is up 94.4% year to date, which puts recent buyers on notice that expectations embedded in the share price have moved a long way in a short...
Hollywood Smothers gives Texas football dynamic weapon with Arch Manning
Texas transfer Hollywood Smothers is making an immediate impact in Steve Sarkisian's offense alongside Arch Manning.
'Hoped to die here': Elon Musk's growing Bastrop County empire yields bittersweet feeling for neighbors
Longtime Bastrop County residents face industrial expansion and environmental concerns as Elon Musk’s business empire acquires thousands of acres of land.
USC vs Louisiana live updates: Highlights, predictions, analysis
USC plays Louisiana in its final nonconference game of 2026. Follow along for live score updates, highlights, key plays and instant analysis:
Derrick Jones Jr.’s Future With Clippers Is Reportedly Safe
Derrick Jones Jr. could be a long-term piece for the Clippers after rumors circulated of him seeking a trade.
UAlbany football rebounds strongly in dominant win over Long Island
Colon threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to sophomore wide receiver BJ Norman on a well-timed screen and then connected with junior wide receiver Jordan Rae on a 33-yard scoring pass.
Céline Dion breaks down in tears as she makes her emotional return to the stage after yearslong health battle
NASCAR Cup Series Starting Lineup: Enjoy Illinois 300 At Gateway
The NASCAR Cup Series starting lineup for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway Gateway is officially set. Joey Logano will lead the field to the green flag after setting the fastest time in qualifying. Kyle Larson will start alongside Logano on the front row, while Ryan Blaney and Christopher Bell will start […] The post NASCAR Cup Series Starting Lineup: Enjoy Illinois 300 At Gateway appeared first on Stadium Rant.
Bouaddi: I'm already learning from the best at City!
Ayyoub Bouaddi says he is only going to further learn and develop from playing and training alongside his new Manchester City colleagues. Men's Team Anderson explains his early love of City The Morocc...
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."
Mike Babcock Sends Strong Message About Oilers’ Biggest Stars
One of the major storylines from the offseason was the hiring of Mike Babcock by the Edmonton Oilers to replace the fired Kris Knoblauch, the coach that had led them to consecutive berths in the Stanley Cup Final. Knoblauch was terminated along with assistant coach Mark Stuart, and replaced by Babcock and DJ Smith. Babcock […] The post Mike Babcock Sends Strong Message About Oilers’ Biggest Stars appeared first on HEAVY.
Seth Rogen makes rare comment on long-gestating Figment movie based on Disney World ride
Seth Rogen made a rare comment on Disney’s upcoming Figment movie, which was first announced in 2022 as an adaptation of Disney World’s beloved Epcot ride.
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.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony: Starcraft Returns, Diablo V Announced, Warcraft news and more
I’ve been at Blizzard a long time, and I’ve got a bunch of BlizzCons under my belt. Do you know how hard all these announcements were to hold in as we prepared for BlizzCon 2026? I can’t even believe this is real, man, like…okay, sorry, I’m locked in. Whether you’re watching it all unfold live […]
Colorado author to host talk about mental health and a 500-mile long hike across the state
September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to reflect, reach out to our loved ones, and understand that anyone can be struggling with their mental health. One individual decided to address her mental...
Eggs tied to California producer recalled after salmonella outbreak
Happy Hens voluntarily recalled potentially contaminated eggs purchased by consumers and businesses in Southern California and along the Central Coast.
MC Lyte is taking the long way to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fa...
BLACKPRESSUSA—Long before hip-hop was old enough to have a Hall of Fame generation, MC Lyte came out of Brooklyn with a voice too enormous to belong to a teenag...
'World of Warcraft Forever' is Blizzard's take on Classic+, revamping vanilla Azeroth in new ways for perpetual expansion
World of Warcraft Forever is Blizzard's long-rumored "Classic+" take, designed to keep Warcraft's old-school social-first gameplay intact while providing new content.
Overwatch's Next Hero, Doctrine, Officially Revealed at BlizzCon 2026
Doctrine comes to Overwatch alongside a new map at the start of Season 5
ESPN's College Gameday All Pick Texas to Defeat Ohio State
The ESPN College Gameday crew all picked the Texas Longhorns to beat the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
How to Watch Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Texas Longhorns
The No. 1 Buckeyes, led by quarterback Julian Sayin, will visit Arch Manning and the No. 4 Longhorns
ENTERTAINMENT: Prize-winning mezzo-soprano on weeklong state tour
Mezzo-soprano Claire McCahan, winner of the 2025 National Federation of Music Clubs Young Artist Competition, kicks off this year’s Young Artist Tour.
CEOs Are Using AI, but Few Are Planning for What Comes Next
AI should be embedded into business planning to strengthen execution, governance, competitiveness, and long-term growth.
Mistakes we made traveling to Portugal for 2 weeks; biggest regrets
From spending too long in Lisbon to making packing, planning, and transportation mistakes, here's what I wish we did differently on our Portugal trip.
I've Always Bought AirPods Pro, But AirPods 5 Might Be My New Pick
BGR's own Connor Jewiss has long been a devotee of Apple's AirPods Pro, but some changes made to the new AirPods 5 base model might sway his next purchase.
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.
Minnesota Vikings in the Power Rankings
Hello again, sports fans. We’re back with another season of putting together a consensus power ranking for the Vikings each week. It’s Packer week — let’s get it! Here’s a link to a spreadsheet for the year-long rankings. Let’s talk to it (rankings are hyperlinked for maximum clickage): The Rankings NFL.com — 19th Key excerpt: […]
Sterling woman turns farm hobbies into business venture
Shannon Jacobs, along with her husband Brent, is the founder and owner of Roots Market, their farmstead business on the couple’s 3.5 acres between Sterling and Morrison.
Michigan football vs. Oklahoma: Live updates
Follow along here for live updates as Michigan plays host to Oklahoma in Ann Arbor.
How burnt coconut helped discover new to science endemic species in Sri Lanka
COLOMBO — As dusk settled over the paddy fields at Puwakpitiya, a village on the northern edge of Knuckles Mountain Range locally known as Dumbara mountains in Central Sri Lanka, researchers began laying traps along the uneasy boundary between farmland and forest. They were targeting small terrestrial mammals moving through the landscape. On the ground, […]
Didn't Pre-Order iPhone 18 Pro Yet? Here's How Long the Wait is Now
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max pre-orders began today in the U.S. and many other countries. If you have yet to place a pre-order on Apple's online store, you might face a longer wait now, depending on your desired configuration. The first customers who pre-ordered right when pre-orders began at 5 a.m. Pacific Time today will have their device delivered on Friday, September 18 launch day. As of 6:45 a.m.
China Deploys Rare Type of Space Junk That Pollutes Orbit for Hundreds of Years
A Chinese spacecraft that failed in a very rare Earth orbit is going to be up there for an extremely long time.
Seattle’s oldest pawn shop has seen plenty
Barney’s Jewelry and Loan has experienced Seattle's highs and lows along with its residents. For some, the pawn shop is a financial stopgap. For others, it's a lifeline.
How L.L.Bean is navigating the U.S.-Canada trade war
“We have long had a tremendous relationship with our neighbors to the north,” said CEO Greg Elder.
Colorado vs. Weber State live updates: Score, highlights, analysis
Colorado football takes on Weber State today in the Buffaloes' 2026 home opener. Follow along for live score updates, highlights and analysis.
Blizzard Announces World Of Warcraft: Forever, Expanding Vanilla WoW With New Zones, Raids, 1,000 New Quests Set
The long-rumored Classic+ mode also introduces a new playable race. - Game Informer
Warcraft III: Reforged Gets A New Campaign Today, Alongside New Graphics Mode
The real-time strategy side of Warcraft got an update today, including a new campaign and graphical update. - Game Informer
Scientists find Ozempic may slow aging itself
Semaglutide helped older healthy mice live longer while improving memory, muscle function, blood sugar control, and several biological signs of aging. Its effects went beyond those seen with calorie restriction, raising the possibility that GLP-1 drugs could tap into a separate biological pathway linked to longevity.
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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