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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.
Ohio Valley Health Center hosts sixth annual kickball fundraiser in Steubenville
A kickball tournament at Bellevue Park in Steubenville brought teams and community leaders together Saturday morning to raise money for patient care at the Ohio
Botafogo 1-1 RB Bragantino
Botafogo drew 1-1 with RB Bragantino this Saturday (12) in a match valid for the 27th round of the Brazilian Championship at Nilton Santos. Alvinegro’s goal was scored by Vitinho, with a header, aft...
Iowa political candidates campaign at tailgates before Cy-Hawk game
Several Iowa political candidates took their campaigns to tailgates Saturday ahead of the Cy-Hawk game in Iowa City.
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.
Rice Fumbles; Irish Rumble
Things started poorly for the Rice Owls on Saturday and went downhill from there. The visitors fumbled away the football on their first two possessions and quickly fell into a 14-0 hole.
Iowa, national politicians court voters at CyHawk tailgates
Iowa political candidates for state and congressional offices took to Iowa City Saturday to engage with voters.
Testing confirms ricin exposure at Hastings apartment complex, health officials say
Testing has confirmed an exposure to ricin at an apartment complex in Hastings and residents remain evacuated, with some pets still left behind, health officials said in a Saturday update.
UB Bulls change QBs in loss at Florida International
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — University at Buffalo’s football team took its first loss of the season but got an encouraging performance from sophomore quarterback Jason Wright in the second half of Saturday night’s 33-20 defeat against Florida International at Pitbull Stadium in Miami. Wright was 13 of 27 passing for 186 yards with two touchdowns […]
Oregon’s Dan Lanning Blasts Performance Following Loss to Oklahoma State
Oregon's head coach Dan Lanning wasn't happy after the Ducks fell to Oklahoma State on Saturday afternoon in a major upset. The post Oregon’s Dan Lanning Blasts Performance Following Loss to Oklahoma State appeared first on HEAVY.
Old NDSU Rival Piles On Whopping Point Total
An old rival of North Dakota State's put on quite the offensive show on Saturday in non-conference FBS action. The post Old NDSU Rival Piles On Whopping Point Total appeared first on HEAVY.
Noche UFC 4 Bonuses! McMillen Banks $100K Yet Again
Jean Silva had to push through some early adversity earlier tonight (Sat., Sept. 12, 2026) at Noche UFC 4 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, but the featherweight powerhouse eventually scored a main event submission finish over Jose Delgado (see it HERE). In addition to the featherweight headliner, Noche UFC […]
Mississippi State Dominates Minnesota in Statement Win
Mississippi State delivered one of its biggest wins of the young 2026 season Saturday, traveling to Minneapolis and taking down Minnesota 38-13 . The Bulldogs came out firing and never allowed the Golden Gophers to establish control. Mississippi State scored 14 points in each of the first two quarters, taking a commanding 28-6 lead into…
Rybakina dethrones Sabalenka with her first US Open crown
Elena Rybakina proved herself to be the undisputed world number one after claiming her first US Open title. The 27-year-old from Kazakhstan knew she would be top of the rankings from Monday, overtaking her opponent Aryna Sabalenka, whatever the outcome of Saturday's final.
Kentucky volleyball falls in close match with SMU
The Kentucky Wildcats volleyball team dropped their second match of the season on Saturday, falling to No. 8 SMU.
Guardians score vs. Twins. Minnesota holds on to beat Cleveland
Emmanuel Rodriguez hit a home run and the Minnesota Twins held on to beat the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 12, in Minneapolis.
Health fair at Jefferson Elementary offers free medical services
An annual health fair returned to Jefferson Elementary School Saturday, offering free health services to community members.
👊 When they screw me over...: Falcioni slams the refereeing
Atlético Tucumán head coach Julio César Falcioni made harsh accusations against the refereeing after the defeat to River Plate. The experienced manager expressed his outrage over decisions he belie...
Testing confirms ricin exposure at Hastings apartment complex, health officials say
Testing has confirmed an exposure to ricin at an apartment complex in Hastings and residents remain evacuated, with some pets still left behind, health officials said in a Saturday update.
Testing confirms ricin exposure at Hastings apartment complex, health officials say
Testing has confirmed an exposure to ricin at an apartment complex in Hastings and residents remain evacuated, with some pets still left behind, health officials said in a Saturday update.
LIVE! Watch Noche UFC 4 Post-Fight Presser Here
Now that the action is in the books from Noche UFC 4 earlier tonight (Sat., Sept. 12, 2026) LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale, Arizona, fight fans can check out the post-fight presser for all the best reaction and official bonus winners. On a night that featured a main event clash […]
Learning and fun had at this year’s Healthcare Expo in Kirksville on Saturday
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - People of all ages stopped by this year’s Healthcare Expo in Kirksville on Saturday.
Marshall Health Network hosts vaccine drive-thru
The Marshall Health Network offered free drive-thru vaccine clinics Saturday morning.
Marlins Come Back to Take Down Dodgers
The Marlins picked up their second win of the nine-game homestand with a tight 4-3 victory over the Dodgers on Saturday at loanDepot park.
Big Second Half Propels BYU in Win Over Arizona
BYU went into half down 17-14, but shut out the Wildcats in the second half in a 28-17 win over Arizona Saturday afternoon in Provo. After allowing 240 yards to Arizona in the second half, BYU’s defense dominated in the second . Arizona in the second half mustered only 87 total yards, including -2 rushing […]
5 things Penn State made glaringly obvious against Temple
Penn State went on the road for the first time in the Matt Campbell era on Saturday. Here are the biggest takeaways from the 27-9 win over Temple.
Gophers-Mississippi State player ratings: Is Minnesota wasting Drake Lindsey?
Minnesota's star quarterback did his best to carry the offense on Saturday.
Eighth-Inning Explosion Carries Tigers Over Rockies
The Colorado Rockies had a 7-4 lead going into the bottom of the eighth before the Detroit Tigers got off the mat and scored seven runs. That proved to be the difference on Saturday.
‘It’s all coming back to me now’: Celine Dion returns to stage
Celine Dion kicked off her series of concerts in Nanterre, near Paris on Saturday.
St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago White Sox Game Discussion Saturday
After a rousing St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame ceremony where Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina and Bill Sherdel were immortalized, the team will take the field and do battle with the Chicago White Sox Saturday night. Kyle Leahy will get the start (for a couple innings at least) while Chicago sends Luis Castillo to the […]
Science festival brings hands-on learning to Indianola
INDIANOLA, Miss. — Science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) were on display Saturday at the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, but the lessons didn't come from a
Michigan earns 17-10 statement win over Oklahoma
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (WLNS) – The Michigan football team bounced back from an unsatisfying week one performance and earned a top-15 win on Saturday, defeating No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10. With the game tied 10-10 in the fourth quarter, senior cornerback Jyaire Hill made a key interception and returned it to the Oklahoma six-yard line. That […]
Washington Nationals Acquire 25-Year-Old From New York Yankees
The Washington Nationals officially acquired a 25-year-old right-hander from the New York Yankees on Saturday. The post Washington Nationals Acquire 25-Year-Old From New York Yankees appeared first on HEAVY.
Arteta blasts 'unacceptable' Sunderland penalty despite Arsenal win
Mikel Arteta said the decision to award Sunderland a penalty could have cost Arsenal the Premier League title, even though his side emerged 2-0 winners at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.A fourth win from four Premier League games takes the defending champions three points clear at the top of the table. kca/mw
Braves vs Phillies Game Thread: 9/12/2026
Join us and discuss tonight’s game in the comments below, as the Braves look to put another nail in Philly’s NL East coffin. Game Info Game Time: Saturday, September 12, 7:15 p.m. ET Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, GA Watch: BravesVision Radio/Audio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan
Conan O’Brien reveals show that saved his life after 'Saturday Night Live'
Conan O’Brien revealed the job that helped him through a dark period after he exited "Saturday Night Live."
Wayne County Public Health confirms 2 measles cases on Saturday
WAYNE COUNTY, N.Y. — Wayne County Public Health said it got confirmation on Saturday of two measles cases in unvaccinated people. These are the first documented cases of measles in Wayne County.
Oklahoma State football fans storm field after Cowboys upset Oregon
Oklahoma State football fans storm the field after beating No. 6 Oregon 39-31 Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium in Stillwater for the Cowboys' first win since Aug. 28, 2025.
Instant Canadiens Analysis: Former Villain Kreider A Smart Addition
The Montreal Canadiens shocked many fans on Saturday, announcing the signature of a relatively unlikely target, forward Chris Kreider. Kreider, […]
Saturday Night Open Thread: Giving the dirty bird (Week 1)
Come and join this merry band of Steelers’ faithful for some lively debate about our Steelers, good food, music, and the merits of the odd cold beverage.
Mbappe at the double as Real Madrid sink Rayo
Kylian Mbappe struck twice to help Real Madrid smash Rayo Vallecano 4-1 on Saturday to pull level with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.On Tuesday Real Madrid travel to face Elche, while Rayo Vallecano host Espanyol.
USF outlasts Army in last-minute American Conference thriller
Ahead of Saturday’s game at Army, South Florida acknowledged that offensive possessions could prove to be precious. “We’ve talked about that a lot.
Alabama, Kentucky trade pick-sixes to start Saturday’s game
Alabama and Kentucky traded pick-sixes to start Saturday's game in Lexington.
Agawam golfers tee off for mental health awareness
Golfers, volunteers, and advocates gathered Saturday afternoon at Agawam Municipal Golf Course in Feeding Hills for the “Be Kind to Your Mind” golf tournament.
Gerrit Cole gets rocked again, Yankees blown out by Mets
I hope you had something more fun to do with your Saturday.
Tar Heels Handle Business in Home Opener: Biggest Takeaways
North Carolina took care of things against their FCS opponent ahead of a big road game in Clemson. Let's look at some of the key takeaways from Saturday's trium
Tottenham 0-0 Everton: Spurs’ Goalscoring Misery Continues
Tottenham Hotspur are still searching for their first Premier League win and goal of the season after Roberto De Zerbi’s team played out a frustrating 0-0 draw with Everton on Saturday afternoon.
Wisconsin vs. Western Illinois: Picks, predictions, and odds
The Badgers should roll on Saturday.
Nebraska football vs. Bowling Green live updates, stats and highlights
Nebraska plays host to Bowling Green on Saturday night at Memorial Stadium. The Huskers are coming off a 49-21 victory over Ohio last Saturday.
600: Kylian Mbappé hits an astonishing milestone 🎯
Goalscorer... and provider!This Saturday evening, Real Madrid host Rayo Vallecano for Matchday 5 of La Liga.In the space of just two minutes, Kylian Mbappé made his mark... twice! After scoring a pen...
Joanna Gaines reveals soul-weary experience that made her pause Magnolia brand
HGTV alum Joanna Gaines explained why she and her husband, Chip Gaines, decided to take a three-month sabbatical from their Magnolia brand.
Caleb Hearon & Zooey Deschanel offer blunt advice for creators eyeing the jump to film
At TIFF, the "Trash Mountain" stars told creators to say no early, ignore the doubters, and just make the thing.
Irish leaders react after Trump says he'd 'love' to see a unified Ireland
President Donald Trump sparked the ire of some Irish leaders shortly after his arrival in Dublin Saturday when he expressed an interest in seeing a unified Ireland.
Michigan State vs. Eastern Michigan
Michigan State University takes on Eastern Michigan University on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 in East Lansing, Mich.
Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute hosts men's health fair focused on prostate cancer screening
Hampton University Proton Cancer Institute hosted a men's health fair Saturday offering free prostate cancer screenings and health resources.
Chelsea and Liverpool held at home, Villa lose again
Chelsea's chaotic start to life under Xabi Alonso continued with an entertaining 2-2 Premier League draw against Hull at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. It was a pattern that has become familiar in the early weeks of the season.
😮 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...
Larry Ellison cancels plan to sell Oracle stock
Sept 12 (Reuters) - Oracle Executive Chairman Larry Ellison has canceled his plan to sell 50 million shares of Oracle stock, the company said on Saturday.
Reaction: “Satisfied with my team’s display!”
Ole Book (in the mixed zone): “After the Champions League match, we had a few problems getting into the game. Paderborn was very aggressive, especially in the opening phase, and had a good plan for ...
Key injury concern for Swans before Lincoln
Swansea City have fingers crossed that Josh Key has not suffered a significant injury after the right-back was forced off during Saturday's 3-1 win over Burnley. Key has featured in all but one of Swansea's games this season, having shared right-back duties with Filip Lissah. "It wasn't worth the risk [to keep him on the pitch against Burnley] when we have Fil, who came on and did a good game, again."
LG Denies Accusations Of Smart TVs Continuously Recording Its Users
The company said that user privacy is a “fundamental principle” of its products.
Gallery: Take a peek at training for derby day
Check out the best pictures from Saturday’s training at the City Football Academy... Men's Team Subscribe to CITY+ for live audio commentary of the Manchester derby City make the short trip to Old T...
Stuttgart slam VAR as injured Stiller frets over Germany call
VfB Stuttgart have heavily criticized the video assistant referee (VAR) for not helping award them a penalty in Saturday's 2-1 Bundesliga defeat at Hoffenheim. Midfielder Angelo Stiller was struck on the knee in the box by defender Ozan Kabak midway through the first half.
Area Events & Entertainment Community Calendar
Sept. 10 - Veterans Coffee & Conversation at the Eagles Club - begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 10 - Karaoke at Hy-Da Way at 8:30 p.m. Sept. 12 - Fall Night Market, live music by Kristen Amber Music …
Amodei, Altman, and Musk rally around call to slow AI down
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for an AI slowdown on Saturday. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and SpaceXAI CEO Elon Musk, and others, also chimed in.
Tucker Kraft signs extension on day before Packers' season opener
Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft will be making his return from a torn anterior cruciate ligament with a contract extension. The Packers announced Saturday that Kraft had signed a contract extension. The team didn’t disclose terms, but a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that it’s a four-year, $75 million deal with a maximum value of $92 million that includes a $26.5 million signing bonus. Kraft could have become a free agent at the end of the season if the two sides hadn’t agreed to terms on an extension, though he consistently expressed throughout the offseason his desire to stay in Green Bay.
🎥 Paris Brunner's screamer against Strasbourg 🧨
WHAT A BANGER ALERT!A huge clash between Strasbourg and AS Monaco this Saturday in Ligue 1.After the Alsatians opened the scoring early in the second half, ASM equalized thanks to their star striker f...
Niko Kovac admits Borussia Dortmund struggled after Champions League night
Niko Kovac believes Borussia Dortmund felt the effects of their Champions League commitments during the early stages of Saturday's 3-0 victory over Paderborn. Dortmund came into the fixture just four...
Dolphins GM checking out some top draft prospects on Saturday
The Dolphins are expected to have a top pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, so their general manager will be looking at some of the best prospects Saturday.
Nebraska football vs. Georgia Tech live updates, stats and highlights
Nebraska volleyball returns to action on Saturday by hosting Georgia Tech. The Huskers are coming off a sweep of Baylor on Friday night.
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.
Atlético v Fluminense: Galo in action today!
Atlético vs Fluminense – September 12 (Saturday) – 4 PM🏆 Tournament: 27th round – Brazilian Championship🏟️ Venue: Arena MRV, Belo Horizonte🐓 Pre-match, Commentary and Post-match: Gal...
College football Saturday open thread
A much better slate of games on tap today, capped by Ohio State/Texas tonight. Some games I’ll be keeping an eye on: NoonOklahoma vs. MichiganWake Forest vs. PurdueOregon vs. Oklahoma StateArizona State vs. Texas A&MApp State vs. ECU 3:30Alabama vs. KentuckyUCF vs. PittArizona vs. BYUCal vs. Syracuse 6 p.m. or laterMemphis vs. Boise StateTennessee vs. […]
Estero golf tournament raises funds for SWFL veteran mental health
Golfers teed off for a good cause Saturday morning at Copperleaf Golf Club's annual Veteran Appreciation Golf Tournament.
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.
Political cartoons for September 12
Saturday’s political cartoons include ethics, the Bers, and more
Browns GM Shuts Down DeShaun Watson Accusations
The Cleveland Browns have been accused of tilting the quarterback competition toward Deshaun Watson. Andrew Berry responds. The post Browns GM Shuts Down DeShaun Watson Accusations appeared first on HEAVY.
Dario Amodei says he's now 'convinced' world should slow AI's advance
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said in a new essay on Saturday that he's 'become convinced' in recent months that AI development needs to slow down.
LIVE Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado Results & Highlights
On Saturday the action continues in the West Coast as the leading MMA promotion presents another edition of UFC Fight […]
Eye of the Tiger: Pivotal position matchups vs LA Tech
Which specific matchups could be key on Saturday night?
Game thread: Iowa State football versus No. 21 Iowa
Date: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026 Time: 6:30 or 6:36 p.m. CDT Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City Capacity: 61,500 Line: Iowa -14 Television: NBC Play-by-Play: Paul Burmeister Analyst: Todd Blackledge Sideline: Kathryn Tappen Radio: Cyclone Radio Network Play-by-Play: John Walters Analyst: Eric Heft Sideline: Ryan Harklau Head coach Jimmy Rogers makes his Cy-Hawk Series debut as […]
2. Bundesliga: Bochum and Fürth share spoils
VfL Bochum and Greuther Fürth settled for a draw in one of Saturday afternoon’s 2. Bundesliga encounters. Both teams could drop to the bottom half of the standings if results go against them in the...
What channel is Arizona vs BYU on? TV schedule Saturday
What channel is BYU vs Arizona on today? How to watch, how to stream college football Week 2 game on TV, streaming on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026.
Tigers seek second straight series win against Rockies on Saturday
The Detroit Tigers won their second game in a row for the first time since early August with a 6-2 victory over the Colorado Rockies at Comerica Park on Friday night. Riley Greene’s 3-for-4 performance fueled the good guys on offense and dodged danger on several occasions for a quality start while earning his 10th […]
North Country Sports Scoreboard: Saturday, September 12, 2026
A variety of high school and college athletic competitions took place across the North Country on Friday.
Fox News' resident liberal has some tips for winning a political argument
Jessica Tarlov, a regular on "The Five" on Fox News, has a few secrets for productive political conversations during this heated election season.
Spanish GP: Lewis Hamilton crashes at Kimi Antonelli tops final practice from Charles Leclerc in Madrid
Lewis Hamilton crashes in final practice at the Spanish Grand Prix as Kimi Antonelli tops the session; watch Spanish GP Qualifying from the all-new Madring circuit live on Sky Sports F1 at 3pm on Saturday, and the race at 2pm on Sunday
Confirmed lineups: Hoffenheim vs. Stuttgart
VfB Stuttgart make the short trip to Sinsheim on Saturday afternoon, looking to build on their impressive start to the week.Sebastian Hoeness’ side opened their Champions League campaign with a 3-1 ...
Confirmed lineups: Freiburg vs. Borussia Mönchengladbach
SC Freiburg will look to continue their perfect start to the Bundesliga season when Borussia Mönchengladbach visit Breisgau on Saturday afternoon.Julian Schuster’s side have taken six points from t...
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...
Could Utah Jazz Have Center Problem?
Despite boasting elite height and frontcourt versatility, the loss of Walker Kessler leaves a void in the middle that could derail Utah’s promising postseason ambitions.
After the I.P.O., a Billion-Dollar Bill for Employee Paydays
A compensation strategy at start-ups keeps expenses low until they go public. At that point, the companies may face billions of dollars in catch-up expenses.
Stand-up comic Ali Saddiq talks storytelling and return to Tower District in Fresno
The stand-up comic was on the phone with The Bee in advance two performances, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday at the Tower Theatre.
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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