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Grande Cosmetics Announces Actress Lucy Hale as First-Ever Brand Ambassador
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 28, 2026--
Democrats Keep Coming to South Carolina to Stump for Midterm Candidates. It's All About 2028
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — On paper, South Carolina might be an odd place for Democrats to converge to campaign for midterm candidates. Republicans dominate state politics, and there's slim chance of that changing this year. But South Carolina is also the first state in Democrats' next presidential ...
Leader: Enemy’s Hoped-for Past Will Never Return
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said the era Iran’s enemies seek to restore has ended forever, stressing that Iran has moved from dependence and humiliation to independence, strength and a prominent position in the Islamic world.
CPHI Milan 2026: Clinical data drives hair, mood, heart & cognitive health ingredients
Customers are increasingly opting for human data over hype. In this space, CPHI Milan 2026 will convene pharmaceutical and nutraceutical players who are
Honor Magic 9 Pro Max debuts with stylish design, dual 200MP camera, 8800mAh battery
It’s September 28, and Honor debuts the Magic 9 Pro Max with a stylish design and a mesmerizing upgrade over the previous-generation handset. From name and appearance to internal specifications, the company has given a complete makeover to its annual flagship. It’s time to explore the top-tier smartphone. Magic 9 Pro Max debuts as the […]
IRGC Reaffirms Commitment to Resistance Path on Nasrallah’s Martyrdom Anniversary
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps reaffirmed its commitment to the path of Hezbollah late Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, saying his legacy continues to strengthen the resistance front and Lebanon’s Hezbollah.
Iran Ready to Resist Any Aggression, Even ‘Apocalyptic War’: Araghchi
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran is fully prepared to confront any aggression and stands firm even if the confrontation escalates into an “apocalyptic war”, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, stressing that Tehran keeps the door open to diplomacy and a proposed seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran Condemns Attacks on Yemen’s Civilian Targets
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Foreign Ministry strongly condemned military attacks on various parts of Yemen that have killed and wounded scores of civilians and caused extensive damage to the country’s infrastructure, particularly deadly airstrikes on a market in Taiz.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry Marks 2nd Anniversary of Nasrallah’s Martyrdom
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Foreign Ministry of Iran commemorated the second anniversary of the martyrdom of Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, hailing his decades-long leadership of the Lebanese resistance and reaffirming Iran’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
Detroit Lions DB Christian Izien Throws Shade at Jets
Lions defensive back Christian Izien had a pointed assessment of the Jets after Detroit's 31-24 victory, saying New York should not have scored 24 points.
What the smell of a soil can tell us about soil health
Farmers used to sniff their soil to gauge how healthy it was. According to ecologist Rosa Boone, you can deduce a great deal from its smell: "The fungi and bacteria present in the soil are important for ...
Trump to Travel to Ohio to Stump for Sen. Jon Husted as the Republican Faces Competitive Challenge
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump plans to visit Ohio on Saturday in support of Sen. Jon Husted as the Republican tries to fend off a competitive challenge from Democratic former Sen. Sherrod Brown. The trip to Vandalia, just north of Dayton, is scheduled to come after stops in Oklahoma on ...
Power & Politics: NJ Lt. Gov. Caldwell resigns following probe into allegations of sexual harassment, state ethics violations
Republican State Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, former State Rep. John Wisniewski and Republican Rep. Jefferson Van Drew join the show.
Power & Politics: NJ Lt. Gov. Caldwell resigns following probe into allegations of sexual harassment, state ethics violations
Republican State Sen. Declan O'Scanlon, former State Rep. John Wisniewski and Republican Rep. Jefferson Van Drew join the show.
Rams' Puka Nacua: Health concern considered 'short term'
Rams' Puka Nacua: Health concern considered 'short term'
IRGC Navy Seizes Second US Military Underwater Drone
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy said on Sunday that it has seized a second underwater remotely operated vehicle (UROV) belonging to the US military in the Strait of Hormuz.
She waited for hours and left untreated. The ER billed her anyway.
The hospital said her visit began as soon as “care,” which could mean registration and nursing assessment, was initiated.
Pezeshkian Congratulates Turkmenistan on Independence Day
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated Turkmenistan on the anniversary of its Independence Day.
OpenAI Pauses Training amid Growing Concerns over AI Agent Behavior
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – OpenAI has paused training of its latest AI models amid growing concerns about agents acting outside their instructions, following several incidents involving searches and interactions with US government websites.
Iran Condemns Rutte’s Remarks on European Support for US Aggression
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran condemned NATO chief’s remarks about the extensive use of European military bases in support of US war of aggression against Iran, warning that such assistance could raise questions of international responsibility for the countries involved.
Iran Won’t Back Off from Conditions for Reopening Hormuz: FM
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iran has clearly presented its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and advancing negotiations, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, stressing that Tehran will not back down from those conditions.
Developing Nations Urged to Counter US Unilateralism
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on developing countries to safeguard their common interests and counter the destructive US unilateralism and violations of international law.
Iran Praises Turkey’s Push for Regional Peace, Security
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi lauded Turkey’s efforts to strengthen peace and security in the region, calling for greater regional cooperation and mutual trust in the face of foreign intervention.
Sustainable Development Impossible without Peace: Araqchi
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Sustainable development is impossible without peace, respect for international law and multilateralism, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said, calling for international solidarity to be translated into tangible development outcomes.
The MTV VMAs Are Here With Taylor Swift Making History and Madonna Leading the Nods: How to Watch
NEW YORK (AP) — The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Swifties, it looks like the night is already yours. Earlier this week it was announced that Taylor Swift will receive the inaugural Artist Director Honors, becoming the most awarded artist in VMA history. Swift is currently tied with
Assessment of Health Warning Label Compliance on Smokeless Tobacco Products in Bhubaneswar, India
Introduction: Use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) is a serious public health problem in India. Health warning labels (HWLs) play a vital role in imparting information regarding the adverse health eff...
Cape Cod restaurant hit with harassment, hoax 911 calls after hosting GOP fundraiser
A Cape Cod restaurant has been inundated by online threats and harassment, even a hoax 911 call resulting in a massive emergency response, in retaliation for hosting a Republican fundraising event.
Texts link Justin Baldoni’s crisis PR pro to 'smear' sites, complaint alleges
Top Hollywood publicist Melissa Nathan faces allegations of playing a key role in running 'smear' sites for embattled celebrities amid the Justin Baldoni legal saga. In a deposition, Nathan denied she was the mastermind behind the now-defunct stephaniejonesleaks.com.
That fresh cleaning smell could be filling your home with nanoparticles
Researchers found that scented cleaners can react with ozone indoors to create billions or trillions of invisible nanoparticles that can penetrate deep into the lungs. The pollution forms within minutes and, in some cases, may produce an inhaled particle dose comparable to or greater than standing near heavy traffic.
US scientists launch workaround after Trump administration dismantles National Climate Assessment
Major scientific groups moved quickly to keep the work alive after the Trump administration dismantled key parts of the federal process behind the next National Climate Assessment.
US scientists launch workaround after Trump administration dismantles National Climate Assessment
When that system is interrupted, the consequences reach far beyond Washington.
The Senate map is looking even better for Democrats. Here are races to watch.
The goal of keeping Democratic Senate seats and flipping four GOP seats once felt like a long shot. Now it's feasible.
I Had 5 Key Pillars of Health Tested, in Less Than Six Hours
With two Biograph locations, one in New York and one in the San Francisco bay area, the preventative care clinics evaluate assessments across five key pillars of health.
[NAC] Override Series: Persona 5 Royal Cup Reload in NA Central: Session 1
Take their hearts! Compete for a chance to earn Persona 5 Royal cosmetic rewards. Good luck and have fun!
Saudi Arabia Open to Possibly Developing Nuclear Weapons
An intelligence assessment examined Saudi Arabia’s military ambitions as Congress reviews a new civilian nuclear deal between the U.S. and the kingdom.
Supreme Court OKs Use of Social Security Data to Check Voter Rolls. What It Means for the Midterms
The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the Trump administration to move forward – for now – with a system that uses federal data to help states identify people on their voter rolls who may not be eligible to vote. The emergency ruling lifts restrictions imposed by a lower court on the administration's ...
New Jersey’s lieutenant governor resigns after sexual harassment and ethics complaints
Gov. Mikie Sherrill had given Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell until Friday to bring an end to a scandal that threatened to be a drag on her fledgling administration.
U.N. Releases New List of Companies It Says Do Business With Israeli Settlements
Israel condemned the database of firms tied to activity in the occupied West Bank as a “political tool” to advance “a smear campaign.”
New Jersey’s lieutenant governor resigns after sexual harassment and ethics complaints
New Jersey’s Democratic lieutenant governor has resigned after the governor demanded he step down over allegations of inappropriate behavior with women. Gov. Mikie Sherrill had given Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell
Are conservatives getting fed up with Trump?
The president’s unpopularity is spurring defections and reassessment
2026 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey This Month
The LaSalle County Health Department has extended the deadline for residents to complete its 2026 Community Health Needs Assessment Survey through Sept. 30. The anonymous survey takes about 10 to
US Senate Approves Legislation to Address Pilot, Air Traffic Control Mental Health Issues
WASHINGTON, Sept 25 (Reuters) - The US Senate approved bipartisan legislation to modernize regulations on mental health guidance for pilots and air traffic controllers to encourage early disclosure and treatment. Commercial airline pilots often conceal mental health conditions for fear ...
From follicle science to repair actives: the next wave of hair care innovation
Hair care is continuing to garner industry attention as the category grows. Sector players are investing in the segment.
Loneliness, Isolation Can Strip Away Years Of Healthy Life, Large Study Finds
By Dennis Thompson HealthDay ReporterFRIDAY, Sept. 25, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Loneliness and social isolation can cost a person up to six years of healthy life, a new study says. Physical and mental health suffer when people feel lonely and become isolated, even if they largely stick to healthy ...
Earth Tearing Apart Beneath Pacific Northwest
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Scientists have captured an unusually detailed view of a major tectonic system beneath the Pacific Northwest beginning to come apart.
As Health Insurance Costs Soar, Healthcare Workers Also Feel The Pinch
By Hayat Norimine and KFF Health News HealthDay ReportersFRIDAY, Sept. 25, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Joshua and Ashley Durham run a family medicine practice, and for the first time in their lives, they have no health insurance. When the Durhams began their practice in Boise, Idaho, at the end of 2023 ...
Why Germany Is Building an Ark for U.S. Climate Data
As researchers around the world begin work on the next U.N. climate assessment, fears are growing that the Trump administration could meddle with critical U.S. climate data.
Intelligence from Chinese groups aiding in Iran’s increasingly effective targeting of US sites, sources say
Satellite imagery and intelligence support provided by Chinese groups has helped Iran threaten ships in the Strait of Hormuz and launch precision strikes on US military bases in the Middle East, part of a dramatic improvement in Iranian targeting capabilities over the past several months, according to a series of recent American intelligence assessments described to CNN by four sources.
Former Vanillaware veteran Takafumi Noma on new action RPG DAWNGAZER and building a transmedia fantasy IP that will “accommodate all kinds of stories and forms of gameplay”
Cowgirl Softball beat the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma 6-0 Tye Gensler has the details
#cowgirlsoftball #okstate #okstatesoftball #oklahomastateuninversity #softball #sportsnews #sportsmedia #studentmedia
Oregon students’ test scores in math, reading, science inch up, still below prepandemic levels
Results from the latest statewide assessment tests show student proficiency in reading, writing and math slowly inching up from pandemic lows.
New Midterm Polling Has Good and Bad News for Both Sides
New polling and analysis released this week has encouraging signs for Democrats and Republicans, leaving the overall impression that control of both houses of Congress remains up in the air. Data published Thursday morning by The New York Times and Siena polling puts Democratic candidates Abdul ...
Real-time data provides nuanced look at likelihood of cannabis use
Substance use, including cannabis, is not one-size-fits-all. Some people might consume more in the company of others or in certain situations or locations. Research from the Arizona State University Department of Psychology examines these nuances by leveraging the smartphone most of us carry. This work relies on sending surveys, called ecological momentary assessments, or EMAs, that prompt people to report where they are, what they are doing and what is happening in that moment.
COURTHOUSE NEWS: Feds find Tijuana River pollution poses public health hazard in San Diego
“Polluted water becomes polluted air, and air reaches everyone who breathes it, far beyond anyone who touches the water,” one UC San Diego researcher said. By Quinn Welsch, Courthouse News Service A report on the Tijuana River pollution crisis from the U.S. Department of Health on Wednesday confirmed what many people living in San Diego County have long suspected: Air pollution from the river has reached levels capable of harming their health. The federal health assessment from the department’s Agency […]
These top clubs 🇪🇺 already in crisis 🥶
A mandatory reaction before going under.As the international break is in full swing, the time has come for an initial assessment.The Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga and Ligue 1 have been ...
Scientists Detect Radio Signals from Exoplanet 63 Light Years Away
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – For the first time, astronomers have detected radio signals from a planet beyond our solar system.
St. Paul police chief sues Mayor Kaohly Her alleging sexual harassment
MINNEAPOLIS — St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry filed a lawsuit Wednesday claiming that Mayor Kaohly Her sexually harassed and battered him, and that the city retaliated against him when
Can a living fossil learn new tricks? Meet the nautilus!
With poor eyesight, the chambered nautilus hunts by smell. Explore how a blue-light experiment revealed mysteries of the cephalopod’s memory.
Lili Reinhart explains importance of ‘startling’ sexual harassment scene in “The Love Hypothesis”
The actress tells EW that she and costar Arty Froushan did not “shy away” from bringing the moment to life.
KINGSMEN Celebrates Continued Growth with Second Brownsville Location
The Grand Opening of KINGSMEN’s second Brownsville location will take place Friday, September 25, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The celebration will take place at 635 International Blvd. in Brownsville, Texas.
Marvel Rivals Has Suffered From Poor Balancing and Toxic Player Behaviour for Too Long – It’s Time for an Intervention
Poor balancing, toxic players, and a flawed approach to cosmetics have put Marvel Rivals in a bad place. It desperately needs an intervention to turn its troubles around.
NEUPATH HEALTH TO HOST ANNUAL PHYSICIAN FORUM FOCUSED ON CLINICAL EDUCATION
TORONTO, September 23, 2026--NeuPath Health Inc. (TSXV:NPTH), ("NeuPath" or the "Company"), operates one of Canada’s largest networks of community-based, multidisciplinary medical facilities focused on the assessment and treatment of chronic pain, musculoskeletal/back pain, sports medicine and other pain-related medical services, today announced that it will host its annual Physician Forum from September 25 to 27, 2026, at Fairmont Le Château Montebello in Montebello, Québec.
Reform and the UAE – a threat to British politics
By Alex Carlen The United Arab Emirates likes to present itself as part of the solution to the climate crisis. The oil-rich Gulf state has committed to Net Zero by 2050, hosted COP 28, and even declared “championing climate action” as one of three strategic objectives for this week’s session of the United Nations General Assembly. But behind the scenes the UAE has quietly built one of its closest political relationships in Europe with the party most hostile to climate action in Britain: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK. There is no evidence that the UAE is funding Reform. But a new FairSquare report, Petro-populism: the UAE–Reform threat, published today, documents a growing political relationship that should concern anyone interested in the integrity of British democracy. Reform’s leaders have embraced the UAE’s political model and promoted positions that align closely with the Emirati government’s priorities, while the UAE has given Farage and his party unusually warm access and public backing. What is emerging is not simply a relationship between British politicians and a wealthy Gulf state, but a channel through which an authoritarian government can cultivate political influence here, and abroad. Democracy for Sale relies on its readers. If you already support us, thanks so much. If you don’t, sign up to support fearless independent investigative journalism. Subscribe Back in January, Nigel Farage appeared at a GB News event in Dubai. On the 50th floor of a tower overlooking the luxury resorts and upscale residences of Palm Jumeirah, the Reform leader declared: “I want Clacton to look like this.” At the event – which Farage never declared on his official register of interests – senior Emirati officials mixed with British expats. Farage was keen to flatter. “We recognise you are our friends”, he said, assuring them that “a Brexit London, a Reform London, will remember you.” Controversy surrounding Reform’s finances and its susceptibility to foreign influence have centred around high-profile donations from billionaire crypto donors, and the jailing of Nathan Gill, Reform’s former leader in Wales, for accepting bribes to give pro-Russia speeches. Far less attention has been paid to Reform’s blossoming new alliance with the UAE, an oil-rich authoritarian state with a track record of ruinous anti-democratic interventions. Farage wasn’t always so fond of the UAE. Back in 2023 he called it an “absolute monarchy with an abysmal human rights record.” Now Reform’s hierarchy calls the UAE home. Deputy leader Richard Tice splits his time between his constituency and Dubai and has called on the UK to learn from the UAE. The party’s treasurer Nick Candy runs a firm which has been in partnership with a UAE-state linked firm since 2024. Nadhim Zahawi sits on the board of an Abu Dhabi think tank alongside an array of the most senior UAE officials and is reportedly close to three brothers of the country’s despotic ruler Mohammed Bin Zayed. Reform’s leading lights have effusively praised the UAE’s governance model, defended it from criticism, and advanced its political agenda in the UK. GB News, whose two major shareholders – the Legatum Foundation and Paul Marshall – have strong links to the UAE, has been more than happy to broadcast UAE propaganda and was forced to pay damages in 2025 after airing a false claim about a UK charity by the UAE “disinfluencer” Amjad Taha. The UAE has responded in kind. When the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs conducted an official visit to the UK in May, Farage was the only non-government figure granted an audience. UAE state media publicised the meeting, and said that they discussed “the strategic relations between the two countries and ways to enhance them in a manner that serves mutual interests.” For the UAE these ‘mutual interests’ largely concern its paranoia over political Islam, and in this regard the UAE-Reform alliance is part of a broad and troubling pattern. Following a crackdown on dissent at home in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, the UAE has offered material and political support to a range of violent and authoritarian actors willing to oppose the Muslim Brotherhood with no regard for the consequences. Its meddling in Egypt, Tunisia, Yemen, and most notably Sudan, have been devastating. The UAE’s strategy of seeking out partners on the political fringes who it believes will advance its interests is not unique to Britain – it extends beyond the Middle East to Europe and the US. In France, it has offered clandestine support to Marine Le Pen through secret meetings, as well allegedly funding trips to the region after which Le Pen returned with a renewed focus on the UAE’s perceived enemies – Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood. Left-wing opposition leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon has accused the UAE of smearing him and of “encouraging discrimination, hatred or violence”. In the US, the UAE actively supported the rise of Donald Trump, establishing itself as a key ally during both his first and second terms. Around these relationships sits a wider ecosystem of figures willing to amplify UAE narratives, that even extends to Andrew Tate and Tommy Robinson. Subscribe In Britain, the UAE has used a combination of aggressive diplomacy and illicit, disruptive tactics to achieve its policy goal of eliminating any perceived threat from political Islam. In 2012, for instance, it threatened to block billion-pound arms deals with the UK and stop inward investment if David Cameron did not act against the Muslim Brotherhood and rein in the BBC’s coverage of the group – going so far as to suggest, with no supporting evidence, that the group had infiltrated the BBC. It has financed smear campaigns against a high-profile UK charity and funded a mercenary to secretly surveil, and possibly assassinate, a British national on British soil. In Reform UK, the UAE has finally found an ally willing to not only ban the Muslim Brotherhood, but to publicly vilify the group and repeat the UAE’s claims that dangerous Muslims are a fifth column in British society, a narrative that aligns with the Islamophobia and anti-immigration sentiments that underpin Reform’s populist politics. The Rycroft review into foreign interference concluded that “hostile states and non-state actors have a clear incentive to attempt to undermine UK democracy.” The UAE’s network and alliance with Reform must be understood within that framework. It is a powerful, disruptive and deeply authoritarian actor with the resources and networks to intervene in our politics, and a track-record of doing so in a multitude of other countries. The evidence of the threat the UAE poses is overwhelming. The question is whether parliamentarians are willing to call the UAE out and demand action using the tools that the government has to respond. Placing the UAE on the “Enhanced Tier” of the Foreign Registration scheme alongside Russia and Iran would send a powerful signal to the UAE that its meddling will no longer be tolerated, and would place Farage’s next trips to the UAE under the scrutiny they deserve. Alex Carlen is research and advocacy manager at London based human rights organisation FairSquare and author of its new report Petro-populism: the UAE–Reform threat. Subscribe
Why scientists still cannot say how much plastic infants are actually consuming
A systematic review of 22 primary studies and four reviews found plastic-derived contaminants across infant foods and feeding equipment, but major differences in sampling, analytical methods, and quality control made exposure estimates difficult to compare. The authors found substantial evidence gaps for nanoplastics and oligomers and concluded that better-standardized exposure assessment is needed before infant health risks can be reliably evaluated.
Health and Human Services seeks community input to inform programs and services
In April, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) launched the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify the health priorities, community needs, strengths and risk fac
Report: Kansas fails to meet housing, mental health needs of vulnerable children in foster care
An independent third-party organization offers the 2025 annual assessment of Kansas' foster care system in light of a court-ordered settlement of a lawsuit.
What Will Be Inside Trump’s D.C. Arch?
President Donald Trump’s proposed triumphal arch near Arlington National Cemetery has undergone a significant change in purpose since the project was first presented as a monument commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary. The 250-foot structure was designed to include public spaces, exhibits ...
Dental Affiliate Gets New Chance in Washington Business Tax Case
A Colorado-based company will get another opportunity to argue its connections to Washington are insufficient to justify a state business and occupation tax assessment, a Washington appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Climate scientists fired by Trump step in to fill U.S. report gap
The future of national climate assessments remains murky after the Trump administration dismissed hundreds of scientists.
Public health leaders report widespread harassment, threats after COVID-19
Backlash against public health officials, including intimidation and threats of physical harm, has been widespread in the years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, and public health officials face ...
Watchdog says Messmer's taxpayer-funded TV ad part of larger problem
U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer insists his recent taxpayer-funded, campaign-like commercial wasn't political. A watchdog says it shows reforms are needed.
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)
Heritage Festival scheduled for this weekend
The sound of live music and the smell of caramel corn will fill the air at a celebration two and a half centuries in the making.
Kayak Clarifies Position in Business Travel Marketplace
Kayak for Business is looking to broaden its appeal beyond its enterprise configuration with Blockskye, targeting SMEs as well as large clients. SVP Eva Fouquet told BTN's Elizabeth West the company also is pursuing a hybrid strategy, developing AI capabilities while maintaining traditional online booking options as traveler trust develops.
Air district to detail Chevron Richmond Refinery health risk assessment
Residents in Richmond hope to learn more about the state of their air quality during a public meeting focused on the Chevron Richmond Refinery.
Jennifer Eckhart Dies: Fired Fox Business Staffer Who Sued Company Was 36
Jennifer Eckhart, a fired Fox Business staffer who sued the network and Ed Henry for sexual harassment and later hosted a podcast, was found dead Sept. 19 at 36
Mobile Health Units continue service to Valley communities
Fresno State’s Mobile Health Unit program is back on the road for the fall 2026 semester, offering free healthcare services to residents throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Services include diabetes and blood pressure screenings, health and wellness assessments, referrals and flu vaccinations at most locations. Coordinated by the School of Nursing, the program provides nursing […]
Public health leaders report widespread harassment, threats after COVID-19
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Health Survey Ends Sept. 30th
Chaffee County Public Health is asking community members to participate in the 2026 Community Health Assessment. Residents are invited to complete a co
Derwin James gives blunt assessment after Chargers' 0-2 start: 'That s*** just looks trash'
Most Sports Parents Say There's More Good Than Harm In Youth Sports, Survey Finds
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Pakistani Minister’s Tehran Visit Unrelated to US-Iran Messages
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Iran Condemns Israeli Atrocities against Palestinians
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Araqchi Flies to New York for UNGA
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Aaron Rodgers Makes Eye-Opening Admission After Patriots’ Defensive Clinic
Aaron Rodgers offered a blunt assessment after New England’s defense dismantled the Steelers at Gillette Stadium.
[NAW] Champion Focus FNCS Cup Battle Royale : Session 1
Stay focused. Play like a champion. Compete in the Champion Focus FNCS Cup for a chance to earn Champion Focus cosmetic rewards. Put your skills to the test and keep your sights on victory. Good luck and have fun!
Nirvana Hit Has the 'Best Rock Music Video' of All Time
Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" remains a grunge classic, but its music video reached an even bigger milestone.
Nirvana Hit Has the 'Best Rock Music Video' of All Time
Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" remains a grunge classic, but its music video reached an even bigger milestone.
Business Agenda for September 20
Events for the tri-county area business community.
James Trafford's free-kick flashback and Crystal Palace assessment
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El-Sayed condemns harassment of Haley Stevens after 'gallows' rhetoric
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Iran’s Human Rights Council Condemns Israeli Regime Attack on Lebanon Hospital
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This Truth Emerges as Political Situations Change Fast: Maps Show Us Our World, but Not Neutrally
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Iran Warns of Painful Response to Any US Aggression
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Iranian Academic Outlines Strategic Impacts of Confrontation with US, Israeli Regime
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Hormuz Strait Remains Under Iran’s Control: Military Spokesman
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President Expounds on BRICS Summit Achievements
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