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Taylor Swift becomes the most-awarded artist in VMA history. How she broke the record
Taylor Swift made MTV Video Music Awards history at the 2026 ceremony, becoming the most-awarded artist in the show's history.
Madonna opens MTV VMAs with provocative performance and celebrity cameos
The woman responsible for two of the most indelible moments in MTV Video Music Awards history returned with her usual grandiose flair.
In 1980, His Business Became The Fastest Company In History To Reach $1 Billion In Sales. Today, His Heirs Sit On Top a $453 Billion Combined Fortune. Here’s How Sam Walton Built the Biggest Retail Empire in America’s History
Sam Walton opened a single discount store in rural Arkansas in 1962 with no obvious path to greatness. What he built in the decades that followed rewrote every assumption about how fast a retail empire could grow and how much wealth one family could accumulate.
Sandro Tonali reveals why Tottenham will be fine this season
Sandro Tonali joined Tottenham as part of a big-money deal in the summer transfer window, becoming the most expensive player in Italian football history. But the start to the season hasn’t been brig...
This Week In Lazio History: September 21-27
This week, we remember Lazio’s first silverware, Vittorio Sentimenti and Matias Almeyda’s fantastic goal against Parma.Matches of the WeekDate: Sunday, September 21, 1996 Venue: Stadio Giuseppe Me...
Anna Kendrick Is “Over the Moon” About Directing ‘The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo’
The 'Babies' actress covered George Clooney, 'Twilight' ("what the f*** am I doing here?") and 'Pitch Perfect's "revisionist history" in a career-spanning conversation at the Zurich Film Festival.
How Trump Became Mob Boss of the United States
Donald Trump is the most corrupt president in United States history. He's been preparing to use the government for self-enrichment his entire life.
The MTV VMAs are here with Taylor Swift making history and Madonna leading the nods: How to watch
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history.
The MTV VMAs are here with Taylor Swift making history and Madonna leading the nods: How to watch
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history | KYW Newsradio
The MTV VMAs are here with Taylor Swift making history and Madonna leading the nods: How to watch
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history | WWL
The MTV VMAs are here with Taylor Swift making history and Madonna leading the nods: How to watch
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history.
The MTV VMAs are here with Taylor Swift making history and Madonna leading the nods: How to watch
The 2026 MTV Video Music Awards are here and Taylor Swift is set to make history.
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
No. 6 UM Dominates Central Michigan Behind Battle-Tested Depth
Darian Mensah makes FBS history and Chris Wheatley-Humphrey flashes explosive potential as the Miami Hurricanes’ relentless roster depth fuels a blowout victory ahead of high-stakes ACC play.
Rangers 6, Twins 2: Ober and Out
Well, in their quest to aid major-league history and prevent a sub-.500 team from winning their division, the Texas Rangers knocked the Twins around in a rain-delayed, 6-2 victory on Saturday afternoon. With the Houston Astros just underway, the Rangers improve to 80-81, and give themselves a fighting chance of claiming the West with another […]
'Godzilla Minus Zero' makes franchise history, aims to 'shock' fans
NEW YORK – Look out, Manhattan. Godzilla has arrived in the Big Apple.
Cavan Sullivan makes USMNT history with first start
By Ari LiljenwallCavan Sullivan's rapid rise has reached the international stage.The 16-year-old Philadelphia Union homegrown midfielder was named to Mauricio Pochettino's starting XI during Saturday'...
Can Giannis Antetokounmpo Snap a Miami Heat Superstar Trend?
History shows the Miami Heat's blockbuster acquisitions often face first-year hurdles. Now, the Greek Freak aims to defy tradition and navigate a loaded Eastern Conference to secure an immediate title.
Bellamy eyes more history against wounded Denmark
Craig Bellamy reflects on his memorable moments against Denmark as his Wales side bid to topple the Danes in the Nations League on Sunday (17:00 BST).
‘Pawn Stars’ star Rick Harrison gets heartbreaking news on heels of heart surgery
It has been a rough year for the History Channel star.
Science Notes – Counting sheep: assessing the impact of sheep-pox throughout history
The sheep-pox virus (SPPV; Capripoxvirus sheeppox) is in the same family as the variola virus, which causes smallpox in humans. It is a highly contagious disease among sheep, causing the…
In an $80 Motel Room, a Discovery to Shed Light on the Origins of Life
A scrappy science project led to a significant discovery: two new species of a rare organism that could elucidate a fundamental transition in the history of life on our planet.
60 years of music history, packed into one night
Singer-songwriter Tom Rush plays Wheeler on Thursday
Renaissance Festival returns with new entertainment lineup
Located just north of Charlotte in Huntersville, the festival transforms a 25-acre outdoor village into a European-style country fair filled with fantasy, history, and live entertainment.
NASCAR Hall of Fame Honoring Kyle Busch With Special Exhibit
The NASCAR Hall of Fame will honor the late Kyle Busch with a special exhibit dedicated to the winningest overall driver in the sport’s history. Busch’s exhibit will highlight his greatest accomplishments and his influence on the sport.The exhibit at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, located in Charlotte, North Carolina, is set to open on […] The post NASCAR Hall of Fame Honoring Kyle Busch With Special Exhibit appeared first on HEAVY.
Debating Whether Phoenix Suns Should Consider Trade for Kyrie Irving
A potential Dallas departure sparks questions about pairing the mercurial star with Devin Booker. Can Irving’s elite scoring outweigh his massive contract and significant injury history?
Historian Price to present program at Owensboro Museum of Science and History
Author and historian Eddie Price will present the historical program "Homemaking on the Kentucky Frontier" at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 28, at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History.
Politics Unusual: NYS Comptroller DiNapoli, Assemblymember Carroll
In this episode of Politics Unusual, FOX 5 NY's political reporter Morgan McKay speaks to New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli about his campaign to reclaim his current office, as well as his political history. Also, a conversation with Assemblymember Robert Carroll about his push to bring the Olympic Games back to New York.
Suspect in UPMC doctor’s stabbing death has criminal, mental health history in Florida
The man charged with fatally stabbing a UPMC doctor and critically injuring his wife during an attack in their Edgewood home had a documented history of mental health problems in Florida, where records show he attacked police and his girlfriend and ranted about vampires, aliens and a pharaoh. Elijah Hemingway,
Why Hallmark Movies and John Wilson’s 'The History of Concrete' take the mundane so seriously
Hallmark movies and John Wilson’s “The History of Concrete” find comedy by taking mundane passions and situations seriously.
The eruption that destroyed Pompeii is helping scientists date Earth's history
Historical accounts of the eruption nearly 2,000 years ago provide a precise timeline that allowed recalibration of one of the most versatile dating methods.
📸 Zidane's ultimate XI of France team-mates 🇫🇷
Captions.This Friday evening, Zinédine Zidane opens a second major chapter in his iconic journey with the French national team.After making history with Les Bleus as a player, Zizou begins a new life...
How Ben Affleck’s Kids Have Turned His Hollywood Dating History Into Family Entertainment
Ben Affleck‘s kids are having good laughs from his past romances. The three children, Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel, whom the […]
Should FSU bring back Jimbo Fisher? History offers a cautionary tale
Florida State is reportedly weighing a Jimbo Fisher reunion. We studied 18 coaches who made a second run with a school. Almost none were successful.
Bengals News: Ja’Marr Chase chasing NFL history vs. Steelers
Ja'Marr Chase is entering good company with a good performance on Sunday.
Lancaster\'s Capital Day featured in recent article on Smithsonian magazine website
Capital Day will take center stage in downtown Lancaster Saturday as history groups, business and performers come together to celebrate the day in 1777 when the city was briefly our
Congo faces health worker shortage as Ebola remains out of control, WHO says
Congo is running short of health workers to staff treatment centers for history's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, particularly in the eastern province of North Kivu where cases have surged 73% over three weeks, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Rutgers Football Week 4 vs. Howard: Series History & More
The Scarlet Knights welcome Howard to town on Friday night.
Is Jared Goff Becoming the Greatest Quarterback in Lions History?
Jared Goff has changed the Detroit Lions, but can he surpass Matthew Stafford and Bobby Layne as the franchise’s greatest quarterback?
Browns Breakout Rookie Made NFL History in Week 2
The Cleveland Browns have gotten two very explosive plays from rookie Denzel Boston. In fact, it as announced that he made some history. The post Browns Breakout Rookie Made NFL History in Week 2 appeared first on HEAVY.
Game Discussion: Milwaukee Brewers (99-59) @ Philadelphia Phillies (87-71)
Brewers will go for their 100th win for the first time in franchise history against the Phillies
Stanford Legend Christian McCaffrey Joins Elite Group in NFL History
The San Francisco 49ers running back has been a scoring machine throughout his career.
Jaguars vs. Patriots matchup history: Who has the advantage?
Sunday's Week 3 matchup between the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Patriots will be the 16th meeting all-time between the two franchises.
Unionized doctors reach tentative deal with Allina Health after four-day strike
The agreement follows a four-day strike, believed to be the first by inpatient doctors at a private-sector hospital in U.S. history.
Arts and Entertainment Agenda, Sept 25 to Oct. 2
Wintersköl Royalty nominations, open through Sept. 25 The Aspen Chamber Resort Association is accepting community nominations for 2026 Wintersköl Royalty through Sept. 25. This tradition honors Aspen locals who embody the community spirit, joy and...
Study reveals evolutionary history of bats, dating back 65 million years
Researchers assembled the largest collection of high-quality bat genomes to date
Weekly Quiz: New York Jets vs. Detroit Lions
How well do you know Jets history against the Detroit Lions?
The story behind Princess Diana's infamous revenge dress. And why she almost didn't wear it.
One of the most recognizable dresses in modern history is going up for auction and could fetch an eye-watering price. Why Diana's revenge dress is so coveted goes far beyond a fashion story.
Jessica Shepard secures another triple-double and Wings beat Storm 103-91
Dallas (27-16), which won just 10 games last season, set a WNBA record for the best single-season turnaround in league history with a 17-win improvement.
Lamar Jackson Stat a Warning for Giants, Jameis Winston
A worrying stat from head coach John Harbaugh's history with Lamar Jackson should worry the New York Giants about backup QB Jameis Winston. The post Lamar Jackson Stat a Warning for Giants, Jameis Winston appeared first on HEAVY.
This year's El Niño just broke a record months before it's expected to peak
Daily sea surface temperatures in the region where El Niño develops are more extreme than at any point in recorded history.
Don Cooper: 1956-2026
A remembrance of quite possibly the most famous and effective coach in White Sox history
Autonomous AI hacks raise thorny questions of legal accountability
The Justice Department has a long history of investigating and prosecuting hackers who break into a private company’s network. But what happens when the hackers aren’t human? That’s the question
Unionized hospital doctors reach deal with Allina Health after historic 4-day strike
The union representing about 150 Allina hospital doctors announced on Wednesday a tentative agreement on a first labor contract covering wages and benefits. The agreement follows a four-day strike last week, believed to be the first by private-sector hospital doctors in U.S. history. It came after three years and more than 66 contentious negotiation sessions […]
Hands-on science can be cool
After spending many long days conducting experiments to find a new way to combat bacterial infections in crops, Misha Hegde and Mia Soleil Maurer have been rewarded with international recognition and access to top research facilities. But these are not typical scientists. They are 16-year-old German high school students.“Our supervisor told us that in order to start a project, you need to begin with either a question or a problem,” says Misha, adding that she and Mia had read about antibiotic resistance in certain plants being treated for bacterial infections. “We found out that antibiotics overuse is very common in agriculture,” explains Mia. “Our aim was to create an alternative to antibiotics and to try to raise awareness of the problem of overusing antibiotics.”Their subsequent research has focused on harnessing bacteriophages, the natural predators of bacteria, to eliminate pathogens threatening food crops treated with antibiotics. At the Schuldorf Bergstraße Jugend forscht MakerLab in Seeheim-Jugenheim, located in the German state of Hesse, they discovered a novel phage that infects the Rhizobium rhizogenes bacterium, which causes the hairy root disease that can reduce yields of tomatoes, carrots, soya beans and other food staples.The students believe their method could curb antibiotic use, while protecting plants from infections without disturbing the natural soil microbiome. “The application of phages is host-specific, so they would only kill the targeted pathogen or disease-causing bacteria,” explains Mia. It may also offer environmental benefits, since applying antibiotics can contaminate groundwater.Getting to this point has not been easy. The childhood friends admit to feeling frustrated when their trials did not yield the expected results. “We spent six months on our first experiment, just doing the same thing over and over and over again, to the point where we thought, is it even worth it? Why are we doing this?” Misha says. “You just need to be brave enough to take that first step and keep going.”The benefits of inquiry-based learningTheir determination has paid off. In 2025, the pair won first prize in biology at Jugend forscht, Germany’s national competition for young people interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. They were also among the winners of the German Research Foundation Europa-Preis, which is awarded to selected national winners at Jugend forscht, and took third place in the 2025 European Union Contest for Young Scientists.The Jugend forscht Foundation opens doors for young people to connect with scientists as well as industry professionals. Jessica Bönsch, executive director of the Foundation, sees Misha and Mia as prime examples of how young people can develop a deeper understanding of science through their own research projects. “The experience of working on your own research question is very important,” she explains, adding that “inquiry-based learning engages with real-life problems in a way that can be more motivating than traditional classroom teaching.”The Jugend forscht Foundation offers financial support through sponsor pools in Germany’s federal states. Some projects are developed in cooperation with student research centres, university labs or informal collaborative learning areas called makerspaces. Other activities start as hands-on “garage projects” and can grow within the Jugend forscht network and infrastructure.The Jugend forscht Foundation is also a partner of Science Comes to Town, an EU initiative to strengthen public awareness about science and create bridges between researchers and communities. The EU-financed project involves universities, research institutions and other stakeholders in three host cities — Brest (France), Kiel (Germany) and Split (Croatia).“It's so important for people not to live in a bubble, because I think science can be very scary if you misunderstand it,” Mia says of SCTT. The initiative’s aim of raising awareness about science is “absolutely amazing,” Misha adds. “I think it's the best way to kind of make science digestible for the public. In a world where misinformation in science is getting more radical, more dangerous, becoming more of a threat to the trust in scientific infrastructure and foundations, we need such programmes.”Misha and Mia also believe that SCTT can help break down gender stereotypes in science by encouraging young women to study and pursue careers in scientific fields. Both students have benefited from female mentors and encouragement they had when they were much younger. Mia’s love of science began with a class trip to a lab, while Misha — with a smile on her face — says she wanted to study history until “a teacher kind of coerced me into joining a school science club.”Recognition beyond EuropeIn May, Misha and Mia were among the finalists at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair held in Phoenix, Arizona, and involving nearly 1,700 pre-university students from over 60 countries. “It was very crazy because there were so many people and so many teenagers interested in science,” Mia recalls. The event was also challenging. “It was eight hours of continuously presenting your project,” adds Misha.Attending the fair was a chance for the young women to see first-hand the value of international collaboration as well as how research cultures differ. “America is a bit more willing to take risks, and I think that's something we can learn about here in Europe,” Misha explains. However, she continues, “I think Europe has the talent, has the innovation and has the resources” to be competitive.Misha and Mia plan to continue their phage experiments in the new school year, inspired by the project’s hands-on nature and the support they receive from their supervisors. They have also attracted the interest of professional scientists and received invitations to leading research facilities, including the Centre for Synthetic Microbiology, jointly run by the University of Marburg and the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Germany. “It is so cool that we can do something to try to move the world in our school and at this age,” Mia says.After completing secondary school, Mia plans to study microbiology and pursue a career in medical research, focusing on Ebola and other infectious diseases. “This has been my dream for so long,” she says. Her friend Misha is interested in biological research with a focus on medicine. “I've gotten addicted to the process of going to the lab, planning out experiments, then failing, trying again,” Misha says. “I think there's just so much to be discovered, so much to be done.”The students' names and photos were published with the permission of their parents.Science|Business, which connects policymakers, academics and industry through its news reporting, analysis and events, is an SCTT partner.
Newsom talks climate with world leaders in New York
He called Trump the most destructive environmental president in American history and “an invasive species”
Record number of businesses coming together for Savannah Business Expo
The Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Business Expo and Business Connection Thursday at Kehoe Iron Works, featuring more than 80 exhibitors, the largest number in the event’s history.
NASA Selects Far-Infrared Telescope as First in New Mission Class
NASA announced Wednesday a mission to explore the history and evolution of the universe, PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics), is advancing to
Move over, Beyoncé: Taylor Swift to become the most awarded artist in VMAs history with inaugural Artist Director Honors
Taylor Swift will receive the first-ever MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, adding another milestone to her awards show legacy.
UFC Veteran Encourages Gable Steveson to Leave Jon Jones
UFC veteran Matt Brown has encouraged heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson to leave Jon Jones and find someone else to coach him. Steveson was shockingly defeated by Sean Sharaf on the UFC 331 main card this past Saturday in the biggest upset in UFC history, based on the odds. Following the bout, Steveson left the cage […] The post UFC Veteran Encourages Gable Steveson to Leave Jon Jones appeared first on HEAVY.
2026 MW/PAC-12 All-Transfer Team: Week Three
Second week in a row that the TOTW makes history!
Ella Langley to play at Denver’s The Grizzly Rose next month ahead of Red Rocks concert
Ella Langley, whose hit “Choosin’ Texas” has made music history, will perform an “intimate” show at The Grizzly Rose in a couple of weeks.
Alabama's Ella Langley breaks Billboard record held by Mariah Carey
Hope Hull native Ella Langley has made Billboard history, breaking a record once held by Mariah Carey with her hit “Choosin’ Texas.”
Lonzo Ball Denies NBA Retirement Buzz After Discussing His Health, Injury History in Video
Lonzo Ball's injuries have made it difficult for him to play basketball, but he's not looking to retire right now.
Lonzo Ball Discusses His Health, Injury History in Video, 'I Feel Like I Gave Everything I Had'
Lonzo Ball indicated his NBA career is winding down, though he stopped short of officially announcing his retirement.
Why starting 3-0 matters for the 49ers
History shows that it’s way for the 49ers to fast track themselves to the playoffs
Alamo Museum Brings Karankawa History to Life for Students
Homeschool students received a hands-on lesson in Texas Indigenous history Sept. 22 as Maria del Pilar Garza Museum Director Alejandro Oyoque shared his knowledge of the Karankawa people and guided students in building a bow.
Congo is running short of health workers as Ebola remains out of control, WHO says
BUNIA, Congo (AP) — Congo is running short of health workers to staff treatment centers for history's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak, particularly in the eastern province of North Kivu where cases have surged 73% over three weeks, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
Ella Langley says ‘it feels fake’ after shattering Mariah Carey’s record for longest-running No. 1 song in history
“I’m genuinely trying to find the words to help explain what’s going on in my brain,” Langley said as “Choosin’ Texas” broke Carey’s record with 23 weeks on top.
Fernbank Museum to welcome Bean Sprouts Café this week
Fernbank Museum of Natural History will welcome a new café this week as part of the museum’s ongoing transformation.
Jim Crow was on the ash heap of history. Then came the Roberts court.
The disaster the justices have unleashed has its roots in one of the darkest periods of our past.
Clippers Get More Bad News With Brandon Ingram Injury Update
The Los Angeles Clippers have had one of the worst months in NBA history, and things could be getting worse. Fans of the franchise are still reeling over the news of losing five future draft picks to doom their future as punishment for the Kawhi Leonard salary cap circumvention. More bad news comes in the […] The post Clippers Get More Bad News With Brandon Ingram Injury Update appeared first on HEAVY.
Houston Rockets jersey history No. 32 - Lewis Lloyd (1984-90)
During his time suiting up for the Rockets, Lloyd wore only jersey No. 32 and put up 14.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals per game.
Utica native publishes book of historical postcards
In a love letter to Utica’s history and the power of memory, author Kathryn Beard, a Utica native, has written “Wish You Were Here! Greetings from Utica, New York,” a book that celebrates the city’s history through postcards.
Rising Star Named Breakout Candidate for the San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs made it all the way to the NBA Finals last season. If they’re going to take the next step and win the sixth championship in franchise history, one particular player is going to need to take a major step forward in the upcoming campaign. Dylan Harper Named Breakout Candidate for the […] The post Rising Star Named Breakout Candidate for the San Antonio Spurs appeared first on HEAVY.
DeVonta Smith stands two catches from Eagles franchise history
DeVonta Smith needs two receptions against Chicago to become the fastest player in Eagles history to reach 400 career catches
Huntsman Mental Health Institute Celebrates 40 Years of Clinical Care and Five Years of Transformative Growth
Celebrating 40 years of compassionate mental health care and five years as Huntsman Mental Health Institute, the organization reflects on its history, honors its pioneers, and advances a bold vision for the future.
Form, history and schedule: Arthur Elias's Copa call-up criteria
The list of players who will face Argentina in the two matches for the Women’s National Team during the next FIFA window was announced this Tuesday (22). Among the names revealed are experienced pla...
Some Republican candidates are distancing from Trump before midterms
Midterm elections have a history of spelling trouble for the sitting president’s party
Piedmont to spend nearly $600 million to relocate, modernize Newton County hospital
The relocation effort would be the second-largest capital project in the Georgia health system's history, Piedmont said.
Manetti Shrem Institute hosts two speakers
Quiltmaker Anna Von Mertens, who creates research-based work weaving together science, history, and materiality, and Sophie Weston Chien — an assistant professor of environmental design at the University of Colorado,
In a concrete-covered culture, John Wilson carves out a micro-movie revolution
In a blockbuster movie world, John Wilson is carving out an idiosyncratic niche of his own | WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM
Country star overthrows Mariah Carey’s record for longest-running No. 1 song in U.S. history
Carey previously held the title with her perennial Christmas smash “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” though a rising country act has now shattered the record.
Michigan Chamber endorses John James for governor
The endorsement of James over Democrat Jocelyn Benson was not unexpected given the group’s history of supporting Republican gubernatorial candidates. But it came considerably earlier than four years ago.
Would Troy Aikman actually walk away from ESPN?
This originally appeared in Tuesday morning’s edition of The A Block, Awful Announcing’s daily newsletter with the latest sports media news, commentary, and analysis. Sign up here and be the first to know everything going on in the sports media world. Something is off when the analyst half of the longest-running broadcast marriage in NFL history…
Scientists identify 'sweet spot' for early stage of life on Earth that preceded LUCA, the ancestor of all living things
New research has pinned down the onset of the "RNA World," a hypothetical time in Earth's very early history when RNA was the primary replicating substance.
Lunch Break Lecture: Keith Hebert to discuss the history of sports entertainment
BY ANN CIPPERLYFOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA— Keith Hebert, the Draughon Professor of Southern History at Auburn University, will speak at the Lunch Break Lecture Series at noon on Sept. 30 at the Museum of East Alabama.He has published several award-winning books on the history of the Civil War, including “Cornerstone of the Confederacy,” which won […]
Will Muschamp's career coaching history at Tennessee
Will Muschamp will return to Neyland Stadium in Week 4 with No. 1 Texas.
Who has scored against the most Premier League teams?
BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team looks at which players have scored against the most teams in Premier League history
Nimesh Patel on stand-up, Palestine and politics: ‘The way that religion’s been weaponized is ugly’
The comedian went from being discovered by Chris Rock to making Saturday Night Live history. Now his new Netflix special, Buy the Dip, tackles timely topics with optimism
Jiang Feng: The Unravelling of German & European Politics
A state election in eastern Germany has become a revealing test of the changing political landscapes of Germany and Europe, writes Jiang Feng, Professor and Chairman of the Council of the Shanghai Academy of Global Governance and Area Studies (SAGGAS) at Shanghai International Studies University. His analysis follows the decisive victory of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) (which has been classified as right-wing extremist by German authorities)in the state of Saxony-Anhalt on 6 September, in which it finished far ahead of its mainstream rivals. Jiang previously served as Minister-Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Berlin. The following article was published on 8 September 2026 on huanqiu.com, the online platform of the Global Times. On 6 September, the results of the state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, were announced. The Alternative for Germany (AfD), classified as far-right by German authorities, made history by becoming the largest party in the state parliament, winning 43.8 per cent of the vote — twice its share in the previous election. The Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which had governed the state continuously for 24 years, won just 17.2 per cent, its worst result ever in Saxony-Anhalt. On the night the results were announced, the atmosphere at the CDU gathering was unusually calm. There was neither shock nor argument, as if the defeat had long been expected. Several veteran party members who had spent years working in the state government said: “Defeat is not a bad thing. It is time to make changes.” This state election has not only upended Saxony-Anhalt’s political landscape, but also laid bare the deep tensions between Germany’s traditional party structure and model of governance, on the one hand, and an increasingly polarised society on the other. Its repercussions are already being felt at the federal level, making Saxony-Anhalt a useful case study of the broader trend towards political polarisation and realignment in Europe. Governing Difficulties after Electoral Victory The most immediate consequence of the election is a historic setback for the mainstream party order that took shape in post-war Germany. In Saxony-Anhalt, the AfD has leapt from a peripheral party to the largest political force in the state. Its electoral base has expanded beyond the traditional category of “marginal protest voters” to take on the characteristics of a cross-class coalition. The party has not only consolidated its support in rural areas, but also attracted many middle-class voters and even members of the social elite with stable jobs, their own homes, and substantial incomes. It has thus evolved from a “protest party” into one with the potential to govern. Despite its commanding lead in the vote, however, the AfD faces an institutional obstacle to governing the state: the mainstream parties’ long-standing “firewall” against it. Neither of the two potential routes to forming a government appears likely to break the current political deadlock. The first would be a coalition of establishment parties, led by the CDU and bringing together the Social Democratic Party (SPD), the Greens, the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance (BSW) in a cross-camp government. In terms of parliamentary arithmetic, such a coalition could prevent the AfD from forming a government and preserve the outward stability of the traditional political order. Yet these parties are fundamentally divided over key issues including immigration, the energy transition, economic management, and cultural and education policy. Coalition negotiations would therefore be extremely difficult, and even if a government could be formed, it would most likely prove short-lived. More importantly, an alliance of establishment parties aimed at keeping the largest party out of government would play directly into the AfD’s narrative that “political elites are suppressing public opinion”. It could deepen perceptions of political unfairness, further strengthening the AfD’s political capital, and creating a dynamic in which “the more it is suppressed, the more people vote for it”. Ulrich Siegmund, the AfD’s candidate for state premier, has said that if efforts to form a government fail because other parties refuse to cooperate, the AfD will push for a fresh election, which he believes could deliver the party an absolute majority of seats. This points to more intense political battles ahead. The second option would be a coalition between the AfD and the BSW. Together, the two parties would command a simple majority in parliament, making this, on paper, the quickest route to forming a government. The BSW is the only elected party that has not ruled out cooperation with the AfD, and the two parties share some common ground, including on policy towards Russia. There is therefore a degree of political basis for cooperation. Were such a coalition to materialise, Germany would see its first state government jointly formed by a party defined as far-right and one with a far-left background, creating what might be called a “bipolar anti-establishment alliance”. Such an outcome would fundamentally break with the ideological boundaries of post-war German party politics. It is worth noting that even if the AfD ultimately fails to enter the state government, its roughly 47 per cent share of parliamentary seats would give it a powerful blocking minority. Without its consent, major decisions requiring a two-thirds majority — including constitutional amendments, significant budgetary adjustments, and state-level institutional reforms — would be extremely difficult to pass. Therefore, whoever ultimately forms the government, the AfD will be an unavoidable force in Saxony-Anhalt politics, with a direct influence on the state’s legislative process. Systemic Failures in Germany’s Governance Model The Saxony-Anhalt election result reflects a systemic failure of Germany’s post-war mainstream-party model of governance to adapt to rapidly changing socioeconomic conditions. It stems from multiple, mutually reinforcing structural tensions and highlights the existing political system’s difficulty in adapting to “an increasingly polarised society First, collective anxiety has replaced individual material hardship as a central driver of political mobilisation. The rise of the AfD can no longer be explained simply by poverty or social marginalisation. Its increasingly cross-class electoral base suggests that what is driving voters towards the party is, above all, concern about the broader direction of society. This anxiety about the future of the political community goes beyond individual gains and losses. In political discourse, economic anxiety has become closely intertwined with immigration, while immigration and refugee issues are, in essence, questions of social fairness. This perception turns conflicts over the distribution of social resources into negative assessments of governing parties, providing a broad social basis for far-right political narratives. Second, regional disparities and East German identity have undermined the strategy of addressing eastern Germany’s structural challenges at the regional level. More than three decades after German reunification, eastern states such as Saxony-Anhalt have experienced periods of economic growth, but their underlying economic structures remain weak, and household incomes and wealth remain significantly below those in western Germany. At the same time, they continue to face population outflow, an ageing population, labour shortages, and other structural challenges. At a deeper level, historical experiences — including the collapse of the former East German economic system, mass unemployment during the transition, and the westward shift of decision-making power over major issues — have left some residents with a sense of being “second-class citizens” and of being excluded. For years, the German government treated the “syndrome” of reunification as a regional problem to be gradually addressed at the local level. That approach is becoming increasingly unsustainable, as regional development disparities emerge as a core structural factor shaping national politics. Third, the erosion of institutional trust is perhaps the most decisive factor. AfD supporters tend to distrust establishment institutions, including parliament, government, and the mainstream media. Their concerns about economic security, pensions, and social fairness are significantly greater than the social average. Increasingly, their support for the AfD reflects not an expectation that the existing system can be improved, but a search for an alternative to the current political order. Such a systemic deficit of trust will be extremely difficult for the traditional parties to repair in the short term. Fourth, a generational shift in political mobilisation has amplified political polarisation. Unlike traditional parties, which rely heavily on offline rallies and mainstream media coverage, the AfD has developed a social-media mobilisation strategy built around “raising an issue — identifying who is responsible — offering a simplified solution — building a shared identity”. It turns complex social tensions into concise political narratives, rapidly channelling public sentiment into political support. The contrast on the eve of the election was particularly telling. The establishment parties, together with trade unions and churches, organised an offline march attended by more than 10,000 people, but its reach was largely confined to those present and to traditional media coverage. The AfD held a much smaller indoor event, yet livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, and other platforms, combined with the involvement of online influencers, gave it a reach and mobilising capacity far beyond that of the march. The contrast illustrates how the traditional parties’ methods of political mobilisation are increasingly struggling to keep pace with a political environment transformed by changes in media technology. A Microcosm of Structural Political Change in Europe The shockwaves from the Saxony-Anhalt election quickly travelled beyond the state to the federal level. Calls for political accountability followed immediately after the results were announced. The governing CDU and SPD are now under enormous pressure, while Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil face an unprecedented test. Political polarisation in Germany is no longer simply a regional phenomenon. The post-war model of multiparty government by establishment parties is breaking down and being reshaped. Viewed in a broader European context, the Saxony-Anhalt election is part of a continent-wide wave of party polarisation, mainstream-party decline, and rising right-wing forces. Far from an isolated phenomenon, it is a microcosm of the structural political changes unfolding across Europe. Weak economic growth, cultural tensions over immigration, and declining trust in institutions are fuelling the rise of right-wing forces in several countries, challenging the liberal internationalist order established in post-war Europe. As a core member state of the European Union, Germany’s ability to adapt its political system and the direction of its politics will have profound implications for both European integration and the evolution of the international order. Subscribe [ Pekingnology China’s Germany watchers take stock of Berlin’s uneasy turn On 7 December 2025, nearly 50 Chinese scholars and policy researchers gathered in Beijing for the 2025年德国形势年终研讨会 “2025 Year-End Seminar on the Situation in Germany… Read more 9 months ago · 31 likes · 1 comment · YIRUI LI and Yuxuan JIA ](https://www.pekingnology.com/p/chinas-germany-watchers-take-stock?utm_source=substack&utm_campaign=post_embed&utm_medium=web&embedding_publication_id=1151841) [ Jiang Feng on Germany's 2025 and beyond: no easy exit ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond) Yirui LI and Yuxuan JIA · Jan 24 The following is an op-ed by Jiang Feng, published on 29 December 2025 at Shanghai Observer 上观新闻, the digital platform of Jiefang Daily, the official newspaper of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). [ Read full story ](https://www.eastisread.com/p/jiang-feng-on-germanys-2025-and-beyond)
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