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The far-right party Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a major state election in Saxony-Anhalt, Germany, with about 44.5% of the vote. However, it is unclear if the AfD will have enough support to form a government, as they need an absolute majority and other parties have refused to work with them.
Key Facts
The AfD received 44.5% of the vote in the Saxony-Anhalt state election.
The Christian Democrats (CDU) came second with 18.5%, followed by Die Linke (9.5%), Greens (9%), and Social Democrats (8%).
The AfD may have failed to get an absolute majority, which they consider necessary to govern alone.
Other mainstream parties have rejected forming any coalition with the AfD.
Voter turnout was a record high at 76.5%.
Saxony-Anhalt has been governed by the CDU since 2002.
The AfD is classified as “rightwing extremist” by Germany’s domestic intelligence agency.
If the AfD forms a government, its leader plans policies including increased deportations, banning rainbow flags in schools, and stopping new windfarm projects.
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The United States struck and disabled three Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, part of a naval blockade of Iran's southern ports. Iran's military responded by firing missiles at US warships and warned that it will respond more strongly to any further attacks.
Key Facts
US Central Command (CENTCOM) released video showing strikes on three Iranian crude oil tankers near Iran.
Two tankers were permanently disabled, and a third sank after bombing.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) showed video of attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and said they hit a US sea drone.
The IRGC fired ballistic missiles at US warships but the US military said the attacks were avoided.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker said Iran would respond with stronger strikes against further US attacks.
Iran called the US attacks illegal and a violation of the United Nations Charter.
The US says the naval blockade allows many vessels to pass the Strait of Hormuz safely, but Iran considers the strait closed.
Oil exports from the Middle East dropped 39% in August compared to early 2023, partly due to the blockade and attacks.
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Germany’s far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) won a large share of votes in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, with early results showing 44.5%. It is unclear if they can lead the government alone, as other mainstream parties want to stop the AfD from gaining power.
Key Facts
AfD received 44.5% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt state elections.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s conservative party got 18.5%.
The center-left Social Democrats and Greens passed the threshold to join the state parliament.
AfD wants stricter migration rules and closer ties with Russia.
Germany’s intelligence agency is investigating AfD for right-wing extremist links.
Mainstream parties have a policy to avoid coalitions with AfD, known as a “firewall.”
AfD’s leader in Saxony-Anhalt is Ulrich Siegmund, aged 35.
The election result weakens Chancellor Merz’s authority, as his government struggles with economic growth.
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Iran has warned it will respond more strongly to U.S. attacks amid ongoing fighting between the two countries. Recently, the U.S. struck Iranian oil tankers, and Iran claims it attacked a U.S. drone ship, which the U.S. denies.
Key Facts
Iran's parliament speaker said the U.S. needs to understand that the situation has changed and Iran will respond faster and harder to attacks.
The U.S. launched strikes on Iranian oil tankers after Iran attacked American warships in regional waters.
Iranian navy claimed to have attacked a U.S. remote-controlled vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, but the U.S. military called this report false.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth threatened to destroy Iran’s oil tankers if Iran attacks U.S. ships again.
A 60-day ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran ended last month, after which fighting resumed.
The conflict includes strikes and counter-strikes in countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
President Donald Trump said the renewed conflict would not last long but peace talks have not succeeded so far.
The war between Iran and the U.S. has lasted about six months without a clear diplomatic solution.
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The Alternative for Germany (AfD), a far-right party, won the recent state elections in Saxony-Anhalt, eastern Germany, according to exit polls. This marks the first time since World War II that a far-right party has gained power at a state level in Germany.
Key Facts
The AfD won the Saxony-Anhalt state elections.
Saxony-Anhalt is located in eastern Germany.
This is the first time since World War II that a far-right party has won a state-level election in Germany.
The AfD aims to use this victory as a step towards gaining power nationally.
The party plans to compete in the 2029 federal elections.
Exit polls showed the election results shortly after voting ended.
The AfD is known as a far-right political party.
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Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the U.S. is open to making a nuclear deal with Iran. He added that President Trump prefers to avoid using military action unless it is absolutely needed.
Key Facts
Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke on the show "Face the Nation."
He said the U.S. is always open to a nuclear agreement with Iran.
Gas prices are rising in the U.S. at the time of his statements.
President Trump’s goal is to avoid military solutions if possible.
The comments suggest the U.S. is still willing to negotiate with Iran on nuclear issues.
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U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Kyiv to hold talks aimed at ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. They met with Ukrainian and Russian leaders but did not announce any major agreements. Fighting continues despite ongoing discussions.
Key Facts
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner traveled to Kyiv for talks to end the war in Ukraine.
They had a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before coming to Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for a "just, fair peace" and thanked the U.S. envoys for visiting.
The talks in Moscow lasted over three hours but ended without major breakthroughs.
Discussions covered not only the war but also economic projects between Russia and the U.S.
Fighting continues, with drone strikes and missile attacks reported in both Ukraine and Russia.
Ukraine intercepted many Russian drones overnight; Russia said it also shot down Ukrainian drones.
British, French, and German officials are expected to join the peace talks soon.
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The Deauville Film Festival in France highlights top American films, showing the wide range of movies made in the United States. The festival features stars, premieres, and awards, while also asking viewers about their favorite American films.
Key Facts
The United States produces between 500 and 700 films each year.
India produces the most films, placing the U.S. second in the world for film production.
The Deauville Film Festival showcases notable American movies in France.
The festival includes movie premieres, awards, and visits from film stars.
The festival sought opinions from moviegoers about their favorite American films, whether old or new.
Reporter Gaëlle Fonseca interviewed people in Deauville for their film preferences.
The event helps introduce American cinema to audiences across the Atlantic.
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Niger’s military government accused France of planning a failed mutiny in the capital, Niamey, last week. France denied these claims, and fighting involved Niger’s soldiers and Russia-backed paramilitary forces until the mutiny was controlled.
Key Facts
On August 29, renegade soldiers attacked a major military base in Niamey and spread fighting across the city.
Hundreds of soldiers took part in the mutiny, with dozens killed or arrested.
Niger’s military government blamed France and some West African countries, accusing them of supporting the mutiny.
France denied any involvement and called the accusations “pure fantasy.”
Niger’s Council of Ministers said it has evidence and may take the issue to international courts.
Niger thanked Russia, Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Mali for their support during the unrest.
Since a 2023 coup, Niger has expelled French troops and diplomats and suspended French media broadcasts.
Security experts warn the mutiny may weaken Niger’s fight against armed groups linked to ISIL and al-Qaeda.
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The Taliban has stopped girls in Afghanistan from going to secondary school. In response, some teachers and students are secretly running schools to continue education for girls.
Key Facts
The Taliban banned secondary education for girls in Afghanistan.
Girls are prevented from officially attending middle and high schools.
Some teachers are organizing secret schools to teach girls in private locations.
These secret schools operate in hidden places to avoid Taliban detection.
Girls and educators risk punishment by attending or running these schools.
This effort shows a strong desire among Afghan girls to keep learning despite restrictions.
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A long drought in Central Java, Indonesia has caused water levels in the Silugonggo River to drop. This has led to millions of fish dying and is causing problems for local people and farms.
Key Facts
The Silugonggo River in Central Java, Indonesia is facing very low water levels due to drought.
Millions of fish have died because there is not enough water to support them.
The drying river is threatening nearby communities who rely on it.
Farmland near the river is also at risk from the lack of water.
The drought has lasted a long time, worsening the situation.
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US special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Kyiv for the first time since Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine in 2022. They held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other officials to discuss ways to end the war and establish long-term peace.
Key Facts
The US envoys visited Kyiv after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.
President Zelenskyy thanked President Trump for allowing the envoys to come despite ongoing war.
The discussion between the US team and Ukrainian officials was described as “substantive” and “important.”
Kushner said President Trump aims not only to end the current war but also to create lasting peace conditions.
European national security advisers will join some of the talks with the US envoys.
The envoys traveled to Kyiv by train from Poland.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine started in 2014 and intensified in February 2022, causing heavy casualties and displacement.
Previous US efforts at peace talks have made little progress, though the current talks may introduce new proposals.
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A volcano called Anak Krakatau in Indonesia erupted early Sunday, causing many flights to be canceled at Jakarta’s main airport and others nearby. Volcanic ash spread across several areas, affecting air travel and thousands of passengers, but no injuries or evacuation orders were reported.
Key Facts
Anak Krakatau volcano erupted twice early Sunday, with lava flares visible by camera.
All flights at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in Jakarta were canceled, along with flights at seven other airports.
Around 1,558 flights were canceled, disrupting travel for about 170,000 passengers.
Volcanic ash spread over Jakarta, Banten, Lampung, West Java, Bengkulu, and surrounding waters.
Airports affected included Soekarno-Hatta and Halim Perdanakusuma in Jakarta, Radin Inten II in Lampung, and Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport.
The eruption plume reached up to 50,000 feet high, drifting over several provinces and nearby ocean areas.
No casualties or evacuation orders were issued since the nearest community is over 10 miles away from the volcano.
Indonesian officials continue to monitor the volcano, noting intensified activity but unable to predict a larger eruption.
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President Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, visited Kyiv to hold peace talks aimed at restarting talks between Russia and Ukraine. This trip followed their meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and was the highest-level U.S. visit to Ukraine since President Trump began his second term.
Key Facts
Witkoff and Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv.
This was their first visit to Ukraine despite months of talks and multiple visits to Russia.
The U.S. envoys held three meetings in Kyiv, including two with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
National security advisers from the UK, France, and Germany also attended one meeting.
Russian officials said progress was made during the talks with Putin.
The envoys are aiming for a breakthrough in negotiations before winter.
Witkoff and Kushner traveled from Moscow to Poland by plane, then to Kyiv by land.
The discussions included Ukraine’s plans for continuing the war effort through winter.
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Jamaica's culture minister, Olivia Grange, will present a petition to King Charles asking legal questions about the slavery of Africans in Jamaica. The petition seeks to clarify if slavery was legal under English and international law and whether Britain has a legal duty to provide reparations.
Key Facts
Jamaica will give a petition to King Charles regarding slavery reparations.
The petition asks if slavery in Jamaica was legal under English law and international law.
It also questions if Britain must provide legal redress for slavery.
The petition is not a direct demand for payment but seeks legal answers to decide next steps.
King Charles has expressed support for addressing historical issues related to slavery.
When slavery ended in the British empire in 1833, slave owners were paid £20 million as compensation.
Jamaica's minister will also talk to the British Museum about returning artefacts taken during colonial times.
In 2015, then-UK Prime Minister David Cameron rejected reparations but acknowledged slavery’s cruelty.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed he will run for re-election in 2027 despite criticism and legal challenges. He faces growing opposition due to controversial plans to privatize World Cup rights and his close connections to President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Gianni Infantino, FIFA President since 2016, plans to seek a fourth term in office.
FIFA presidents usually have a limit of three four-year terms, but Infantino argued his first partial term shouldn’t count.
Infantino has faced criticism for wanting to sell private investors a share in World Cup profits.
He awarded the FIFA Peace Prize to U.S. President Donald Trump in 2023, causing controversy.
Investor Joshua Kushner, related to Trump’s family, led the private group involved in the World Cup deal.
UEFA is seeking legal documents and testimony in a U.S. court related to a complaint against Infantino in Switzerland.
Infantino has lost support from many regional and national football organizations.
Despite questions about his future, Infantino said he is focused on growing football worldwide.
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US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss possible ways to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. They also planned to visit Kyiv, while both Russia and Ukraine announced a short ceasefire during the talks.
Key Facts
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner hold talks with President Putin about ending the Russia-Ukraine war.
President Donald Trump said the envoys brought a peace proposal to stop the conflict.
The meeting lasted more than three hours and was described as frank and constructive by a Kremlin aide.
Moscow demands that Ukraine not join NATO and wants four Ukrainian regions to be handed over to Russia.
Russia's annexation of four Ukrainian regions in 2022 is not recognized internationally.
Ukraine refuses to give up any territory to Russia.
The envoys planned a trip to Kyiv after Moscow to continue diplomacy efforts.
US officials, including those overseeing sanctions on Russia, accompanied the envoys, suggesting sanctions were discussed.
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A former Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officer responsible for a deadly strike on an aid convoy delivering food to Gaza said he would repeat the attack, claiming the victims were not innocent. Australia’s Greens party criticized the government for not taking stronger actions like stopping military exports and imposing sanctions, while leaders from aid groups and Australia’s foreign minister condemned the statements.
Key Facts
The aid convoy, run by World Central Kitchen (WCK), was attacked in Gaza in April 2024, killing Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six others.
Nochi Mendel, former IDF reserve colonel, ordered the strike and said he would do it again.
Mendel claimed the aid workers were not innocent because they were linked to Hamas, a militant group.
An Israeli military investigation found the attack was a serious mistake and removed Mendel from his job.
Israel’s advocate general decided not to press criminal charges related to the strike.
Australia’s foreign affairs minister Penny Wong called Mendel’s remarks disgraceful.
The Greens’ spokesperson David Shoebridge criticized the Australian government for not acting with sanctions or stopping military sales to Israel.
José Andrés, WCK founder, said the organization is neutral and humanitarian, opposing Mendel’s claim otherwise.
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The article explains how many people today feel that the usual ways of running society are failing. It lists many problems like terrorism, war, climate change, financial crises, political upheavals, and the Covid-19 pandemic, which have created deep worries and distrust around the world.
Key Facts
People see different sources of fear or "monsters" depending on their politics, such as tech billionaires, social media, migration, far-right groups, and conflicts in places like the Middle East.
Many believe the traditional system that promises a good life is broken and cannot be fixed by small changes.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers said economic shocks have hit ordinary people for 20 years, making recovery feel impossible.
Major events listed include 9/11 and the war on terror, London bombings, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the rise of Islamic State, which have increased security fears.
Climate change threatens entire industries and communities, adding to global concerns.
The global financial crisis caused major economic damage worldwide, undermining trust in the economy.
Brexit and President Trump’s election challenged political expectations in many countries.
The Covid-19 pandemic greatly affected health, economies, social life, and trust in government and science, increasing social divisions and the use of social media.
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An osteopath explained five everyday habits that may harm bone health over time. These include drinking too much coffee, sitting for long periods, relying only on calcium, drinking excessive alcohol, and not moving enough.
Key Facts
About 53.6 million Americans aged 50 or older have osteoporosis or low bone mass.
Drinking more than five cups of coffee a day may lower bone density.
Sitting for many hours daily can weaken bones because they need movement to stay strong.
Bones need more than just calcium to stay healthy; vitamin D, protein, and overall balanced diet are also important.
Drinking three or more alcoholic drinks daily is linked to a higher chance of hip fractures.
Weight-bearing exercises like walking, climbing stairs, dancing, yoga, and strength training support bone health.
Maintaining muscle strength and balance helps prevent falls and fractures, especially in older adults.
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