As the US and Iran resume hostilities, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that the likelihood of achieving a nuclear agreement is low, suggesting instead that the US may focus on attacking Iranian nuclear infrastructure. He asserted the US is degrading Iran's capacity to develop nuclear weapons and mentioned that a deal could potentially emerge under future Iranian leadership. Comments from officials, including former President Trump and Vice President JD Vance, have aimed to downplay the conflict, with Vance stating it was not an active war and referring to the situation as "small potatoes."
Barcelona defeated Valencia 5-0 in their La Liga match, with Fermin Lopez contributing significantly by scoring one goal and assisting on two others. Lamine Yamal added two goals, while Raphinha and Pedri also scored, maintaining Barcelona's perfect record with 12 points from four matches, three ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Valencia remains at the bottom of the table with only one point from their four games, as Barcelona amassed a total of 17 goals this season.
Germany's far-right party, Alternative für Deutschland (AfD), has won the most votes in the regional election in Saxony-Anhalt, projecting a record 44.1% to 44.5%, significantly increasing from 20.8% in the 2021 election. The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is projected to receive only 18.5% of the vote, halving its share, while the AfD's candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, has advocated for mass deportations and a shift in migration policies. If the AfD secures enough seats to form a government, it would be the first time in Germany's postwar history that the far-right has taken control of a state government.
The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party is leading in the Saxony-Anhalt regional election with around 44% of the vote, significantly up from 2.1% five years ago, while the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) is polling at 18.5%, losing about half its previous support. Despite this strong performance, the AfD appears to be falling short of an absolute majority needed to govern alone. This election could mark the first time a far-right party has formed a state government in Germany since World War II, raising concerns for Chancellor Friedrich Merz and his long-standing CDU leadership in the region.
Germany's far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party achieved a significant electoral breakthrough in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, securing 43.8% of the vote—its highest ever in a German state election—although it fell short of an absolute majority. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered a historic low of 17.2%, while the Social Democrats received 9.3%, the Greens 8.9%, and the Left Party 8.6%; all major parties have ruled out forming a coalition with the AfD. The AfD may still potentially govern with the support of the BSW party, which garnered 5.3% of the vote, and its candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, emphasized a call for a return to what he described as a "good, old, secure Germany."
The Trump administration has renewed its appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court to impose restrictions on mail-in voting, following a federal judge's decision that blocked new limits just as states began mailing ballots for the upcoming midterm elections. As of September 9, ballots have started being mailed in North Carolina, with at least five more states beginning the process the week of September 13, putting pressure on the administration to act before changes become irreversible. Nearly one-third of U.S. voters utilize mail-in ballots, and the planned restrictions would significantly limit ballot delivery to voters deemed eligible by the Department of Homeland Security, creating concerns among Democratic states and voting rights groups about the implications for voting access.
Germany's far-right party, the AfD, is projected to win 44-44.5% of the vote in Saxony-Anhalt, significantly ahead of the CDU's 18.5%. This victory is considered a "historic outcome" as no far-right party has governed a state in Germany since World War Two, and the outcome may determine the AfD's ability to hold power depending on smaller party performances. The state's population is 2.1 million, and the AfD's future governance will depend on whether any smaller parties surpass the 5% threshold to enter the state parliament.
The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a significant victory in the Saxony-Anhalt state election, securing 44.5% of the vote compared to the Christian Democrats' 18.5% and the far-left Die Linke's 9.5%, with a record voter turnout of 76.5%. Despite this success, the AfD may struggle to form a government as they appear to have fallen short of an absolute majority, and mainstream parties, including the CDU, have refused to collaborate with them. The AfD's lead candidate, Ulrich Siegmund, has indicated he will not take on the role of state premier without an absolute majority, which reflects the ongoing tensions within German politics regarding the party's rise since entering parliament in 2017.
The United States has intensified military actions against Iran by targeting three Iranian crude oil tankers, resulting in two being "permanently disabled" and one sinking, while Iranian forces claimed to have damaged US warships and cited their capability to respond more forcefully. Iran's crude oil exports have plummeted by 39 percent, with current exports likely reduced to zero due to the ongoing blockade, and the US Central Command reports that about 90 commercial vessels have been redirected amid these tensions. Iranian officials assert that US attacks are illegal and threaten "faster, heavier and more painful" responses to further incursions against their interests.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles scored a stunning equaliser on his debut for Everton with a long-range shot in the dying moments, sealing a 2-2 draw against Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Benjamin Sesko had initially put United ahead with an 87th-minute header after Bryan Mbeumo opened the scoring, leaving United with four points from three matches in 11th place, while Everton sits in eighth with five points. Despite leading twice, United could not secure the win, as Everton showcased a determined effort, particularly after bringing on Jack Grealish to bolster their attack.
In the Saxony-Anhalt state elections, exit polls indicate that the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has achieved 44.5% support, significantly surpassing the incumbent center-right CDU, which garnered only 18.5%. Ulrich Siegmund, the head of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, declared the results a historic victory and a message to the federal government led by CDU's Friedrich Merz. In contrast to the previous elections, recent surveys showed less discrepancy between pre-election polling and actual results, as the AfD was consistently reported at about 40-41% leading up to the vote.
The proportion of children in England with education, health, and care plans (EHCPs) is expected to double to one in 10 as families rush for support ahead of potential reforms, with current numbers indicating that more than 530,000 school-age children already have EHCPs. Local authorities anticipate the total number of EHCPs could surpass 840,000 by 2028-29, resulting in significant financial pressures and potential deficits for councils that have already faced budget constraints. The government is aiming to implement changes to facilitate earlier diagnosis and support in mainstream schools, with EHCPs being reserved for children with more severe needs by 2030.
Hurricane Lowell, a Category 3 storm, is expected to bring high surf and potential flooding to the Big Island, with its closest approach forecasted for Monday night, passing 100 to 200 miles west of Niʻihau. In response to Hurricane Lala, volunteers assisted in recovery efforts across the Big Island, and the Hawaii County Department of Water Supply is continuing restoration efforts for impacted water infrastructure. Additionally, a flood watch has been issued for the entire state from Sunday evening through Tuesday afternoon.
Niger's military government has accused France of orchestrating a failed mutiny that occurred on August 29, which involved hundreds of soldiers and resulted in dozens of deaths or arrests. The mutiny unfolded at Base 101 in Niamey, spreading to sensitive sites and temporarily disrupting state media before being contained by Niger’s army, supported by Russian paramilitary fighters. In response, France dismissed the allegations as unfounded, while Niger's government threatened to take their claims to international courts, and the country's security situation remains precarious due to ongoing governance and economic challenges following the coup that overthrew President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.
United States special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff visited Kyiv for the first time since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss ending the conflict. The meeting followed a three-hour discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin, where both sides expressed a commitment to explore pathways for a settlement. The ongoing war has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and the displacement of millions, with Russia still controlling significant portions of eastern and southern Ukraine.
At least four people were killed and around 20 others, including children, were injured in Israeli strikes on Lebanon on Sunday, despite an existing ceasefire. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strikes as a "dangerous escalation," holding Israel responsible and urging international action, while the Israeli Defense Forces classified the strikes as a response to Hezbollah's drone attack. The Israeli military targeted what it described as a Hezbollah command center and weapons depot, including a previously disused hospital that was "totally destroyed" in the attacks.
China will inject $54 billion (£40 billion) into its financial sector to support banks and insurers as the country faces slowing economic growth. This stimulus includes capital injections of 35 billion yuan for China Life Insurance, 7 billion yuan for China Taiping Insurance, and a combined 290 billion yuan for three state lenders, including significant amounts for the Agricultural Bank of China and the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China. The initiative aims to enhance the financial sector's capacity to invest in the stock market and lend to businesses, while addressing the challenges posed by low interest rates and eroding profitability in the insurance sector.
Kimi Antonelli achieved a remarkable victory at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix, coming from 19th on the grid to defeat George Russell. Charles Leclerc was knocked out of the race after a high-speed crash on lap 2 and will require further health checks. The race showcased Alpine's performance, with Pierre Gasly securing pole position, surpassing competitors like Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed his intention to run for re-election in 2027 despite facing mounting criticism and a potential legal challenge. With just over six months until the election, Infantino's support is waning among regional football confederations and national associations due to controversial plans to privatize the World Cup and his ties to political figures like Donald Trump. FIFA presidents are limited to three four-year terms, but Infantino is seeking a fourth term by arguing his first term does not count towards this limit, an assertion met with skepticism and calls for his ousting.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss a peace proposal aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war, which has resulted in at least 5 deaths due to ongoing attacks. The high-level talks, lasting over three hours, were described as "substantive, very frank and constructive" by Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov, although details of the proposal remain unclear. Both Russia and Ukraine announced a three-day ceasefire during the visit, with Moscow demanding that Ukraine not join NATO and cede four partially occupied regions, a request Ukraine has so far refused.
The Greens party has criticized the Australian government for its inadequate response to comments made by former IDF officer Nochi Mendel, who ordered a 2024 airstrike that killed Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six colleagues delivering food to Gaza. Mendel stated he would repeat the attack and justified it by claiming the victims were "not innocent," leading to condemnation from Australian officials, while Greens defense spokesperson David Shoebridge called for sanctions and a halt to military exports to Israel. An IDF investigation labeled the attack a "grave mistake" but declined to press charges, stating there was "no reasonable suspicion of criminal misconduct."
An ash cloud from the Anak Krakatau volcano led to the closure of eight Indonesian airports, including Jakarta's Soekarno-Hatta, affecting more than 22,000 passengers and 209 flights, with significant disruptions to international routes. The eruption, which produced ash clouds reaching heights of up to 15,000 meters (49,200 feet), also interrupted school activities and fishing trips, prompting the disaster mitigation agency to consider cloud-seeding to mitigate ash impact. Three eruptions were recorded over the weekend, with local authorities enforcing a two-mile exclusion zone for ships near the volcano.
The Israeli Chamber of Commerce has opened an office in Banja Luka, Republika Srpska, aiming to strengthen economic ties amid ongoing international criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, where support for Israel remains strong in Republika Srpska. Former president Milorad Dodik, despite his political ban, has expressed strong pro-Israeli sentiments and noted the historical connections and suffering shared by the Serb and Jewish people. The office, headed by Israeli businessman Amir Gross Kabiri, seeks to promote investment cooperation, potentially aiding Republika Srpska, which faces significant financial challenges, including escalating debt and risks of bankruptcy.
Michigan Football achieved a dramatic victory over Western Michigan with a last-minute Hail Mary touchdown, securing a win that left many fans excited despite the game's controversies. The match featured 9 penalties for 80 yards and resulted in 3 turnovers for Michigan, raising concerns about performance despite the outcome. Head coach Kyle Whittingham remarked on quarterback Bryce Underwood’s "not outstanding" showing during the game, which opened their 2026 season.
Hiltonia, a neighborhood in Trenton, New Jersey, hosted one of over 1,700 potlucks across the U.S. as part of America's Potluck initiative, marking the 250th anniversary of the country, with communities in all 50 states participating. The event aimed to rebuild social ties through communal meals amidst growing loneliness and social divisions, with experts noting that while these gatherings can draw people together, lasting relationships depend on interactions beyond the meal. The 2025 World Happiness Report highlights a strong correlation between sharing meals and increased life satisfaction, suggesting that communities that engage in shared dining experiences may enjoy greater social support and reduced feelings of isolation.
The article discusses a range of TV shows airing on September 6, including the season premiere of "The Marlow Murder Club," featuring amateur sleuths solving a murder, as well as the series premiere of "Marble Hall Murders." It highlights "A Tale of Two Cities," a new adaptation starring Kit Harington, and mentions the return of "The Walking Dead: Dead City," where Maggie and Negan face off in Manhattan. Additionally, the article notes the 2026 Emmys, where Mariska Hargitay won her third Emmy, alongside other winners such as Octavia Spencer and Bad Bunny.
Rescuers in Nepal are continuing their search for over 5,500 people missing due to floods, which have resulted in at least 1,384 deaths, following a possible glacial collapse near the China border. In Nepal, 1,341 bodies have been recovered and about 4,996 people are still unaccounted for, while in Tibet, 43 deaths have been reported with 519 missing. The UN has requested $50 million to assist over 84,000 affected individuals, emphasizing the increasing frequency of glacier floods, which have become nearly five times more frequent since 1950, amidst calls for climate compensation from developed nations.
The United States is increasing its military presence in Latin America through the Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition (ACCC), which includes 17 Latin American and Caribbean nations, with a particular focus on combatting drug trafficking and countering foreign influences, such as those from China. Recent operations have led to the death of at least 220 individuals under the Southern Spear operation, with no investigations into their connections to drug trafficking, and US forces have been given the authority to conduct military operations in Colombia against narco-terrorism. This escalation in military activity marks a potential return to coercive US policies reminiscent of the Monroe Doctrine, raising concerns about the implications for regional security, democracy, and stability.
Reform UK gathered thousands of supporters at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre, highlighting their status as the largest single group on the Birmingham City Council after winning 23 out of 101 seats in the recent local elections. The city's demographics reveal a near-even split, with 48.6% of residents identifying as white and 51.4% as Black, Asian, mixed, or other ethnic groups, but Reform's gains were primarily in poorer, less diverse outer-city wards, not indicative of a broad mandate. Although Reform has a foothold, it lacks governing power as the city is led by a collaborative administration of the Liberal Democrats, Greens, and independent groups, suggesting ongoing political fragmentation and the emergence of both right-leaning and progressive challenges to Labour.
Yemen's internationally recognized government has reported significant military gains against Houthi forces, recapturing territory in Hodeidah and advancing in western Taiz, although the Houthis continue to control the capital, Sanaa. Clashes in Taiz resulted in over 60 deaths, including civilians, and approximately 1,800 families have been displaced due to the renewed fighting, which escalated after a period of relative calm following a UN-brokered truce. The ongoing conflict remains complicated by a regional backdrop involving Saudi Arabia's support for the Yemeni government and Houthi offensives aimed at threatening government-held areas along the critical Bab al-Mandeb strait.