“Have become completely untrustworthy”: Merz government stumbles toward a turbulent fall following a crushing defeat in the polls
hna.de/politik/insa-sonntagstrend-cdu-csu-auf-niedrigstem-wert-seit-2021-zr-94445133.html
Key FactsInsa Poll Puts CDU/CSU at Lowest Level Since 2021
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
- The weekly Insa poll conducted for Bild am Sonntag surveyed 1,203 people from August 10 to 14, with an estimated statistical margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
- The AfD leads with 28 percent, while the Greens have 13, the SPD and Left each have 12, the FDP has 5, and BSW has 3 percent.
- After Jens Spahn resigned as CDU/CSU parliamentary group leader in mid-July, Friedrich Merz reassigned eight positions before Thorsten Frei was elected group leader with 91.9 percent of the vote.
- According to a Welt report, the SPD has concrete preparations underway to replace Bärbel Bas and Lars Klingbeil; state elections are scheduled for September 6 in Saxony-Anhalt and September 20 in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin.
We have become completely discredited.— Quoted in a report by a leading comrade from Bas' state association, commenting on the internal party turmoil surrounding the Merz government.
Expert Sees a Turning Point in the War in Ukraine: Kyiv Is "Clearly Taking the Lead"
hna.de/politik/fuehrung-expertin-sieht-wende-im-ukraine-krieg-kiew-uebernimmt-klar-die-zr-94447199.html
War, drones, fear of the future: Russians see their situation more bleakly: The mood in Russia is worsening: War and fear of the future are weighing heavily on ...
hna.de/politik/krieg-drohnen-zukunftsangst-russen-sehen-ihre-lage-duesterer-zr-94447207.html
Educator creates "deepfake" porn of children - | Police analyze 20 data storage devices
hna.de/hessen/erzieher-erstellt-deepfake-pornos-von-kindern-polizei-wertet-20-datentraeger-aus-94448158.html
Key FactsGiessen educator suspected over AI-generated child pornography
30 min ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- Police and prosecutors are investigating a 32-year-old man from Giessen on suspicion of acquiring, possessing and distributing child pornography, while there are currently no reliable indications of actual abuse.
- The suspect allegedly used artificial intelligence and other technology to create images and videos from harmless child photos, while the SkF says it remains unclear how he obtained the pictures and that they were not allegedly taken in the daycare setting.
- After a tip from the US organization National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, police opened the investigation in early 2026, searched the man’s home under a court order and seized more than 20 storage devices that are still being examined.
- The SkF immediately suspended the suspect, barred him from entering or contacting the daycare and terminated his employment, while police notified parents of affected children and did not rule out identifying further possible victims.
Unexploded bomb in the Elbe: Bomb disposal experts in Saxony fight for millimeters with World War II bomb
hna.de/welt/blindgaenger-in-der-elbe-kampfmittelraeumer-kaempfen-um-jeden-millimeter-zr-94448354.html
High-rise fire in Berlin: Woman jumps from the tenth floor - | Passerby films everything
hna.de/welt/hochhausbrand-berlin-frau-springt-aus-dem-zehnten-stock-zr-94448343.html
Man saves four people with his organs - | Widow tells her story: Anja Nicole Schaaf loses her husband after heart surgery. She agrees to donate his organs - | ...
hna.de/hessen/erzaehlt-organspende-mann-rettet-mit-seinen-organen-vier-menschen-witwe-94445572.html
Thief withdraws four-figure sum with stolen card in Melsungen: An unknown man stole a woman's purse and shortly afterward withdrew cash three times ...
hna.de/lokales/melsungen/melsungen-ort45520/dieb-hebt-in-melsungen-vierstelligen-betrag-mit-gestohlener-karte-ab-94448514.html
CSD with rally in Eschwege: Approximately 60 supporters came to the Obermarkt in Eschwege on Saturday (August 15) to participate in Christopher Street Day.
hna.de/lokales/witzenhausen/eschwege-ort28660/christopher-street-day-mit-kundgebung-auf-dem-eschweger-obermarkt-94446438.html
Key FactsBSW leadership urges Thuringian caucus to leave coalition
2 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: taz.de
- A decision from Berlin calls on the BSW caucus to leave the coalition with the CDU and SPD and stop supporting Mario Voigt.
- The 15-member caucus is due to discuss the directive on 17 August, while observers do not rule out a split and around one-third of its members are considered loyal to Berlin.
- The current escalation was triggered by Voigt’s doctorate, whose revocation TU Chemnitz confirmed this week after rejecting his appeal.
- Katja Wolf and Steffen Schütz are defending the coalition; according to the report, a possible caucus split would probably not immediately affect the state government but could make the opposition Left group more important because Voigt’s government lacks its own majority.
Let us, together, seek an independent figure who has the authority to bring the state together and who can marshal a majority in the Thuringian State Parliament.— Steffen Schütz, Thuringia’s BSW infrastructure minister, in an open letter to the Thuringian BSW faction.
Sehbehinderter kritisiert leise Ansagen in Trams – jetzt war er mit dem Kasseler OB unterwegs
hna.de/kassel/sehbehinderter-kaempft-seit-drei-jahren-jetzt-faehrt-der-ob-mit-der-strassenbahn-94447696.html
YouTube changes how it counts video views: Starting August 24, every click on YouTube will immediately count as a view - | regardless of whether the video is ...
hna.de/welt/youtube-aendert-zaehlweise-von-videoaufrufen-zr-94448783.html
KSV Hessen: A 1-5 defeat and little prospect of reinforcements: KSV Hessen Kassel fell apart in the second half. Coach René Klingbeil needs a second striker and ...
hna.de/sport/ksv-hessen-kassel/in-freiburg-trainer-klingbeil-sieht-hoechste-niederlage-und-wartet-auf-geld-94447881.html
Ukraine attacks rare Russian missile system in Crimea - | Navy releases footage: The Ukrainian Navy has attacked a Russian Bastion coastal missile system in ...
hna.de/welt/ukraine-trifft-seltenes-bastion-raketensystem-auf-der-krim-zr-94447143.html
Toyota crashes into sheepfold in the Ore Mountains - | and the sheep experience a surprise
hna.de/welt/auto-kracht-in-schafstall-schafe-im-erzgebirge-haben-glueck-zr-94448672.html
So much for pensions: Doctor names the real Boomer problem of the next ten years: A population medicine specialist warns that it's not just the pension ...
hna.de/welt/nicht-die-rente-aerztin-warnt-vor-boomer-problem-in-den-kommenden-jahren-zr-94447993.html
False report on social media triggered the influx - | and Morocco stopped 294 migrants off Ceuta
hna.de/welt/migranten-vor-ceuta-marokko-stoppt-294-menschen-mit-drohnen-zr-94447138.html
Key FactsHaseloff Says Media Share Blame for AfD Rise in Saxony-Anhalt
21 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: merkur.de
- In an interview with dpa, Haseloff said predominantly West German media portrayed eastern Germany largely negatively and thereby strengthened the AfD in the east.
- Haseloff governed Saxony-Anhalt from 2011 until January 2026 and stepped down in favor of Sven Schulze to give him an incumbency advantage before the election.
- He cited the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, migration policy and federal policies that, in many people’s view, failed to address real problems convincingly as further causes.
- Haseloff categorically ruled out cooperation with the AfD at state level, excluding individual municipal matters, and said he personally did not consider the term “firewall” helpful.
With the AfD, as it currently exists in Saxony-Anhalt, which is in large parts unconstitutional, this country would be a different country: a different system with a completely different set of values, a different state.— Reiner Haseloff (CDU); former Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt, in an interview with dpa
Key FactsStudy sees migration concern as AfD’s strongest support factor
17 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- Sociologists Martin Schröder, Moritz Rehm and Anja Röcke of Saarland University published the study in the journal Plos One on July 21, 2026.
- According to the study, concern about migration explains about 75 percent of explainable AfD support and 90 percent of actual voting behavior, while income, education and employment add little explanatory power.
- The study calculates an 8 percent probability of AfD support for a well-paid, highly educated and economically satisfied but migration-concerned profile, compared with 3.7 percent for an economically disadvantaged profile without migration concerns.
- For Saxony-Anhalt, where elections will be held on September 6, 2026, the authors also consider migration decisive; the AfD is polling above 40 percent there, putting an absolute majority within reach.
It's not the disadvantaged.— The Saarland University sociologists Martin Schröder, Moritz Rehm and Anja Röcke, in their Plos One study; conclusion that migration concerns, not social disadvantage, drive AfD support.
"Stupid thing": Doctor and Republican now goes head-on with Trump: Republican Bill Cassidy sharply attacks Trump's new childhood vaccination plan.
hna.de/politik/dumme-sache-arzt-und-republikaner-geht-jetzt-frontal-auf-trump-los-zr-94447191.html
District Office: Almost 90 new positions - | but also more vacancies: The Waldeck-Frankenberg district has created almost 90 new positions - | yet there are more ...
hna.de/lokales/frankenberg/kreishaus-fast-90-neue-stellen-aber-auch-mehr-luecken-94447625.html
Key FactsCoroner reports Hayden Panettiere’s death at 36
14 hours ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cp24.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: cp24.com
- Emergency personnel responded in Greenville on Sunday afternoon to a 911 call about a reported cardiac arrest.
- Panettiere was found inside an apartment; resuscitation attempts failed, and she was pronounced dead about half an hour after the call.
- An autopsy performed Monday found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, while the cause and manner of death remain pending additional testing.
- Panettiere was best known for roles in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” and she had an 11-year-old daughter.
It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.— Skip Panettiere said in a statement shared by her representative.
Key FactsBausemer Investigated After Alleged Attack and Traffic Stop
1 days ago · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- After a police stop in Stendal on Friday, August 14, police confirmed an investigation into a person covered by parliamentary immunity over a suspected traffic offense; dpa and Bild linked the case to Bausemer and possible drunk driving, on which he has not commented.
- On Thursday evening, Bausemer allegedly attacked two 14-year-olds in Stendal after they damaged AfD campaign advertising; the Saxony-Anhalt State Criminal Police Office is investigating a physical altercation and examining whether a striking weapon was used.
- According to MDR, one teenager suffered a mild concussion, bruises, and lip and gum injuries requiring hospital treatment, while a friend described the use of a baseball bat and the exact sequence of events remains unclear.
- Bausemer denies using violence in the manner described, while representatives of the Greens and the Left in Saxony-Anhalt are calling for his immediate resignation and say property damage does not justify vigilantism.
Anyone who uses a baseball bat against a 14-year-old and accepts that he could be seriously injured is not suitable for political office and must immediately resign from his mandate.— Susan Sziborra-Seidlitz, Green party chairwoman in Saxony-Anhalt, told dpa via MDR that violence against a 14-year-old is unacceptable for holding political office and requires an immediate resignation.
Baerbock Honors UN Staff Member — Now There Are Serious Allegations: Annalena Baerbock lit an “eternal flame” at a UN memorial ceremony. Suddenly ...
hna.de/politik/annalena-baerbock-un-ewige-flamme-hamas-gedenkfeier-news-new-york-politik-zr-94445742.html
Hesse player wins big in the lottery - | Huge prize money and a small flaw: A lottery player from Hesse correctly guessed six numbers on Saturday ...
hna.de/hessen/hesse-raeumt-beim-lotto-richtig-ab-riesige-gewinnsumme-und-kleiner-makel-94446801.html
Korbach City Park Festival: Heat, bouncy castles, and live music: Hundreds of Korbach residents celebrated for two days at the city park festival in the heat ...
hna.de/lokales/frankenberg/korbach-ort55370/stadtparkfest-korbach-hitze-huepfburgen-und-livemusik-94445769.html
“More than harmless language courses”: Digital Ministry moves next to the Russian House - | security question remains unanswered
hna.de/politik/wand-an-wand-mit-putins-spionen-ausgerechnet-digitalministerium-zieht-neben-das-russische-haus-zr-94446573.html
“A new left”: France’s progressive forces are apparently planning a fresh start – | with an old acquaintance
hna.de/politik/rueckkehr-des-normalen-praesidenten-hollande-bereitet-wahlkampf-in-frankreich-vor-zr-94447836.html
"Rarely so proud": Bundeswehr unit from Northern Hesse receives top NATO rating: The 1st Jäger Battalion from Schwarzenborn has returned to the Knüll region ...
hna.de/lokales/schwalmstadt/schwarzenborn-ort101492/jaegerbataillon-aus-schwarzenborn-erhaelt-nato-bestnote-excellent-94444193.html
A7 closed for an hour: Several kilometers of traffic jam after accident in the Göttingen district
hna.de/lokales/hann-muenden/hann-muenden-ort60343/unfall-auf-der-a7-bei-hedemuenden-mehrere-kilometer-stau-94447229.html
Forest fires in Germany: Firefighters battle flames and smoke in five states.: Flames, clouds of smoke, major operations: In Bavaria, Saxony, North ...
hna.de/welt/waldbraende-in-deutschland-fuenf-bundeslaender-betroffen-zr-94446350.html
Odor nuisance from forest fires - | Important notice for the public: The forest fire in Belgium is also noticeable in southern Hesse. There are official warnings ...
hna.de/hessen/geruchsbelaestigung-durch-waldbraende-wichtiger-hinweis-fuer-die-bevoelkerung-zr-94447916.html
Missiles in three minutes: Why hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians entrust their lives to private channels
hna.de/politik/telegram-kanaele-warnen-rmenschen-in-kiew-vor-russischen-raketen-zr-94447402.html
Trump suddenly calls ballroom a "military complex": FBI and CIA to help before the Supreme Court
hna.de/politik/ballsaal-oder-bunker-trump-kaempft-vor-supreme-court-um-weiterbau-zr-94446480.html
"I will never apologize": Trump makes Americans pay for his Iran war at the pump: Trump demands sacrifice: Gas prices are almost 30 percent higher than a year ...
hna.de/politik/iran-krieg-treibt-benzinpreise-trump-lehnt-entschuldigung-ab-zr-94446757.html
A pig trough across the Fulda River? Why not? That's what 84 people from Malsfeld (Schwalm-Eder district) thought. 🐷 Complete with funny costumes ... Show more
Weather change in the south: Severe weather, hail, and storms are rolling in - one region is particularly hard hit.
hna.de/welt/wetter-wende-in-deutschland-unwetter-hagel-und-sturm-rollen-heran-zr-94447158.html
Hormuz crisis escalates: Trump wants to bomb Oman "into the ground" - | now Iran threatens offensive
hna.de/politik/iran-krieg-trump-will-oman-in-grund-und-boden-bomben-strasse-von-hormus-huthi-miliz-zr-94447904.html
“Justice must carry ‘Molotov cocktails’”: Russian partisans sabotage Putin’s war machine
hna.de/politik/partisanen-black-spark-im-ukraine-krieg-putins-saboteure-zr-94445332.html
Drought turning point: Low pressure systems flood Germany with showers and thunderstorms - | these regions are particularly hard hit
hna.de/welt/duerre-wende-ist-da-tiefs-fluten-deutschland-mit-schauern-und-gewittern-zr-94447087.html
Key FactsGermany’s Rain Shift Has Not Ended the Drought
22 hours ago · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: fr.de
- For Monday, August 17, heavy showers and thunderstorms are forecast south of the Danube and from the Ore Mountains to southeastern Brandenburg before moving eastward.
- On Tuesday, August 18, the rain is expected to shift to the southwestern half, while southwesterly to westerly winds strengthen.
- By Thursday, mostly 10 to 30 liters per square meter are expected, with 30 to 50 liters and locally more than 80 liters in the far south, while the east and initially the west remain dry.
- According to the article’s assessment, the drought will not be over because shower-like rain often runs off the surface, and a sustained recovery would require 100 to 200 liters per square meter over one to two weeks.
Swiss glaciers are disappearing faster than expected - | Expert paints a bleak picture
hna.de/welt/schweizer-gletscher-schmelzen-in-rekordgeschwindigkeit-2026-ist-katastrophenjahr-zr-94445306.html
