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Monday, September 21, 2026

Category: Politics
2 hours ago
News
Politics

Populist AfD Wins Another German State Election as Ruling Party Suffers Historic Defeat.

Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s CDU has suffered more unprecedented losses in Germany’s state elections, raising questions about his leadership as the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) advances.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has scored another major state election victory, emerging as the largest party in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania as Chancellor (Prime Minister) Friedrich Merz’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) suffered a historic defeat. The AfD won around 38.2 percent of the vote, narrowly ahead of the left-wing Social Democratic Party (SPD). The CDU, formerly led by Angela Merkel, fell to just 4.9 percent and failed to clear the five percent threshold required to secure seats in the state legislature.
📺 DETAIL: The result marks the first time the CDU has failed to enter a state legislature in the history of Germany’s post-war Federal Republic. The AfD’s victory follows its breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt two weeks earlier, reinforcing its growing electoral strength in eastern Germany. In Berlin, the AfD also recorded a strong showing relative to the area’s political demographics, finishing third with 16.3 percent of the vote, behind the CDU and Die Linke (The Left), which pushed the ruling party into second place. Merz described the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania result as a “disaster” but rejected calls to step aside as Chancellor and party leader, insisting he would continue pursuing his government’s economic reforms. Despite winning the most votes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the AfD is unlikely to be part of the state government, because the establishment and far-left parties have ruled out cooperating with it in any way—a political “firewall” critics describe as anti-democratic.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Friedrich Merz is the wrong Chancellor for the CDU, and he is dragging the party down with him.” – AfD leader Alice Weidel
🎯 IMPACT: The AfD’s latest regional victory signals continued growth for the party, particularly in eastern Germany, while putting additional pressure on Chancellor Merz and the establishment parties to respond to voter dissatisfaction.

Image by Michael Lucan.

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Chancellor Friedrich Merz's CDU has suffered more unprecedented losses in Germany's state elections, raising questions about his leadership as the populist Alternative for Germany (AfD) advances.

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September 18, 2026
News
Politics

Netflix Co-Founder and Wife Donate Millions to Oppose Voter ID Initiatives.

Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, have contributed a combined $2.5 million to block a voter ID measure in California, signaling greater involvement in Democrat and Democrat-aligned politics after stepping down as Netflix chairman.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, have donated $2.5 million to oppose California’s Proposition 39, a ballot measure to implement voter ID.
📺 DETAIL: Hastings contributed $1 million earlier this month to a “No on 39” campaign, while Quillin donated $1.5 million at the end of August to a similar campaign linked to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Proposition 39 would require voters to show a government-issued photo ID for in-person voting, and mail-in voters would be required to provide the last four digits of their ID number on ballot envelopes. This follows polling suggesting that the “No” campaign has a slight lead with 55 percent. Supporters of the Proposition argue it is a necessary step to combat election fraud and restore trust in California’s election process. Notably, Proposition 39’s wording has been accused of being deliberately worded in a way that will encourage Californians to vote against it in November.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Rob Bonta knows that Prop 39 is likely to pass because it is a bipartisan solution to Voter ID and is supported by a supermajority of Democratic, independent, and Republican voters. Knowing he can’t defeat our bipartisan solution to Voter ID in a fair election, he has decided to rig the vote against Prop 39 with a false title claiming it prohibits citizens from voting!” said Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego).
🎯 IMPACT: This represents another major Democrat-aligned political investment by Hastings, who spent $3 million to support Governor Gavin Newsom (D) during the 2021 recall election. Hastings announced back in April that he would not seek re-election to Netflix’s board, having stepped down as CEO back in 2023. Hastings stated that he intended to focus on “philanthropy and other pursuits.” As such, it is possible that Hastings, as well as Quillin, will become more involved in Democrat and Democrat-adjacent politics.

Image by cellanr.

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Reed Hastings and his wife, Patty Quillin, have contributed a combined $2.5 million to block a voter ID measure in California, signaling greater involvement in Democrat and Democrat-aligned politics after stepping down as Netflix chairman.

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September 18, 2026
News
Politics

DSA Candidate Claire Valdez Vows to Fight for Mexico’s ‘Land and Labor’ in U.S. Congressional Bid.

Claire Valdez, a member of the far-left Democratic Socialists of America and the Democrat nominee for New York’s 7th Congressional District, has vowed to continue the “fight” of the Mexican War of Independence.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: A far-left Democrat candidate in New York City has promised to “fight” for Mexicans in the United States Congress.
📺 DETAIL: On Wednesday, Claire Valdez, a Democrat running for New York’s 7th Congressional District, invoked the Mexican War of Independence in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and vowed to “carry that fight” into the U.S. Congress. “215 years ago, Mexicans fought an empire that demanded our land and our labor. And we won. I’ll carry that fight with me to Congress as New York’s first Mexican American representative,” Valdez posted on X. Significantly, the “Reconquista” (Reconquest) movement among some Mexicans and Mexican Americans calls for much of the Southwest U.S. to be retaken by Mexico. Valdez also expressed admiration for Morena, the left-wing party that currently governs Mexico. “And I’m strengthened not just by Mexico’s history but its present. Last month I met comrades in Morena who are standing up to the empires and corporations that have always taken from us – and building a government for the working class. ¡Viva la Independencia, Viva México!” she added. Valdez is a member of the far-left Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and has received support from Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani, who is also a member of the DSA. She identifies as Mexican despite being born in the United States.
🎯 IMPACT: Valdez’s comments have drawn significant criticism, raising questions about her national loyalty and whether her campaign puts the values and priorities of Americans first. This demonstrates the ongoing capture of the Democrat Party by the far-left DSA and identity politics more broadly. Valdez is currently the New York State Assembly member for the 37th District, although she will likely be elected in November, as the 7th Congressional District of New York is a reliably Democrat-voting area. While the DSA has some concentrated support in New York City, statewide New Yorkers have a negative view of the organization, with only 30 percent having a favorable view, compared to 47 percent who have a negative view.

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Claire Valdez, a member of the far-left Democratic Socialists of America and the Democrat nominee for New York's 7th Congressional District, has vowed to continue the "fight" of the Mexican War of Independence.

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September 18, 2026
Bonkers Britain
News
Politics

UK PM Burnham Doubles Down on Reaching Net Zero By 2050.

Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham has voiced his support for Net Zero, raising concerns about the British government’s commitment to lowering the cost of living.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Prime Minister Andy Burnham has declared that the United Kingdom must achieve Net Zero by 2050.
📺 DETAIL: On Thursday, Prime Minister Andy Burnham reaffirmed the British government’s plan to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050. In an op-ed for The Guardian, the Prime Minister announced roughly £30 million (~$40 million) for clean energy projects. The payment is part of an investment program by Great British Energy, a publicly owned green investment company created under former British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. “I am determined that we meet the commitment on which Labour was elected and reach net zero by 2050. I want Britain to believe in itself again. That will not happen by asking people to stand still while the world spins around them,” wrote Burnham. This contradicts advice given by President Donald J. Trump at the start of the new Prime Minister’s tenure. “You have one of the most valuable oil finds anywhere in the world, and if the United Kingdom would use it, they’d be a wealthy country again… I could not get Starmer to use it. It was incredible,” said the President back in July.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “The climate crisis is not a distant threat. It is here and with us now. The British people are no longer insulated from the consequences, and they do not want to be excluded from the solutions. They are looking for ways to do their bit.” — Prime Minister Burnham
🎯 IMPACT: The Prime Minister’s recent comments suggest that the British government will remain committed to Net Zero. Burnham’s remarks contradict suggestions that his government could show greater leniency towards new oil and gas projects as the cost of energy remains high. This also makes it harder for Burnham to draw a distinction between his premiership and the government of former Prime Minister Starmer.
📺 FLASHBACK: Last month, Burnham delayed deciding on licensing new North Sea oil and gas drilling projects. That same month, it was revealed that over 100,000 jobs in the North Sea oil and gas sector are currently under threat, according to the British government’s own data. In July, BP announced plans to sell its North Sea oil operations, including roughly 1,100 jobs, citing the government’s Net Zero policies.

Image by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street.

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Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Andy Burnham has voiced his support for Net Zero, raising concerns about the British government's commitment to lowering the cost of living.

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September 17, 2026
News
Politics
UK

Trump Admin Advised UK Govt to Release Grooming Gangs Transcripts and Revive African Deportation Scheme.

The British ambassador to the United States sought advice from the Trump administration on dealing with the British “far right,” with State Department officials recommending transparency concerning the country’s grooming gang scandal.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump White House advised the British government to release the transcripts related to the United Kingdom’s grooming gangs scandal.
📺 DETAIL: On Wednesday, it was revealed that the British ambassador to the United States sought advice from the Trump administration on addressing the so-called “far right” in the United Kingdom. The Trump White House recommended that the British government publish transcripts related to the country’s grooming gang scandal. The administration also recommended reviving the Rwanda scheme, an initiative devised under the last Conservative-controlled government to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda in central Africa for processing and settlement. The scheme was scrapped after former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the incumbent Labour Party came to power in 2024. Christian Turner, the British ambassador, met with officials from the Department of State, including Under Secretary of State Sarah Rogers, days before Andy Burnham became British Prime Minister back in July. Rogers reportedly recommended that the British government be more “transparent and honest” and “rebuild trust.” Concerns were also raised about the cost of acquiring the court transcripts of historic cases.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “As close allies, UK and US officials meet regularly to discuss shared priorities. We are committed to ensuring that our trade and security continues to deliver real benefits for hardworking people on both sides of the Atlantic.” – Spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), equivalent to the U.S. State Department
🎯 IMPACT: This report is likely to reinforce the perception that the British government is more preoccupied with the “far right” than the various problems facing the country, such as the grooming gangs scandal. This also shows that the Trump administration is aware of social and political developments in the United Kingdom.
📺 FLASHBACK: Back in June, the Department of State expressed concern about the rise of two-tier policing in Britain, particularly in reference to the case of Henry Nowak, an 18-year-old white student who was handcuffed for a fake accusation of racism while he bled to death after being stabbed by a Sikh man. “Ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing are glaring symptoms of civilizational decline. They must be rejected across the West. The United States sends our condolences to the family of Henry Nowak and the people of the United Kingdom at this troubling time,” posted the State Department on X (formerly Twitter) at the time.

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The British ambassador to the United States sought advice from the Trump administration on dealing with the British "far right," with State Department officials recommending transparency concerning the country's grooming gang scandal.

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September 17, 2026
News
Politics
World

Trump Warns EU, Canada of ‘Very Serious Tariffs’ Over ‘Hostile’ Alliance.

President Donald J. Trump has warned that the United States will impose tariffs on the European Union if its recent proposal to make Canada an “associate member” amounts to a “hostile act.”

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on the European Union (EU) if Canada becomes an “associate member” of the bloc.
📺 DETAIL: On Wednesday, President Trump warned that he would impose “serious tariffs” on the European Union (EU) if he concludes that the proposal to make Canada an “associate member” of the bloc amounts to a “hostile act.” This coincides with a meeting between the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. “I would like to work with you on opening the door for Canada to be the first associate member of the EU,” said von der Leyen. Since then, the Canadian leader has signaled his support for the proposal, emphasizing collaboration on issues like defense, critical minerals, and energy security during his address to the European Parliament in Brussels, the EU’s de facto capital in Belgium. This comes amid an ongoing trade dispute between the United States and Canada.
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Canada’s been a terrible trade partner… If I think it’s at all a hostile act, I will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe on many things,” said President Trump.
🎯 IMPACT: While questions remain about what associate membership means in practice, if implemented, Canada would become the first-ever “associate member” of the EU. Trump has suggested he could refrain from imposing “very heavy tariffs on Europe” if convinced that the proposal has “a good intention,” although both Canada and the EU have recently strained their relationship with the U.S., from the former’s ongoing trade war with the United States to the latter’s longstanding failure to pay for its own defense.
📺 FLASHBACK: Earlier this month, President Trump signed five proclamations to impose import bans and adjust tariffs on imports from Canada. The proclamations were issued in response to Canadian tariffs on $20 billion worth of U.S. exports, including steel, dairy, and agricultural equipment.

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President Donald J. Trump has warned that the United States will impose tariffs on the European Union if its recent proposal to make Canada an "associate member" amounts to a "hostile act."

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September 17, 2026
News
Politics

DSA-Backed Hasan Piker Claims America is Responsible for More Terrorism Than Al-Qaeda.

Hasan Piker, a controversial far-left Twitch streamer, has claimed that the United States has “pound for pound” committed more terrorism than al-Qaeda, creating problems for far-left ally Democrat Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Far-left Twitch streamer Hasan Piker, an ally of far-left Democrat Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), has claimed that the United States has committed more terrorism than al-Qaeda.
📺 DETAIL: During an interview on Thursday, Piker claimed that the U.S. was responsible for more terrorism than al-Qaeda. This follows the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, in which al-Qaeda terrorists crashed multiple passenger jets, three into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, resulting in the deaths of approximately 3,000 people. Piker has previously stated that the U.S. “deserved 9/11.” The Turkey-raised influencer also accused the U.S. of intentionally targeting civilians, including at a school in Iran, an incident which is in the process of being investigated by the Department of War. El-Sayed has tried to distance himself from Piker, although he has not outright disavowed him. “Conman [Abdul El-Sayed’s] running mate Hasan Piker just said that America is worse than Al-Qaeda… Abdul—enough is enough. Condemn Piker once and for all,” posted Mike Rogers, Republican Michigan Senate candidate and El-Sayed’s main rival, on X (formerly Twitter).
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Pound for pound as far as the number of deaths, yes, we have caused tremendous terror all around the world.” – Hasan Piker
🎯 IMPACT: Piker’s comments have sparked widespread backlash. The controversy is likely to impact El-Sayed’s credibility with voters as he attempts to navigate criticism of his association with Piker. This is especially important in a swing state like Michigan, where El-Sayed will need to persuade many moderate and independent voters. El-Sayed’s closeness to Piker underscores the Democrats’ shift to the far left over the course of 2026.
📺 FLASHBACK: Earlier this month, it was revealed that El-Sayed’s campaign received more than $115,000 from people connected to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), an organization with connections to Hamas. CAIR has been designated a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The organization is also listed as an unindicted co-conspirator in the Holy Land Foundation terrorism-financing case.

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Hasan Piker, a controversial far-left Twitch streamer, has claimed that the United States has "pound for pound" committed more terrorism than al-Qaeda, creating problems for far-left ally Democrat Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

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September 16, 2026
Data
News
Politics

POLL: Vance, Harris Are the Front-Runners for 2028 Presidential Nominations.

A new poll has revealed that Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris are the Republican and Democrat frontrunners for their parties’ respective primaries.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris are their respective parties’ preferred candidates for the 2028 presidential election, according to a new poll.
📺 DETAIL: According to The Honest Poll, commissioned by Veteran Action, a veterans nonprofit organization, Vice President Vance has 41 percent support among Republicans, while former Vice President Harris has 32 percent support among Democrats. Among Republicans, Donald Trump Jr. secured 22 percent support, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio secured 17 percent. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis received seven percent among Republicans, while Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley each received two percent. Among Democrats, California Governor Gavin Newsom secured 21 percent support, and former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg secured 13 percent. Various other Democrats received single-digit support. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) secured nine percent, Senator Jon Ossoff (D-GA) received six percent, and Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro received five percent.
🎯 IMPACT: The poll indicates that the 2028 presidential election could effectively be a rematch of the 2024 presidential election, which the former Vice President lost to President Donald J. Trump. Before former President Joe Biden dropped out of the race, Harris was Vance’s opposite number in the contest. This suggests that there is still considerable support for Harris among Democrats despite her failure to win in 2024. Establishment Democrats continue to dominate the preferred candidates for President among the party’s base despite the gains of far-left Democrats throughout the 2026 election cycle. While Vice President Vance is the clear favorite among Republicans, the strong showing for Donald Trump Jr. underscores the personal popularity of President Trump and his family among the grassroots, as well as their impact on the party’s direction. This follows a poll published last month, which showed the former Vice President with 37 percent support. Findings from July showed that Vice President Vance was more popular than former Vice President Harris, putting the former in a relatively strong position if both end up being nominated by their respective parties for President in 2028. The fact that Harris is leading among Democrats is likely to encourage her to make a bid for the White House, which she is actively considering.

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A new poll has revealed that Vice President JD Vance and former Vice President Kamala Harris are the Republican and Democrat frontrunners for their parties' respective primaries.

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September 16, 2026
News
Politics

Abdul El-Sayed Refuses to Return Donations From Groups Linked to Terrorism.

Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing scrutiny over campaign donations from individuals linked to organizations with known ties to terror groups, dismissing criticism as racially motivated.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Michigan Democrat Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed defended accepting campaign contributions from donors affiliated with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), rejecting calls from Republican opponent Mike Rogers to return the money. On Tuesday, El-Sayed was asked whether he would give back donations from CAIR-linked individuals, and insisted he would not.
📺 DETAIL: El-Sayed’s campaign received more than $115,000 from at least 41 people who have worked for, previously worked for, or held leadership positions with CAIR. Rogers has argued that the contributions should be returned, citing CAIR’s history of alleged ties to Hamas and its designation as a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), as well as Florida and Texas. CAIR was also named as an unindicted co-conspirator in the federal Holy Land Foundation terrorism-financing case. El-Sayed claims CAIR is a civil rights organization and accused Rogers of attempting to make the Senate race about his ethnicity and Muslim faith. The controversy comes as El-Sayed also faces scrutiny over his association with far-left streamer Hasan Piker, who has previously said “America deserved 9/11” and openly supported the terrorist Houthis. 
💬 KEY QUOTE: “That civil rights organization [CAIR] exists because people like Mike Rogers want to make this race about the color of my skin or how I pray.” – Abdul El-Sayed
🎯 IMPACT: The controversy could intensify scrutiny of Abdul El-Sayed’s campaign financing and his relationships with Islamic advocacy groups as the Michigan Senate race moves toward its fall debates. It also gives Republicans an opportunity to focus the campaign on questions surrounding terrorism-related allegations and associations.

Image by Conlan Houston.

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Democrat Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing scrutiny over campaign donations from individuals linked to organizations with known ties to terror groups, dismissing criticism as racially motivated.

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September 16, 2026
News
Politics
UK

Farage’s Reform Party Batters Establishment ‘Conservatives’ in Special Election.

Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has secured a significant local election victory over the Conservative Party.

PULSE POINTS
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Nigel Farage’s Reform UK has won a local by-election (special election) in Reform Shadow Chancellor Robert Jenrick’s constituency (electoral district).
📺 DETAIL: On Wednesday, it was announced that Reform candidate Matthew Evans had won the East Markham ward (city council district) by-election. The ward is located in Newark constituency in Nottinghamshire, in England’s East Midlands region. The constituency is represented by Reform’s Robert Jenrick in the House of Commons. Reform secured 49.6 percent of the vote, while support for Olukemi “Kemi” Badenoch’s nominally Conservative Party plummeted by 37.6 percent to 28.4 percent. The governing Labour Party came in third with 17.2 percent, a decline of 4.1 percent, while the far-left Green Party only won 4.8 percent. This was Reform’s first time contesting the seat. “An incredible 44% swing from Tory to Reform in Newark! So proud of our candidate, Matthew Evans and my hardworking team. Deeply honoured that my Newark constituents are backing Reform,” posted Jenrick on X (formerly Twitter).
💬 KEY QUOTE: “Excellent win in [Robert Jenrick’s] seat last night. While the Tories plummeted to 28.4%, Reform gained almost 50% on our first time standing there. The Conservative Party is dead.” — Nigel Farage
🎯 IMPACT: This constitutes another blow to the Conservative Party’s electoral prospects and another gain for Reform. Evans will serve as a councillor on Bassetlaw District Council. The result is likely to be viewed as an endorsement of Jenrick, who was originally elected as a member of the Conservative Party but defected to Reform earlier this year.
📺 FLASHBACK: Earlier this year, Reform stormed to victory over the governing Labour Party in the country’s local elections, resulting in the resignation of former Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the installation of current Prime Minister Andy Burnham.

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Nigel Farage's Reform UK has secured a significant local election victory over the Conservative Party.

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