🇺🇸Week of September 14

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's party suffered its worst state election result in postwar German history, according to Bloomberg. Merz called the outcome a "disaster" as the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged. The defeat has left Merz under pressure as the AfD eyes a second state win.123

Merz has vowed to press ahead with his reform agenda despite the historic defeat. He described the result as a "disaster" but remained defiant, saying he would continue with planned reforms. The AfD's strong showing marks another gain for the far-right party in Germany.456

The election result has intensified pressure on Merz's leadership. The AfD is now eyeing a second state election victory, according to DW. Merz's party's poor performance is being described as the worst in postwar German history.327

Merz's vow to continue with reforms comes as he faces mounting political pressure. The chancellor's defiant stance was reported by multiple outlets, including CBS News and CNBC. The state election defeat has raised questions about his leadership and the future of his reform agenda.568910

Iran has given the United States seven conditions to end their war and re-engage in talks, according to reports. President Donald Trump is weighing the fresh demands ahead of his visit to the United Nations. The conditions were conveyed as Tehran signaled its terms for halting the conflict.1234

Iran issued a warning after learning of US plans to resume action, and insisted the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed for now. The warning came as Tehran set out its conditions for ending the war. The Strait of Hormuz closure affects global oil shipments.5

Trump is said to be weighing new Iran strikes as he seeks a decisive victory, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been frozen out of the talks. Separately, Trump is weighing a major Iran escalation as China steps up a diplomatic push. Omani Foreign Minister cited significant progress as the US and Iran concluded a fresh round of nuclear talks.678

Ahead of US-Iran talks, Netanyahu touted a buildup of conditions for the Iranian regime's collapse. The talks are taking place amid the broader war between the US and Iran. Netanyahu's comments came as the US and Iran prepared for negotiations.9

President Donald Trump asked his budget chief to draft an order that would bring health research funding under his control, according to Politico. The order would create a White House board to approve NIH grants, tightening control over the agency's $48 billion budget. The move follows a court defeat for the administration's previous attempt to exclude undocumented immigrants from census counts.123

The White House budget chief pushed for scrutiny of NIH grants in an Oval Office clash, The Washington Post reported. The New York Times reported that the White House is moving to take control of NIH grants. Reuters reported that Trump seeks to bring health-research funding under his control.435

The plan has drawn criticism from science groups, according to AIP.ORG. The White House plan to take over federal grantmaking would give the administration direct approval power over NIH grants. The criticism from science groups highlights opposition to the proposed change.6

Ukraine launched more than 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds fired at Moscow, in what Moscow's mayor described as the largest ever attack on the city. The strikes came on the final day of Russian elections.1234

Ukrainian drones and missiles also targeted an oil refinery in the attack, which officials said was deadly.5

Attributed claim: The New York Post reported the attack killed 2 people, while ABC News reported the strikes were deadly without specifying a toll.65

Republican candidates in competitive midterm races are increasingly defying President Donald Trump in public, with Politico describing him as 'kryptonite' to the party and CNN reporting that vulnerable Republicans are breaking with a president who famously demands loyalty. The Wall Street Journal reports that Republicans in tough races are tip-toeing away from Trump, while the Los Angeles Times describes California Republicans walking a tightrope as Trump jumps into midterm campaigning.1234

The Boston Globe reports that Republicans are lamenting Trump's decisions ahead of the midterms, with one saying 'He's doing everything he can to lose it.' The Washington Post notes that Trump used to be kryptonite for the GOP in Virginia, but not this year, and a Democratic strategist on YouTube called Trump's anti-weaponization fund 'like kryptonite to the Republicans.'567