Politics & World Affairs — September 4, 2026

Germany braces for far-right win. The Alternative for Germany party could deliver the country's first far-right state governor since World War II in this weekend's Saxony-Anhalt election, after a TikTok-fueled surge in support.

NPR · Read more →

EU joins Iran sanctions campaign. The European Union formally joined the U.S.-led "Economic Outcast" sanctions effort against Iran, and South Korea said it may contribute military assets to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The developments mark a widening of the campaign beyond Washington, with Brussels' participation adding European economic pressure and Seoul signaling a possible military dimension focused on the strategic waterway. Separately, U.S. Central Command has opened a review of a strike that hit a wedding and caused deaths, according to CNBC, a probe unfolding alongside the expanding sanctions effort. South Korea's contribution remains under consideration and has not been finalized.

CNBC · Read more →

Sheriff criticizes Maryland immigration law. Sheriff Jeffrey Gahler said Maryland's Community Trust Act could force jails to release immigrants flagged by ICE back onto the streets, criticizing the Democratic-backed law.

Fox News Politics · Read more →