Today’s Lead News Stories

Merz accuses AfD of ‘ethnic cleansing’ policy and cancels call with Trump

German chancellor attacks Alternative für Deutschland after far-right party’s win in Saxony-Anhalt election

The Guardian - UK · Sep 9

Police working to protect RNLI in Dorset amid opposition to small boat rescues

Charity vows to keep helping asylum seekers in Channel despite abuse from rightwing activists and protest at HQ

The Guardian - UK · Sep 9

Pakistan orders medical institutions to expel Afghan students, halt fresh admissions amid Kabul tensions

NEW DELHI: Pakistan has ordered medical and dental institutions across the country to stop admitting Afghan students and remove those already enrolled, amid worsening relations between Islamabad and Kabul, a senior government official said on Wednesday.

The Times of India · Sep 9

Trump claims he will give $5,000 to every American if Republicans win the midterms as he defends Iran war and tariffs– as it happened

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The Guardian - US · Sep 9

Homeland security agent charged with child rape in Alabama, officials say

Kent Blacklidge, who officials say was ‘directly involved with child exploitation cases’, turned himself in last week

The Guardian - US · Sep 9

Republicans kick off ‘midterm convention’ to overcome Trump unpopularity

GOP plans to center the president at rare two-day Texas event as party hopes to retain control of House in midterms

The Guardian - US · Sep 9

California West Nile Deaths Reach Six as Weekly Cases Jump by Twenty Two and Five Counties Report Firsts

California has confirmed six West Nile deaths and 86 human cases across 21 counties, with 22 new infections logged in a single week.

Medical Daily · Sep 9

Huge sinkhole forms outside of Nicholas Cage’s Malibu beachfront mansion

Surrounding properties have been evacuated as at least five homes were declared unsafe for entry

The Independent UK · Sep 9

Hawaii’s western islands hit by fierce winds from Hurricane Lowell as thousands lose power

Strong winds uprooted trees and caused widespread blackouts on the island of Kauai

The Independent UK · Sep 9

Your Immigration Hearing May Have Moved to a Secret Building — Here's How to Check: REPORT

An NPR investigation found immigration hearings from Maryland and Virginia quietly moved to an FEMA-leased D.C. building and unmarked Falls Church office.

Latin Times · Sep 9