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The far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party is set for a historic regional election win in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt – in a blow for German chancellor Friedrich Merz.

Exit polls have placed the AfD party at 44.5 per cent, up ⁠from 20.8 per cent in 2021. Mr Merz’s CDU fell to 18.5 per cent from 37.1 per cent in 2021, a setback in a state the conservatives have governed since 2002.

If the full results, expected on Monday, show that the AfD has secured a majority, the party could form its first regional government in what would be a seismic moment in post-war German history. However, given that most ‌parties have ⁠ruled out joining ⁠an AfD-led coalition, it will depend on which other parties pass the 5 per cent threshold needed to gain seats in the regional parliament and whether the CDU could form a majority coalition to block the AfD.

The party’s victory in the election for the state government represents a historic shift in German politics after years of cooperation between the other parties to keep the hard right out of power.

The AfD seeks to restrict immigration, quit the Euro and restore ties with Russia as most of Europe rallies around Ukraine. Germany’s own intelligence service has designated the party as ‘extremist right wing’.

Ulrich Siegmund, lead candidate for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, hailed the projections, saying: “We have made history in this country”.

He said that he was open to work with partners following the exit poll results, adding: “We extend a hand to all democratic forces that wish to pursue better policies”. But he also said that topics including migration and domestic security were non-negotiable.

This win is the biggest prize in the party’s 13-year history, at a time of widespread discontent with an unpopular national government that has yet to persuade voters it can get the country’s sluggish economy moving.

Victory for the AfD is also a symbolic blow to Mr Merz, whose centre-right party has led Saxony-Anhalt for 24 years.

A CDU politician has described his party’s performance as a “historic defeat” and called it a “black day”.

Sepp Muller, deputy leader of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, told German broadcaster ZDF that there can now be “no business as usual”.

The AfD national co-leaders, Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, said this week that AfD “wants to implement the law of the land – for example with a view to illegal migration – and ensure that Germany remains worth living in”.

They decried other parties’ records and argued in a statement that an absolute majority for AfD is “almost the only chance to change course”.

Following the poll results on Sunday, Ms Weidel said that the AfD had a clear government mandate and would talk to all parties.

“No matter the outcome of tomorrow’s election, we have already made history,” said its candidate for governor, Ulrich Siegmund, at a final rally on Saturday evening.

“Because what we have started here in Saxony-Anhalt — that is currently sweeping across all of Germany — can no longer be stopped,” he told the crowd in the state capital, Magdeburg.

The AfD plans to push schools and cultural institutions towards more traditional values, curb immigration and overhaul public broadcasting.

Mr Siegmund arrived to cast his vote in his hometown of Tangermünde on a blue Simson moped, greeted by throngs of excited fans, and ruled out coalition talks with other ​parties.

An AfD-led state would launch a crackdown on migration with a task force set up to coordinate quicker deportations.

The children of refugees would be placed in separate classes at school to prevent what the party claims are “stresses” on the other children from being around different cultures.

Meanwhile, children with disabilities would no longer be taught in the same classroom as those without, instead being sent to special schools.

Schools would also be banned from flying rainbow flags, and the government would exhaust “all legal avenues” to limit Islamic expression.

Harvey Barnes (Newcastle): Gets a goal. Good finish into that far corner as well. He’s been excellent and not spoken about a lot. Anthony Elanga and all the others get the headlines, but Barnes has been fantastic.

Martin Odegaard (Arsenal): Captain, leader and a massive winner. It’s just one of those moments where you just think, how did they talk about getting rid of Odegaard? It’s scary.

Cody Gakpo (Liverpool): Two goals from midfield. Imagine thinking you’re playing for Spurs and then for Man City, and then somehow you have to stay at Liverpool and compose yourself, and still score.

Cesar Palacios (Fulham) and Vitaly Janelt (Brentford): Both very similar: solid and get the job done. They don’t really get noticed in games unless they score, but if you’re watching and you’ve played the game, you know these two are really important.

Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua are set to clash later this year in a highly-anticipated grudge match, but the bout has now been cast into speculation

Tyson Fury claims that his proposed grudge match with Anthony Joshua is off because his long-time boxing rival has “s*** his pants.”

The Gypsy King is now eyeing a third match with Oleksandr Usyk instead. Fury and Joshua have been on a collision course throughout their respective careers, with claims that the two are set to settle their differences in November.

However, it now appears as though AJ has had a change of heart, with Fury taking to social media to claim that his fellow Briton doesn’t want the smoke.

Taking to social media on Sunday, the 28-year-old said: “So, it looks like AJ has s*** his pants yet again. After 11 years, he’s finally s*** his pants yet again.”

In the same breath, Fury then turned his attention to long-standing rival Usyk – despite losing both of his previous encounters against the unbeaten Ukrainian in consecutive bouts in 2024. He added: “So this would only lead me to a fight with Oleksandr Usyk.

“Oleksandr, you’re his trainer, and his sensei, and you know he’s a weak-minded piece of s***, and that he’d never fight the Gypsy King – which you’ve had the guts to do twice…twice. And you know how difficult it is in there.

“Listen, you got the decisions last time, fair play to you, good luck to you. But let’s do it again. Let’s run it back in November.

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“The ball is now in your court, Oleksandr. Do you want to fight me this year, in 2026? Or are you calling it quits? Let me know, because I’m now looking for a new opponent.”

Joshua has not yet replied to Fury’s claims. It comes amid suggestions that boxing enthusiasts may have little appetite for a trilogy fight between Fury and Usyk, considering the commanding manner in which the Cat defeated Fury just two years ago.

The pair first clashed in Riyadh in May 2024, with Fury staking his WBC heavyweight title for an opportunity to claim Usyk’s collection of WBA (Super), IBF, WBO and IBO belts. It was Usyk who secured undisputed status on the evening, easing to a split-decision victory over Fury following 12 rounds, and extending his unblemished record to 22-0.

An immediate rematch followed in December, with Usyk sealing a unanimous decision triumph over Fury to dispel any uncertainty regarding their first meeting. Fury opted to retire from boxing soon afterwards, believing himself unfortunate with the judges’ scorecards in the second contest.

Yet the Gypsy King has since made his comeback to the ring, having already competed twice this year. Fury secured a unanimous decision success against Arslanbek Makhmudov in April, before stopping Mariusz Wach in the seventh round of their encounter in July.

Whether fans will ultimately witness the long-anticipated showdown between Fury and Joshua this winter remains uncertain. Though it appears the ball is now firmly in Joshua’s court to respond and bring the bout to reality.

NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Giants took care of some contract business on Labor Day weekend ahead of the start of the season, signing backup quarterback James Winston and starting left guard Jon Runyan to two-year extensions.

Winston is receiving $13 million and Runyan $22 million as part of the moves, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Sunday because the deals had not been announced.

The extensions provide salary cap flexibility and save space this season while keeping a pair of respected veterans under contract through 2028.

Winston, 32, was going into the second of a two-year, $8 million deal, initially signed before the Giants traded up to select Jaxson Dart in the first round of the 2025 draft. He appeared in two games last season after starting third on the depth chart behind Russell Wilson and Dart.

Now firmly No. 2 and serving in a mentor role, Winston gives new coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy an experienced QB to step in when Dart is unavailable. He is also on Harbaugh’s leadership council, a group of players counted on to serve as a liaison between the staff and the rest of the team.

Winston is heading into his 12th NFL season since being the No. 1 overall pick by Tampa Bay in 2015 after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2013. The Giants are his fourth organization after stints with the Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns.

Runyan, 29, has spent the past two seasons starting for New York after playing his first four as a pro with Green Bay. He is back along with left tackle Andrew Thomas, center John Michael Schmitz and right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor on an offensive line that has just one newcomer: rookie right guard Francis “Sisi” Mauigoa, the 10th pick in the draft.

___

See AP’s full NFL coverage here

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE, US SENIOR REPORTER

Published: 22:27 BST, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 23:02 BST, 6 September 2026

By JONATHAN MCEVOY, SPORTS WRITER AND DAILY MAIL’S MOTOR RACING WRITER

Published: 14:30 BST, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 21:41 BST, 6 September 2026

Charles Leclerc was left sitting in pain on the grass after suffering a dramatic 160mph crash at the start of the Italian Grand Prix.

The Ferrari favourite lost control of his car at the final bend, the Parabolica, on the second lap as he duelled with Oscar Piastri for fourth place.

Leclerc’s impact with the wall was severe with only a short portion of gravel to slow his trajectory into the hoardings, which he thudded side-on.

The Monegasque soon jumped out of the car but then sat disconsolately on the grass as he was comforted by a marshal before being taken away in the medical car. He was feeling his neck as he went for treatment. Ferrari said he had been released from the medical centre without injury. 

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The race was red-flagged and some fans in the grandstands cried at the huge blow for their team.

Charles Leclerc spins off at Monza’s Parabolica turn and crashes into the barriers

Leclerc was seen with his head in his hands on the grass after the heavy smash which saw the Italian Grand Prix red-flagged

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The two Ferraris came together with Hamilton, left, dropping several places as a result

By this point, Leclerc had already squeezed his Ferrari team-mate Lewis Hamilton on the second part of the opening Del Refillo chicane and was driving somewhat erratically. Hamilton was furious, saying: ‘Charles pushed me off.’ 

The seven-time world champion, who started fourth, fell down to tenth place.

George Russell was leading the race for Mercedes when the race was suspended after passing pole man Pierre Gasly on the main straight at the end of the first lap.

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Leclerc’s stricken car was taken away by crane.

Organisers announced the race would resume at 2.39pm, UK time. 

Iliman Ndiaye has explained why he turned down Tottenham to join Manchester City by saying his determination to play Champions League football counted against Spurs.

The Senegalese winger completed a £60m move from Everton to City on deadline day but only after Tottenham were the first to bid for him.

Spurs were discussing a £60m move for Ndiaye – with Richarlison returning to Everton for £35m in a separate deal – but as soon as City showed an interest, the former Sheffield United player decided not to join a club that finished 17th in each of the last two seasons.

“For me it was always going to be City,” he said. “I wanted Champions League and playing at one of the best teams in the world. I’m not saying Tottenham is not, but when Manchester City comes through, you don’t say no.

“This is where I think I belong. I’ve worked hard to get to this point. When I was speaking with my wife, I was telling her if I had to leave Everton it would be somewhere where I know I would be playing Champions League.”

Ndiaye spoke to City manager Enzo Maresca before making the move, adding: “He’s someone that admired me and as soon as they came through I had only one direction where I wanted to go.”

Ndiaye made his City debut in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Coventry, and while he came off in the closing stages, he allayed fears he was injured by saying it was cramp.

By LUKE AUGUSTUS, ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Published: 15:05 BST, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 21:52 BST, 6 September 2026

Jamie Vardy will be playing his football in England again after signing a contract at Burnley until the end of the season.

The 39-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Italian side Cremonese in the summer following their relegation to Serie B.

Vardy, who moved to Italy with his wife Rebekah and their family, scored seven goals and provided three assists in 29 appearances in Serie A last season. 

Burnley will be hoping Vardy’s experience can help them improve after a poor start to the season – with the Clarets bottom of the Championship after five matches. 

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They want him to be their No1 striker and his deal has an option for a further year if Burnley are promoted. It is understood he turned down offers from MLS, Serie A and the Premier League. 

The scale of his task is clear with the club yet to win a game in the English second tier so far this season – drawing two and losing three of their matches, scoring six and conceding 12 across those matches.

Upon signing for the club, Vardy – who had a Netflix documentary about his career in May – expressed his desire to propel them back up the table.

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Jamie Vardy is back in English football after signing a deal at Burnley until end of this season

The move sees Vardy and his wife Rebekah return to England after he played a year in Italy

He scored seven goals and provided three assists in 29 Serie A games for Cremonese

He told the club’s website: ‘I’m really happy to now be here at Burnley.

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‘This club has a proper footballing history and passionate fans who deserve a team that represents them and their town.

‘I can’t wait to get going on the pitch and help the team move in the right direction.’

Burnley head coach Nicky Hayen is excited about what his new striker will add to his struggling squad. 

He said: ‘We are delighted to welcome Jamie to Burnley. 

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‘His experience and leadership will be invaluable to our squad, and we believe he can make a significant impact on our campaign. Jamie has a proven track record, and we are looking forward to seeing him in a Claret shirt.’

Vardy scored 200 goals in 500 matches for Leicester and won both the Premier League and FA Cup with the club. He is regarded as one of the club’s greatest players of all time.

The striker also scored seven goals in 26 appearances for England and was part of the Three Lions squad for Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

By LAUREN ACTON-TAYLOR, US NEWS REPORTER

Published: 21:12 BST, 6 September 2026 | Updated: 21:52 BST, 6 September 2026

President Donald Trump jumped on social media with another swipe at changing the names of major geographical locations – this time, taking aim at New Mexico. 

On Sunday, Trump posted a map of the Southwest state to Truth Social, but ‘Mexico’ within the state’s name had been crossed out in red and replaced with ‘America.’

The post came with no remarks attached but followed a tense back-and-forth with Canada that saw the renaming of Lake Ontario to ‘Lake America’ last month.

Just before he shared his latest name change, he posted a photo depicting himself crossing out ‘Ontario’ in Lake Ontario on a map and replacing it with ‘America.’ 

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It’s unclear if the President was joking. The Daily Mail reached out to the White House for comment. 

While only around 14 percent of US citizens were in favor of the name change, according to a poll by Reuters/Ipsos, the President’s official Trump Store launched ‘Lake America’ hats for $55. 

The move was accompanied by other posts on social media from Trump, including a video of geese with machine guns patrolling the lake as well as an AI clip of himself kicking over a ‘Lake Ontario’ sign and replacing it with a ‘Lake America’ sign. 

On August 30, the President declared that he wanted the US to keep out all Canadian products unless the companies wanted to relocate to America.

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The tension was prompted by failed negotiations between the US and Canada over tariffs on products traveling back and forth between the two countries. 

On Sunday, President Donald Trump posted a map of the Southwest state to Truth Social, but ‘Mexico’ within the state’s name had been crossed out in red and replaced with ‘America’

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Just before he shared his latest name change, he posted a photo depicting himself crossing out ‘Ontario’ in Lake Ontario on a map and replacing it with ‘America’

While only around 14 percent of US citizens were in favor of the name change, according to a poll, the president’s official Trump Store launched ‘Lake America’ hats for $55

Trump’s post on Sunday marked the latest in the President’s campaign to rename major landmarks and locations, the first being his renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’ – a move that sparked a wave of criticism. 

Following the post, he shared another photo that said: ‘If you have a problem with Lake Ontario being renamed Lake America, just remember, the Left renamed the following…’

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Underneath, the photo had two lists; the left side featured titles and on the right, the titles were changed to reflect alleged ‘Left’ views. 

The photo included examples such as Columbus Day, changed to Indigenous Peoples’ Day; Land O Lakes ‘Removed the Indian. Kept the Land’; Washington Redskins ‘Washington Commanders’; Felon ‘Justice Involved Person’; and Illegal Alien ‘Undocumented Noncitizen.’