NPR News: 09-20-2026 8AM EDT
Summary
German voters face key state elections as Chancellor Merz’s party struggles against the rising far-right AfD. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia intercepted a Houthi ballistic missile targeting Riyadh, marking a significant escalation in the Yemen conflict. In the US, Ed Sheeran addressed the free speech controversy following Macklemore’s removal from his tour, while a new antitrust lawsuit accuses major AI firms of illegally slowing technological development. Finally, Cuba restored power after another nationwide blackout caused by the ongoing US oil blockade.
Topics discussed
Germany state elections and far-right gains
Houthi missile attack on Saudi Arabia
Ed Sheeran concert and Macklemore controversy
Lawsuit against AI companies for antitrust violations
Cuba nationwide blackout and US oil blockade
Sponsor message from Angie
Listen ad-free on Castria