Defense & Security: Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius is heading to Washington for talks with US counterpart Pete Hegseth, with a stop at Lockheed Martin in Texas for the first F-35 deliveries as Tornado retirement continues. Military Modernisation: Berlin is also moving ahead with plans for a new 424-class reconnaissance vessel programme, aimed at boosting “eyes and ears” capabilities for maritime and hybrid-threat monitoring. Espionage & Tensions: A Berlin businesswoman with German-Ukrainian citizenship has been charged with spying for Russia, accused of using political and military contacts to pass defense-policy information. Politics & Public Mood: A ZEW survey says German investor sentiment is stabilising in September, while the current-situation reading improves—though energy-price pressure and hybrid attacks remain risks. Far-Right Fallout: AfD remains Germany’s strongest party in a new YouGov poll, and the “firewall” debate is shifting as more voters reject a categorical ban on cooperation. Local Governance: Berlin’s state election campaign is dominated by complaints about run-down streets, housing shortages, and broken cycle lanes. Sports: Bayern’s Alphonso Davies is emerging as a “secret winner” after a hard-fought win over Elversberg, while Klopp’s first DFB squad is set to exclude Hoffenheim keeper Oliver Baumann. Transport & Tech: Lidl and Einride have put a cabless Level 4 autonomous truck into regular service on public roads in Hesse under a KBA permit. International Sports Hosting: Nairobi won the 2029 World Athletics Championships bid, with Munich confirmed for 2031.