Wildfire Politics: Chancellor Friedrich Merz was booed and heckled during a visit to the Hürtgen Forest fire zone in North Rhine-Westphalia, with protesters accusing him of coming too late; Merz said such events will happen more often due to climate change. Far-Right Migration Push: AfD co-leader Alice Weidel said the party aims to end Schengen if in power and is targeting a breakthrough in Saxony-Anhalt’s Sept. 6 state election, arguing the CDU’s “firewall” against AfD cooperation is weakening conservatives. Ukraine Frontline Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul visited Kharkiv, about 30 km from the front, where air-raid alerts sounded; he also vowed continued German support amid Russian strikes. Nord Stream Case: Zelensky said Ukraine had no role in the Nord Stream sabotage after Croatia arrested a second Ukrainian suspect sought by Germany. Defense Spending: Germany is planning about €12 billion for long-range missile capabilities to deter Russia, with phased plans including cruise missiles and cooperation with the UK. Ebola Aid: Germany added €11 million to support Congo’s Ebola response, including mobile labs and training. Sports Spotlight: Harry Kane was voted Germany’s footballer of the year; Bayern also won the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup 2-1 over Dortmund. Football Violence: A high-risk German Cup match in Mannheim saw 100+ injured, including 35 police, after pitch invasions and flares.