Newshour

Germans vote in two state elections that could see further gains for the far-right AfD party and weaken Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s hold on power.

Also in the programme: we hear from Scotland, which has Europe's highest rate of drug-related deaths, about the growing dangers from synthetic drugs; and the singer Ed Sheeran apologises to fans at his first concert since the rapper, Macklemore, was dropped from his US tour over pro-Palestinian comments: we hear from someone who was at the show.

(IMAGE: A woman votes at a polling station in a traditional pub, Xantener Eck, during the state election in Berlin, Germany, September 20, 2026 / CREDIT: REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

Nato has welcomed a deal between the US and Denmark over the semi-autonomous territory of Greenland. Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland have said that the unpublished deal recognises their sovereignty and territorial integrity, while President Trump has said the agreement gives Washington "permanent control over security and all other needs" in Greenland. We hear from an MP in Greenland.

Also in the programme: after advancing in Yemen, the Iran-backed Houthis have carried out attacks on infrastructure in Saudi Arabia; and pop star Ed Sheeran's first concert in Philadelphia kicks off after a row over Gaza and free speech.

(Photo: the American Consulate in Nuuk, Greenland. Credit: PA)

US President Donald Trump says the US, Denmark, and Greenland have made a deal that will give America permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. We'll have reaction from Denmark and a Nato perspective.

Also on the programme: demonstrations are taking place in South Africa to honour nine women recently found murdered in eastern Johannesburg; and the rotating wax cylinders that were used to record sound before vinyl.

(Photo: People attend a protest against President Trump’s demand that the Arctic island be ceded to the US in front of the US consulate in Nuuk, Greenland on January 17, 2026. Credit: Reuters)

French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the threat of hybrid attacks by Russia against Europe and France has intensified. At a news conference at the Elysee Palace, Macron said he had ordered a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites in the face of this threat.

Is the South African government doing enough to address the scourge of femicide? We ask the country's minister for women.

Also in the programme: Russia's parliamentary election begins. The result's not in doubt - so what can we learn? A deadly mosque attack hits Friday prayers in Pakistan; and how autonomous drones are being upgraded - with whiskers.

(IMAGE: Participants carry placards during a memorial run held in honour of Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, one of several women killed in a series of murders near Johannesburg, in Pretoria, South Africa, September 17, 2026 / CREDIT: Reuters / Alet Pretorius)

Fear and rage over femicide in South Africa after the body of a ninth woman was found in Ekurhuleni in east Johannesburg since July. Also in the programme: A prized artwork, drawn by Aztecs, goes back home to Mexico. It's a rare critique of the Spanish conquerors, and King Charles and his former brother-in-law go head-to-head over what's alleged to have been said about the death of Princess Diana.

(Photograph: Police officers at the site of the ninth woman murdered in Ekurhuleni, east Johannesburg. Credit: Shutterstock)

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has told the European Parliament he welcomes ambitions for associate EU membership, in a speech containing thinly veiled criticism of Donald Trump's America. He proposed deep cooperation in areas including trade, defence and technology, adding that Canada could help meet Europe's energy needs. We speak to Canada's Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.

The European Commission president has announced proposals for Canada to become an associate EU member as the country's rift with the United States deepens.

Also on the programme: The US federal reserve's just put up interest rates for the first time in three years; are the warnings about AI posing an existential threat a deliberate distraction?

And we'll confront the really big issues with the owner of the pizzeria just voted the best in the world.

(Photo: European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen and European Parliament President, Roberta Matsola welcome Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France. Credit; EPA/Shutterstock).

One of the world's biggest music stars - Ed Sheeran faces the biggest controversy of his career, as his support acts on his tour quit when fellow musician Macklemore was dropped from the line up following his speech in support of a 'Free Palestine'. The speech drew controversy when his comments led to a petition from the Israeli American Council demanding his removal from the tour. It was successful, and other musicians dropped out in solidarity.

Also on the programme: Ursula von der Leyen has backed a proposal for Canada to become the European Union's first associate member, as the country's rift with the United States deepens and the Natural History Museum opens a gallery sealed off to the public for more than 80 years.

(Photo: Ed Sheeran gig Credit: Jon Wright, BBC)

(Photo: Credit:)

As Lithuania investigates a drone incursion, the country's defence minister tells us Nato is effectively at war with Russia.

Also in the programme: President Trump lashes out at the judges he appointed to the US Supreme Court; the renewed civil war in Yemen causes huge numbers to flee, including over the sea to north Africa; and how an actor from Wales conquered US TV.

(IMAGE: An Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet of the kind that shot down a drone that crossed the border from Belarus into Lithuania, at the Siauliai air base in Siauliai, Lithuania on September 15, 2026 / CREDIT: Reuters)