Daycare in central Alberta closed due to E. coli outbreak

“Europe is going through a version of sophisticated state failure,” an analyst told the New York Times after the ultranationalist Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won state-level elections on Sept. 6. By capturing 39 of 83 parliamentary seats in Saxony-Anhalt, a poorer area of east Germany with two million people, it’s closer to power than any German far-right party since the Nazi era.

It then finished first in the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania on Sept. 20, securing 38 per cent of votes. In both places, the AfD must now coax others to form a coalition government to formally assume office. Opposition groups have vowed to form a firewall against it, though their resolve may fade over time.

Yet no matter what happens next in either region, the AfD’s victories mark a major milestone. Leading in national polls, the party — already the official opposition in the Bundestag — has shattered the notion it’s unelectable given Germany’s dark history.

Politics in Europe’s anchor nation could be transformed in short order. Seven more of Germany’s 16 states head to the polls over the next two years. Federal elections are slated for early 2029.

DEAR MISS LONELYHEARTS: I’m 30, and recently met a girl eight years younger than I am. While we had a great time the first weeks going out for dinners, to the bar and back to my place to make love, she’s now thrown up a big wall!

She left very early in the morning yesterday. I yelled that I wanted to see her again real soon, as she went out the door. But she hasn’t replied to my texts or phone calls since! I’ve reached out, four or five times. I feel like I’m doing something wrong, but I can’t help feeling a lot for her! What should I do?

— Longing for More, River Heights

Dear Longing: Stop trying to reconnect now. By not replying, she’s telling you she’s not interested. You don’t need more of this rejection pain in your life, and you don’t need all this uncertainty and obsessing.

Banning gambling ads

Re: Sweeney’s sexist U.S. gambling-site ad isn’t the real problem, Sept. 16

I applaud Dan Lett’s opinion piece regarding online gambling.

Reporting of increasing social issues due to the proliferation of gambling addictions has been thin. Online gambling (not just sports gambling) is super-charging this serious and growing problem.