Lower Austria is Austria’s largest state by area and second-most populous, with Sankt Pölten as capital since 1986 and major cities like Amstetten and Krems.
Austria has enacted a headscarf ban for girls under 14 across public and private schools, with talks and potential fines for repeated violations. The measure, backed by the ruling coalition and FPÖ, faces legal challenges from Muslim groups and opposition concerns about religious freedom and enforcement burdens on teachers. Protests have occurred in Vienna and neighbouring states as the school year starts.
Authorities report 13 incidents of metal objects found in Halloween sweets across Austria, Austria, Hungary and Germany, with injuries limited to minor mouth wounds. Police urge vigilance as investigations expand to multiple states and neighbouring countries.