Overnight papers noted Ed Sheeran's first concert since dropping Macklemore, where he apologized and called the situation in Gaza indefensible.
Morning attention turned to state elections in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, framed as a test for Chancellor Merz, with housing central in Berlin. Midday coverage reported reciprocal Ukraine-Russia strikes: Ukrainian drones hit a refinery and the Moscow region on the final day of Russian parliamentary elections, while Russian attacks killed three in Kyiv.
Afternoon exit polls showed AfD winning in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Die Linke in Berlin, with losses for Merz's CDU; Merz called the result a disaster but held to his course.
Evening coverage shifted to a study showing acceptance of homosexuality among Dutch youth had fallen in four years, almost halved among boys, with girls also less tolerant and unhappier. Police identified the Overasselt shooters, and prosecutors said a 74-year-old would face trial over deepfake porn of 60 celebrities.