Almost half expect Merz to leave office before year-end 09/18
Here are the most important news updates for today: SPD overtakes AfD in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern polls ahead of Sunday election +++ Chancellor Merz faces pressure amid expectations of replacement before year-end +++ Former NBA player Michael Sweetney dies at age 43
The skinny
The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.