LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

When are the German Elections?

The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

Do Germans vote?

Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

Woman banned from owning animals for 10 years after dog found neglected

Get you up to speed: Neglected dog hadn’t been fed for weeks and was found covered in faeces | News UK

Rebecca Ferguson, 24, was banned from owning animals for 10 years after admitting to causing unnecessary suffering to her severely emaciated Cockapoo, Nancy, at her home in Silk Court, Forres. Police found Nancy in appalling conditions on 1 March 2026, weighing just 8.2kg and covered in faeces, leading to her rescue by the Scottish SPCA.

Rebecca Ferguson has been ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work and is subject to one year of supervision following her guilty plea for causing unnecessary suffering to her dog. Nancy, the black Cockapoo, was found emaciated and has since recovered, now weighing a healthy 12.6kg after being rehomed.

Rebecca Ferguson, 24, has been banned from owning animals for 10 years and ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work following her admission of causing unnecessary suffering to her dog, Nancy. Sheriff David Harvie described the neglect as “horrific” and noted that Ferguson’s failure to act was significantly severe, while Nancy has since recovered and been rehomed.

What remains unclear — The long-term impact of Rebecca Ferguson’s addiction on her ability to care for animals remains unaddressed.

Woman banned from owning animals for 10 years after dog found neglected

Woman banned from owning animals for 10 years after dog found neglected
Nancy the Cockapoo dog was found in an emaciated state (Picture: Cover Images)

A woman whose dog was found severely emaciated and covered in faeces has been banned from owning animals for 10 years.

Rebecca Ferguson, 24, appeared at Elgin Sheriff Court after admitting responsibility for causing unnecessary suffering to the black Cockapoo, named Nancy.

The court heard that Nancy had been subjected to a ‘prolonged period of neglect’, with the two-year-old dog weighing just 8.2kg (1st2lb) when she was rescued.

Procurator fiscal Shameila Ghafar told the court that police attended Ferguson’s home at Silk Court, Forres, on March 1, 2026, after receiving a call expressing concern for her welfare.

Inside the property, officers found Nancy in a spare room with a strong smell of urine and faeces, while the dog herself was covered in faeces.

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There was no food in the room and the water bowl was covered in mould.

coverimages55993106 f590
Nancy weighed just over 8kg and it was likely she hadn’t been fed in ‘weeks’ (Picture: Cover Images)

Nancy’s fur was described as ‘severely matted’, while officers could see protruding bones and bald patches on her hind legs which she had been chewing at herself.

Clumps of fur were found across the room and officers established that there was no dog food anywhere in the property.

Ferguson told police she had run out of food the previous day. However, officers concluded that Nancy had ‘likely not been fed for weeks’.

Arrangements were made for a friend of Ferguson’s to take the dog before a Scottish SPCA inspector collected her and transported her to Vets Now in Aberdeen.

The inspector was ‘taken aback’ by Nancy’s condition, describing her as a ‘bag of bones’ and ‘like a skeleton’.

A veterinary surgeon found that Nancy’s fur was matted from ‘head to toe’, with faeces embedded throughout it. In some areas, the matting was so dense that Nancy’s skin could not be seen.

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The dog has since made a recovery (Picture: Cover Images)

The vet said the dog had most likely been lying in her own faeces for some time on a hard, flat surface, suggesting she had not been getting outside.

One Scottish SPCA inspector said that Nancy was one of the ‘thinnest dogs they had seen in their 18 years of service’.

She was so emaciated that the inspector could wrap their hands around Nancy’s neck with some overlap and could do the same around her waist.

Nancy had a body condition score of just 1 out of 9 – a score indicating an emaciated and severely underweight animal. The court heard she should have weighed at least 12kg.

Her eyes and ears could not be seen beneath the dense matting. Because of the extent of her suffering, the vet decided not to delay removing the matted fur.

The condition of the coat was so severe that the dematting process could not be carried out while Nancy was conscious.

Further examinations on March 2 revealed that Nancy was anaemic and suffering from fleas, ear mites and periodontal disease – a bacterial infection which damages the gums, ligaments and bone supporting the teeth.

The vet concluded that Nancy had experienced around three months of inadequate nutrition to reach the condition in which she was found and that Ferguson had failed to take any steps to prevent her suffering.

The matter was reported to the procurator fiscal and Ferguson was cautioned and charged on March 23.

The court heard that Nancy has since made a recovery. She now weighs a healthy 12.6kg, has been rehomed and is described as ‘thriving’.

Defence solicitor Megan Lee told the court she had ‘no words to mitigate the condition of this dog’. She said the case involved ‘failing to act’ rather than intentional cruelty but added that there was ‘little difference’.

Ms Lee said Ferguson had been in the throes of a ‘Class A addiction’ at the time of the offending. She has since been sober for three months and has had time to reflect on the suffering experienced by her former pet.

‘This will haunt her for many years if not the rest of her life,’ the solicitor said.

Sheriff David Harvie said: ‘What this poor dog went through was horrific. This is a case caused by incredible neglect. The neglect is really significant. Extreme.’

Ferguson of Forres, Moray, was ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and placed under supervision for one year. She was also banned from owning any animals for 10 years.

Russian man sentenced to 14 years for photographing military graves

Get you up to speed: Russia jails man for 14 years for taking pictures of graves | News World

Nikolai Shcherbakov, 48, was sentenced to 14 years in a maximum-security prison by a Russian court for high treason related to taking pictures of graves of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine. Authorities in Yaroslavl, around 173 miles northeast of Moscow, reported that he had sent the images to Ukrainian intelligence services over nearly two years.

The investigation into Nikolai Shcherbakov’s activities began in late 2022, with the case submitted for trial in July 2023. Following his conviction, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has heightened scrutiny of cemeteries due to similar cases involving individuals arrested for photographing military graves.

Nikolai Shcherbakov has been sentenced to 14 years in a maximum-security prison for high treason after reportedly taking and sending photographs of military graves to Ukrainian intelligence. In response to rising concerns over information leaks regarding military personnel, the Federal Security Service (FSB) has increased surveillance of cemeteries across the region.

What remains unclear — It is unclear where Nikolai Shcherbakov will be jailed following his conviction for high treason.

Russian man sentenced to 14 years for photographing military graves

Russian man sentenced to 14 years for photographing military graves
The man was convicted of high treason (Picture: Andrey Borodulin / AFP via Getty Images)

A man has been jailed for 14 years in a maximum-security prison for taking pictures of gravestones.

Nikolai Shcherbakov, 48, was found guilty of high treason by a Russian court last month, the country’s independent news outlet Mediazona reported.

According to Russian law enforcement, Shcherbakov, from Yaroslavl – around 173 miles northeast of Moscow – had been ‘systematically’ visiting a cemetery and taking pictures of the graves of Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine for nearly two years.

He would then send the images on to Ukrainian intelligence services, officials claimed.

‘The Yaroslavl resident sent the collected information via a messenger service to representatives of the Ukrainian intelligence services.’

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Flags of Russia and the country's Airborne Troops fly above graves of Russian soldiers at a cemetery in the town of Yefremov in the Tula region on March 23, 2023. (Photo by Natalia KOLESNIKOVA / AFP) (Photo by NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP via Getty Images)
The man is believed to have sent the pictures to Ukrainian intelligence officials (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Footage released by a Russian regional court suggests an investigation into Shcherbakov’s offences began late last year before the case was officially sent to trial in July of this year.

It is unclear where Shcherbakov will be jailed.

It comes after a woman was detained on June 17, also for taking pictures of Russian military graves, in Sverdlovsk Oblast, reportedly prompting the Federal Security Service (FSB) to increase surveillance of cemeteries in the region, reports news outlet Caliber.

A week later, on June 24, a woman was jailed for the same reason in Yekaterinburg.

In late June, the FSB opened a high treason case against three people who were arrested in Tomsk Oblast, Western Siberia, for allegedly filming military graves.

They were also accused of passing on information, including the identities of people who had died on the frontline, to Ukraine.

Yaroslavl Regional Court picture: Google maps
Yaroslavl Regional Court (Picture: Google Maps)

The war in Ukraine is showing no signs of letting up, with European leaders warning Russian President Vladimir Putin could launch attacks further afield.

On September 1, Germany blamed Russia for an incident at Leipzig-Halle Airport the month before.

Police called in a bomb squad after a drone rigged with explosives and an ‘unknown substance’ was found next to a Ukrainian cargo plane at the hub in Saxony.
But the Kremlin hit back after the attack was attributed to Russia, warning that the declaration had escalated tensions between the two countries.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said earlier this month: ‘Leipzig, the airport. They found some drone there. They said it was a Russian drone, and no one bothered to investigate.

‘This is, in essence, the beginning of a real war.’

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Analysis & Reaction: UK imposes sanctions and describes Israeli actions as ‘war crimes’ and ‘ethnic cleansing’

Ed Miliband uses the words “ethnic cleansing”, “war crimes” and “Settler terrorists” to describe the Israeli war crimes, in the harshest condemnation of Israeli warfare.

The UK government has imposed sanctions on Israel over allegations of “ethnic cleansing” in the West Bank, as stated by Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband. The situation has prompted strong reactions from Israeli officials, with claims that the sanctions will lead to reduced access to Israeli intelligence.

The UK sanctions on Israel follow condemnation from Ed Miliband regarding the worsening situation in the West Bank, where he described the actions of “settler terrorists” as ethnic cleansing the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. As the investigation into Israel’s pre-October 7 warning signs progresses, analysts note that revelations surrounding Benjamin Netanyahu’s prior knowledge of the threats are unlikely to impact the upcoming elections.

Why have so many European countries turned on Israel, despite the strangle hold on their economies? British MP Ed Miliband has set a precedent, Britain’s foreign secretary, stating that the sanctions imposed on Israel are a response to the ongoing ethnic cleansing and war crimes in the West Bank & Gaza. After 2 years of muted silence the activity suggests MPs can no longer hide behind pro-zionist rhetoric and if they want a chance of re-election, then they must listen to the people. Anti Israeli protests are relentless, and at every political gathering the questions of Israeli war crimes and genocide are at the centre of every debate. The strong language which he labelled unlawful and war crimes is resonating through Europe. You can expect the Far right leaders to stand in support of the genocide.

What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the UK sanctions on Israel are anything more than simple rhetoric. Owen Jones suggest they will have little or no impact and are a ploy by Labour to capture the anti-zionist vote before the local elections. Concerns were raised about potential repercussions, including reduced access to Israeli intelligence and cyber warfare from the Israelis, especially from American based Tech groups.

UK imposes sanctions on Israel amid accusations of West Bank ethnic cleansing

Ed Miliband uses the words "ethnic cleansing", "war crimes" and "Settler terrorists" to describe the Israeli war crimes, in the harshest condemnation of Israeli warfare.

PRESS REVIEW – British papers are reacting to the sanctions imposed on Israel. Next; Israeli papers discuss Haaretz’s October 7 revelatory investigation confirming suspicions that Netanyahu had prior knowledge of the attacks, 3 days before October 7th and let them happen despite being warned by Donald Trump and the UAE.

Pro-Israeli publisher The Times fights back for Israel: ‘Counterproductive’ sanctions on Israel don’t match the ‘theatrical rhetoric’

The Independent‘s headline reads, “UK sanctions Israel over West Bank ‘ethnic cleansing'”. Ed Miliband, Britain’s foreign secretary, said that the sanctions come as Israel has turned a blind eye to the “ongoing ethnic cleansing in the West Bank” by “settler terrorists”. He also added that the occupation of the West Bank as a whole is unlawful.

The front page of The iPaper focuses on the reaction from Israel: “Israeli fury after UK accuses settlers of ethnic cleansing”. Britain’s Chief Rabbi said that Tuesday was a “truly dark day for British Jews”. Meanwhile, Miliband highlighted his Jewish background, adding that he is a “proud British Jew”. The paper also says that “Britain risks reduced access to Israeli intelligence” after the import ban.

An editorial in The Times ( a pro-zionist publication that supports the genocide in Gaza) writes that “Britain’s West Bank sanctions will do nothing to help Palestinians”. The article says that the “measures do not match the theatrical rhetoric” and they may actually be “hugely counterproductive” and “feed the fire of antisemitism” in the UK.

Israeli papers are reacting to Haaretz’s revelation that Benjamin Netanyahu had been informed about the October 7 attack prior to it. These findings come as no surprise to YnetNews. The paper says this episode “adds to the series of warning signs issued before October 7”.

What they have in common is how Netanyahu reacted to them “with boredom and indifference”, according to multiple sources. The article says that the revelations, however, will not have an effect on the elections. Haaretz disagrees, saying that “it is possible, after three years of lies and bloodshed, that this revelation will be the decisive moment for a fence-sitting voter”.

In an editorial, Haaretz stands by its claim; the headline here reads “Netanyahu knew”. The article argues his responsibility extends back to the years leading up to the massacre during which he allowed Hamas to get their hands on funding.

The Israeli government has vowed to fight back with sanctions, consulate closures, blocking British MPs from travelling to Israel and cyber warfare. Bibi Netanyahu has also reached out the Americans to put pressure on the UK government, to reverse the language used as this will encourage other European nations to do the same.

Norway holds minute of silence for King Harald V at his funeral

Norway holds minute of silence for King Harald V at his funeral

Funeral procession
The casket of King Harald V was carried on an artillery carriage from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral during his funeral.
Political significance
Norway’s police deployed nearly 3,000 officers and 3,500 soldiers for the funeral, marking it as one of the largest security operations in the nation’s history.
Public Sentiment
“He was the grandfather of the nation,” said Gunn Johnsen, 81, reflecting on King Harald V’s legacy during the nationwide mourning.

Norway bids farewell to King Harald V as ‘grandfather’ of the nation’s casket arrives at Oslo Cathedral

Norway holds minute of silence for King Harald V at his funeral

Norway observed a nationwide minute of silence on Wednesday at the funeral of King Harald V, a modern and unifying figure in a funeral that is being attended by European royals and foreign dignitaries.

The funeral is the culmination of 13 days of national mourning since the 89-year-old monarch’s death on 28 August.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Britain’s Prince William, Spain’s royal couple, the presidents of Finland, Germany and the Czech Republic as well as the French and Thai prime ministers are among those in Oslo who paid their respects.

The casket was carried on an artillery carriage along the city’s main avenue from the royal palace to Oslo Cathedral.

Norway’s royal family, led by new King Haakon VIII, foreign royals, heads of state and dignitaries took part in the procession on foot.

Only Harald’s widow, 89-year-old Queen Sonja, and the new Queen Mette-Marit, who underwent a lung transplant in June, followed in a car.

Marius Borg Høiby, Mette-Marit’s son from a previous relationship who is under house arrest pending the appeal of a rape and assault conviction, was granted permission to attend the funeral.

Among other guests announced were Japan’s Crown Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, the Scandinavian royal families, the Belgian and Dutch royal couples, Prince Albert of Monaco and Jordan’s King Abdullah II.

High security

At the end of the religious service, four F-35 fighter jets will fly over the cathedral in a “missing man” formation, as the casket is taken to the Akershus Castle chapel.

There it will be lowered into the crypt of the royal mausoleum, next to Harald’s parents and grandparents.

He will be laid to rest in a $2 million (€1.7 million) sarcophagus whose design remains secret.

Once the burial is completed, flags across the country, which were lowered to half-mast after Harald’s death, will once again be raised and church bells will ring for an hour.

Norway’s police force has mobilised nearly 3,000 officers in what it has described as “one of the biggest operations” in its history.

Some 3,500 soldiers have also been deployed, while exceptional airspace restrictions have been imposed over much of the eastern part of the country.

Until his death, Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, was the oldest reigning monarch in Europe.

Despite mounting health issues in his later years, he had always ruled out abdicating and was extremely popular among Norwegians.

Embodying an open and tolerant Norway, he made a deep impression by celebrating diversity in a 2016 speech marking the 25th anniversary of his reign.

“Norwegians are girls who love girls, boys who love boys, and girls and boys who love each other,” he said, adding: “Norwegians believe in God, Allah, the Universe and nothing.”

Reinvigorated monarchy

Thousands of Norwegians filed past the king’s casket in the past week, some waiting in line for hours.

The square in front of the palace has been covered with flowers, drawings and candles.

“He was the grandfather of the nation,” said Gunn Johnsen, 81, speaking to the AFP news agency on Tuesday, explaining that she took an hour-long train ride to pay her last respects.

“Generous, inclusive, kind,” added her friend Vigdis Simonsen, 64.

Near the University of Oslo, a large billboard displayed a photo of a smiling Harald with the inscription “Thank you for everything.”

Almost 72% of Norwegians said they support the monarchy, up by eight percentage points from a previous survey in May, in an opinion poll conducted after the king’s death and published last week.

Support had dropped to its lowest level in February, when 60% said they were in favour of maintaining the monarchy while 27% were not.

At the time, the royal family was embroiled in a series of scandals that damaged its image.

Mette-Marit in particular was under heavy criticism for her past ties to the late convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and her son’s legal troubles.

While Haakon VIII, 53, is very popular, opinions on the new queen remain deeply divided.

Republican midterm convention 2026 to take place in Dallas, Texas

Get you up to speed: Republican midterm convention 2026: What to know about Trump’s Dallas event

The United States Republican Party is hosting a midterm convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on 9-10 September 2026, with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance scheduled to speak. The event aims to mobilise voters ahead of the midterm elections, amidst concerns about Trump’s declining approval ratings and varying participation from Republican candidates.

The Republican National Committee is hosting the convention at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on September 9 and 10, running from 3pm to 9pm Central Time. The event marks a historic first for holding a national Republican convention during a midterm election year, with the programme featuring 109 scheduled speakers over the two days.

The Republican National Committee’s midterm convention in Dallas aims to mobilise voters and address challenges posed by a declining approval rating for President Trump amid significant economic concerns linked to the US-Israel conflict. Some Republican candidates have opted to distance themselves from the event, fearing that Trump’s presence may energise opposition voters, while key Democratic leaders are planning counterprogramming as protests are organised by left-leaning groups.

What remains unclear — It is uncertain how effective the convention will be in mobilising voters, given the conflicting events and Trump’s declining approval ratings.

Republican midterm convention 2026 to take place in Dallas, Texas

EXPLAINERNews|US Midterm Elections 2026Republican midterm convention 2026: What to know about Trump’s Dallas event

Unorthodox event seeks to mobilise midterm Republican voters, even as Trump approval rating tanks.

Published On 9 Sep 20269 Sep 2026

The United States Republican Party – and its talisman President Donald Trump – is descending on Dallas, Texas, to host a rare convention before the midterm elections in November.

Usually reserved for presidential election cycles, Trump’s call to hold the high-cost event before the November 3 midterm vote has underscored both the president’s unorthodox campaign style and the urgency of the political moment for his Republican Party.

Trump’s approval rating has tanked in the lead-up to the midterm vote, with polls pointing to a panoply of factors, most notably the US-Israel war on Iran and its knock-on economic effects for US consumers.

The lack of enthusiasm threatens what are already considered long-shot odds in the Republicans’ effort to hold on to control of the House of Representatives. Shifting public opinion has also put control of the Senate increasingly in play, although Democrats still face an uphill battle to pull off an upset.

A loss of control in either chamber would serve as a major check on Trump’s authority in the final two years of his second term.

But not all Republicans have bought into Trump and the party’s claims that the convention will spur voter turnout.

Several, particularly those in the tightest races, have kept the event at arm’s length amid concerns that associating with the president could only further mobilise his detractors.

Here’s what to know:

When and where is the Republican midterm convention?

The convention will be hosted at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday, September 9 and Thursday, September 10.

The event is expected to run from 3pm to 9pm Central Time (20:00 to 02:00 GMT) on both days.

Trump is scheduled to speak on both nights, including a Wednesday address and the convention’s closing keynote on Thursday from 8pm to 9pm Central Time (01:00 to 02:00 GMT on Friday).

US Vice President JD Vance will close out night one with a speech.

DALLAS, TEXAS - SEPTEMBER 07: A person takes pictures of signage during preparation for the Republican National Committee (RNC) Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 07, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. The 2026 RNC will be the first national Republican convention held during a midterm election year. President Donald Trump is expected to attend alongside Vice President JD Vance and a host of Republican leaders. Brandon Bell/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Brandon Bell / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)A person takes pictures of signage during preparation for the Republican National Committee (RNC) Midterm Convention at the American Airlines Center on September 7, 2026 in Dallas, Texas [Brandon Bell/Getty Images via AFP]

Is this a typical political convention?

Not at all.

The Republican National Committee (RNC), the party’s official organising body, has billed the Dallas midterm convention as a “first in American political history”.

Both Democratic and Republican national conventions have historically capped the primary season before a presidential election. The emphasis has historically been on the presidential nomination process during the largely ceremonial events.

During those conventions, so-called “delegates” from every state pledge their votes for a candidate based on the primary election outcome from their home state.

A candidate who secures the required majority of delegates formally becomes the party’s presidential nominee at the convention.

Parties also typically hold several smaller meetings surrounding the event to establish and release the party’s official platform.

Why are Republicans holding a midterm convention in 2026?

To start with, there will be no nominating process – presidential or otherwise – during the event, as there is no presidential election in 2026.

Instead, the convention has taken the shape of a supercharged campaign rally and fundraiser.

It has been pitched as an opportunity to introduce candidates in punishing races to potential donors and to give a clear, if Trump-dominated, party message as the races enter their final stretch.

The RNC has promised “a primetime showcase for President Trump’s success, candidates, and causes that have propelled the 2026 midterms to unprecedented focus”.

What’s on the schedule?

There will be quite a lot. The official programme lists “53 items and speakers” on night one, followed by 56 more on night two.

The first night will focus on issues including tax cuts, healthcare affordability, immigration, border policy, trade and domestic manufacturing.

The second night will focus more on affordability and families, including policies related to taxes on tips, overtime and Social Security.

The subject areas hew closely to Trump’s wider political messaging.

The official programme gives relatively little attention to several other subjects. The US-Israel war with Iran and Trump’s aggressive tariff policy receive scant mention.

Who else is speaking?

Trump and Vance are the convention’s marquee speakers, but an array of prominent Republicans and candidates are expected to feature across the two-day programme.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is likely to get a healthy amount of stage time. Paxton is running for Senate against Democrat James Talarico, whose early lead in polling has raised alarm bells for Republicans. A Democrat has not won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

“We’re going to have a lot of speakers, and the ones we want to focus on will be obviously Ken Paxton,” Trump told reporters last week. “We gotta get him elected.”

The race is particularly personal for Trump, who endorsed MAGA-aligned Paxton over Republican Senator John Cornyn, a four-term incumbent seen by many as the surest challenger for Talarico.

Will Trump’s convention help Republicans in the midterms?

It remains to be seen whether the convention will help to turn out voters in a meaningful way.

Trump has proven a canny campaigner in the past, leveraging his eye for television spectacle to build support and turn out low-propensity voters. But several factors could limit the impact.

Trump’s Thursday night speech conflicts with the opening games of the National Football League (NFL) season. The event also runs up against several memorial events for the September 11, 2001 attacks throughout the week.

Some Republican officials have also reportedly criticised the hasty announcement of the event, which Trump called for in late June, raising questions over whether organisers will indeed be able to achieve the spectacle envisioned.

For his part, Trump enters the convention with his approval rating continuing to tank, hovering at a 38 percent average in major polls. Several of the most recent polls, including a Reuters-Ipsos poll and a Financial Times-Focaldata poll conducted in late August, reflected only a 33 percent approval.

Trump entered office in January 2025 sitting at about 52 percent approval.

Why are some Republicans skipping?

To be sure, several Republicans in key races have said they will attend the convention.

They include former Congressman Mike Rogers, who is running against Democrat Abdul El-Sayed for an open Senate seat in Michigan; Ohio Senator Jon Husted, who is facing an unnerving challenge from former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown; and Georgia Congressman Mike Collins, who is seeking to unseat Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff.

Others have been wary.

Trump’s policies in his second term have cast a long shadow, leaving many candidates calculating whether attendance could backfire and instead energise voters opposed to Trump.

Democratic primary turnout in several key states – including Michigan, Wisconsin, Texas and Georgia – has soared this year, while Republican turnout has remained steady but unextraordinary, as reported by The Associated Press news agency. That has been a worrying sign for Republicans.

Maine Senator Susan Collins, a Republican incumbent seen as vulnerable in her race against Democrat Troy Jackson, has been among those who have said they will not attend.

Several candidates in key House races have pointed to prior commitments.

Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks told The Bulwark she preferred to spend her time in her home district in Iowa, where she faces a challenge from Democrat Christina Bohannan.

“Because I have a district that I have to be in and take care of, so I’ll be in my district,” she explained about her decision.

Miller-Meeks eked out a victory over Bohannan in 2024, winning by a margin of just 0.1 percent.

Are Democrats countering?

Several left-leaning groups are organising protests.

House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries has announced that four Democratic lawmakers will travel to Dallas for counterprogramming during the Republican convention.

However, the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee (DNC) has avoided holding its own midterm convention.

The committee went into debt in the wake of the 2024 presidential election, even putting up its Washington, DC-based headquarters as collateral for a $15m loan, the NOTUS news site reported in July.

The RNC has not yet released a final price tag for its convention.

City committee endorses surface route for Green Line LRT in Calgary

Get you up to speed: Surface Green Line LRT route in downtown Calgary endorsed by city committee

A city committee selected the surface alignment for the Green Line LRT through Calgary’s downtown core. This option was the only one that remained within the project’s available budget.

The chosen surface alignment for the Green Line LRT through Calgary’s downtown core was the sole option that adhered to the project’s budget constraints. City officials continue to evaluate the implications of this decision on future stages of the project.

Calgary city officials confirmed that the selected surface alignment for the Green Line LRT is the only feasible option within the project’s budget constraints. The city will continue to assess community feedback as planning progresses to ensure alignment with both budgetary and public needs.

What remains unclear — It is not specified why the selected surface alignment was the only option within the project’s budget constraints.

City committee endorses surface route for Green Line LRT in Calgary

GREEN LINE PIC 2
The surface alignment for the Green Line LRT through Calgary’s downtown core chosen by a city committee was the only option that fell within the project’s available budget.

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