WASHINGTON (AP) — Independents have grown increasingly unhappy with President Donald Trump during his second term, a new AP-NORC polling analysis finds, particularly those without a college degree.

The analysis from researchers at The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research shows that while about half of independents without a college education had a positive view of Trump around the 2024 election, his approval with that group fell to about one-quarter this spring. That shift has erased the large education gap that existed among independents in the months before Trump took office for his second term, with independents now holding similarly negative views of the president regardless of their level of education.

The analysis was conducted by aggregating nearly two dozen AP-NORC polls conducted between July 2024 and April 2026, allowing for a deeper look at how support for Trump changed during several distinct periods, including the last six months of 2024, the first 100 days of Trump’s presidency, the summer of 2025 when the Big Beautiful Bill passed, last fall’s government shutdown and the beginning of the Iran war.

The compiled polling shows a steady decline among independents throughout Trump’s second term. His standing has also dropped among several small but important groups that moved toward him in the 2024 presidential election, including Black and Hispanic independents.

More Americans than ever consider themselves independents, and they are among the groups that shifted toward Trump in the 2024 presidential election. Any erosion in that support could signal trouble for Trump and Republicans headed into the midterm elections, which are often seen as reflection of how voters feel about their governing party.

Tafari Torres, a senior research associate at NORC who co-authored the analysis, noted that while Democrats’ and Republicans’ views of Trump have held largely steady in his second term, independents’ opinions are still moving. “Independents are, broadly, the people who are reacting to the events and dropping in their support,” he said.

Dramatic declines during Trump’s first 100 days

Trump’s return to the White House was fueled, in part, by independent voters who saw him as the stronger candidate on key issues like the economy. The new analysis, which looks at Trump’s favorability and presidential approval ratings, shows that once he took the helm, their views soured quickly.

Independents without a college degree had a much more positive view of Trump than college-educated independents did during and just after the 2024 election, but that shifted in the first few months of his term. Positive views of Trump among independents without a college degree fell from 48% in the months before he returned to office to 31% in polling conducted during Trump’s first 100 days back in office. Those warm views declined even further, to about one-quarter, during the government shutdown and the early months of 2026.

Only about 3 in 10 college-educated independents, by contrast, had a positive view of Trump before he returned to office, making their drop to about one-quarter much less dramatic.

“The decline among no-college independents was steeper and it was greater than the slight decline in college independents,” said Sean Collins, a research associate at NORC who co-authored the analysis. “That was surprising, especially given, when you think of Trump’s coalitions, those without college degrees is usually one of the ones that that stands out.”

Hispanic, younger independents grow disenchanted

Americans without a college degree have long been a key part of Trump’s coalition. But Trump also won in 2024 by making gains among groups that tend to support Democrats, including Hispanic adults.

About 4 in 10 independent voters — 42% — voted for Trump in 2024, up from 37% in the 2020 presidential election. Independent voters without a college degree were a little more likely to back Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris in the last election, according to AP VoteCast, and Hispanic independents were about evenly split between the two.

The picture looks much bleaker for the president now.

Nearly half of Hispanic independents — 46% — saw Trump favorably in the polling conducted around the presidential election. His approval among these adults dropped quickly in his second term, falling as low as 15% during last fall’s government shutdown before landing around one-quarter in the spring.

Younger independents also became less supportive of the president, while independents age 60 and older remained mostly stable. Other AP-NORC polling has pointed to Trump losing ground among younger Republicans over inflation concerns and Hispanic Americans growing increasingly discontented.

“The gains Trump appeared to make during the election, I don’t know if they’re sticking around. He’s experienced some significant shifts among those people,” Torres said. ”From our research, they don’t appear to be permanent gains.”

The economy is frustrating many independents

Polling suggests that the economy as at the root of many Americans’ frustrations with Trump, including independents.

About half of independents who supported Trump in 2024 said inflation was the single most important factor for their vote, AP VoteCast found, and most expressed high levels of concern about the cost of food and gas.

More than a year into Trump’s second term, inflation remains high, fueled by gas prices that remain elevated as the Iran war continues. An AP-NORC poll conducted in April found that about 3 in 10 independents were “extremely” or “very” concerned about being able to afford groceries in the last few months, and a similar share were worried about being able to afford gas.

The analysis found that Americans’ views of the U.S. economy tend to align with their view of the president. Those with negative views of the country’s economy tended to have negative views of Trump, and about 8 in 10 independents described the U.S. economy this spring as poor.

The latest AP-NORC polling from May found that only about 3 in 10 independents approve of how Trump is handling the economy, in line with the roughly 3 in 10 who said that at the beginning of his second term. The April poll found only about 1 in 10 independents — 12% — approved of how Trump was handling the cost of living.

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This AP-NORC analysis of 4,836 independents was conducted over 21 AP-NORC surveys, blocked into five time periods before and during President Donald Trump’s second term. Independents are classified as panelists who do not select that they identify with or lean toward either the Democratic or Republican Party.

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Liam Anelay had been in the country for three weeks before he died in a tragic accident

A British man died in a “tragic accident” while travelling in Thailand with a group of friends. Liam Anelay, from Liverpool, is understood to have been approximately three weeks into a trip around the Asian country with friends when he passed away on January 28 this year.

An inquest into his death, held at Gerard Marjella Courthouse in Liverpool on Tuesday, June 11, heard how the 28-year-old had been riding a moped to meet his friends in Phuket when a car performed a u-turn in the road. It was heard how the driver is believed to have been unaware of Liam approaching on the vehicle before performing the manoeuvre.

The driver remained at the scene and “cradled” Liam until emergency services arrived. Liam was subsequently rushed to Chalong Hospital, where he was pronounced dead that afternoon.

The court heard how he sustained multiple fractures throughout his body, including to his skull, ribs and legs. His cause of death was recorded as multiple injuries as a result of a road traffic collision, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Area coroner Helen Rimmer told the court: “Liam died on the 28 January, 2026, in Thailand. Liam was travelling on a moped in Thailand when he was hit by a car that was completing a u-turn.

“The driver of the car remained with Liam until emergency services arrived. Liam suffered multiple injuries as a result of the road traffic collision.”

The coroner concluded that Liam’s death was the result of a road traffic collision. Ms Rimmer told the court: “I would be grateful if my condolences could be forwarded to all of Liam’s family after the tragic accident that led to his death.”

At the time of his death, Liam had been residing south of the city centre and was employed as a production line operator.

In a heartbreaking tribute posted on social media, his mother Christina wrote: “How the hell can this even be possible me writing this but my baby boy, my heart is so badly shattered into a million pieces, it still can’t sink in to my brain that I have lost you.

“My life will never be the same ever, I realy don’t know how I can do this Liam.

“My baby boy please keep shining down on me, untill we meet again my beautiful gorgeous smiling boy, I love you so much and my heart will ache for you untill I see you again, keep looking after Shaun please love. My beautiful boy.”

Liam’s cousin, Jason Ding, also paid tribute on social media following Liam’s passing earlier this year. He said: “R.I.P little Liam, I will always remember your cheeky smile as kid, all the way to you becoming a gentleman.

“You’re a credit to the whole family and especially your mum and dad. We will meet again mate. Our Shaun will take care of your mum, dad and the rest of the family. Fly high my little curious cousin.”

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The vaccination offers protection against serious illness such as IMD, meningitis, and sepsis

Teenagers in Northern Ireland will be offered a one-off Meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine next month, in line with announcements across the UK.

The announcement comes after multiple cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) were identified in South East England earlier this year. The Men-B vaccination offers protection against serious illness, such as IMD, meningitis and sepsis.

From mid-late July, a targeted programme, aimed at protecting those who are considered to be at the highest risk of Men-B, will be rolled out. The Department of Health said further details on how the programme will be delivered will be announced in due course.

The eligible cohorts include:

• All of the current school year 14 age group (i.e. those currently aged 17-18 with a date of birth between 2 July 2007 to 1 July 2008); and
• Anyone, up to 25 years of age, who will be attending Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time in autumn 2026 (including international students).

Everyone with a date of birth between July 2, 2007, and July 1, 2008, will be invited for vaccination, while those aged up to 25 years of age attending Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time in autumn 2026, will be encouraged to seek vaccination.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “MenB is a serious illness and can cause serious health implications amongst young people. The vaccination offers good protection and will help prevent serious harm among those who are most vulnerable.

“I strongly recommend those young people who are eligible to take up the offer of a vaccination, particularly those planning to go to Higher Education or a Residential Further Education Institution for the first time this autumn. I also would ask that parents and guardians speak with their teenagers and young adults to encourage them to take up the offer of a vaccination to help protect them from MenB.

“It is expected that this programme will be introduced by mid to late July to ensure those at highest risk from this disease have the opportunity to be fully vaccinated before going to University or other residential higher education for the first time.”

Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added: “As we have seen in recent outbreaks elsewhere in the UK, MenB can have a devastating and disruptive impact. Immunisation is one of the most effective ways of preventing illness from infectious disease. This vaccination programme will have significant public health benefits for young people who receive the vaccine, and the wider population. Put simply, if you are not vaccinated, you are not protected.”

Dr Joanne McClean, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency (PHA), said: “We welcome this announcement and are working with health service colleagues on the delivery of the programme during the summer. I encourage everyone who is eligible to take this opportunity to help protect themselves against this disease.”

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Jihad Abass Subhan, of Corner Mini Market on Cowbridge Road East, failed to show up at court for his sentencing hearing this week

A Cardiff shop owner has been caught selling vapes to children. Jihad Abass Subhan, of Corner Mini Market on Cowbridge Road East in the Canton area of the city, was caught as part of a Trading Standards sting operation.

Trading Standards officers used volunteer children to enter the shop and request vapes and other harmful nicotine products, and Trading Standards found children were repeatedly allowed to purchase the products.

In March 2025, Subhan, of Cowbridge Road East, received a warning from officers of the Shared Regulatory Service after failing a test purchase, and he was given a warning letter and guidance.

However, the shop owner continued to sell harmful nicotine products to children and was caught again the following month. Never miss a Cardiff story by signing up to our daily newsletter here

When officers returned to the store after the test purchase in April last year, Subhan apologised and claimed he had been distracted as he was on the phone at the time of the sale.

He was then questioned by officers about the checks required, including Challenge 25, but he was unable to explain the basic procedures.

Subhan and his company were sentenced at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, June 9. Subhan, who failed to turn up to his sentencing hearing, was fined £2,000 in his absence and was also ordered to pay an £800 victim surcharge and £426 in costs.

The company, Corner Mini Market, for which Subhan is the sole director, was also fined £2,000 and ordered to pay an £800 victim surcharge and £426 in costs.

Cllr Ed Stubbs, cabinet member with responsibility for Shared Regulatory Services at Cardiff Council, said: “Mr Subhan was warned not to continue selling nicotine products to children and, despite this advice, chose to carry on. Nicotine products are harmful to people’s health, which is why laws are in place to restrict their sale.

“All shop owners are legally responsible for the products they sell, so this significant fine should send a clear message that proper checks must be carried out before selling nicotine products to customers.”

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Former Millwall, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Watford manager Kenny Jackett has died at the age of 64.

The League Managers Association announced the news on Friday, with chief executive Richard Bevan praising him as “one of the most respected managers to have plied their trade in the English Football League”.

Jackett took charge of Watford, Swansea City, Millwall, Wolves, Rotherham United and Leyton Orient across a 25-year managerial career.

One of his former clubs, Millwall, said: “Millwall Football Club is extremely saddened to announce the passing of former manager Kenny Jackett at the age of 64.

“Kenny managed over 300 games during his time with the club, leading The Lions to promotion from League One and to an FA Cup Semi-Final.”

Jackett arrived at Wolves in 2013 and led the club from League One to the Championship. “Wolves are devastated to learn of the passing of our former manager Kenny Jackett,” the club said.

“Kenny led the club to its incredible record-breaking League One title and laid the foundations for the club as we know it today. The thoughts of everyone at Wolves are with Kenny’s family and friends at this time.”

Jackett started his playing career with Watford, making 428 appearances for the Hornets, before moving into coaching with the club. He also earned 31 caps for Wales.

His final role in the game was as director of football at Gillingham before he stepped down for medical reasons in November 2024.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our former player and manager Kenny Jackett,” Watford said.

“A true club legend and one of our own, Watford-born Kenny was instrumental in some of our greatest successes as a player before going on to serve as coach and then manager. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

The EFL shared: “The EFL is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Kenny Jackett, who has died at the age of 64.

“Kenny managed over 750 games in the EFL, achieving promotions at the helm of Wolves, Millwall and Swansea. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Kenny’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

More follows…

A man who threw a rock that struck a federal officer during protests outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in Portland has been sentenced to 30 months in prison, federal officials said Thursday.

Robert Jacob Hoopes pleaded guilty under a plea deal to aggravated assault of a federal employee with a dangerous weapon.

Prosecutors said Hoopes hurled a rock during a protest last June, hitting an officer in the head and causing a gash above the eye.

U.S. District Judge Adrienne Nelson also sentenced Hoopes to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay more than $8,000 in restitution.

“Today’s message is clear — violence is not protest,” said Scott Bradford, U.S. attorney for the District of Oregon. “When you cross the line and assault a federal officer, you will be prosecuted.”

Hoopes’ attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The case is one of several arising from protests at the Portland ICE facility, which has been a frequent flashpoint over federal immigration enforcement.

Demonstrations there have continued for months, at times escalating into clashes with law enforcement, according to court records and officials.

Federal prosecutors have pursued a range of charges nationwide in cases involving assaults on officers during immigration-related protests, including in cities such as Chicago and Los Angeles.

In Portland, other defendants have also faced prison sentences for protest-related activity.

One man was previously sentenced to 18 months for arson after prosecutors said he threw a lit flare that caused damage at the ICE facility.

Some related cases have been dismissed, while others have gone to trial or ended in mistrials or probation sentences, according to court records.

Hoopes is one of the few defendants in the Portland cases to plead guilty to assaulting a federal officer with a dangerous weapon.

The celebrated British artist has passed away, a month short of his 89th birthday

Celebrated British artist David Hockney has died aged 88, his publicist has said.

Hockney is regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th and 21st centuries who worked in a range of mediums, but was known for his vivid use of colour in paintings

A statement confirming his death, issued on Friday (June 12), read: “The celebrated British artist David Hockney, one of the most important figures in contemporary art in both the 20th and 21st centuries, passed away peacefully at home on 11 June 2026, one month short of his 89th birthday.”

Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, on July 9, 1937, Hockney was one of the most famous British artists had been making art in different materials for over 60 years.

He was best known for his 1967 piece, A Bigger Splash, which shows a sunny day and a swimming pool in Los Angeles, in the USA.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated…

Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay was not on the team bus as it arrived at their hotel in Boston after missing Thursday’s training session because of an upset stomach.

The Napoli player, who has been the Scots’ leading man in recent campaigns, was part of the group as they travelled from their base camp in Charlotte.

However, the 29-year-old made his own onward journey with a doctor in what is believed to be a precautionary measure.

Steve Clarke’s side get their first World Cup in 28 years under way when they face Haiti on Saturday evening (Sunday 02:00 BST) at Boston Stadium in Foxborough.

They will also face Morocco and Brazil in the group stage.

McTominay, who has scored 15 goals across 70 caps, found the net in Scotland’s convincing 4-0 win over Bolivia on Saturday.

Scotland fans, who have been flooding to Boston in huge numbers, will be anxious for an update from Clarke who is due to address the media on Friday.

Speaking at Thursday’s media conference, fellow midfielder Kenny McLean said of the situation: “Hopefully that doesn’t spread. Fingers crossed Scott will be fine. I’m sure he will be.

“I don’t need to speak too much on him, everyone knows how big he is.

“It’s a team effort and always will be, but when you have special, special players like that you want them to be available. I’m sure he will be.”

The show will host its 164th outing at the end of next month – but they have put out a plea for those with business, trade and legal experience to get involved in keeping the event going.

Perthshire Agricultural Society’s new Chairman Jock Wilkie has called for fresh blood to join the board and help sustain one of the country’s premier agricultural shows.

Perth Show will stage its 164th annual outing on Friday, July 31st, and Saturday, August 1st, promising “something for everyone” in a two-day showcase of farming, produce, livestock, equestrian, crafts and entertainment.

And the top team assembled to ensure this year’s spectacular on Perth’s South Inch runs smoothly is already gearing up for the event.

“It’s really a year-long task to get ready for the annual Show,” said Jock, “but we really shift into top gear a couple of months ahead.

“I’m lucky to have a great team around me but a shortfall in directors means more onus is on fewer people.

“It would be great to welcome some new directors to boost the board and inject vigour, enthusiasm and new ideas.”

Perth Show is currently 10 short of its capacity of 40 directors and Jock stressed the Society did not restrict admission to those from a farming background, although more from the agricultural sector were always needed.

“We have directors with business and finance backgrounds as well as trade and legal experience,” he said. “Each brings something vital to the running of the Society and the Show and we welcome a rich and varied representation from all walks of life.”

Jock (41) owns Netherton Equestrian near Bridge of Earn but his family farmed at Longforgan and Aberargie, before branching out into haulage.

He and his wife Sarah run a livery yard and riding school at Netherton, where they stable more than 30 horses.

Jock has attended and loved Perth Show since he was a small boy, accompanying his father David who sat on the board of directors.

“It’s a real honour to be Chairman of Perth Show when it’s something that has been a part of your life – all your life,” he said. “To welcome thousands of people to the South Inch to see some of the finest livestock, riding talent, produce, craft and rural skills is a real privilege.

“We’re also focussing strongly this year on education, so youngsters – and adults – will have the chance to see rural skills in action and learn where their food comes from.

“Perth Show is a great chance for the city and county to come together to celebrate and acknowledge our agricultural industry and the part it plays in all our lives,” said Jock.

“The farming industry faces increasing challenges with rising costs, competitive markets and ever-changing rules, regulations and restrictions.

“For two days, Perth Show provides a release from the stresses and concerns of life and allows farmers to come together and enjoy the fruits of their labour.

Jock highlighted the diversity of trade stands and entertainments at this year’s event which would complement the showcase of some of the county’s (and beyond) premier livestock ranging from hulking prize bulls and giant heavy horses to pygmy goats and miniature donkeys.

“And with all-family entertainments ranging from giant tortoises, dog shows, children’s races, horseshoe hunts and bouncy castles to stalls, food festival, tractor football, mounted games, vintage tractors and pipe band, it’s shaping up to be two days worth marking in your diaries.”

Jock stressed the huge team effort that has gone into organising this 2026 event and he highlighted his “top team” of: Vice Chairman Tom Rust from Forestry and Land Scotland; Junior Vice Chairman Fraser Campbell, farm manager at Drummond Estate; and secretary Jen Leslie for pulling it together.

“We’re also hugely indebted to our Show sponsors including main sponsor Binn Group and key supporters Morris Leslie Group, EQ Chartered Accountants, Perth College UHI, Stewarts of Tayside and Netherton Equestrian,” said Jock.

“The costs of staging Perth Show are astronomical – and rising year on year – and we couldn’t hope to stage what is regarded as one of the best county shows in the country without sponsor support and an army of volunteers. We – and the thousands who flock through the gates on the day – owe them our thanks.”