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stephen fowler

@stphnfwlr.com
13K followers 266 following 1.1K posts

political reporter in ATL covering the south + future of GOP/Dem parties + ??? for @npr.org | always thinking of bourbon, biscuits and buc-ee’s newsletter: stphnfwlr.com stories: www.npr.org/people/1219684807/steph…

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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 25/09/2026
The ruling is a defeat for Republicans seeking to give their party an edge in the midterm elections for control of the House. It means voters will face a different map than the one used in the primary elections. n.pr/4iP3KUc
n.pr
Supreme Court blocks Trump-backed Missouri congressional map
The ruling is a defeat for Republicans seeking to give their party an edge in the midterm elections for control of the House. It means voters will face a different map than the one used in the primary elections.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 25/09/2026
NEW: In a case watched across the country and as voting begins in the midterm elections, the Supreme Court blocked a congressional map in Missouri that was aimed at netting Republicans another seat in the U.S. House.
npr.org
Supreme Court blocks Trump-backed Missouri congressional map
The ruling is a defeat for Republicans seeking to give their party an edge in the midterm elections for control of the House. It means voters will face a different map than the one used in the primary...
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 24/09/2026
Registered voters say they prefer Democrats over Republicans to represent them in Congress according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. BUT Most of that is driven by people opposing Trump, which is not a sustainable long term coalition…
npr.org
Results are in from the newest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll
People say they are more likely to choose a Democrat to represent them in Congress, and feel Democrats would be better at tackling top issues like the economy and foreign policy.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 23/09/2026
President Trump told people earlier this month to pretend he’s on the ballot. The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll out today shows voters are already doing that… …just maybe not in the way he is hoping. More: www.npr.org/2026/09/23/n...
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 23/09/2026
New @npr.org/PBS News/Marist poll of *registered voters* - By a 12-point margin (53-41) they'd prefer to elect a Democrat to Congress over a Republican. - Voters say D's better than R's on gas prices, economy –– even immigration. Trump is a big factor:
npr.org
Poll: Most voters agree the 2026 midterms are all about Trump — and they disapprove
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds President Trump — and his unpopularity — is an outsize factor in why most voters say they want Democrats to win the midterms.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 23/09/2026
Thinking of this data point a different way... would not be surprising if there are some Republican inroads in blue states (NY, NH, MN come to mind) in ways that would (superficially) run counter to a wave. (a corrolary to this would be even BIGGER swings left in red states)
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 23/09/2026
President Trump told people earlier this month to pretend he’s on the ballot. The latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll out today shows voters are already doing that… …just maybe not in the way he is hoping. More: www.npr.org/2026/09/23/n...
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 23/09/2026
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds President Trump — and his unpopularity — is an outsize factor in why most voters say they want Democrats to win the midterms. n.pr/3VM0waj
n.pr
Poll: Most voters agree the 2026 midterms are all about Trump — and they disapprove
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds President Trump — and his unpopularity — is an outsize factor in why most voters say they want Democrats to win the midterms.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 23/09/2026
New @npr.org/PBS News/Marist poll of *registered voters* - By a 12-point margin (53-41) they'd prefer to elect a Democrat to Congress over a Republican. - Voters say D's better than R's on gas prices, economy –– even immigration. Trump is a big factor:
npr.org
Poll: Most voters agree the 2026 midterms are all about Trump — and they disapprove
A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds President Trump — and his unpopularity — is an outsize factor in why most voters say they want Democrats to win the midterms.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 23/09/2026
👀 See you on Up First and online in the morning with the latest takeaways from the new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll!
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 20/09/2026
When it comes to the electoral map focus + spending, Ds and Rs are gonna spend these last few weeks playing whack-a-mole with races at a time when there's more moles than ever --- and more deep-pocketed groups doing all the whacking.
npr.org
Politics chat: Trump announces a Greenland deal, bans more media from the White House
We look at President Trump's announced ban of some media outlets covering the White House, as well as what a big cash windfall might mean for Republicans in the coming midterm elections.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 18/09/2026
Aside from the volume of money flowing into these races, it's notable where these ad reservations signal Republicans need the most help. Just look at the serious cash going to House races + states that supported Trump by 10-15+ point margins in 2024!
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Reposted by stephen fowler
FiftyPlusOne.news @fiftyplusone.news · 18/09/2026
If it feels like every poll you’ve seen this year came from a Democratic campaign and showed a toss-up, you’re not imagining things. Dem. internals make up an all-time high share of internals this year, and are showing better margins than 2018 in red states. blog.fiftyplusone.news/p/why-does-e...
blog.fiftyplusone.news
Why does every poll seem to show a tossup now?
Campaigns see internal polls as tools for fundraising
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 18/09/2026
To counter a difficult political environment, two Trump-aligned super PACs have reserved more than $150 million in ads — primarily in deep red House and Senate races that have now become competitive. n.pr/4j984xw
n.pr
Republican 'cavalry' arrives with a Trump-backed $150 million ad blitz in key races
To counter a difficult political environment, two Trump-aligned super PACs have reserved more than $150 million in ads — primarily in deep red House and Senate races that have now become competitive.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 18/09/2026
New @npr.org: To counter a difficult political environment, two Trump-aligned super PACs have reserved more than $150 million in ads — primarily in deep red House and Senate races that have now become competitive. More on where the “cavalry” is deployed:
npr.org
Republican 'cavalry' arrives with a Trump-backed $150 million ad blitz in key races
To counter a difficult political environment, two Trump-aligned super PACs have reserved more than $150 million in ads — primarily in deep red House and Senate races that have now become competitive.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 17/09/2026
According to NPR's congressional retirement tracker, at the end of the 2026 primary season there are 99 seats — 83 in the House and 16 in the Senate — guaranteed to have a different member from the start of 2025.
npr.org
A tumultuous congressional primary season closes with record departures and defeats
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 16/09/2026
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats. n.pr/4hrSrjz
n.pr
A tumultuous congressional primary season closes with record departures and defeats
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 16/09/2026
New: Nearly one in five lawmakers who started the 119th Congress will not return to their seats next year, driven by an historic level of retirements, resignations and runs for other office. Plus deaths + defeats + more from the @npr.org retirement tracker:
npr.org
A tumultuous congressional primary season closes with record departures and defeats
Already, close to 100 lawmakers who started this Congress will not be around for the next one, according to an NPR analysis, driven by record-setting retirements and primary defeats.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
The Brian Lehrer Show @thebrianlehrershow.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
ICYMI, @npr.org's @stphnfwlr.com and @nytimes.com's Lisa Lerer talk midterms and last week's GOP midterm gathering: wnyc.org/browse/shows...
wnyc.org
Monday Morning Politics: Midterms Ramp Up | WNYC
Stephen Fowler, political reporter with NPR's Washington desk, and Lisa Lerer, national political reporter for The New York Times, talk about the politics of the midterm elections, after Republicans h...
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 12/09/2026
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
npr.org
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 11/09/2026
DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria. "Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!" But GOP chances are less optimistic…
npr.org
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 11/09/2026
DALLAS — As red, white, blue and gold balloons dropped from the ceiling, President Trump stood on stage to mark the end of his midterm convention, serenaded by a favorite aria. "Nessun dorma" ends with a triumphant proclamation: "vincerò," or "I will win!" But GOP chances are less optimistic…
npr.org
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 11/09/2026
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump. Empty seats, socialism and other takeaways from the week in Dallas.
npr.org
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 11/09/2026
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump. n.pr/4A8OV4Q
n.pr
Empty seats, socialism and Trump dominate the Republican midterm convention
The two day Republican convention in Dallas showcased the party's biggest asset in trying to win competitive midterm races and its greatest obstacle: President Trump.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 11/09/2026
As Donald Trump Jr. is speaking, before VP Vance and President Trump close out the RNC midterm convention, you can see the arena is a little emptier than it was last night.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 11/09/2026
As Donald Trump Jr. is speaking, before VP Vance and President Trump close out the RNC midterm convention, you can see the arena is a little emptier than it was last night.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 10/09/2026
Today’s @npr.org Up First: A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts, Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
npr.org
Trump gives primetime speech at GOP convention, promising payout if Republicans win
President Trump kicked off the Republican midterm convention with a primetime speech, outlining the Republican message and promising Americans a payout if the GOP wins the upcoming election.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 10/09/2026
Today’s @npr.org Up First: A look at Trump’s speech at the RNC convention last night, including a promise to send $5,000 to adults if the GOP holds Congress that’s impossible/improbable on many fronts, Including a likelihood Republicans win NEITHER chamber
npr.org
Trump gives primetime speech at GOP convention, promising payout if Republicans win
President Trump kicked off the Republican midterm convention with a primetime speech, outlining the Republican message and promising Americans a payout if the GOP wins the upcoming election.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 10/09/2026
Here’s a meta video of some of the large groups of empty seats you can see as President Trump is saying there aren’t any empty seats in the arena.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 10/09/2026
At the Republican midterm convention in Dallas, President Trump made a stunning and implausible pledge: to send every American adult a $5,000 cash dividend. But only if his party maintains control of the House and the Senate in November's midterms.
npr.org
After Trump promised to pay $5,000 if Republicans win, here's what to expect Thursday
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 10/09/2026
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night. n.pr/4xkW3ZA
n.pr
After Trump promised to pay $5,000 if Republicans win, here's what to expect Thursday
President Trump promised to send every adult citizen $5,000, but only if Republicans maintain control of Congress in the midterm election, setting high expectations for the convention's final night.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 10/09/2026
We are one UFC segment and Lee Greenwood performance before President Trump is set to speak at the RNC event and this is what the American Airlines arena looks like from the press box. The upper level is mostly empty, with pockets of empty seats interspersed elsewhere, too.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 10/09/2026
Reaction inside the RNC hall to the surprise Fetterman video was… muted.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 09/09/2026
Live dispatch from the start of the RNC midterm convention on All Things Considered As it stands, the Venn diagram of what voters want candidates to focus on, what GOP candidates want and what Trump is focused on has very little overlap.
npr.org
Republicans kick off unconventional midterm convention in Dallas with Trump speech
Republicans' first midterm convention, being touted as a "Trumpapalooza" by the Republican Party chairman, kicks off in Dallas with a program focused heavily on tax cuts and border security.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 09/09/2026
Hello from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, where an unprecedented Republican National Committee midterm convention — dubbed “Trump-a-palooza” by supportive members — will soon get underway. For both parties, the final weeks of 2026 will be (mostly) all about Trump. More on @npr.org soon.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 09/09/2026
Republicans have never held a midterm convention before. But there's also never been a president like Donald Trump. Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks off in Dallas Wednesday.
npr.org
Republicans kick off a 'Trumpapalooza' of a midterm convention Wednesday in Texas
Republicans have never held a midterm convention before. But there's also never been a president like Donald Trump. Billed as a "Trumpapalooza," the unprecedented event kicks of in Dallas Wednesday.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 09/09/2026
Want to make sure you don't miss any of my reporting on NPR.org or shows like Up First and The NPR Politics Podcast? I've set up an email newsletter where you'll get notified with a brief email + link to the reporting straight to your inbox. Sign up:
stphnfwlr.com
From The Field | A Face For Radio | stephen fowler | Substack
Subscribe here for quick email alerts when I have a new reporting on the air (like "Up First" or the "NPR Politics Podcast") or online at NPR.org. Click to read A Face For Radio, by stephen fowler, a ...
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 08/09/2026
For now, the two main drivers of how the midterms unfold will be money and messaging. On the $$$ front, Democratic candidates are outraising their opponents in key races, while Republican party committees and Trump's MAGA, Inc. have hundreds of millions of dollars more saved up.
npr.org
The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 08/09/2026
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot. n.pr/4iLtZuA
n.pr
The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 08/09/2026
New on @npr.org: Democratic enthusiasm and President Trump's unpopular second term agenda have drastically altered the political landscape of competitive races two months out from Election Day.
npr.org
The 2026 midterm general election season is upon us. Here's what to watch
The week of Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season. President Trump's unpopularity and Democratic enthusiasm means control of Congress is on the ballot.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 07/09/2026
Today on @npr.org Morning Edition: Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.
npr.org
With the midterms fast approaching, campaign season begins
Labor Day marks the unofficial kickoff of the general election season as Republicans work to maintain control of the House and the Senate amid President Trump's unpopular second term.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 06/09/2026
Good thing you can’t see what I look like on the radio because I am just going to be a giant pile of sweat covering the RNC midterm convention for you on NPR this week…
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Reposted by stephen fowler
Jason Rosenbaum @jasonrosenbaum.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
BREAKING: The Missouri Supreme Court has placed the redistricting referendum on the ballot. It has also barred the use of the 2025 map in the general election. The 2022 map that almost guarantees Emanuel Cleaver's victory will be in effect. ENORMOUS
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 31/08/2026
Wrapping up part one of parental leave this week before leaping headfirst back into the rest of 2026. First up: covering the RNC Midterm Convention. If you’re gonna be there/have thoughts, let’s talk. Also let’s chat about the Senate, campaign finance, polling, ???
static.klipy.com
I'm Back.
ALT: I'm Back.
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Reposted by stephen fowler
Dan Lamothe @danlamothe.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
EXCLUSIVE: Pentagon secretly installs military influencers in civilian government roles. They include Rob Maness, Kurt Schlicter and Tom Anderson, better known as Cynical Publius. www.washingtonpost.com/national-sec...
washingtonpost.com
Pentagon secretly installs military influencers in civilian roles
Conservative veterans with large social media followings have been hired by the Defense Department and are amplifying Pete Hegseth’s culture-war fights.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 27/08/2026
ATLANTA — On paper, Senator Jon Ossoff of Georgia should be among the most vulnerable incumbents this year.
npr.org
Jon Ossoff, usually a head down senator, has found a formula to excite Democrats
Ossoff should be among the most vulnerable Senate incumbents this year. Instead, the Georgia Democrat has opened a steady lead in polls and is increasingly seen as a potential 2028 contender.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 22/08/2026
Some data-driven food for thought* that is worth paying attention to after Labor Day and we get a sense of who is/isn’t likely to vote in November. *there are still many things about this cycle you can’t neatly compare to past ones, etc.
decalibrate.substack.com
The Data Unambiguously Forecasts A Blue Wave
This Is Not “Reverse 2022”
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 21/08/2026
STOP NORMALIZING STOPPING NORMALIZING THIS
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Reposted by stephen fowler
NPR @npr.org · 20/08/2026
"Weird Al" Yankovic returns to the Tiny Desk with a couple parodies, a Weezer pastiche and the Emmy-losing closing-credits blues-rock jam to Weird: The Al Yankovic Story. n.pr/4xbnrK0
n.pr
'Weird Al' Yankovic: Tiny Desk Concert
"Weird Al" Yankovic returns to the Tiny Desk with a couple parodies, a Weezer pastiche and the Emmy-losing closing-credits blues-rock jam to Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.
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stephen fowler @stphnfwlr.com · 20/08/2026
Boston, Denver, Philadelphia are finalists for the 2028 Democratic National Convention. (Atlanta was eliminated and will likely be passed over so long as other cities have better hotel/arena capacity) The 2028 Republican National Convention is Houston.
apnews.com
Democrats narrow their list of 2028 presidential convention sites to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia
Democrats have narrowed the list of potential host cities for their 2028 presidential convention to Boston, Denver and Philadelphia as their party looks ahead to a wide-open primary to succeed Republi...
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