The Know Daily - Monday 21 August 2023

_{Monday 21 August ∙ Read in 5m 24s ∙ Listening to Karol G}

An “unloved” flood meadow in Kettering, Northamptonshire, has transformed into a wildlife haven after being reconnected to the nearby River Ise. The organisation behind the £150,000 project said it was “very proud” of what had been achieved - and that land which was once seen to have “no value” would now become a thriving wetland full of biodiversity.

🇺🇸 Across the pond

Donald Trump has confirmed that he will not take part in Republican presidential debates with his rivals, as recent polling puts the former president well ahead for the nomination.

What did Trump say?
Writing on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said a new poll by broadcaster CBS showed he was leading his rivals by “legendary” numbers. “I WILL THEREFORE NOT BE DOING THE DEBATES,” he continued. "The public knows who I am & what a successful Presidency I had.”

The first debate is set to take place this Wednesday 23 August, with at least three further debates expected over the coming months. Voting to decide on the Republican presidential nominee will then begin in January.

What did the poll show?
The CBS poll placed the former president well ahead of his rivals on 62%. His nearest challenger, Ron DeSantis, was on just 16%. “The former president now holds his largest lead over his rivals in our polling amid his recent legal troubles, said CBS News. “In fact, most of his voters cite those troubles as yet one more reason to show him support.”

Trump is expected to surrender to authorities in Georgia on Thursday or Friday, after he was charged last week with conspiring to overturn the 2020 election results there.

What does all this mean for the 2024 election?
Trump now faces four sets of criminal charges, and will have a series of trials to attend next year as he runs again for the White House.

“So far each indictment against Mr Trump has increased his poll ratings and tightened his grip on the Republican Party,” said the BBC’s North America editor Sarah Smith. “It may be a different story when we are in a general election and Mr Trump is running against Joe Biden rather than his rivals for the Republican nomination.”