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Today’s top stories

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll reveals that Democrats hold significant advantages in the midterm elections and are favored to gain control of the U.S. House. But there are also signs suggesting that a potential wave may be limited. The poll highlights key issues influencing voters; one in three Americans face financial hardships, and four in 10 say their personal finances are worsening. Preserving democracy resonates with Democrats and independents, while immigration ranks as the top issue for MAGA supporters.

• 🎧 Democrats hold an 8-point advantage among likely voters on the generic congressional ballot, indicating a strong position, NPR’s Domenico Montanaro tells Up First. President Trump remains unpopular. His approval rating sits at 40%, which is a slight improvement. While it seems unlikely that Democrats will lose the House, the Senate remains a toss-up. Montanaro says patience will be crucial for the outcomes of many races because it’s unlikely the winners will be clear by election night, which is to be expected of vote counting in close elections.
• ➡️ The NPR App has all of NPR’s election coverage in one place — from the biggest stories across the country, to the issues that matter close to home. Browse headlines, playlists, podcast episodes, videos and more, all on the 2026 Election tab.

A federal judge today hears arguments in the Trump administration’s bid to compel California to set aside ballots from voters it alleges may not be citizens. This comes after an appeals court last night declined the administration’s request to get involved. 

• 🎧 Trump announced yesterday that he is offering a $1 million reward for tips on voter fraud that lead to a conviction. The president has claimed fraud in every election he has participated in, prompting Democrats, election officials and good-governance groups to prepare for similar accusations, NPR’s Eric McDaniel says. The White House says its efforts aim to secure elections. But McDaniel says credible evidence of voter fraud significant enough to affect election outcomes in the U.S. has never been found.
• ➡️ With the elections a week away, Polymarket has already investigated “dozens” of bets on its prediction markets concerning the midterm elections, according to Shana Bautista, the company’s head of global intelligence and investigations.

Israelis are voting today in an election that will shape their country’s future. This marks the first time since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks that Israelis can choose their leaders. Voters will decide whether to keep Israel’s far-right, longest-serving prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, or replace him with Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief promising more diplomacy and less extremism. Here’s what you need to know about the leading candidates, the issues shaping the vote and what could happen next.