NPR is reporting that registered voters say by a 12-point margin they would prefer to elect a Democrat to Congress, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. It said more voters believe Democrats will effectively address gas prices, the economy and foreign policy amid rising costs and the war in Iran.
The poll found President Trump facing near-record-low approval ratings, with 39% of respondents approving of his job performance and 53% disapproving, the highest share of strong disapproval since the question was first asked in 2017. NPR's Stephen Fowler said 45% of voters overall — most Democrats and just over half of independents — said they would be voting against Trump, while a large number of Republicans said Trump did not factor much into their vote. The poll also showed more voters prefer candidates offering new ideas over those with a proven track record. NPR said the findings do not reflect who will actually cast ballots in the midterms, and that a blue wave might not spread evenly across states and districts.
A separate NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found that public trust in the U.S. Postal Service's ability to deliver mail-in ballots on time is declining. NPR also reported that Democratic lawmakers, retired military leaders and civil society organizations are seeking assurances from the administration that Trump will not deploy the U.S. military to polling places in the midterms, despite state and federal laws prohibiting such actions.
NPR reported that Trump addressed the United Nations General Assembly, highlighting economic growth and discussing options for his conflict with Iran, including total destruction or a peace deal after the elections. NPR's Deepa Shivaram said Trump largely stuck to his prepared remarks, and that he revealed a U.S. delegation had met with Iranians for three hours the previous day, marking a shift back to diplomacy after tensions flared over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the election is not on his mind as he decides how to address the war.
CNN, MS NOW and Politico will try to hold the president and his administration accountable in court after they were barred from the White House over coverage Trump does not like, NPR reported. Lawyers will argue Trump is violating their constitutional rights. The Department of Justice defends the media ban, saying the outlets' reporting on issues such as White House construction and ammunition depletion during the Iran war threatens national security and spreads falsehoods. NPR's David Folkenflik said the administration views reporting from the White House as a privilege, not a right. The administration has also launched "Trump TV," a 24/7 YouTube channel, which press-freedom advocates and Democratic lawmakers have called "state-run media."
NPR reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to establish "mobile detention facilities" for immigrant detainees in Pennsylvania, according to government documents. Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons said he wanted to streamline the deportation process. NPR said the plan has met strong opposition from local communities and immigration activists.
NPR also reported that the Justice Department is allowing ex-felons a chance to regain gun ownership rights for the first time in decades, accepting applications this week from invited candidates and from the first 5,000 general-public candidates in November. The department estimates 25 million people might qualify. Violent offenders, including those convicted of rape or kidnapping, will not be considered.
In its Living Better series, NPR reported that a third of Americans, or 44 million households, are growing fruits or vegetables, about a 4% annual increase over the past five years, according to the National Gardening Association. Experts said farming practices, not size, are what matter for food safety, and recommended washing all produce with water regardless of origin.