Democrats have a midterm edge, poll shows. And, Israelis vote in high-stakes election
✓Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
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.
A member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland helps hold the flag during the national anthem before a basketball game on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images hide caption
Jason Miller/Getty Images
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.
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.
Woman stretching back during remote work break at home office Olga Pankova/Getty Images/Moment RF hide caption
Olga Pankova/Getty Images/Moment RF
Hours of screen time at your desk can turn you into a stiff, bleary-eyed version of yourself. Prolonged sitting can take a real toll, but a few smart habits can help reset your body and mind. Here are Life Kit's best strategies to help with the discomfort and health risks that can come from sitting at a desk all day.
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
Lubelo Mthenjana performs a magic trick involving fire during the annual junior magic contest at the College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa. Tommy Trenchard for NPR hide caption
Tommy Trenchard for NPR
Forget flying brooms. Cape Town is home to South Africa's real-world Hogwarts: the College of Magic. Every Saturday, almost 200 students ages 10 to 18 attend classes in a variety of things, including puppetry, mime and clowning, juggling, card tricks, illusions, mentalism, stage magic, theater production and escapology. In 1980, David Gore and a friend came up with the idea of starting a magic school. At the time, South Africa was grappling with apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation. But from day one, the establishment was multiracial, even though state schools were still strictly segregated. Almost 50 years later, the College of Magic continues to stand out in a city that remains deeply divided along racial and economic lines. These photos capture how the school has turned young dreamers into magicians.
Invasive blue catfish are a problem in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, preying on native seafood like the blue crab. To help keep them in check, local schoolchildren are eating catfish for lunch. Ryan Kellman/NPR hide caption
Ryan Kellman/NPR
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Democrats are still holding a slight edge with Election Day a week away, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. And, Israelis are casting their votes in an election that…
This lens runs the verified story through Cinnamon's AI — wired in the next step.
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
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.
A member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland helps hold the flag during the national anthem before a basketball game on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images hide caption
Jason Miller/Getty Images
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.
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.
Woman stretching back during remote work break at home office Olga Pankova/Getty Images/Moment RF hide caption
Olga Pankova/Getty Images/Moment RF
Hours of screen time at your desk can turn you into a stiff, bleary-eyed version of yourself. Prolonged sitting can take a real toll, but a few smart habits can help reset your body and mind. Here are Life Kit's best strategies to help with the discomfort and health risks that can come from sitting at a desk all day.
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
Lubelo Mthenjana performs a magic trick involving fire during the annual junior magic contest at the College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa. Tommy Trenchard for NPR hide caption
Tommy Trenchard for NPR
Forget flying brooms. Cape Town is home to South Africa's real-world Hogwarts: the College of Magic. Every Saturday, almost 200 students ages 10 to 18 attend classes in a variety of things, including puppetry, mime and clowning, juggling, card tricks, illusions, mentalism, stage magic, theater production and escapology. In 1980, David Gore and a friend came up with the idea of starting a magic school. At the time, South Africa was grappling with apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation. But from day one, the establishment was multiracial, even though state schools were still strictly segregated. Almost 50 years later, the College of Magic continues to stand out in a city that remains deeply divided along racial and economic lines. These photos capture how the school has turned young dreamers into magicians.
Invasive blue catfish are a problem in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, preying on native seafood like the blue crab. To help keep them in check, local schoolchildren are eating catfish for lunch. Ryan Kellman/NPR hide caption
Ryan Kellman/NPR
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Good morning. You're reading the Up First newsletter. Subscribe here to get it delivered to your inbox, and listen to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.
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.
A member of the League of Women Voters of Greater Cleveland helps hold the flag during the national anthem before a basketball game on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Jason Miller/Getty Images hide caption
Jason Miller/Getty Images
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.
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.
Woman stretching back during remote work break at home office Olga Pankova/Getty Images/Moment RF hide caption
Olga Pankova/Getty Images/Moment RF
Hours of screen time at your desk can turn you into a stiff, bleary-eyed version of yourself. Prolonged sitting can take a real toll, but a few smart habits can help reset your body and mind. Here are Life Kit's best strategies to help with the discomfort and health risks that can come from sitting at a desk all day.
Subscribe to the Life Kit newsletter for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.
Lubelo Mthenjana performs a magic trick involving fire during the annual junior magic contest at the College of Magic in Cape Town, South Africa. Tommy Trenchard for NPR hide caption
Tommy Trenchard for NPR
Forget flying brooms. Cape Town is home to South Africa's real-world Hogwarts: the College of Magic. Every Saturday, almost 200 students ages 10 to 18 attend classes in a variety of things, including puppetry, mime and clowning, juggling, card tricks, illusions, mentalism, stage magic, theater production and escapology. In 1980, David Gore and a friend came up with the idea of starting a magic school. At the time, South Africa was grappling with apartheid, a brutal system of racial segregation. But from day one, the establishment was multiracial, even though state schools were still strictly segregated. Almost 50 years later, the College of Magic continues to stand out in a city that remains deeply divided along racial and economic lines. These photos capture how the school has turned young dreamers into magicians.
Invasive blue catfish are a problem in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, preying on native seafood like the blue crab. To help keep them in check, local schoolchildren are eating catfish for lunch. Ryan Kellman/NPR hide caption
Ryan Kellman/NPR
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
Read the full story at BBC ↗ · NPR ↗
This lens runs the verified story through Cinnamon's AI — wired in the next step.
- Democrats are still holding a slight edge with Election Day a week away, according to a new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll.
- And, Israelis are casting their votes in an election that…