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As Election Day approaches, data suggest that the focus is now less on whether a Democratic wave will happen and more on its potential magnitude. Democrats continue to invest in competitive Republican-dominated races, and Republicans are matching those efforts. An NPR analysis found 70 districts where both Democrats and Republicans are investing more than six figures in their final messaging. These are the races to watch .
A worker holds I Voted Today stickers during early voting on October 14, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. Charlie Neibergall/Getty Images hide caption
Americans will receive a final reading on the country's gross domestic product and the state of inflation today before next week's midterm election. The report will show whether the economy grew faster in the summer compared to spring. Economists expect GDP to be higher, but some say the growth feels delicate.
Israel's election is in a deadlock. More than 90% of the votes have been counted, and no candidate has a clear path to forming a coalition. Parties need 61 seats in parliament for a majority. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies have secured 53 seats, while his top rival Gadi Eisenkot and his allies have garnered 48.
A lawsuit filed yesterday against the Department of Education alleges that the Trump administration is illegally refusing to follow the rules of a program known as "closed school discharge." For more than three decades, federal law has required the U.S. Secretary of Education to cancel debts for qualified borrowers when their schools close unexpectedly. Student Defense, a nonprofit borrower advocacy group, filed the suit on behalf of potentially thousands of borrowers. The Education Department told NPR it stands by its implementation of the program.
Bernie Taupin speaks onstage during the Keynote Conversation: Bernie Taupin and Brandi Carlile during AMERICANAFEST 2026 at The Embassy Suites Nashville on Sept. 16, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music hide caption
Bernie Taupin is Elton John's lyricist on nearly every album. Now, for the first time in 40 years, he's stepping into the spotlight. His new album, The Sea Has No Mercy , features a collection of songs entirely written and sung by him. Taupin admits that until recently, he hadn't considered writing for himself, but now he's ready to share his own musical voice. He tells Morning Edition 's A Martínez that more so than a songwriter and a lyricist, Taupin thinks of himself as a storyteller. Listen to snippets of the album and hear about how Taupin has been able to keep his and John's relationship so strong.
Medicare chief Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks at an event announcing the artificial intelligence website, America.gov in Washington, D.C., last month. Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
Medicare's open enrollment window runs through Dec. 7. More than half of Americans in Medicare choose a Medicare Advantage plan, which is run by private insurers instead of the federal government. Medicare Advantage is popular because it covers dental and vision, often with lower premiums than traditional Medicare. But private carriers can pick and choose where it's offered, and withdraw from unprofitable communities. Over the last three years, insurers have left regions on an increasingly large scale, according to recent JAMA research. Here are some tips to help navigate Medicare open enrollment this year:
COLMA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 06: Ford pickup trucks are displayed on the sales lot at Serramonte Ford on January 06, 2026 in Colma, California. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images/Getty Images North America hide caption
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen .
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