Democrats Lead 52%-45% as Trump Disapproval Hits 60%

Why is the risk of fighting growing now?

The UN peacekeeping mission ended on Sunday. The UN Security Council did not renew the mission's mandate, or official permission to continue, on Friday.

What was the mission doing there?

It was called MINURSO, the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. The UN set it up in 1991 to watch a ceasefire and prepare a vote on the territory's future.

A ceasefire is an agreement to stop fighting. What will happen to the mission now?

It has entered a liquidation phase. Its equipment and other assets are being sent back to the countries that provided troops.

Who are the main sides in this dispute?

Morocco has considered Western Sahara part of its territory since 1975, when Spain left the desert region in northwest Africa. The Polisario Front is an Algeria-backed movement for the Indigenous Sahrawi people. It wants an independent state called the Sahrawi Republic.

What did the Security Council discuss before the mission ended?

The United States proposed extending the mission for one year. Its plan would also remove “referendum” from the mission's name. It said Morocco's autonomy proposal should be the only basis for future talks.

Did most council members support the US plan?

Eleven of the 15 members supported it, including France and the United Kingdom. Russia used its veto, which stopped the resolution. The council then rejected a Russian resolution, and the mission ended without a new mandate.

How have Morocco and Algeria reacted?

Morocco's royal palace called the decision a significant development. Algeria's Foreign Ministry expressed deep regret. It said the United States had shown excessive support for Morocco's position.

What is the UN asking the sides to do now?

Guterres asked all sides to show maximum restraint and avoid actions that could increase tension. He said the UN remains ready to support talks and a peaceful solution.

Thank you, Jack.

A new poll gives Democrats a lead before Tuesday's US midterm elections.

Chloe is LinguaWire's correspondent for politics, and she has been covering the campaign.

Hello, Daniel. The poll found that registered voters prefer Democrats to control Congress by 52% to 45%.

So Democrats have a seven-point lead. What does the poll say voters want?

Many voters want change. Nearly two-thirds want a change from the direction President Donald Trump has been leading the country. Half of voters want a great deal of change.

How do voters feel about President Trump himself?

Trump's disapproval rating is 60%, the highest level recorded by this poll during his two terms. His approval rating is 40%.

What appears to be behind this unhappy mood?

The economy is an important reason. About three in four voters are dissatisfied with the economy. More voters are also unhappy with their own financial situation than happy: 51% compared with 49%.

Does that mean Democrats are trusted more on every important issue?

No. Voters gave the two parties about equal marks for dealing with key issues. The Democratic Party also remains deeply unpopular.

So the election may still be difficult for Democrats in some areas.

Yes. Republican voters are staying with their party in districts held by Republicans and in states Trump won in 2024. Many important races for the House and Senate are in those places.

What does the poll show about independent voters?

Democrats have a 21-point lead among independents. However, 3% of voters were still undecided when the poll was carried out from October 28 to October 30.

Could those undecided voters change the result?

They could be important in very close House and Senate races. The poll gives Democrats an overall advantage, but results will depend on voting across the country.

Thank you, Chloe.

Part one: vocabulary.

Mandate.

Official permission to continue. In the story, “The UN Security Council did not renew the mission's mandate, or official permission to continue, on Friday.”

The school gave the new manager a mandate to improve safety.

Restraint.

Calm control of your actions. In the story, “Guterres asked all sides to show maximum restraint and avoid actions that could increase tension.”

Please show restraint when you are angry.

Tension.

A nervous or difficult feeling between people or groups. In the story, “Guterres asked all sides to show maximum restraint and avoid actions that could increase tension.”

There was tension between the two teams before the game.

Part two: the grammar.

Near future with will: “What will happen to the mission now?”

Use will plus a verb to ask about or talk about the future.

In the story: “What will happen to the mission now?”

What will you do after school?

Repeat after me: What will happen to the mission now?