Democrats Hold a Seven-Point Lead as Trump Disapproval Hits 60%

Why was this mission there in the first place?

The mission was called MINURSO, short for the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara. The UN created it in 1991 to monitor a ceasefire and prepare a vote on the territory's future.

So the mission was linked to a long-running disagreement over who should control the territory.

Yes. Morocco has considered Western Sahara part of its territory since Spain left the desert region in northwest Africa in 1975. The territory is roughly the size of Britain. The Polisario Front, an Algeria-backed movement representing the Indigenous Sahrawi people, wants an independent country called the Sahrawi Republic.

What does the end of the mission mean in practical terms?

November 1 began what the UN calls the liquidation phase. The mission's equipment and other assets will be sent back to the countries that provided troops. Its peacekeeping operations have now finished.

And the UN secretary-general is worried about what could happen next.

That is right. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he remains concerned about security across the territory and about the risk that fighting could become more serious. He called on all sides to show maximum restraint and avoid actions that could increase tensions or harm stability in the region.

Why did the Security Council not agree to continue the mission?

On Friday, the United States proposed a resolution that would have extended the mission for one year. Its draft supported self-determination in Western Sahara, but it would have removed the word “referendum” from the mission's name and made Morocco's autonomy proposal the only basis for future talks.

Did that proposal have much support?

It had support from 11 of the Security Council's 15 members, including France and the United Kingdom. However, Russia used its veto to block it. The council then rejected a competing Russian resolution, so the mission expired without a new mandate.

How have the main sides responded?

Morocco's royal palace called the failure to renew the mission a significant development, because it could move the Western Sahara issue away from Security Council consideration. Algeria's Foreign Ministry expressed deep regret and blamed what it called excessive US bias towards Morocco.

What role will the UN have now?

Guterres said the UN is still ready to support dialogue and efforts to find a peaceful solution to the conflict, even though its peacekeeping operations have ended.

Thank you, Chloe.

Our second story is a new poll showing a Democratic advantage before the US midterm elections.

Liam is LinguaWire's correspondent for politics, and he has been covering this story.

Hello, Daniel. A new national poll suggests that Democrats have a clear advantage in the fight for control of Congress ahead of Tuesday's elections.

What does the poll say about voters' party preference?

Among registered voters, 52% said they preferred a Congress controlled by Democrats, while 45% preferred Republican control. That is a seven-point Democratic lead, and it is two points larger than in the previous month's poll.

Is that lead spread across all groups of voters?

One important part of the result is independent voters. Democrats have a 21-point lead among independents. But 3% of voters were still undecided when the poll was carried out from October 28 to 30. Their choices could matter in close House and Senate races.

What seems to be driving voters' wish for change?

President Donald Trump's approval rating is 40%, while his disapproval rating has reached 60%. That is the highest disapproval rating in this poll during his two terms as president.

How do voters feel about the direction of the country?

Nearly two-thirds say they want a change from the direction Trump has been leading the country. Half of all voters say they want a great deal of change, which is a new high in this polling data.

And the economy appears to be a major concern too.

It does. Trump won a second term in 2024 after promising to lower prices and restore the economic conditions of his first term. Now, about three out of four voters say they are dissatisfied with the state of the economy.

What about people's own financial situations?

For the first time in 30 years of this polling, more voters say they are dissatisfied with their finances than satisfied. The figures are close: 51% dissatisfied and 49% satisfied.

That sounds difficult for Republicans. Is the picture entirely positive for Democrats?

No. Voters give the two parties roughly equal marks on handling key issues, and the Democratic Party is also deeply unpopular. Republican voters in districts held by Republicans, and in states Trump won in 2024, are staying with their party.

So close races could still be decided by local voters and the final days of campaigning.

Exactly. Republicans hold narrow majorities in both the House and Senate, and many key contests are in areas that usually support Republicans. The poll shows strong dissatisfaction with Trump, but it does not guarantee the final result in every race.

Thank you, Liam.

Part one: vocabulary.

Ceasefire.

A ceasefire is an agreement to stop fighting. In the story, “monitor a ceasefire”.

The two sides agreed to a ceasefire.

Territory.

A territory is an area of land controlled or claimed by a country. In the story, “the disputed territory of Western Sahara”.

This island is part of our country's territory.

Restraint.

Restraint means self-control, especially to avoid violence or strong action. In the story, “show maximum restraint”.

The police showed restraint during the protest.

Part two: the grammar.

Because clauses for reasons.

Listen: “Morocco's royal palace called the failure to renew the mission a significant development, because it could move the Western Sahara issue away from Security Council consideration.”

Use because to introduce the reason for an action or situation.

Again: “Morocco's royal palace called the failure to renew the mission a significant development, because it could move the Western Sahara issue away from Security Council consideration.”

The shop closed early because there was no electricity.

Repeat after me: Morocco's royal palace called the failure to renew the mission a significant development, because it could move the Western Sahara issue away from Security Council consideration.