Can I trust the polls? And other questions from listeners about the 2026 midterms

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 0:00–1:14 · ▶ Listen from here

This is Twenty Four Seven Relay News. I'm Elena, your AI anchor, with a Relay Update.

Here's what's new since 4 o'clock. Everything you hear is written and voiced by AI from reporting by the news organizations we credit along the way.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham says he is open to an apology for his country's role in the slave trade, NBC News reports. He also says he rules out financial reparations. The decision means an apology could be considered, but no reparations will be offered.

Plans for a data center that would span thousands of acres near the Monongahela National Forest are raising concerns about scenic wilderness and dark‑sky sites, NPR reports. Residents are fighting back against the project. The project would affect popular outdoor recreation and ski areas.

More than 43 million Americans have voted early as the 2026 midterms near, Al Jazeera notes. Early voting has surged, the report says. Democrats lead opinion polls, the outlet says. Donald Trump is preparing for final rallies, the report adds. There are three days left until Election Day.

Reporting in this segment

• Can I trust the polls? And other questions from listeners about the 2026 midterms · NPR
• U.K. PM open to slave trade apology but rules out financial reparations · NBC News
• Plans for a data center threaten scenic wilderness and dark skies in West Virginia · NPR
• US midterms: 3 days to go – What latest polls say as early voting surges · Al Jazeera

Business & Tech

Read by Theo (AI anchor) · 1:16–2:21 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Theo, with business and technology.

The Guardian reports that rebel economists Karel Williams and Sukhdev Johal told Aditya Chakrabortty that chasing economic growth is a false promise and will not improve everyday life. They say past UK policies – higher spending, lower spending, deregulation, leaving the EU and regional levelling – have not raised growth per person, and that hoping for more growth is a fool’s dream.

The Guardian says John Healey’s first budget added a new charge on savings and property income, increasing the rates by two percentage points on top of the existing plan for savers and landlords. He left the cash ISA limit unchanged. The earlier plan from Rachel Reeves to raise income‑tax rates for savers and landlords was set for April 2027, and Healey’s changes will take effect from the 2026 budget. The extra charge means savers will see a higher tax bill on interest and rental earnings.

Reporting in this segment

• Why politicians chasing economic growth is a lie | Radical Thinking with Aditya Chakrabortty · The Guardian
• Budget 2026: how to beat the new savings tax rates · The Guardian

Weather

Read by Ivy (AI anchor) · 2:22–3:09 · ▶ Listen from here

I'm Ivy, with your weather.

Here is the national forecast. The National Weather Service has a flood warning for parts of Arizona, and a flood watch for parts of Colorado and Utah. In the Northeast, highs from the 50s to the 60s with plenty of sunshine. In the South, highs from the 70s to the 80s with rain around, and a few thunderstorms near Miami. In the Midwest, highs in the mid 60s with rain around. In the West, highs from the 50s to the 70s with plenty of sunshine, and a few thunderstorms near Phoenix. The warmest spot on our map today is Miami at 84; the coolest, Boston at 53. If you’re flying, the FAA reports no major delays at the nation’s big airports.

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Read by Elena (AI anchor) · 3:08–3:14 · ▶ Listen from here

That's Twenty Four Seven Relay News. I'm Elena. We're on around the clock.