US moves third carrier to Middle East as early votes pass 21 million

The United States is dispatching a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East as preparations for potential military action against Iran intensify. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A person briefed on U.S. and Israeli war planning told NPR that the two nations are planning a possible attack on Iran after the American midterm elections. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that his country is ready for both diplomacy and war.

The buildup in the region follows months of tension. The U.S. and Israel are positioning forces while some U.S. personnel leave the area. NPR correspondent Greg Myre noted that President Trump is likely to weigh military options after November 3. This timing aims to avoid a spike in oil prices before voters cast their ballots. Tehran is demanding formal control of the Strait of Hormuz and the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region.

In the United States, early voting is already well ahead of schedule. Nearly 21 million Americans have cast ballots by mail or in person, according to the University of Florida's Election Lab. Election Day is more than a week away. NPR reporter Saige Miller reported that the total rose by about 2 million in a single day. Early voting in key battleground states is higher than during the last midterm cycle.

Miller cautioned that early figures do not guarantee final results. The data show Democrats voting early at higher rates than Republicans. Unaffiliated voters are also participating. Democrats generally prefer to vote early, while Republicans tend to turn out on Election Day. A federal judge in California is restricting pre-election field operations by the Department of Homeland Security. The agency said the efforts aim to identify noncitizens who allegedly voted illegally in nine states.

In a separate legal matter, a federal magistrate judge ruled that Donald Trump must sit for a deposition in his $10 billion defamation case against the BBC. The judge ordered compliance with court rules or face sanctions. The suit centers on a Panorama broadcast from late October 2024. That program allegedly edited Trump's January 6 speech to make it appear he incited a violent siege of Congress. Trump has called the broadcast false and defamatory under Florida law.

The BBC apologized for the splicing but now seeks to understand Trump's state of mind during the speech. The network wants to know if he intended to encourage violence. BBC attorneys noted that more than 200 January 6 defendants have said the speech motivated them. The network is also seeking details on how Trump has profited since returning to the White House. This information will help gauge the extent of any damage to his brand.

Grocery costs remain a focus for voters. Trump promised lower prices in his second term. While some items have become cheaper, overall grocery prices have risen. Higher labor costs, tariffs, and energy prices tied to the conflict with Iran are driving the increase. Ground beef reached $6.79 per pound last month, an 85% rise in a decade, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Eggs fell to $2.27 per dozen after hitting a record $6.23 in March 2025. Butter averaged $3.96 in September, down 17.3% from a year earlier due to oversupply. Coffee is still 44% higher than two years ago despite the removal of tariffs on the product. These figures reflect the economic pressures facing households as the election approaches.