Allison Joyce / AFP via Getty Images
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With the midterm elections just two days away, many Americans are doomscrolling on social media and doom-polling the latest survey results. But there are some things you can do to manage your stress, writes wellness podcaster Dan Harris. As one expert put it: “Treat yourself like a toddler.” In other words, make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. When you feel angry about the state of the world, try to reframe your thinking about those emotions around the underlying positive feeling that is leading to the anger. Read more. You can also become an MS NOW Member to watch Dan’s exclusive series, “Never Worry Alone” and “This Week in Sanity.”
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Former President Barack Obama hit a nerve when he said on the campaign trail that President Donald Trump had redesigned the White House to look “like Saddam Hussein opened a Cheesecake Factory.” But it’s not surprising that conservative Trump supporters and the president himself jumped up to defend the restaurant chain rather than address Obama’s other comments, writes sociology professor Robyn Autry. Food has long served as a way for politicians to signal that they belong to the “same culinary tribe” as voters. Read more.
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Ukraine relies on a military-grade version of SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system to intercept incoming Russian missiles and fire drones against targets. But The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this week that SpaceX owner Elon Musk ordered the slowdown of the system, citing U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter. (SpaceX did not respond to the Journal’s request for comment.) Musk’s actions made it more difficult for Ukraine to fight Russia, giving Musk extraordinary power over a major military conflict in a way that no individual in history has ever had, argues Michael A. Cohen. Read more.
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Elon Musk is on track to be the single biggest known political donor in recent decades, with almost half a billion dollars in spending ahead of the midterms, according to MS NOW’s tally of top individual donors at the federal level since 2010. His single biggest priority this cycle has been the Texas Senate race between Republican Ken Paxton and Democrat James Talarico, as he’s poured well over $200 million through various super PACs. Talarico has taken notice, arguing that “this Senate seat doesn’t belong to Elon Musk” at a rally. Read more.
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When Patrick Stewart took over as captain of the Enterprise on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” he showed a new model of science fiction hero, who defeated his enemies not through cowboy diplomacy but through actual diplomacy, writes Jesse J. Holland, a professor and science fiction author. A noted Shakespearean actor, Stewart then played Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” movies, portraying “a mentor in a wheelchair whose power was based not only on his mind but on his endless patience and hopefulness.” In his personal life, Stewart, who died Wednesday at age 86, showed a similar gentle strength in his advocacy. Read more.
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Anna Lefkowitz / MS NOW; Daniel Heuer / Bloomberg via Getty Images; Victor J. Blue / Bloomberg via Getty Images; Jeff Wheeler / The Minnesota Star Tribune via Getty
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While most 2026 midterms coverage has focused on a handful of high-profile races, there are thousands of elections across the country that will help determine the next phase of our democracy. A special MS NOW series this week showcased five that you may have missed.
Carolyn Fiddler, author of the newsletter “This Week in Statehouse Action,” argued that more voters should be paying attention to the small number of state legislative seats that could give Democrats control of a chamber in Michigan, Arizona, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Retired Kansas reporter Dan Margolies argued that Republican Sen. Roger Marshall’s nickname “Roger the Dodger” is apt because of his history of declining to answer questions. Journalist David M. Perry argued that Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison could lose a re-election bid because of rampant anti-Muslim bigotry this cycle. North Carolina journalist Billy Ball argued that an overlooked state Supreme Court race there could determine the future of gerrymandering in the Tar Heel State. And Iowa journalist Laura Belin argued that 3 out of Iowa’s 4 House districts could flip on Election Day. Read the entire series here.
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We’re in the final countdown to Election Day, and you can make the most of the midterms with the MS NOW Membership. Join daily live Q&As, find exclusive analysis on key races, and connect with a community that cares about democracy as much as you do. Scan the QR code on your screen or head to ms.now/membership to join us.
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Tonight, join Rachel Maddow and team for an election preview special, as they break down what to expect on Election Day. Tune in tonight at 7 p.m. ET on MS NOW.
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