19 virtual rallies: Trump shifts strategy in final push

With Election Day two days away, President Donald Trump has moved his final campaign stops to digital formats, hosting 19 telerallies alongside in-person events. This tactical shift comes as he works to energize Republican voters in competitive states.

NPR correspondent Saige Miller notes that the change in strategy, combined with current polling data, suggests Republicans may face difficulties retaining control of the House. While Trump serves as a key motivator for his party, his approach could also serve to energize Democratic voters in the final stretch.

In Alaska, the governor has ordered an investigation into the state's U.S. Senate race following a report from The New York Times. The investigation addresses claims that Democratic campaign operatives tried to recruit a candidate to confuse voters. This prospective candidate shares the name Dan Sullivan, the same name as the GOP incumbent. Democrat Mary Peltola is running to flip the seat.

Election law experts consulted by Alaska Public Media found no specific laws applicable to the conduct described. However, they noted that the actions described cross moral and ethical lines. Meanwhile, the Department of Justice has subpoenaed election workers in Los Angeles. This action occurs amid rising tensions with California officials over the administration's efforts to identify noncitizens on voter rolls.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia, who oversaw planning at the Pentagon and served on the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Sylvia was not directly involved in day-to-day operations regarding the Iran conflict, but his removal comes as the U.S. and Israel prepare for a new potential round of attacks. The Pentagon is investigating a leak but has not provided details.

Greg Myre of NPR states that these firings have disrupted senior military operations. The U.S. currently has two aircraft carriers in the Arabian Sea, with a third, the USS Theodore Roosevelt, en route. Myre notes it is unusual for the U.S. to have multiple carriers in one region. The last time the U.S. stationed three in the Middle East was during the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

In a separate development, more than 15,000 veterans experienced monthly payment increases of at least $150 after the Trump administration shut down the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase program. More than 700 veterans saw their payments rise by $1,000 or more. The program had helped tens of thousands of veterans who had fallen behind on payments by rolling missed payments into new, low-interest mortgages.