U.S. News Today: Russia Sanctions Dispute, New Election Poll and Guam Storm Response
October 18, 2026 | Morning News Roundup
Washington faces renewed debate over Russia policy as a new national poll measures the political climate ahead of November’s midterm elections. Meanwhile, emergency officials in Guam are responding to Typhoon Champi, with federal assistance authorized and public schools preparing to assess damage.
Russia sanctions waiver draws bipartisan criticism
President Donald Trump’s decision to waive newly enacted Russia sanctions has prompted criticism from Republican and Democratic lawmakers, according to The Associated Press. With Congress in recess until after Election Day, an immediate legislative response appears unlikely. apnews.com
The executive order, dated October 16, invokes waiver authority under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026. The administration says the waivers serve U.S. national interests.
The order suspends specified sanctions and additional tariffs established by the legislation. It explicitly preserves sanctions imposed under earlier executive orders, meaning the action does not remove every existing restriction on Russia. The waivers remain effective until the president or designated officials determine further action is appropriate. The White House
New poll shows a difficult political environment for Trump
An ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll released Sunday puts Trump’s job approval at 33%, a personal low in that survey series. The findings also show Democrats leading Republicans in congressional vote preference as the midterm campaign enters its closing weeks. ABC News
The Washington Post reports an eight-point Democratic advantage among likely voters, with economic dissatisfaction contributing to the president’s weaker standing. These results describe the current national political environment; they do not establish the outcome of individual congressional races. washingtonpost.com
Guam receives emergency declaration as Champi moves away
Federal emergency assistance has been authorized for Guam following Typhoon Champi. Guam Homeland Security said the declaration allows FEMA to coordinate assistance intended to protect lives, property and public health.
Officials reported that approximately 75% of the island remained powered at 5:30 a.m. local time Sunday, shortly after the storm’s closest approach. Although Champi was moving away, warnings remained in effect in that update. Government of Guam
A subsequent advisory announced that Guam’s public schools would close Monday, October 19, so administrators and staff could assess facility damage. Officials continued urging residents to remain indoors and stay out of the water while dangerous conditions persisted. Government of Guam
Sources and full links
- The White House — Executive order on Russia and Iran sanctions, October 16, 2026
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/10/implementing-the-lindsey-o-graham-sanctioning-russia-and-iran-act-of-2026/ - The Associated Press — Congressional reaction to Russia sanctions waiver
https://apnews.com/article/3cc9740c39e9e9eb713b1c553b5709e6 - ABC News — ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos election poll
https://abcnews.com/Politics/democrats-lead-republicans-house-vote-choice-trumps-approval/story?id=137322849 - The Washington Post — Trump approval and congressional polling
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/10/18/trump-approval-hits-record-low-handing-democrats-clear-midterm-edge/ - Guam Homeland Security — Emergency declaration and power update
https://ghs.guam.gov/jic-release-no-13-president-approves-emergency-declaration-guam-island-remains-cor1-gpa-update - Guam Homeland Security — Storm precautions and school closures
https://ghs.guam.gov/node/4364