Harris v Trump: What polling tells us

As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prepare to face off on a debate stage for the first time, we launch our US presidential election poll tracker - and explain how to interpret the results so you can get a sense of the White House race. Meanwhile, you can watch and follow the ABC News Presidential Debate Simulcast on our live page. From France, meanwhile, Andrew Harding explains how a court case alleging mass rape has shaken an entire community. We're also covering gaming tunes, tourism and pricey peaches.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

What US polling can - and can't - tell us

The margin of error in polling makes predicting the result a perilous exercise. Credit: BBC

As Kamala Harris and Donald Trump prepare to face each other in a debate, their respective campaigns will be hoping for a performance to shift the polls. Between now and November's election, our poll tracker will record the effects that major events like this televised showdown have on the White House race.

Who is leading national polls?

In the months leading up to Joe Biden's decision to drop out of the race, polls consistently showed him trailing former President Trump. Although hypothetical at the time, several polls suggested Harris wouldn't fare much better. But the race tightened after she hit the campaign trail and she developed a small lead over her rival in an average of national polls that she has maintained.

So, is Harris on course to win?

National polls are not necessarily an accurate way to predict the result of the election. That's because the US uses an electoral college system to elect its president, so winning the most votes can be less important than where they are won. There are 50 states but in reality there are just a handful where both candidates stand a chance of winning.

Who is winning in these battleground states?

There are fewer state polls than national polls so we have less data to work with. Also, every poll has a margin of error, which means the numbers could be higher or lower. As it stands, recent polls suggest there is one or less than one percentage point separating the two candidates in several key states.

THE BIG PICTURE

The tricky business of music and gaming

Martyn Ware called an offer to use Temptation "pitiful". Credit: Rockstar Games

Music plays a big role in video games. And that is particularly true of Grand Theft Auto, which has inspired soundtrack albums. But its creator, Rockstar Games, has found itself at odds with 80s pop star Martyn Ware over plans to use a Heaven 17 track in the next edition. Tom Richardson has the story.

And finally... in London

British luxury retailer Harrods has begun selling peaches from Japan's Fukushima region. Since the 2011 tsunami that caused radiation to leak from a nuclear power plant, farms there have struggled to sell their produce because of contamination fears. The peaches, which are part of an effort from the plant operator to restore the region's reputation, come at a steep price.