Southwestern state, borderwise and politically diverse
Alberta has voted to remain a province of Canada in a nonbinding referendum held 19 October. Unofficial counts show roughly three‑quarters of ballots favoured staying; about one quarter voted to begin a legal process toward a future binding referendum on separation. Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Danielle Smith have welcomed the result; separatist leaders say their movement will continue.
The Justice Department has opened an antitrust inquiry into whether the five-network White House TV pool violated the Sherman Act after the pool paused coverage in protest of the administrations temporary ban on CNN, MS NOW and Politico. A federal judge has restored the outlets White House credentials, but CNN says the White House is still excluding it from Air Force One and pool duties and has warned it will return to court. (As of Wed, 28 Oct 2026 13:39:50 +0000)
TSMC has posted record profits on strong AI demand and is exploring a Texas site for its Terafab project, while expanding capacity in Arizona amid ongoing global capacity constraints. The company notes demand remains well above current supply, with plans to grow its U.S. manufacturing footprint.
Suspicious letters containing a white powder have been sent to more than three dozen congressional and election offices across the United States, triggering evacuations and security alerts ahead of the 2026 midterms. Federal agencies are investigating; initial tests show no hazardous material, and officials warn more letters may still be circulating.
Voters are facing high prices and inflation ahead of the midterms. Polls show broad concern about the economy, with independents and Democrats signaling demand for change. Trump’s approval remains low, while Democrats gain a narrow edge on congressional control ahead of November elections.
Two students have been arrested in two separate sexual assault cases on Wichita State University campus. Both incidents are under investigation; the university has suspended activities and pledged support services while authorities pursue charges. The broader campus safety and Greek-life oversight are intensifying as investigations continue.
Barbara Bush has donated to James Talarico’s Texas Senate campaign while Neil Bush backs his nephew’s opponent, Ken Paxton. The endorsements reflect a rare fissure within a prominent Republican family ahead of the November midterms as polling shows a tight race in a state that hasn’t elected a Democrat to the Senate since 1988.
Widespread floodwaters have risen in the Four Corners region, prompting evacuations in Farmington and surrounding communities as rivers swell after days of heavy rain. National Guard assistance is on the ground and officials warn that conditions remain hazardous with more rain forecast.
The Justice Department has filed a federal lawsuit asking a court to bar Alaska from certifying its U.S. Senate result if Republican Sen. Dan S. Sullivan loses by fewer votes than a second candidate named Daniel J. Sullivan. President Donald Trump has said he ordered the action. Democrats, voting-rights groups and some Republicans have moved to intervene and ask the court to dismiss or fast-track the case before Nov. 3, 2026.
Dale Brown has died at 90. LSU announced his passing, and he would have turned 91 soon. He led LSU to two Final Fours, produced NCAA stars, and left a lasting imprint on Louisiana basketball despite an NCAA probe in the late 1990s.
Milwaukee has moved within one win of its first World Series title after a commanding 10-1 win in Game 3. Robert Gasser delivered six dominant innings, while Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang fueled an eight-run fifth inning. The Rays face a critical juncture as the series shifts to Tampa Bay.
The US Federal Trade Commission, alongside 20 states, has filed a lawsuit accusing Dollar General of deceptive pricing. The retailer allegedly mislabeled prices on shelves, price tags, and advertisements, overcharging shoppers and failing to fix the issue despite extensive corporate knowledge. The action follows thousands of complaints and centers on stores serving lower-income, rural communities.