State in the Pacific Northwest; capital Olympia; Seattle is its economic heart.
Independent groups and super PACs have spent near-record sums in the 2026 US midterms, with OpenSecrets projecting about $11.9bn in total independent spending and dark‑money likely topping $1.5bn. Billionaires including Elon Musk have pumped hundreds of millions into Republican-aligned outside groups while Democrats continue to out-raise Republicans in candidate-level grassroots donations.
The UN peacekeeping mission MINURSO in Western Sahara has ended after 35 years amid a US-Russia standoff at the UN Security Council. Repatriation of personnel and the closure of facilities are underway, with uncertainty over regional stability as Morocco asserts sovereignty and the Polisario Front seeks independence.
The measles outbreak is spreading within the United States, with Pennsylvania reporting over 1,200 cases and dozens of hospitalizations as vaccination rates remain below the level needed to halt transmission. Public health authorities are deploying resources and monitoring the evolving situation, while vaccination clinics seek to reach hesitant communities.
The FAA has certified the Boeing 737 Max 10 for passenger service, marking a milestone in Boeing’s recovery from past safety, quality and production challenges. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2027 as airlines gauge how the larger single-aisle jet will affect capacity and fares.
Iran has repeated that its policies remain unchanged in the face of threats from the US and Israel, with Tehran saying that any renewed war would not alter its positions. Meanwhile, regional tensions in the Strait of Hormuz intensify as attacks on shipping continue and mediation efforts falter amid broader regional maneuvering.
Health officials say the Ebola outbreak, which began in the Congo, has spread to Uganda and Kenya. Kenya has reported its ninth case, with quarantines expanding as authorities push containment measures. The Congo outbreak remains the largest on record with thousands dead and tens of thousands affected. Vaccines are in trials but not yet available.
Three National Guard members discharged their weapons after Jarrell Lamont Jackson, 41, allegedly opened fire during a fight in southeast Washington. Jackson is charged with firearm offenses; the guard member struck in the leg and Jackson was wounded. The incident follows the deployment of thousands of National Guard members to D.C. amid a broader crime-fighting mission.
Gulf mediators have continued shuttle diplomacy after an eight-month war that began on Feb. 28. Qatar has led talks with Tehran and is hosting indirect consultations that aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. UAE and Gulf officials have said they hope for a diplomatic breakthrough while remaining prepared for renewed military escalation.
Federal courts have rejected the Justice Department’s emergency requests to force California to separate roughly 20,000 mail ballots the administration says are tied to likely non‑citizens. Lower courts and the 9th Circuit have flagged unreliable data and the risk of disenfranchising lawful voters as voting has already been processing across the state ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms.
Melania Trump has helped secure a localized ceasefire in Oleshky, enabling humanitarian aid and civilian evacuations. The deal begins Oct. 29, with residents receiving coordinated transport to preferred destinations, reflecting pressure over the war and its civilian toll.
The United States has signalled that efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions are ongoing as regional diplomacy expands. Officials describe shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz as secure, with commercial traffic resuming at pre-war levels, even as Iran continues attacks and regional mediation intensifies.
Apple has unveiled a refreshed iPad mini featuring an IP67 dust and water rating, an OLED display, and the A20 Pro chip. Pre-orders start at $699 with availability from early November. Reviews highlight improved portability, brighter visuals, and new glare-reducing tech.
Boeing has posted a quarterly loss in the biggest division but is pursuing faster production of the 737 Max as it navigates earlier safety and manufacturing challenges. Deliveries to airlines are increasing and FAA certifications for the Max family are progressing.
DNA testing has linked 17-year-old Melissa Ann Smith to Ted Bundy’s 1974 Utah murder, prompting renewed investigation into related cold cases. April disclosures that Laura Ann Aime was also killed by Bundy in 1974 have driven authorities to re-examine other cases and preserve evidence for future testing.
Federal documents unsealed show the Trump administration has bypassed a grand jury to file a criminal information against James Comey over past leaks, part of a string of politically charged actions ahead of midterm elections. The developments include allegations tied to a 2016 Times story about a foreign-terrorism-related Yahoo data order and a looming judge's review of the information filing.
AI chatbots are increasingly used as sources of political information, with studies showing they often rely on unreliable sources. The election is set for November 3, and researchers warn about misinformation, translation gaps for non-English speakers, and foreign influence risks as voters turn to AI for guidance.
Alaska’s Senate race is scrutinized as prosecutors probe possible campaign involvement in recruiting a similarly named candidate. The contest hinges on turnout ahead of Tuesday’s vote, with Democrats seeking to gain ground nationally while campaigns cash in through record early voting.
Haley Stevens has endorsed Mike Rogers, a Trump-backed Republican, for the U.S. Senate after a bitter primary feuded with Abdul El-Sayed. The move comes days before the Michigan midterm and upends Democratic efforts to unite behind El-Sayed in a tightly contested race.
The Justice Department has sought to pause or adjust how California handles ballots linked to a list the administration says flags noncitizens. Courts have rejected last-minute demands to segregate or purge ballots. California maintains the list is flawed and unreliable as millions of ballots are counted.
The midterm elections have kept Congress in suspense as forecasts have oriented toward Democratic gains in the House and a tighter Senate race. Early results show key contests in Georgia, Virginia and North Carolina shaping control, with recounts possible in Alaska and slow returns expected in several close races.
California’s Prop 40 would levy a one-time 5% tax on wealth over $1 billion to backfill healthcare funding. Polls show mixed support as rival measures and concerns over retirement accounts threaten passage; national tax politics may shift in response.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan has withdrawn from the Kurdish regional government, calling the KDP-led administration failed. Parliaments convened after a long paralysis, raising the prospect of a parallel administration. The split underscores a long-running KDP-PUK rivalry and unsettles regional governance amid broader regional tensions.
States including Washington and Colorado have approved measures restricting transgender athletes from girls’ sports, while Nebraska and Arizona codify or expand bans. The votes suggest bipartisan support in certain blue states, with impacts on schools and university athletics.
Two college football programs have swapped coordinators amid disappointing seasons. Utah’s Kyle Whittingham has interim OC Jim Harding after firing former play-caller; Nebraska’s Matt Rhule has replaced Dana Holgorsen with Glenn Thomas as play-caller. Both teams are seeking to reverse recent slumps and regain momentum.
Mike Tirico has announced he will miss tonight's Bears-Buccaneers game due to a health issue. Noah Eagle will fill in in the NBC booth as Tirico seeks a speedy recovery; Tirico is set to call his 300th NFL game in a future assignment.