Midwestern state shaping U.S. politics, economy, and culture
The government has extended the autopay-driven interest reduction through June 2028, expanding relief for borrowers on the Save plan and others returning to repayment. Auto pay enrolment by Dec. 31 is required for the 1% reduction; for those already enrolled, the discount remains in place. Default and forbearance-related risks persist as millions face repayment.
Lawsuits allege McDonald’s uses an AI-augmented pricing system that shares nonpublic sales data across franchises to set menu prices, a claim McDonald’s denies, saying pricing decisions remain with franchisees. The suit seeks class-action status and damages.
The NFL is urging the Supreme Court to allow states to regulate sports-prediction markets, arguing these contracts are gambling rather than financial swaps. The league cites $1.8 billion in first-weekend activity and calls for safeguards including a 21-year age minimum for bettors, while defending the CFTC’s federal oversight and highlighting integrity concerns.
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)
Walmart has expanded benefits for associates, adding 12 weeks of neonatal ICU leave and enabling second opinions for rare conditions. It also joins Novo and Lilly drug coverage for Type 2 diabetics at no cost, while premium increases are minimized. The moves come ahead of open enrollment and build on years of compensation improvements.
The Federal Trade Commission and seven states have asked a federal judge to hold ex-pharma executive Martin Shkreli in contempt for allegedly violating a 2022 lifetime ban by trading pharmaceutical stocks and discussing the industry in livestreams since his release from prison.
The Mississippi Attorney General has cleared Sgt. Hunter Foster of criminal wrongdoing in Kohen Wiley’s June 14 shooting in a Senatobia Walmart parking lot. Video released shows the incident and the officer firing as the vehicle moves away. Kohen’s family, represented by Ben Crump, calls for a federal investigation amid ongoing disputes over whether the force was justified.
A Palatine, Illinois, Taco Bell cashier has been charged with terrorism-related offenses after investigators say he planned an attack targeting a major temple in Aurora. Police recovered an unregistered rifle, ammunition and Nazi symbols at his home. He remains jailed pretrial; a court date is set for Oct. 30.
Democrats have gained ground on voter confidence in elections as concerns about ballot integrity rise among Republicans. AP-NORC data shows Democrats retain higher trust while Republicans grow more confident than four years ago; fear of federal overreach and threats to voting processes shape the landscape ahead of Election Day.
AIPAC has halted public endorsements of federal candidates and direct PAC contributions, while continuing to operate its United Democracy Project super PAC. The move shifts focus to mobilizing individual donors and new fundraising tools, after a period of heavy outside spending linked to Pro-Israel advocacy. UDP remains active in independent campaigns.
Six Flags has announced it is installing seat belts on the Goliath roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia and on other coasters with similar restraints. The move follows the Oct. 12 death of Hassan Jihad Ibn Kariem and a safety review across its parks, with eight additional rides at five parks also closed pending assessment.
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.
The Independent and AP News report that Matthew Unglesbee has been charged after sending four white envelopes with a powdery substance to Chicago-area elected officials. Substances tested as non-dangerous; investigators say the suspect knew the method could provoke a hazmat response. Court appearances have begun.
The pope has voted by mail in the US midterm elections in Chicago, confirming he is exercising his citizenship and urging civic participation. He has clashed with President Trump over immigration and the Iran crisis, and his vote comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the November 3 ballot.
The Vatican confirms Pope Leo has submitted a mail-in ballot in Chicago ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms, citing a long-standing belief in civic participation. Leo, who holds U.S. and Peruvian citizenship, has voted in multiple primaries and general elections since 2000. The Holy See notes the pope’s duty to participate in democratic processes.