MORNING LINEUP
King County, Washington, election workers dump out a bin full of ballots from a local drop box to sort ahead of the midterm election on Oct. 29, 2026, in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Jake Goldstein-Street/Washington State Standard)
By Ashley Murray and Jonathan Shorman
WASHINGTON — When the polls close Tuesday night, the 2026 U.S. election will go down as one of history’s most expensive and extraordinarily ugly midterms — galvanizing record-breaking early voter turnout among a deeply divided electorate.
Voters on Saturday crossed the high-water mark of 52.7 million early votes cast, surpassing the midterm record set in 2022, though analysts were reluctant to translate it into a Democratic wave on the way.
(Graphic: NC Criminal Justice Analysis Center)
By Greg Childress
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. But a new report this month shows North Carolina isn’t making much headway on the problem.
In 2025, more than 63,000 people in North Carolina reported being victims of a crime committed by current or former spouses, partners or family members, according to a report released this week by the state’s Criminal Justice Analysis Center.
(Photo by Benjamin Fanjoy/Getty Images)
By Jonathan Shorman
A federal appeals court on Friday denied a Trump administration demand that California set aside and not count the ballots of 20,000 suspected noncitizen voters, setting the stage for a possible appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
(Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)
By Jonathan Shorman
As the Trump administration waged a public legal fight with California over the ballots of suspected noncitizen voters in mid-October, behind the scenes a federal grand jury in Santa Ana issued a series of subpoenas to election officials in Los Angeles County at federal prosecutors’ urging.
The subpoenas demanded a host of information, from how officials responded to warnings that the Trump administration had identified 20,000 suspected noncitizen voters to how they screen for unlawful voting.
MORE NEWSLINE
Jonathan Shorman
Early voting sets midterms record, breaking 2022 mark | Ariana Figueroa
MORE HEADLINES
NEWS
Analysis: Republicans face a midterm reckoning of Trump’s making|
APnews.comConnecticut Sen. Chris Murphy is in the hospital after having a stroke, his office says|APnews.com
Election Day is Tuesday. What you need to know to vote in NC’s 2026 midterms|WRAL.com
Democrats, unaffiliated voters fuel record early voting turnout in North Carolina|WRAL.com
Is there a blue wave? NC GOP may not get the 11 House seats once anticipated | Raleigh News & Observer
Buncombe County sets midterm record for early-voting turnout|WLOS.com
Gov. Stein warns census changes could cost NC a House seat and federal money|Raleigh News & Observer
Republican NC Supreme Court justice's filing indicates plans to run for chief in 2028|WRAL.com
Despite safety concerns, pending legislation would promote peptide use among troops and veterans|WUNC.org
Onslow congressman responds to Trump linking Camp Lejeune toxic water payments to midterms|WRAL.com
With students scarce, college admissions offices get friendlier, less intimidating |WFAE.org
As mental health needs grow in NC prisons, state leaders look to improve care after release |NC Health News
COMMENTARY
NC pastor: What makes a nation great? The Bible has an answer this election. |Raleigh News & Observer
Sara Pequeño: Stevens is embracing MAGA because her feelings got hurt|
USA Today
Forget the House. Trump's legacy will be decided in the Senate |USA Today
A test of tradition: Should universities cut ties with fraternities?|TheHill.com
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