Ballot Battle, Sir Patrick Stewart, & Chocolate Masterpieces

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Adam Rogers
October 30, 2026

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Federal prosecutors issued new subpoenas in an investigation into alleged Democratic efforts to recruit a second candidate named Dan Sullivan to challenge Alaska’s Republican incumbent. Gov. Mike Dunleavy also ordered a state investigation after reporting linked Democratic operatives and members of challenger Mary Peltola’s campaign to the recruitment effort.
The dispute centers on retired teacher Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. and whether his candidacy could divert votes intended for the senator in a race that could help decide Senate control. Alaska’s Supreme Court previously rejected efforts to remove him from the ballot. Election officials identify the senator as the Republican incumbent to distinguish the candidates.
The Justice Department separately sued to block certification if the incumbent loses and votes for the other Sullivan could have changed the outcome. Alaska is seeking dismissal and argues that the ballot clearly distinguishes the candidates and that investigating whom voters intended to support would violate ballot secrecy.

DoorDash agreed to buy Instacart for about $17 billion to expand its delivery business beyond restaurant meals and into grocery shopping. The deal would combine two major delivery platforms competing against Amazon and Walmart for consumers’ everyday purchases.
Instacart brings more than drivers and grocery orders. It provides technology that supermarkets use to run online shopping and fill customers’ baskets. Buying those established relationships would let DoorDash expand through retailers already using Instacart rather than build that business store by store. Instacart customers would also gain access to roughly 50,000 additional stores through DoorDash’s network.
Customers would still use separate apps, but the companies plan to combine their subscription programs into one membership covering both services. The companies expect to close the acquisition in late 2027 or early 2028, pending shareholder and regulatory approvals.

Actor Patrick Stewart died Wednesday at 86 in Los Angeles following Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia. His spokesperson announced his death Thursday.
Stewart was best known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and Professor Charles Xavier in the “X-Men” films. Before those roles made him internationally famous, Stewart built his career performing Shakespeare. He brought that stage training to Picard as the captain led the Enterprise through seven television seasons and four films. He played Xavier in eight released films and will appear again in December’s “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Onstage, Stewart performed a one-man “A Christmas Carol” and appeared alongside longtime friend Ian McKellen in “Waiting for Godot” and “No Man’s Land.” His performance in “Macbeth” earned a Tony nomination. He was knighted in 2010.

The Justice Department appealed a ruling rejecting its request to set aside California ballots from roughly 20,000 voters it alleged were noncitizens. (More)

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia from his position as the Pentagon’s top military planner. (More)

A leak-publishing group released records identifying more than 40,000 Homeland Security employees and contractors, including details of sensitive assignments. (More)

A Russian drone strike killed at least 14 people at a railway station in Dnipro Thursday, where passenger trains were stopped. (More)

The United States and Japan agreed to pursue a joint missile-production facility as the allies expand defense cooperation. (More)

Iran has used a network of military-linked agencies to obtain equipment through land routes and shipping despite the U.S. blockade, according to a Reuters investigation. (More)

U.S. stock markets closed lower on Thursday (S&P -0.30%, Nasdaq -1.38%, Dow -0.25%) as disappointing earnings results sent Alphabet and Caterpillar shares sharply lower. (More)

The U.S. economy grew at a 3.4% annualized rate in the third quarter as consumer spending and AI investment supported growth. (More)

Shell reported $10.8 billion in adjusted quarterly profit Thursday as stronger refining margins and liquefied natural gas prices helped lift earnings. (More)

The Chicago Bears acquired All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons from Tennessee Thursday for two first-round draft picks and a fourth-round pick. (More)

The Atlanta Dream beat Golden State 80–69 Thursday to tie the WNBA Finals 3–3 and force a deciding Game 7 Saturday at Golden State. (More)

Taylor Swift and Lyle Lovett joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Monday in recognition of their songwriting careers. (More)

Researchers developed a portable sensor that rapidly detected two common PFAS chemicals in water tests and could make screening easier outside specialized laboratories. (More)

Smoke from Los Angeles’ Eaton Fire contained substantially higher concentrations of lead and arsenic than vegetation fires, according to a study examining pollution from burning buildings. (More)

Dogs living near Chornobyl’s nuclear plant showed genetic differences consistent with natural selection rather than an increased mutation rate. (More)

Divers recover mysterious centuries-old object from U.K. river.

Spectacular sculptures made entirely from chocolate.

How does your net worth compare to others your age?

Watch a family of hippos inhale some pumpkins.

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