Friday, October 30th

What happened

The Justice Department expanded its Alaska Senate investigation by issuing new subpoenas over the alleged recruitment of a second Dan Sullivan. The subpoenas focus on claims that operatives sought to place Daniel J. Sullivan on the ballot against Republican incumbent Sen. Dan S. Sullivan. The dispute sits inside a close Senate race involving Democrat Mary Peltola, with control of the chamber at stake. The New York Times said Peltola-linked people and DSCC aides helped recruit Sullivan; Peltola’s campaign and the DSCC denied involvement. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy ordered a state investigation. The ballot lists the incumbent as a Republican and Daniel J. Sullivan with no party. Investigators have not announced charges.

What happened

Actor Sir Patrick Stewart died at 86 at his home in Los Angeles. His death, on Wednesday, October 28, was announced the following day. A spokesperson said he died after a brief journey with Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia, diagnoses not previously made public. Before global fame, Stewart spent more than a decade with the Royal Shakespeare Company and built a major Shakespearean stage career. He later became known worldwide as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation. The spokesperson said Stewart died in the loving care of his wife, Sunny, surrounded by family and friends. His social media accounts asked for memorial gifts to Alzheimer’s groups.

What happened

Israel’s Arab-led parties won a historic combined 19 parliamentary seats. Israel’s Central Elections Committee chair asked the Shin Bet to investigate suspicions that foreign entities improperly influenced the election, while saying he could not verify the allegations. Final results gave Netanyahu’s bloc 53 seats, Eisenkot’s bloc 48, and no bloc the 61-seat majority. Netanyahu remains caretaker prime minister while party leaders seek a coalition in Israel’s 120-seat parliament. Eisenkot can reach a majority only with Arab-party support or realignments, a partnership opposition leaders have resisted. Netanyahu and Likud alleged fraud; police and election officials said they found no systematic scheme, and Qatar denied interfering. After certification, President Isaac Herzog will choose someone to try forming a government.