What to know ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections

Voters are already heading to the polls for Tuesday’s midterm election, and turnout is expected to be high this year.

Ballots can be dropped into ballot boxes around Los Angeles County or filled out in person at vote centers, including the Registrar-Recorder’s Office, which will be open Monday between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Vote centers across the county opened on Saturday.

Voting by mail

Voting by mail is also an option; however, ballots must be postmarked by Election Day and received within seven days to be processed, verified and counted.

“Officials recommended mailing in a ballot at least seven days before Election Day, so it might be a little too late for that now,” Myers said.

See your voting options here.

Voter registration

The voter registration deadline has already passed; however, registration as a conditional voter is still an option through the state’s same-day voter registration process.

Those ballots will be processed and counted once the County Elections Office has completed the voter registration verification process.

Voter turnout

Voter turnout is expected to be high in Tuesday’s midterm election, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Californians have already cast about 1 million early votes in this year’s midterm election compared with this point in 2022, according to the Bee.

The outlet predicts voter turnout could hit 61%, compared with 50% in 2022.

Voting locations

You can find your voting location on the California Secretary of State’s website.

Voters are also deciding on more than a dozen statewide propositions.

Major propositions

Campaigns around Proposition 40, which imposes a proposed 5% tax on the state’s wealthiest residents, have garnered the majority of attention and spending this year.

“It would be a one-time tax on the net worth of billionaires,” Cal State Fullerton Political Science Professor Sarah Hill said.

If passed, most of the revenue would go to fund health care, with 10% directed to education and food aid.

Supporters argue the tax would help Californians keep their health care.

Opponents say the measure will backfire, causing billionaires to leave the state and decreasing tax revenue in the long run.

Two other ballot measures are a direct challenge to Proposition 40.

“If 41 or 42 passes, it pretty much would stop Prop 40,” Hill said.

Proposition 41 requires audits for new state special taxes, and Proposition 42 prohibits new state personal property taxes and certain retroactive state taxes, including retirement holdings and other forms of personal savings.

Both are backed by opponents of Proposition 40.

Another major measure is Proposition 39, which prohibits citizens from voting unless they present a government-issued identification card when voting in person and the last four digits of a government ID number if voting by mail.

Supporters say ID requirements at voting sites will strengthen voters’ trust in California’s election process.

Opponents argue requiring ID will make it harder for eligible voters who don’t have a driver’s license or other supporting documents to vote.

Other propositions

• Prop. 1: Authorizes bonds for housing affordability programs.
• Prop. 2: Increases the state’s Rainy Day Fund.
• Prop. 3: Provides permanent funding for schools and health care by extending an existing tax on high incomes.
• Prop. 4: Repeals the prohibition against public funding of election campaigns.
• Prop. 5: Changes the recall election process for statewide officers.
• Prop. 37: Creates a loan program for middle-income buyers of qualified new homes.
• Prop. 38: Authorizes bonds for immunology medical research.
• Prop. 43: Limits voters’ ability to raise revenue for local government services.
• Prop. 44: Requires community health clinics to spend 90% of revenue on program services.
• Prop. 45: Modifies environmental review requirements for certain projects.

More information on propositions can be found here.

The races for Los Angeles mayor and California governor are also among the highest-profile contests on the ballot.

Race for Los Angeles mayor

Incumbent Karen Bass and City Councilwoman Nithya Raman are making last-minute campaign pushes in the race for mayor of Los Angeles.

“We can actually fight for a more affordable Los Angeles,” Raman told supporters. “We can fight for a Los Angeles that protects renters, that builds the kind of housing that working families need.”

Bass, meanwhile, spoke to reporters and cast her ballot in Koreatown with her family.

“In the next four years, Los Angeles [is] becoming much more affordable, because we will have finished the 47,000 units that are in the pipeline,” Bass said Sunday.

The mayoral race was in a dead heat between Bass and Raman in a recent UC Berkeley IGS/Los Angeles Times poll.

Race for California governor

Democrat Xavier Becerra has a commanding double-digit lead over Republican Steve Hilton in the race to become California’s 41st governor, according to a California Politics/Emerson College poll released Wednesday.

Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said Hilton faces a difficult path to victory, particularly given Becerra’s support among independent voters.

“California independents break for Becerra by 10 points, 46% to 36%, a group Hilton would need more support among to compete in the general election,” Kimball said.

The winner will succeed Gov. Gavin Newsom, who is term-limited and widely viewed as a contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, although he has yet to formally declare his intentions.

Halloween 2026 Deals: Where to Find the Best Last-Minute Spooky Season Savings!

Halloween is almost here, and if you haven't finished shopping for costumes, candy and decorations, don't panic! There are still plenty of Halloween deals to take advantage of before the ghosts and goblins hit the streets on Saturday, October 31.

Retailers are slashing prices on everything from spooky decorations and costumes to candy and party supplies. Whether you're throwing a Halloween bash, getting ready for trick-or-treaters or just looking to stock up on discounted Halloween goodies, there are some deals worth checking out.

Here are some of the best Halloween 2026 deals we've found!

🎃 Target: Up to 50% Off Halloween Decorations

Target is offering some pretty impressive Halloween discounts, with up to 50% off select Halloween decorations, outdoor lighting and other seasonal merchandise.

You can also find:

• Halloween candy starting at $5.99.

• Select Halloween costumes up to 50% off online.

• Halloween party supplies with buy-one-get-one 50% off promotions.

• Discounted Halloween snacks and seasonal treats.

Some of these offers expire October 31, so there's not much time left to take advantage of them.

Shop: https://www.target.com/c/halloween-deals/-/N-oejgl

ðŸ'» Michaels: Up to 50% Off Halloween Merchandise

If you're looking to make your house look like a haunted mansion without spending haunted-mansion money, Michaels has some deals worth checking out.

The craft retailer is offering up to 50% off select Halloween decorations, party supplies, kids' crafts and seasonal merchandise. Some Halloween décor collections are also discounted by as much as 60%.

Other deals include:

• Up to 50% off Halloween party supplies.

• Up to 50% off Halloween floral arrangements and decorations.

• Up to 50% off kids' Halloween crafts and activity kits.

• 50% off select animated Halloween decorations.

It's a good opportunity to grab some decorations for next year, too!

Shop: https://www.michaels.com/shop/holidays-occasions/halloween

🧛 Spirit Halloween: Discounts on Costumes and Accessories

Still looking for a costume? Spirit Halloween has a sale section featuring select costumes and accessories marked down by 25%.

You can find discounted costumes, accessories and other spooky merchandise online. Just keep in mind that popular sizes and styles may be running low this close to Halloween.

Spirit Halloween also has a special Spirit of Children promotion offering 10% off your purchase at participating locations, with a matching 10% donation going to a children's hospital. The offer runs through October 31. Restrictions apply.

Shop: https://www.spirithalloween.com/

🍬 Walmart: Stock Up on Halloween Candy

If you're the house that gives out the good candy, Walmart has plenty of options for filling up that trick-or-treat bowl without completely emptying your wallet.

Some current online prices include:

• Hershey's assorted Halloween candy, 55-piece bag: around $7.94.

• Hershey's assorted Halloween candy, 110-piece bag: around $17.86.

• Hershey's assorted Halloween candy, 165-piece bag: around $23.87.

• Halloween party favors, 88-piece assortment: around $9.88.

Prices and availability can vary by location, but buying in larger quantities can help stretch your Halloween candy budget.

Shop: https://www.walmart.com/

🦇 Grandin Road and LTD Commodities: Up to 70% Off Decorations

If you're already thinking about next year's Halloween display, you might want to check out Grandin Road and LTD Commodities.

Both retailers have been offering discounts of up to 70% on select Halloween and fall decorations.

That could mean big savings on seasonal decorations, outdoor displays and other spooky accessories.

The catch? Inventory is limited, and the best stuff may already be disappearing.

🛍️ The Best Halloween Deal Might Actually Be November 1

Here's a little shopping secret: If you don't need Halloween decorations immediately, you might want to wait until the day after Halloween.

November 1 is when many retailers traditionally start marking down leftover Halloween merchandise. Discounts can start around 50% off, with some stores eventually dropping prices to 70% or even 90% off as they clear out inventory.

Of course, selection will be limited, but it's a great opportunity to stock up on decorations, costumes, artificial pumpkins and other Halloween goodies for next year.

Just don't expect to find that giant skeleton or the popular animatronic you've been eyeing. Those could be long gone!

The Bottom Line

Halloween 2026 is almost here, but there are still deals to be found. Target, Michaels, Spirit Halloween and Walmart all have ways to save on last-minute Halloween essentials.

And if you can hold off until November 1, you could score some seriously spooky bargains for next year.

Because nothing says Happy Halloween quite like saving 70% on a giant inflatable monster you'll have to store in your garage for the next 11 months!

The Top 10 Halloween Costumes for 2026: From Creepy Unicorns to Viral Toys

Halloween 2026 is almost here, and if you’re still scrambling to figure out what to wear, don’t worry — there’s still time to put together a costume that’ll get people talking.

This year’s biggest costume trends are a wild mix of horror movie characters, video game favorites, nostalgic cartoon icons and one surprisingly popular squishy toy. Basically, you can dress up as a terrifying movie villain, a legendary Greek warrior or something that looks like it belongs in a kid’s toy box.

Google’s annual Frightgeist report tracked costume searches that surged compared with the previous year, revealing the characters and crazes capturing everyone’s attention. Here are the top 10 trending Halloween costumes for 2026, according to Google’s rankings.

1. Buddy the Unicorn

Forget the friendly unicorns you see on birthday cakes. Buddy is bringing a much darker side to the mythical creature craze.

Inspired by the 2026 horror movie Buddy, this colorful unicorn character takes something innocent and turns it into something seriously creepy. Think bright colors, an oversized unicorn costume and an unsettling smile that makes everyone wonder whether they should ask for candy or run for their lives.

It's the perfect choice for anyone who wants to look cute from a distance and absolutely terrifying up close.

2. NeeDoh

<text>Who knew a squishy stress-relief toy would become one of the year's biggest Halloween costume inspirations?</text>

NeeDoh, the colorful sensory toy that's become a viral sensation, has landed near the top of Google's costume rankings. The costume practically screams, "I couldn't decide what to wear, so I became a giant stress ball."

The good news? This could be one of the easier costumes to create yourself. Grab an oversized, brightly colored outfit, add some creative foam accessories and you're ready to go. Bonus points if you spend the entire night pretending people can squeeze you whenever they're stressed.

3. Nikki From Obsession

If you're looking for a costume with a darker edge, Nikki from the 2026 psychological horror movie Obsession is a trending choice.

The character's recognizable red-and-black animal-print outfit makes this look relatively easy to recreate without spending a fortune. Add the right makeup and attitude, and you've got a costume that horror fans should recognize.

Just remember: There's a difference between looking obsessed for Halloween and actually texting your ex 47 times in one night.

4. Agamemnon From The Odyssey

Ancient Greek mythology is having a moment, thanks in part to the buzz surrounding Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey.

Agamemnon gives Halloween fans the opportunity to trade traditional costumes for something a little more epic. Think Greek-inspired armor, a flowing cloak, sandals and accessories fit for a legendary king.

It's also a great excuse to show up to a Halloween party dressed like you're about to lead an army into battle — even if the only battle you're facing is over the last slice of pizza.

5. Lily Lovebraids From Poppy Playtime

Video game horror continues to inspire Halloween costumes, and Lily Lovebraids from Poppy Playtime is one of the characters getting attention this year.

With her doll-like appearance and creepy toy-inspired aesthetic, Lily is ideal for anyone who wants to make people uncomfortable without relying on the same old vampire or zombie outfit.

The key is getting the hair, makeup and unsettling character details right. If you enjoy horror games and creepy dolls, this one could be a perfect fit.

6. Oliver Tree

Not every Halloween costume needs fake blood, fangs or a terrifying mask. Sometimes, all you need is a very questionable haircut.

Musician and internet personality Oliver Tree makes the list thanks to his distinctive look, including his bowl haircut, oversized clothing and eccentric fashion choices.

This is a particularly good last-minute option because much of the outfit can be assembled from clothes you already own. Find the right wig or hairstyle, put together an exaggerated outfit and commit to the character.

The best part? If someone doesn't recognize your costume, you can simply tell them you're dressed as a guy who lost a bet with a stylist.

7. Verity From Minecraft

Minecraft fans can take their Halloween creativity beyond Steve, Creepers and Endermen with Verity, a character associated with a viral horror series connected to the block-building game.

This costume brings a creepy twist to a franchise known for its colorful, pixelated world. Think yellow coloring, a distinctive smile and a look that feels like something you'd encounter in a Minecraft nightmare.

It's a fun option for gamers who want something a little more unusual than the standard video game costume. Just don't be surprised if someone tries to build a dirt shelter around you.

8. Carl From Dungeon Crawler Carl

Fantasy fans have another reason to celebrate this Halloween: Carl from Dungeon Crawler Carl is making Google's trending list.

Based on Matt Dinniman's popular fantasy series, Carl is a former Coast Guard member navigating a deadly, game-like dungeon alongside his cat, Princess Donut.

The look offers plenty of room for creativity, whether you want to recreate Carl's recognizable appearance or build a more elaborate outfit inspired by the series.

And if you have a cat willing to participate, you might have the makings of a pretty great two-person — or one-person-and-one-cat — costume.

9. Disco Scooby-Doo

Zoinks! Scooby-Doo is heading to the dance floor.

The classic cartoon dog gets a groovy makeover with a disco-inspired costume that's perfect for anyone who grew up watching the Mystery Inc. gang solve supernatural mysteries.

Think colorful '70s fashion, funky accessories and plenty of disco flair. You can also team up with a friend dressed as Shaggy for one of the year's most recognizable couples or buddy costumes.

The only real requirement is that you must be prepared to say "Scooby-Dooby-Doo!" at least once during the evening.

10. Hazel Hook From Descendants

Rounding out the top 10 is Hazel Hook from Disney's Descendants franchise.

Inspired by the 2026 film Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, Hazel Hook is a fun option for fans of Disney fantasy, musical adventures and elaborate character costumes.

With a look inspired by the daughter of Captain Hook, you can lean into pirate fashion, dramatic accessories and a little villainous attitude.

It's especially appealing for younger fans who want something current rather than another year of dressing up as Elsa or a Disney princess from a decade ago.

Honorable Mentions: Other Halloween Costume Trends

If none of those ten costumes is quite your style, there are plenty of other options making waves in 2026.

• K-Pop Demon Hunters: The animated hit continues to inspire costumes featuring colorful outfits, dramatic hairstyles and supernatural pop-star energy.
• Toy Story: Woody, Buzz Lightyear and Jessie remain excellent choices, especially following the release of Toy Story 5.
• Superheroes: Spider-Man, Batman and Superman remain popular choices for kids and adults.
• Classic monsters: Witches, vampires and ghosts never really go out of style — and they're usually easy to put together at the last minute.
• Off Campus: Hockey jerseys and character-inspired outfits from the popular series offer fun options for couples and groups.

These trends reflect different sources and types of rankings, so they aren't all part of Google's official top 10 list.

So, What's the Best Halloween Costume for 2026?

That depends on what you're going for.

If you want to be the most unusual person at the party, Buddy the Unicorn or NeeDoh could be your best bet. Horror fans should consider Nikki or Lily Lovebraids, while gamers have options with Verity and Carl. And if you're going with a friend, Disco Scooby-Doo and Shaggy make a pretty hard-to-beat combination.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with throwing on a witch hat five minutes before leaving the house and calling it a day.

Halloween is October 31, and the clock is ticking. Pick your costume, grab some candy and prepare for a night of questionable fashion decisions.

Which Halloween costume are you wearing this year? And more importantly, which one would you absolutely refuse to wear?

Apple’s New Folding iPhone Already Has Screen Problems — Here’s What to Do

Apple’s newest iPhone is barely out of the box, and some owners are already dealing with cracked screens. The company has acknowledged display problems affecting a small number of its new folding iPhone Duo devices and says it will replace affected phones.

Not exactly the kind of surprise you want after spending big bucks on a brand-new phone!

The Backstory

Apple announced the iPhone Duo in September, with preorders opening October 16. The device officially hit stores last Friday in more than 70 countries and regions, drawing plenty of attention from eager Apple fans.

Demand was reportedly so strong that online orders sold out within minutes in several locations, leaving thousands of customers scrambling to get their hands on the company's first foldable smartphone.

But for some early adopters, the excitement didn't last long.

What Went Wrong?

Over the weekend, social media posts began circulating that showed cracks and visible lines on the iPhone Duo's inner display. The reported damage appeared near the central hinge, where the phone folds open and closed.

Considering that folding screen technology is the phone's biggest selling point, problems in that exact spot are raising some obvious questions about its durability.

Apple Says It Will Replace Affected Phones

Apple has confirmed that a small number of iPhone Duo units are experiencing inner-display issues and is directing customers with problems to AppleCare for replacements.

"We are aware of an issue impacting the inner display on a small number of iPhone Duo units," Apple said in a statement. "If users experience issues with their iPhone Duo display, they should contact AppleCare for a replacement."

The company also indicated that affected devices tend to show the problem relatively quickly, suggesting that owners may notice an issue early on.

If you've already purchased an iPhone Duo and spot cracks or unusual lines on the inside screen, your best bet is to contact AppleCare to discuss a replacement.

The Big Picture: Apple's First Foldable iPhone

The iPhone Duo represents a major shift for Apple, introducing a smartphone that folds open like a book. In its compact form, the device is roughly the size of a U.S. passport, with a 5.4-inch screen that expands to a much larger 7.6-inch display when unfolded.

Apple says the inner screen is the largest display ever featured on an iPhone, offering 50% more screen area than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

That's a lot of screen real estate — but customers will understandably want to know that it can handle everyday use without developing cracks along the fold.

Should Buyers Be Worried?

For now, Apple says the issue affects only a small number of devices. That doesn't necessarily mean the entire lineup has a durability problem, but reports of damaged screens so soon after launch are unlikely to inspire confidence among shoppers considering a foldable phone.

The good news is that Apple is offering replacements for affected units. The bigger question is whether these early problems remain isolated incidents or turn into a more widespread headache for the company's first folding iPhone.

After all, a phone that folds in half is supposed to double your screen space — not give you twice the reason to worry about it.