EARLY VOTING is now underway in over two dozen states
(Shutterstock).

Prompted by encouragement from former president and current Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, Republicans are going with Democrats in casting early ballots across America.

According to the Associated Press, early votes are breaking records in the swing states of Georgia and North Carolina, both of which had been battered by the effects of Hurricane Helene.

So far, ballots cast by Democrats outnumbered those cast by Republicans in North Carolina and Pennsylvania and in Arizona and Nevada the opposite was the case.

In the early voting swing states of Georgia, Michigan an Wisconsin voters do not register by party.

As of Tuesday, the AP reports, Democrats had submitted an estimated 350,000 more ballots than Republicans.

In other election news, billionaire Bill Gates revealed that he had donated $50 million to the Democratic Kamala Harris–Tim Walz ticket and Donald Trump was campaigning in Florida, each trying to win over undecided voters, according to The New York Times.

Denny’s taking some eateries off the menu

Denny’s which bills itself as America’s diner, will soon have fewer diners open and perhaps those that will remain will keep shorter hours.

United Press International reports that on Tuesday, the restaurant chain announced it was planning to close 150 “underperforming” eateries, about one-tenth of it stores.

Fifty of them will be shut down by the end of 2024 with with the other 100 shuttered in 2025.

In addition, the remaining Denny’s are likely to offer a smaller menu – from 97 items to 45 – and reduce operating hours from 24/7 to a shorter schedule, as the chain reports fewer late-night diners.

While no list of those restaurants likely to be closed, they will probably be older locations and buildings as they are likely to be more expensive to remodel and renovate.

Giuliani must give up apartments

RUDY GUILIANI (Shutterstock).

A federal judge has ordered former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani to surrender his luxury apartments in the Big Apple in order to pay off a $145 million civil judgment over his false claim that two Georgia election workers had stuffed ballots.

According to USA Today, the judgment does not require the three World Series rings he acquired during his position as mayor in the Big Apple.

The ruling was made by U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman, who said the seizure of the property would make it easier for election workers Ruby Freeman and Skye Moss to sell the apartments.

The status of Guiliani’s condo in West Palm Beach, Florida will be considered at a hearing on Oct. 28.

Sports: Lakers tip off vs. T-Wolves

The Los Angeles Lakers will open their 2024-25 NBA season at home hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The Los Angeles Kings are at the Vegas Golden Knights with the Anaheim Ducks hosting the San Jose Sharks, both in NHL action.

Weather:  Into the Seventies now

Several days of what some people might call “perfect” autumn weather are coming. The forecast for Wednesday is for a daytime high of 79 with an overnight low of 56 with partly cloudy skies for our West Orange County cities. Thursday will cool slightly to 78 (56) with morning clouds and afternoons. Fridays temps will be 76 (56) with partly cloudy skies and Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with temps of 78 (59).

Great Thoughts

“Without going outside, you may know the whole world. Without looking through the window you may know the ways of heaven. The farther you go, the less you know.”

– Lao Tsu, philosopher