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Pope's mail ballot, Texas shelter, Michigan Senate, Comey, Criminal…

The pope is registered at an address in New Lenox, a southwest Chicago suburb, and requested his ballot in October; how it was returned is unclear.

On air: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Brock Thunderson on BBN Tonight
Published 6:33 PM ET, Friday, October 30, 2026

At a glance

First reported by Chicago Sun-Times: “Vatican confirms Pope Leo voted in midterm election, submitted mail ballot - Chicago Sun-Times”, with reporting from New York Post, Politico, Axios, National Catholic Reporter, America Magazine, CBS Detroit, Associated Press via WRAL.com, Associated Press via KSAT and MS NOW.
Covered on BBN on Friday, October 30, 2026, at 6:33 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Brock Thunderson.
Topics: Pope Leo, Democratic, Michigan Senate, James Comey, Texas, Alaska Senate.
BBN covered this story before: Pope votes, Wade statue fixed, Target $30 turkey (October 30).

The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.

Chicago Sun-TimesVatican confirms Pope Leo voted in midterm election, submitted mail ballot - Chicago Sun-Times
New York PostThe soul of the Democratic Party is on the line in Michigan
PoliticoJudge mulls throwing out DOJ’s leak case against James Comey
AxiosPope Leo XIV votes by mail in 2026 Illinois midterms, a papal first October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
National Catholic ReporterIn a papal first, Leo votes in US midterms October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
America MagazineVatican confirms Pope Leo voted by mail in U.S. midterm election - America Magazine October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
CBS DetroitAbdul El-Sayed widens lead over Mike Rogers to 7 points in newest Michigan Senate poll - CBS Detroit facts used on air
Associated Press via WRAL.comJudge puts off decision in Comey case as Justice Department seeks new indictment against ex-FBI head :: WRAL.com October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
Associated Press via KSATJudge puts off decision in Comey case as Justice Department seeks new indictment against ex-FBI head October 30, 2026 · facts used on air
MS NOWJudge weighs former FBI Director James Comey’s effort to dismiss his new criminal charges October 30, 2026 · facts used on air

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Vatican confirms Pope Leo voted in the midterms, with a mail ballot submitted in Chicago.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe Holy See says he voted as a United States citizen whenever he was eligible.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistHe's registered in New Lenox, and the ballot has to travel from Vatican City to Joliet, Illinois. That's a long way for an envelope, and I'd like to know the weather along the route.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIllinois's governor posted that if the pope can vote from Vatican City, you can too. Chat, rate that excuse for skipping it, one to ten.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorA federal judge on Friday put off deciding whether to dismiss the criminal case against former FBI Director James Comey.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe delay gives the Justice Department time to seek a new indictment over an alleged decade-old media leak.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIn Michigan, a poll for CBS Detroit has Abdul El-Sayed at fifty-one percent and Mike Rogers at forty-four among likely voters.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThe New York Post calls the race a test of the Democratic Party's soul.
Brock Thunderson · Chief MeteorologistFifty-one to forty-four. Finally, a number I can trust.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorIn other news, Criminal Minds will end with its twentieth season, E! News reports.
Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThe crime drama moved from CBS to Paramount Plus in twenty twenty-two.