Voting began Monday across Alberta in a non-binding referendum asking whether the western Canadian province should take steps toward leaving Canada.

The vote is unfolding as Alberta grieves the deaths of four soldiers and as dozens more recover from injuries sustained in a rapidly spreading fire at a military base in the province.

A poll of 1,021 people published Saturday by Abacus Data found that 74% of decided voters support remaining part of the Canadian Confederation. But the separatist question is unlikely to fade for the roughly 30% who want the provincial government to launch a binding referendum on independence, said veteran activist Cory Morgan, head of the Pathway to Independence group.

“It will say that about one in three Albertans have had it,” Morgan told News Media. “There is a big rift within Alberta, and if things don’t change, it will be a growing faction in this province — so this vote is an important one.”

Approximately 3 million Alberta residents are eligible to cast ballots.

A separate Abacus survey found that 61% of the 1,021 eligible voters questioned believe Albertans will revisit separation at the ballot box, even if the province votes to remain in Canada this time.

The Angus Reid Institute reported Friday that 62% of 1,010 Albertans surveyed think the province’s separatist movement will never truly disappear.

Morgan, who headed the short-lived Alberta Independence Party from 2000 to 2001, said only “a vocal minority” of separatists support Alberta becoming the 51st U.S. state. Most independence advocates, he said, “don’t want to become a small fish in an even bigger pond.” He also pointed to Albertans’ current unease with President Trump, saying it has made leaving Canada less appealing.

Speaking Friday at a “Forever Canadian” rally in Edmonton, the city where he grew up, Prime Minister Mark Carney told more than 5,000 attendees that the referendum was happening “at the worst possible time.” He argued that the world is increasingly dangerous and fractured, while warning that forces beyond Canada’s borders are trying to divide the country so they can control it — an apparent reference to Trump’s trade conflict with Canada and comments about annexation.

Morgan, 55, who was born and raised in Alberta, said the province is “politically and culturally different” from eastern Canada. He cited Alberta’s stronger emphasis on individual liberty and property rights — values often associated with the United States.

“Most Albertans are going to feel much more comfortable sitting down for a beer with people from Great Falls, Montana, than they would in Ottawa,” Morgan said. He noted that Alberta’s population grew after it entered Confederation in 1905 with migration from Montana, while U.S. energy companies including Chevron and Mobil played an important role in developing the province’s oil industry after discoveries in the 1940s.

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Earlier this year, during an appearance on Real America’s Voice from Davos, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called Alberta “a natural partner for the U.S.” and described its residents as “very independent people.”

Carney responded that he “expect[ed] the U.S. administration to respect Canadian sovereignty.”

The Globe and Mail reported earlier this month that Alberta separatist figures met Republican political strategists in Calgary in January to discuss software intended to locate and organize supporters. The newspaper also reported that separatist representatives proposed a possible exchange of Alberta’s water and oil for U.S. backing during meetings with State Department officials in Washington last year.

Premier Danielle Smith told CBC News that if Albertans vote to remain in Canada, she would not call another separation referendum while she remains in office.

Morgan noted, however, that Albertans will return to the polls for a general election on Oct. 18, 2027, and Smith may not still be premier by then. He previously helped found the conservative Wildrose Party, which Smith once led.

The Wildrose Party later combined with Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party in 2020, creating the United Conservative Party, now led by Smith. Morgan said more than half of the UCP’s roughly 55,000 members support independence, even though Smith has said she will vote for Alberta to remain in Canada.

Angus Reid, founder and chairman of the Angus Reid Institute, told News Media that in his firm’s recent polling, 67% of the 293 UCP voters who support a future binding referendum on separation said that they would either “definitely support” or “consider” supporting the creation of a separatist provincial political party – not unlike the Parti Québécois, which won the recent election in Quebec.

The emergence of an independence party in Alberta “would probably spell the death of the UCP since it is so badly divided between separatists and non-separatists, and it would likely end the career of Danielle Smith because of the amount of breakage in her party,” said Reid, whose firm’s survey found that 60% of the respondents who support a future binding referendum are “more likely sending a message to Ottawa” about the Canadian government’s often fractious relationship with Alberta.

“Separatist types are looking at how much leverage Quebec has been able to achieve in Canada as a result of its threats of exiting, and saying ‘Hold it, we can play that game too,’” explained Reid.

As of Saturday, more than 1.2 million Albertans had cast a ballot on the referendum, which, in addition to the question on separation, has nine others, five focusing on immigration, such as one asking voters whether their province should take more control “for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities.”

Jason Segel has married his longtime partner, Kayla Radomski.

The Daily Mail confirms that the 46-year-old Forgetting Sarah Marshall star wed the 35-year-old So You Think You Can Dance alum on Saturday at The Huntington Library Botanical Gardens in Pasadena.

Radomski gave followers a glimpse of her wedding day on Sunday, posting a striking Instagram Story photo after completing her bridal preparations.

“Yesterday was an absolute DREAM. More to come… Love Mrs. Segel,” she wrote in the caption.

Friends and relatives also celebrated the newlyweds online, with one guest sharing a beautiful image from the ceremony.

The couple’s wedding invitation also circulated online. Guests were asked to follow a “coat and tie” dress code and promised an evening of “dinner and dancing.”

In June 2025, the Daily Mail exclusively reported that Segel and Radomski had become engaged at the very Pasadena location where they later exchanged vows.

The Shrinking actor proposed to the professional dancer in a romantic setting at The Huntington Library.

Segel and Radomski were first linked in 2023 before making their red carpet debut together during awards season the following year.

“The proposal occurred in the Huntington Library’s rose garden, and was captured by a photographer hired by the actor,” a source told DailyMail.com at the time.

Radomski accepted Segel’s proposal, and the tearful couple later enjoyed a private dinner in the Huntington Library’s rose garden.

Segel and Radomski also made a point of thanking the employees who helped prepare the setting for the proposal.

The pair were first romantically connected in October 2023, when they were spotted together at Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios.

Segel and Radomski were seen holding hands as they made their way through the busy theme park.

In early 2024, Segel and Radomski made their red carpet debut at the Golden Globe Awards as she cheered on the actor who was nominated for his role in Shrinking.

The two cozied up together at the event as they paused for a brief photo session before the main ceremony kicked off. 

At the time, the actress had also jumped to her main Instagram page to share snaps from the night – and also penned a sweet tribute to Segel. 

‘WOW….. @jasonsegel I am so incredibly proud of you!!!! What a dream. You are absolutely one of the hardest working and most deserving humans on this planet. My Golden Globe Nominee!’

She added, ‘I love that we got to spend a whole day celebrating YOU and your talent!!! I love you so much baby!’  

The same month, the couple walked the red carpet once again as they made an appearance at the 2024 Emmys. 

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On social media, Kayla gushed that she is ‘always amazed watching your drive and love for what you do. You inspire me every single day. 

‘I cannot wait to continue to watch you thrive and create more magic throughout your life. Thank you for loving me and being the best man this lady could dream up. I love you…’ 

The pair have attended other events together since going public with their relationship – and were seen earlier this year in January at a Golden Globes after party in Beverly Hills. 

Despite their few red carpet appearances, Segel and Radomski mainly keep their romance out of the spotlight. 

On a couple occasions, the dancer has uploaded sweet selfies of the couple as they spend quality time together. 

Last year in April, the pair showed off their toned figures as they whisked themselves away for a tropical vacation.

And later that year in November, the lovebirds cozied up together for another photo as they bundled up in the cold weather. 

In the caption, the beauty penned, ‘FULL OF LOVE,’ alongside red heart emojis. 

The couple were last seen during an outing together in February while shopping in Beverly Hills.  

While it is not known when exactly the pair struck up a romance or first met, Kayla is no stranger to the entertainment industry. 

She starred in the fifth season of So You Think You Can Dance back in 2009 – and came in fourth place. 

Radomski is also a former backup dancer for Taylor Swift, and joined the Grammy winner as well as Bredon Urie for their performance of ME! at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards.   

On the big screen, she has also had the chance to showcase her dance skills – such as the 2024 short film Ukrainian Dance Movie.

And in 2019, she made a brief appearance in Quentin Tarantino’s movie Once Upon A Time… In Hollywood. In one scene, she could be seen dancing next to Leonardo DiCaprio. 

Segel is also known for his successful career which kicked off when he starred in the short-lived series Freaks And Geeks. 

He then played Marshall Eriksen on the beloved show How I Met Your Mother from 2005 through 2014. 

Jason has also starred in films such as Knocked Up (2007), Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Despicable Me (2010) and Bad Teacher (2011). 

The actor is currently working on the Apple TV+ series Shrinking alongside Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie and Christa Miller. The show has been renewed for a fourth season. 

Segel previously dated his Freaks And Geeks co-star Linda Cardellini after the show was canceled following one season. 

He has also been in relationships with Michelle Williams and photographer Alexis Mixter before beginning a romance with Radomski.  

The Massapequa Chiefs have scored a major win in their fight with New York state.

Just days before a court hearing involving the Long Island district, New York is preparing to eliminate part of its statewide prohibition on Native American imagery in school sports branding.

According to court filings reviewed by The Post, the Board of Regents plans to repeal a provision of its 2023 directive barring “school officers and employees” from using or promoting Indigenous names, logos or mascots on school grounds or at school-sponsored events.

Massapequa officials called the decision a “huge victory” as the district continues its legal battle, supported by the Trump administration, to retain the Chiefs name and logo.

“After years of fighting to keep the Chiefs, we’re proud of this victory,” Massapequa Board of Education President Kerry Wachter told The Post.

“We encourage the Board of Regents to take the next step and repeal the regulation in its entirety. Once a Chief, always a Chief.”

The New York State Department of Education did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Massapequa was among several school districts to challenge the policy in court, arguing that New York violated civil rights by targeting Native American imagery while imposing no comparable restrictions on imagery associated with other ethnic groups.

Districts that refuse to comply have faced the possibility of losing state funding. Massapequa has estimated that replacing its longtime name and logo would cost nearly $1 million.

Other Long Island districts, including nearby Amityville, were unable to afford a legal fight as the dispute continued for years.

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Massapequa students have even turned the drawn-out court battle into a running joke. The senior class of 2027 created shirts bearing the message “2till 7he Chiefs!” as the standoff continues.

The next major round of arguments is scheduled for Nov. 4. Massapequa attorney Oliver Roberts, however, views the state’s partial retreat as an indication that the district may ultimately prevail.

“The State has realized that its attempts to erase Massapequa’s history and tradition are patently unconstitutional,” said Roberts, who grew up in the community.

President Trump vowed in 2025 to “fight” for Chiefs supporters. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, “LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!” and later appeared in the Oval Office wearing a Massapequa sweatshirt.

Trump tasked Education Secretary Linda McMahon with examining the policy. After visiting Massapequa High School in May of that year, McMahon referred civil rights-related findings to the Justice Department.

The Native American Guardians Association, an anti-woke group, has also filed suit against New York and indicated that it is prepared to take the case to the Supreme Court.

The organization’s attorney, Chap Petersen, described the policy in January as “the dumbest law of all time.”

Bruce Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor and Nassau County executive, has likewise promised to protect the Chiefs name and logo if he wins office.

At a recent Massapequa football game, Blakeman took aim at Gov. Kathy Hochul while holding Chiefs merchandise marked with the message: “You tried to take that away from Massapequa – no way.”

The court filings state that the Board of Regents is expected to unveil the partial repeal at its November meeting, with a final vote planned for February.

A California man convicted of drugging and raping three women, and originally sentenced to 124 years behind bars, has been released after serving about two decades in prison. The decision has triggered outrage among local officials, who say it raises serious public safety concerns.

Andrew Luster, the great-grandson of cosmetics pioneer Max Factor, left state prison earlier this month and is reportedly living in Glendora, California, KTLA reported.

Glendora Mayor David Fredendall denounced the release in a statement obtained by News Media, saying it was unacceptable that a convicted serial rapist was reportedly residing in the community.

“The City of Glendora is beyond disappointed. We are outraged,” Fredendall said. “Andrew Luster was convicted of 86 felony counts stemming from the drugging and sexual assault of unconscious women. He was originally sentenced to 124 years in prison. He has now been released from State prison and is reportedly residing in our community. This is unacceptable.”

Luster was convicted in 2003 on 86 felony counts related to the drugging and sexual assault of three women at his beachfront home in Ventura County.

Prosecutors said Luster used GHB to make the women unconscious before sexually assaulting them.

During his trial, Luster fled to Mexico in January 2003 while free on $1 million bail. He was convicted in absentia and later apprehended in Puerto Vallarta by celebrity bounty hunter Duane “Dog” Chapman.

Although Luster initially received a 124-year sentence, a California judge set it aside in March 2013. The judge found that the trial court had not sufficiently explained its reasons for ordering the sentences to be served consecutively, as News Media previously reported.

Ventura County Superior Court Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz declined to overturn Luster’s convictions but granted him a new sentencing hearing.

In April 2013, Stoltz resentenced Luster to 50 years in prison, according to The Associated Press.

Prosecutors opposed the shorter sentence, characterizing Luster’s crimes as “cruel, vicious and callous.”

Luster’s release has renewed scrutiny of California’s criminal justice system, including Proposition 57. Approved by voters in 2016, the measure expanded parole consideration for certain incarcerated individuals.

KTLA reported that Luster was denied parole in 2022 but granted parole in 2024. Ventura County prosecutors successfully challenged that decision, and he was denied parole again in April 2025.

He was subsequently expected to remain in custody until October 2026, when his calculated prison term was set to expire, the outlet reported.

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Fredendall said the case contradicts assurances California voters received when Proposition 57 was approved.

“When California voters approved Proposition 57 in 2016, they were assured by Governor Jerry Brown and his administration that dangerous offenders would remain behind bars,” Fredendall said.

“The State may argue that this was not technically an early release. It can point to sentencing credits, legal calculations, and administrative requirements,” the mayor continued. “However, those technical explanations do not address the larger concern: how an individual originally sentenced to 124 years in prison for heinous crimes is able to walk out of a secured facility after only 20 years.”

California Assemblywoman Blanca E. Rubio also condemned Luster’s release in a statement obtained by News Media.

“I am outraged and deeply disturbed by the decision to grant parole to convicted serial rapist Andrew Luster,” Rubio said. “It is incomprehensible that an individual originally sentenced to 124 years in prison for such horrific crimes could be granted parole after serving approximately 20 years.”

Rubio, who represents California’s 48th Assembly District, said the decision raises questions about the state’s parole system and whether it adequately protects victims and communities.

“Our justice system is supposed to protect the innocent, hold violent criminals accountable, and provide victims with a sense of justice,” she said. “Decisions like this undermine public confidence in that system and send a devastating message to survivors of sexual assault.”

Rubio said she is working with local officials and law enforcement to learn more about the circumstances surrounding Luster’s release, including the conditions of his supervision.

Fredendall also expressed concern about Luster reportedly living near schools, parks, playgrounds and other community spaces.

“Our Police Department will work with State parole authorities to ensure every applicable law and condition of supervision is followed,” Fredendall said. “We will do everything within our lawful authority to protect our residents. But local governments should not be forced to shoulder the public-safety consequences of decisions made in Sacramento without adequate transparency and accountability.”

The mayor said the city is demanding additional information from state officials about the release and measures being taken to protect residents.

“The victims deserve better. The people of Glendora deserve better. California must do better,” Fredendall said.

News Media has reached out to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation seeking confirmation of Luster’s release date, clarification of the sentencing calculations that led to his release and details about his parole supervision.