Mississippi elects Democrat Scott Colom as state's first Black US senator since Reconstruction
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi has elected its first Black U.S. senator since post-Civil War Reconstruction and delivered Democrats a major upset in a rocky midterm election for the GOP. Scott Colom defeated Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith in the Deep South state that has been controlled mostly by white conservatives for generations. Colom noted Mississippi's civil rights history in his Wednesday night victory speech but pledged to represent all Mississippians. The Associated Press called the contest Wednesday evening. Hyde-Smith posted a concession video on social media. National and Mississippi Democrats are celebrating the win as a seismic shift in the state and region. Colom capitalized on the state’s large Black population, discontent with the economy and Hyde-Smith’s mistakes.
White House confronts Democrats over planned probes, claiming possible 'criminality'
WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House has issued a warning to Democrats over their planned probes into the Trump administration. It's going as far as claiming that such investigations, which are a standard oversight function of Congress, may amount to “blatant criminality.” White House counsel Will Scharf issued the warning in a letter dated Monday to Rep. Robert Garcia, top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Garcia most likely will chair the powerful panel in the new Democratic-controlled Congress. Garcia said in response to the letter that “it appears Donald Trump has something to hide” and stressed that Congress’s investigative powers do not need the “permission of the White House.”
Trump says the towering arch he wants to build might be dedicated to military veterans
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump has observed Veterans Day by suggesting that the towering arch he wants to build in his own honor might also be dedicated to veterans and the U.S. military. That's despite three veterans having joined a lawsuit to stop the project, which a federal court has temporarily blocked. Some military groups support the arch, but many oppose it. Trump says the 250-foot arch, inspired by Paris' Arc de Triomphe, has been desired for centuries, though this isn't true. Despite legal and legislative hurdles, the White House continues to promote the project. The arch's plans include storing munitions and launching drones, adding to the controversy.
Who is Alice Huang? The woman at the center of Nvidia’s scandal remains elusive
Photos of Alice Huang alongside Nvidia chief Jensen Huang have fueled worldwide curiosity. But much of the Chinese businesswoman’s life remains a mystery. The New York Times has reported that U.S. officials believe she passed information to Beijing and developed a close relationship with the chipmaker’s CEO. China denies the spying allegations. Jensen Huang has admitted being unfaithful to his wife without naming the woman involved. Corporate records trace Alice Huang’s career from Chinese finance to a Singapore company under investigation over suspected violations of U.S. chip export restrictions. How the relationship developed, what information she allegedly shared and where she is now remain unanswered questions.
Pope Leo returns to a national celebration in his second homeland of Peru
LIMA, Peru (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has declared Peru his “homeland” as he arrived in Lima Wednesday at the start of his historic visit. Leo credits Peruvians with having formed him as a pastor by sharing their lives, joys and struggles with him. A nationwide party erupted to welcome the country's beloved “Padre Robert” home. The visit to Peru marks the final leg of Leo’s three-nation South America tour. Peru is seen as the emotional highlight of his trip because of the more than two decades that the former Robert Prevost spent in Peru as a missionary priest and later bishop. He is a dual citizen of the United States and Peru.
Father of boy who survived being buried alive is charged with attempted murder in South Carolina
LEXINGTON, S.C. (AP) — The father of an 11-month-old boy who survived being buried alive in a dog crate for a day has been charged with attempted murder in South Carolina. Authorities say Koah Sharp was taken to a hospital on Tuesday, a day after he was reported missing in Lexington County. He was in a dog crate wrapped in a towel. The boy’s 25-year-old father, Michael Comer, now faces attempted murder and other charges. He’s been in custody since Monday night. The Lexington County sheriff said Koah survived because of cool temperatures and an air pocket created by the towel.
Firefighters dig through rubble after NYC building collapse kills 2 and traps people in wreckage
NEW YORK (AP) — A building in Brooklyn has collapsed, and the fire department says people are trapped in the rubble. The New York City Fire Department says at least two people were killed. Firefighters were called to the three-story structure in Brooklyn around 4 p.m. Wednesday. News helicopter footage shows scores of firefighters scouring the debris, using their hands and power saws to get through the wreckage. The building collapsed in an area where construction had been occurring. Phone and email messages seeking comment were left with the architect, property owner and general contractor associated with the construction project.
Russia and Ukraine agree to a large prisoner exchange as talks end with no major breakthrough
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a large prisoner exchange during U.S.-mediated talks. However, no major breakthroughs were announced in efforts to end the war that began nearly five years ago. The two-day session in Abu Dhabi was the first meeting in nine months. U.S. officials are determined to revive peace efforts, with envoys set to meet with the Russian and Ukrainian presidents. Fighting continues on the front line, with both countries using long-range missiles and drones. Ukrainian officials say three people were killed and 11 were injured after Russia launched a daytime attack on a market in the southern Odesa region.
Biden says he wouldn't have run for a second term in 2024 if he knew he had cancer
ATLANTA (AP) — Joe Biden says he didn't know he had cancer while he was president and wouldn't have sought a second term if he'd already been diagnosed. The former Democratic president’s comments came in an interview with People magazine before the release of his White House memoir on Tuesday. Biden, who turns 84 on Nov. 20, was diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer months after leaving office in 2025. He tells People that “if I had known that I was feeling lousy because I had cancer,” then he wouldn't have gone ahead with a 2024 reelection bid. His campaign ended after a disastrous debate performance against Republican Donald Trump.
Former NFL coach Rex Ryan turns himself in after allegedly hitting Nashville pedestrians
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Former NFL coach Rex Ryan has turned himself in for allegedly hitting pedestrians with his truck in Nashville and leaving the scene. Police say two pedestrians had the right of way crossing a main street Thursday night when Ryan allegedly turned at a red light, running over their feet. Ryan faces misdemeanor charges of leaving the scene of an accident, failing to give information or render aid and failing to obey a traffic control signal. Ryan turned himself in early Wednesday and was later released. His attorney says Ryan “has been fully cooperative.” Ryan is a former head coach of the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets and is now an analyst on ESPN’s NFL pregame show.
