Colom Wins Mississippi Senate Seat in Historic Upset
Democrat Scott Colom has won Mississippi's U.S. Senate race, defeating incumbent Republican Cindy Hyde-Smith, according to race calls made eight days after the midterm election. The victory makes Colom the first Black senator elected from Mississippi in more than 140 years and the first Democrat elected to the Senate from the state since 1982.
The result delivers Democrats an eighth flipped Senate seat. Supporters gathered at Tougaloo College to celebrate, dancing and weeping over a victory that had remained unresolved for days after the broader midterm results were known.
Spain Holds First General Strike in 14 Years
Millions of Spanish workers joined the country's first general strike in 14 years on Wednesday, walking off the job across a wide range of industries to demand government action on rising rents and stagnant wages. The strike disrupted public transport and other sectors less than three weeks before parliamentary elections on November 29, with housing costs now central to the campaign.
Riot police clashed with masked protesters in Madrid and Barcelona, leaving more than 70 people arrested, as unions and employers gave opposing verdicts on the walkout. In Barcelona, burning barricades and clashes erupted after a peaceful march against soaring housing costs, with police using projectiles to disperse protesters as violence spread through the city centre.
Opposition politicians accused Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of encouraging the strike for political gain ahead of the elections.
South Carolina Father Charged After Infant Buried Alive
The father of an 11-month-old South Carolina boy who was found buried alive in a dog crate has been charged with attempted murder, police said. The infant, Koah Sharp, was found on Tuesday in a shallow grave in the woods near his father's home after being buried for about 24 hours, wrapped inside a dog crate that was in turn wrapped in a towel.
The boy was reported missing while in the care of his grandmother, who authorities said left him with her son, Michael Comer, to run an errand. Dozens of first responders combed the countryside before rescuers found the child crying and covered in dirt. His grandfather, John Comer, said the boy was clinging to life when found and soon stopped crying. He is being cared for in hospital.
House Republicans Pick Jim Jordan as Minority Leader
House Republicans have elected Jim Jordan as their minority leader for the next Congress, defeating Majority Leader Steve Scalise 106-73 in a secret ballot. Jordan, the Judiciary Committee chairman and a close ally of President Donald Trump, succeeds Mike Johnson, who did not seek the role after Republicans lost both chambers in last week's midterms.
A co-founder of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus and one of Trump's most vocal defenders, Jordan will lead the party's opposition as Democrats prepare to take control of Congress in January. He promised unity and a robust opposition.
Kennedys Sue to Block Trump's Arch Near Arlington
Nine members of the Kennedy family have sued the Trump administration, asking a federal judge to block construction of a 250-foot gilded arch near Arlington National Cemetery. The complaint argues the structure would cast a shadow over the graves of President John F. Kennedy and relatives and disrupt the sightline from the eternal flame memorializing him, permanently diminishing the memorials.
Bessent Moves to Military Base Over Iranian Threats
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has moved from his home in the Washington, D.C., area to a U.S. military base out of concern for his safety, including alleged Iranian threats to his life, officials said. Bessent is leading an economic pressure campaign against Iran and is the latest Trump administration official to live on a military base over security concerns.
Iran is said to have geo-located Bessent's $12.5 million mansion in Washington after a photo of it was published.
Russian Ambassador to U.S. Alexander Darchiev Dies at 66
Alexander Darchiev, Russia's ambassador to the United States, died at the age of 66, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced. The ministry said he died suddenly and noted that he suffered from a chronic illness. It described him as an outstanding diplomat, an experienced leader and a kind colleague. Darchiev, a veteran diplomat who had previously served as ambassador to Canada, had been in the Washington post since early 2025.
Israeli Strike on Gaza Hospital Kills at Least Six
An Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed at least six people and wounded at least 20, according to Gaza's Health Ministry and the civil defence agency. The strike hit the hospital's surgery department, causing extensive damage. A surgeon, an official and a disabled patient were among the victims, a witness said. Israel said it was targeting a Hamas commander and other militants. The attack occurred despite the 2025 cease-fire.
Nvidia Board Weighs Jensen Huang's Future as CEO
Nvidia's board is considering CEO Jensen Huang's future following reports of extramarital affairs, including a relationship with Alice Huang, a senior executive at Singapore-based data centre company Megaspeed, whom Huang has admitted to having a relationship with. A second affair has also been reported. News of the board's deliberations drove Nvidia's stock down more than 8 percent in after-hours trading.
Manchester United Sack Michael Carrick With Club in Relegation Zone
Manchester United have sacked Michael Carrick as head coach with the team 18th in the Premier League, after one win in their past 11 matches. The club paid tribute to Carrick as a legend but said the change was necessary. Mauricio Pochettino, the USA head coach, has a framework agreement to take over and is poised to return to the Premier League.
Brooklyn Building Collapse Death Toll Rises to Eight
The death toll from a residential building collapse in Brooklyn has risen to at least eight, with more than a dozen injured, officials said. Search crews peered into crevices in the rubble overnight, pulling out victims and at least one survivor. The cause of the collapse of the three-story apartment building was still under investigation.
Thunberg Tells COP31 the Planet 'Is Being Killed'
Greta Thunberg told the COP31 climate summit that the planet is not dying but is being killed and we know by who, excoriating world governments for failing to prevent environmental breakdown in her first appearance at the annual UN talks in five years. She also said no one is coming to rescue us.