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Democrat Scott Colom has won the U.S. Senate seat from Mississippi , defeating Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith by just a few thousand votes. Colom will be the first Black Senator from the state in nearly 150 years . His win expands the Democratic majority in the new Congress to 55 seats. The Alaska race is still undecided.
Scott Colom speaks with attendees at an event held at the Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, Miss. on Aug. 1, 2026. Sarah Warnock/AP hide caption
The White House is warning Democrats that their planned investigations into administration officials could cross the line into "blatant criminality." White House Counsel Will Scharf said in a letter to Rep. Robert Garcia, who is expected to lead the House Oversight Committee next year, that the administration is monitoring "abusive and capricious threats" from Democrats. The letter concludes by saying that "the administration will not be extorted and will not be cowed by unlawful process, motivated by animus, pettiness, hatred or any other unlawful motive to intimidate, penalize or interfere with the lawful functioning of government." Garcia said Democrats will not be deterred by threats from the Department of Justice or Trump's lawyers.
Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a significant prisoner swap after two days of U.S.-mediated talks in Abu Dhabi. Trump's envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are now in Moscow today to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin and attempt to make more headway to end the war in Ukraine.
Abdul El-Sayed sits down for an NPR Newsmakers interview. Bronson Arcuri/NPR hide caption
Go face-to-face with the person of the moment. NPR's Newsmakers video podcast brings the biggest names in politics, business, sports, arts, and culture out of the headlines and into the interview chair to discuss the mark they're making on the world. Follow the Newsmakers podcast or subscribe to NPR's YouTube channel to get new episodes as soon as they're available.
Abdul El-Sayed has made history as the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. The 42-year-old progressive from Michigan is already calling for a new direction for his party and urging President Trump to collaborate on actionable solutions. El-Sayed said that voters have temporarily entrusted Democrats with power, but warns that they risk losing that trust if they don't act boldly. As the senator-elect comes into the new role, he is advocating for new Democratic leadership in Congress, an end to the war in Iran, the passage of "Medicare for All" and the abolishment of ICE. While he acknowledges the challenge Senate Democrats face with a majority that's a few seats shy of being filibuster-proof, he remains open to working with his new Republican colleagues. In conversation with Morning Edition 's Leila Fadel, El-Sayed reflects on the recent elections, the future of the Democratic Party and the need for impactful legislation in the upcoming years.
Watch or listen to the interview or read the article about their discussion.
Ford Motor vehicles are displayed for sale at the Leif Johnson Ford dealership on June 30 in Austin, Texas. Brandon Bell/Getty Images hide caption
The average price for a new vehicle in the U.S. has hit a record high of $51,109, according to Kelley Blue Book. This figure is about $500 above the previous record set in December 2025. For years, car prices have remained high, primarily due to supply chain issues stemming from the pandemic. But there's some good news: While that new high sets a record, it only represents a 2.1% increase over the past year. This means the price is rising more slowly. If you're in the market for a car, here's what to know :
U.S. actor Stacy Keach poses on May 15, 2018, during a photocall for the film "Gotti" at the 71st edition of the Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, southern France. Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images hide caption
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen .
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