In Mississippi, Colom wins Senate race; White House warns Dems of consequences for future probes

Colom’s Mississippi victory

Colom’s narrow win over Hyde-Smith gives Democrats a Senate seat and raises their new-Congress majority to 55. Alaska’s contest has not yet been decided. He is set to become the state’s first Black senator in almost 150 years.

White House challenges oversight

The letter said the administration would resist what it characterized as unlawful efforts to pressure officials or disrupt government operations. Garcia responded that threats from the Justice Department or Trump’s lawyers would not stop Democrats.

NPR’s Tamara Keith said the administration’s position could delay matters and lead Democrats to seek court enforcement of subpoenas. She said the letter also offers a preview of arguments the White House may use next year, and indicates it will oppose congressional oversight forcefully.

Ukraine talks and prisoner swap

Russia and Ukraine agreed to a major prisoner exchange after two days of U.S.-mediated discussions in Abu Dhabi. Trump envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and pursue further progress toward ending the war.

U.S. officials had explored security guarantees for Ukraine resembling NATO’s collective defense, NPR’s Charles Maynes reported. Moscow has rejected both that kind of arrangement and Ukraine’s full NATO membership. Kushner said he planned to brief Putin and encourage European involvement in talks on European security.

European leaders are expected to meet Kushner and Witkoff after their Moscow discussions. They will then meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ireland, amid concern about agreements made without European participation.

El-Sayed outlines priorities

Michigan progressive Abdul El-Sayed is the first Muslim elected to the U.S. Senate. The 42-year-old senator-elect is calling for new Democratic leadership and urging President Trump to work with him on practical solutions.

El-Sayed said voters had temporarily given Democrats power and warned the party could lose their confidence if it failed to act boldly. His priorities include ending the war in Iran, passing Medicare for All and abolishing ICE. He also said he was willing to work with Republican colleagues despite the majority’s limited margin for overcoming a filibuster.