Overview of CNN’s Five Things
In its November 11 news briefing, CNN covered the projected Democratic win in Mississippi’s Senate race, developments involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the death of Russia’s ambassador to the United States, and two serious criminal investigations in the U.S.
Mississippi Senate Race
CNN projected that Democrat Scott Colom would defeat Republican incumbent Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith. The close race had remained unresolved while officials in Hinds County reviewed provisional ballots. Colom would become the first Black person elected to statewide office in Mississippi since Reconstruction.
The report said Democrats would have at least 55 Senate seats to Republicans’ 44, with Alaska’s Senate race still undecided.
U.S. and International News
- Brooklyn building collapse: A three-story building collapsed, trapping people beneath the rubble. First responders were at the scene.
- Hegseth at Arlington: President Donald Trump praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a Veterans Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, a day after House Republicans blocked an effort to impeach him. A guard later reprimanded Hegseth and senior advisers for talking and laughing near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where visitors are expected to remain silent.
- Russian ambassador dies: Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced that Ambassador Alexander Darchiev had died at 66. It cited a chronic illness but gave no cause of death. Darchiev had taken up the Washington post in early 2025, as both the Trump administration and Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled interest in improving U.S.–Russia relations.
North Hollywood Crash
A minivan driver was arrested on three counts of murder and driving under the influence after crashing into street vendors and pedestrians in North Hollywood. Police said three women, aged 40 to 60, were killed and two women in their 50s were critically injured. A local resident described the women who sold hot dogs at the intersection as beloved members of the community.
Infant Found After Search in South Carolina
Investigators found 11-month-old Koa Sharp alive after he had been buried beneath roughly a foot of dirt inside a dog crate in the woods for about 24 hours. Authorities said the search began after Koa and his father, Michael Comer, disappeared. Comer was arrested on burglary and resisting-arrest charges; the report said his bond hearing was scheduled for the following day. Koa was taken to a hospital, but officials had not released details about his condition.