November 5, 2026 4:41 am
CRANBERRY, Pa. — After Tuesday’s election, Democrats in Pennsylvania will hold the Governor’s Office, State House, and State Senate. “We now have a responsibility to govern and govern responsibly with this new trifecta, and that is exactly what we will do,” Gov. Josh Shapiro said Wednesday. He announced some things he wants to get done now that he has full party control in the legislature, including funding mass transit and raising the minimum wage. Despite the big wins for Democrats across the state and country, southwestern Pennsylvania Republicans performed very well, with only one GOP-controlled state house seat flipping blue, and one Democratic seat returning to GOP control.
November 5, 2026 4:45 am
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump faces a tough decision on his unpopular war against Iran after the Republican Party’s midterm losses. He had hinted at escalating the conflict if Tehran didn’t meet his terms by Election Day. Now with the election behind him, Trump must decide whether to escalate, maintain the status quo or find a pathway out of the conflict. Despite acknowledging the political cost, Trump on Wednesday said his decision to launch the conflict was the right one. The war has caused significant casualties and had an economic impact around the globe. The AP Voter Poll found about one-third of voters said the war in Iran was “crucial” to shaping how they voted for Congress.
November 5, 2026 4:49 am
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaskans have settled in to await more results for key races on the general election ballot that are not yet called. Those include a bitterly fought U.S. Senate campaign and an open seat for governor. A ballot measure seeking to repeal the state’s unique system of open primaries and ranked vote general elections is also too early to call. If no candidate wins more than 50% of first-choice votes, rankings will come into play. Alaska accepts ballots from overseas voters for up to 15 days after the election. That makes Nov. 18 the date targeted by state elections officials to tabulate the votes under the ranked vote system.
November 5, 2026 4:46 am
TAYIBE, Israel (AP) — A veteran Arab lawmaker in Israel says his bloc is willing to break with decades of precedent and join forces with Jewish-led parties in a shared bid to end Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s long rule. But any such partnership could be politically fraught for both sides. For the Joint List, it would mean backing a government unlikely to end Israel’s wars or curb settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. For Netanyahu’s opponents, it would mean aligning with parties that not only criticize Israeli policies, but reject its identity as a Jewish state.
November 5, 2026 5:57 am
PARIS (AP) — French trade unions are joining forces for more nationwide strikes and demonstrations for higher wages and in support of the high school protest movement. Major rallies are expected in Paris, Lyon, and Marseille on Thursday after more than a month of protests across France. Transportation chaos is expected and some schools could be shut as teachers join the strike. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said that 70,000 police officers are being deployed. They are being backed by armored vehicles, drones and helicopters. France’s main unions warned in a joint statement that the country is on the brink and anger is mounting.
November 5, 2026 4:50 am
JetBlue has raised its checked baggage fees for the second time this year. The increase took effect Tuesday and comes just weeks before the busy holiday travel season in the U.S. kicks off with the Thanksgiving weekend. Most domestic economy passengers will now pay at least $50 each way for their first checked bag. That is up from $39 previously. The price climbs to $55 during peak travel periods like the winter holidays. A second checked bag also increased to $70 each way and $75 during peak travel. JetBlue previously raised checked bag fees in March after the Iran war began and helped set off a broader round of baggage fee hikes among major U.S. airlines.
November 5, 2026 2:08 pm
LONDON (AP) — Russell Brand has been convicted of raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others. The British comedian faces a significant prison term when sentenced Monday. Brand, known for his risqué comedy and past promiscuity, denied the charges. He was taken into custody after the judge rejected a bail request. Prosecutors described him as a manipulative predator. The jury deliberated for over eight hours before reaching the verdict. Brand was acquitted of two rape counts and one attempted indecent assault. Police have provided prosecutors with investigations into two more allegations against him. Brand’s conviction follows a 2023 investigation by The Times and Channel 4. (Photo: AP)
November 4, 2026 4:50 am
World shares are mostly higher though heavy selling of artificial intelligence-related stocks offset gains for some markets following the U.S. midterm elections. South Korea’s Kospi sank 5.3% and the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo lost nearly 2% on Thursday. Oil prices fell and U.S. futures were mixed after the Dow industrials jumped more than 3% on Wednesday after the Republican Party lost control of the U.S. Congress in the midterm elections. The S&P 500 picked up 1.6% and the Nasdaq composite rose 1.4%. U.S. stocks usually climb following midterms regardless of who wins. But technology shares have taken a hit as investors mull the potential impact on the AI boom from a Congress led by Democratic Party lawmakers.
November 5, 2026 12:47 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — The National Toy Hall of Fame has inducted bingo, Care Bears, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and the humble playground slide. These toys join classics like Mr. Potato Head and G.I. Joe. Experts at The Strong National Museum of Play, which hosts the Hall of Fame, highlight bingo’s global popularity and its appeal to young adults. Care Bears gained support through social media, while Pokémon cards were boosted by anime and manga fans. The slide is praised for helping children develop motor skills. To be inducted, toys must be iconic and engage multiple generations. (Photo: AP)
November 4, 2026 5:50 pm
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks soared after President Donald Trump’s party lost its sole control of Washington in the midterm elections. Stocks generally do well in the months following any midterm U.S. election, regardless of who wins, and the S&P 500 jumped 1.6% Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged more than 1,500 points, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1.4%. Stocks of hospital owners and retailers focused on lower-income Americans helped lead the widespread rally. Investors meanwhile see risks for Trump’s social-media company, the AI industry and Elon Musk’s businesses. Oil prices tumbled, which helped Treasury yields ease in the bond market.
