Attention was focused on the vote tallies in crucial U.S. House contests on Thursday, as both major parties aimed to gain control of the lower chamber for the upcoming term in 2025. This is a critical moment for Democrats following Donald Trump’s win in the presidential election on Wednesday, coupled with Republicans securing a majority in the Senate.

To gain control of the House, a party needs 218 seats, and while neither party had hit this number yet, the current counts were leaning towards Republicans. According to the Associated Press, Democrats held 197 seats while Republicans claimed 209. Many races were still too close to call as of Thursday afternoon.

Earlier that day, Democrats successfully retained two more seats. Representative Val Hoyle from western Oregon won reelection against Republican Monique DeSpain, a veteran of the Air Force. Hoyle took over from long-serving Democratic Representative Peter DeFazio in 2022. Additionally, in New York, Laura Gillen defeated Republican Representative Anthony D’Esposito in his reelection bid.

On the Republican front, Pennsylvania Representative Scott Perry retained his seat, while Ryan MacKenzie ousted incumbent Democratic Representative Susan Wild in the state.

You can stay updated with results nationwide and find out about the races in your area by following YSL News Network’s live coverage.

Donald Trump announces lunch meeting with Joe Biden soon

Donald Trump mentioned to NBC News on Thursday that he and President Joe Biden have made plans to have lunch together “very soon” as Trump prepares for his return to the White House.

Biden, delivering a speech on Thursday, committed his administration to ensuring a smooth transition of power.

“In a democracy, the people’s will always prevails,” Biden stated from the Rose Garden at the White House. “I spoke to President-elect Trump yesterday to congratulate him on his victory and assured him that my entire administration would cooperate with his team to facilitate a peaceful and orderly transition. That is what the American people deserve.”

– Marina Pitofsky, Joey Garrison

Donald Trump appoints Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff

As anticipated, Donald Trump has nominated his 2024 campaign manager Susie Wiles to serve as the new White House Chief of Staff.

In a statement, Trump remarked, “Susie Wiles played a key role in securing one of the greatest political victories in U.S. history and was essential to my successful campaigns in both 2016 and 2020.”

Trump characterized Wiles as “tough, intelligent, innovative, and highly respected. It is a well-deserved honor to have Susie as the first female Chief of Staff in United States history.”

– David Jackson

Racist messages about plantations and the KKK reported across the nation around election time

Various individuals from multiple states reported receiving racially charged text messages a day before or after the 2024 election, containing threats related to the Ku Klux Klan and messages instructing recipients to “pick cotton at the nearest plantation,” according to reports and statements from local law enforcement.

Residents from states including Georgia, Detroit in Michigan, Virginia, Ohio, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina have shared their experiences with local news outlets regarding these anonymous messages they received around Election Day. One woman, identified as Renee by Fox 2 in Detroit, revealed a message she got late Wednesday night.

The message read, “Good afternoon Renee! You have been chosen to pick cotton at your nearest plantation. Be ready at 10am with all your personal belongings because you will never see them again. We will pick you up in a white bus. You will be checked for drugs and other substances! Once you arrive, you will be taken to your designated area. You are in group 10B.”

YSL News reached out to the FBI regarding these text messages on Thursday but has not yet received a reply.

– Jonathan Limehouse

Republican Dave McCormick defeats incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey in Pennsylvania Senate race

GOP businessman Dave McCormick has successfully unseated Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey, ending the three-term incumbent’s bid amid relentless criticism portraying him as ineffective and weak.

McCormick achieved this victory by diminishing his opponent’s significant advantages, as Casey has been a familiar face in Pennsylvania politics for decades.

This race captured national attention due to its potential to transition a Senate seat from Democratic to Republican control, amidst a narrow majority for Democrats.

– Bethany Rodgers

Fed Chair Jerome Powell states he won’t resign if Trump requests it

Jerome Powell, chairman of the Federal Reserve, declared on Thursday that he has no intention of resigning if Donald Trump asks him to step down.

“No,” Powell responded when asked this at his first news conference since Trump’s recent election win over Kamala Harris.

When pressed on whether he believes he would be legally required to resign, Powell answered, “No.” He elaborated that, in his view, federal law does not obligate him to step down.

Trump, who appointed Powell Since being appointed to his initial four-year term in 2017, Trump has frequently criticized the performance of Powell, who oversees the country’s central banking system that can influence interest rates. Recently, the Federal Reserve lowered its primary interest rate by a quarter percentage point on Thursday, marking its second consecutive rate reduction as inflation continues to stabilize.

President Joe Biden reappointed Powell for a second four-year term in 2021.

– Joey Garrison

Trump vows to carry out mass deportations – without addressing the potential costs

In a recent NBC News interview, Donald Trump committed to following through on the mass deportation of migrants who have entered the country illegally, dismissing concerns about the expenses involved in his strategy.

“It’s not really about the cost, we simply have to do it,” Trump explained to NBC, asserting that there is a significant number of criminals and drug lords that are residing in the U.S. without authorization. The president-elect has not provided further details on how this enormous task would be executed.

Vice President-elect JD Vance predicts that Trump’s strategy could lead to the removal of about 1 million individuals from the U.S. annually, a process the nonpartisan American Immigration Council estimates could incur around $88 billion each year. The council also suggests that deporting all undocumented immigrants would take roughly a decade and cost nearly a trillion dollars.

During his NBC interview, Trump mentioned that immigration issues played a significant role in his election victory. He also confirmed having “pleasant” and “very respectful” conversations with both Harris and Biden.

Trump remarked, “Harris engaged in discussions about the transition and expressed her desire for a smooth process,” to which he replied, “I agree completely.”

– David Jackson

Biden remains firm on late exit from the 2024 race, White House asserts

Joe Biden stands by his choice and the timing of his exit from the race, as affirmed by the White House on Thursday, despite some Democrats criticizing him for not withdrawing sooner.

According to White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, “He felt proud regarding his decision to pass the torch to the vice president. He believed this was the right time and that she was prepared for it.”

Some Democrats have expressed discontent that Biden waited until July 21 to exit the election, suggesting that a year earlier would have paved the way for a more competitive primary for the Democrats.

When asked if Biden thinks he would have succeeded had he remained in the race, Jean-Pierre reiterated that the president is confident he “made the right choice.”

Jean-Pierre refrained from commenting on whether Biden accepts any responsibility for Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat against Trump.

“He will respect the will of the voters,” she stated.

−Joey Garrison

White House attributes Harris’s defeat to global challenges

The White House has pointed to “global challenges” as a key reason for Vice President Kamala Harris’s defeat to President-elect Donald Trump.

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre highlighted global supply chain disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, which have led to increased inflation in the United States and globally over the past couple of years.

“What we witnessed recently was consistent with trends seen among incumbents on the worldwide stage,” Jean-Pierre remarked.

She noted the electoral losses faced by several international leaders, such as former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and French President Emmanuel Macron, as well as electoral setbacks for the heads of Japan and South Korea.

In a speech in the Rose Garden, Biden pledged to ensure a smooth transition, yet has not yet spoken to the press following Trump’s decisive election win, which also saw significant losses for Biden’s party among Latino male voters and working-class demographic groups.

“There will be ongoing analysis about the election’s outcomes in the upcoming days, weeks, and even months,” said Jean-Pierre. “I will leave those inquiries to the electoral specialists, as that is not my area of expertise today.”

−Joey Garrison

Trump invites donors to weigh in on his first-day priorities

The Trump campaign has reached out to donors via a new text message, seeking their input instead of financial contributions.

“I have one last question before I reclaim the White House,” Trump stated in the message. “WHAT SHOULD BE MY MAIN FOCUS ON THE FIRST DAY OF MY PRESIDENCY?”

The options provided include: “Build The Wall,” “Reduce Rising Crime,” “Revive The Economy,” “Overhaul Health Care,” “Uphold The Second Amendment,” and “Other.” During his campaign, Trump expressed a desire to be highly authoritative on immigration and energy matters from day one.

– David Jackson

Trump’s victory may bring significant changes to Biden’s higher education reforms

Donald Trump’s significant election win appears to indicate the potential reversal of many of President Joe Biden’s initiatives aimed at transforming higher education in the United States.

During his tenure, Biden approved billions in student loan forgiveness, implemented measures against colleges that exploit students, and made efforts to establish new safeguards for LGBTQ+ students. These initiatives – although some have stirred controversy and faced challenges – are integral Democratic goals that Trump’s election brings into jeopardy.

The former president’s language during his campaign and his actions in office provide clear indications of his intentions. Throughout his first term, he concentrated on rolling back higher education regulations introduced by former President Barack Obama, who was particularly vigilant on overseeing college policies.

The results from Tuesday’s election highlighted the divide between Americans based on their educational backgrounds.

While it’s uncertain what the incoming president will achieve in another four-year term, he is likely to leverage support from non-college-educated voters to take a vastly different direction than Biden regarding America’s universities, impacting millions pursuing higher education for a brighter future.

– Zachary Schermele

Surge in crisis calls to LGBTQ+ hotlines during the 2024 election

Crisis services catering to the LGBTQ+ community have reported a significant rise in demand during election week, according to a prominent national LGBTQ+ organization.

Since the early hours of Tuesday, The Trevor Project’s primary crisis services, which include a hotline, chat, and text options, have seen roughly a 125% increase in contacts compared to typical days, stated CEO Jaymes Black on Wednesday afternoon.

This surge follows a reported 200% increase in election-related discussions with The Trevor Project’s crisis services from November 3-4, with terms like “election” and “rights” being key indicators of that figure, according to a news release.

The heightened outreach to The Trevor Project has occurred alongside ongoing discussions about the LGBTQ+ community during the presidential campaign, leaving many feeling uneasy about upcoming legislative changes.

– Greta Cross

Biden congratulates Trump, assures smooth transfer of power

President Joe Biden expressed his commitment to ensuring a smooth transition of power on Thursday, two days after Vice President Kamala Harris ended her campaign to succeed him following Trump’s victory.

“In a democracy, the will of the people always wins,” Biden stated while addressing the country from the White House Rose Garden. “Yesterday, I spoke with President-elect Trump to congratulate him on his win and assured him that I would instruct my entire administration to collaborate with his team to facilitate a peaceful transition. This is what the American people rightfully expect.”

Biden’s message of unity stood in stark contrast to Trump’s angry reaction to defeat four years ago when he made unfounded claims of electoral fraud in a failed bid to overturn Biden’s win.

Biden also praised Harris for her inspiring campaign. Harris, who conceded the day before, had secured the Democratic nomination after Biden withdrew from the race in July due to concerns over his mental sharpness.

“Setbacks are part of the journey, but surrendering is unacceptable. We all face challenges,” Biden proclaimed. “A single loss does not imply that we are beaten.”

On the same day, Trump’s campaign revealed that Biden had extended an invitation for a meeting at the White House at a time yet to be specified. The White House indicated last week that Biden would attend his successor’s inauguration in January, regardless of the outcome.

Silence from Trump

Little communication has emerged from Trump, who has not even made a post on Truth Social since his victory speech early Wednesday. Reports suggest he is spending considerable time on the phone, including discussions with global leaders such as Chinese President Xi Jinping, French President Emmanuel Macron, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Another likely factor contributing to the quiet is Team Trump’s shift from campaigning to the government transition phase. During the campaign, Trump indicated he refrained from discussing the transition beforehand due to superstitions about jinxing his chances. Now, conversations about the transition are likely commanding the majority of his focus.

− David Jackson

A leading House Democrat extends congratulations to Trump

House Minority Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., issued a statement on Thursday congratulating Trump on his victory.

“I take pride in the fact that our Democratic Party rejects election denial. Our democracy is invaluable, and it hinges on boosting public confidence in the integrity of our electoral processes, rather than undermining it,” Jeffries stated. “We cannot profess to love America solely in times of our victory. The American electorate has made its choice. I congratulate President-elect Donald J. Trump.”

He went on to commend Harris and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as “exceptional public servants who conducted an uplifting and positive campaign focused on progress.”

− Sudiksha Kochi

Defense Secretary Austin states military will remain apolitical

The Pentagon is committed to ensuring a smooth transition to a Trump administration, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin affirming readiness to follow “all lawful orders.” Austin, who was appointed by Biden, will serve until Trump appoints a new secretary and secures Senate confirmation.

During his campaign, Trump spoke of facing an “internal enemy,” implying certain Democratic leaders.

Austin, in a memo to U.S. military personnel released publicly on Thursday, reaffirmed the military’s intent to “remain detached from politics; to protect our republic with integrity and professionalism; and to unite with our valued allies and partners.

who enhance our security.

What position will JD Vance have in the Trump administration?

President-elect Donald Trump has not revealed much about his plans for the second administration, but Vice President-elect JD Vance seems set for at least two important roles: supporter and spokesperson.

“He is quite the spirited individual, isn’t he?” Trump remarked about his 40-year-old running mate during his victory speech on Wednesday.

After clinching the vice presidential nomination, Vance took on the role of Trump’s leading advocate as he campaigned across the 2024 battleground states. He maintained a confrontational demeanor on social media, referring to Harris as “trash,” echoing President Joe Biden’s past misstatement. The new Ohio senator also participated in more media interviews than any other candidate at the top of the ticket – a total of 152, per his campaign – and turned press conferences into engaging events at his rallies.

“I know the president wants me to be involved in all matters, and I truly hope to be,” he told YSL News in September.

− David Jackson and Haley BeMiller

Republican ‘power trifecta’ could simplify Trump’s path

The Republicans have secured the presidency and the Senate, and they seem ready to hold onto their majority in the House. If that goes as expected, what can voters look forward to from a unified Republican leadership across all three branches?

From rapid appointments of Trump’s Cabinet selections to sweeping policy shifts, Republican lawmakers are likely to leverage their power to push Trump’s agenda forward, facing minimal opposition from the Democratic minority. Key priorities for Trump include limiting immigration and rolling back numerous regulations related to housing construction and energy production.

− Riley Beggin

Sen. Bernie Sanders criticizes Dems for neglecting working-class voters

Sen. Bernie Sanders is holding the Democratic Party responsible following Harris’s defeat by Trump and the Republicans taking over the Senate. In a social media statement, the Vermont senator expressed that the party leadership needs to engage in “serious political discussions” concerning Latino and Black voters who supported Republican candidates.

“It shouldn’t be a shock that a Democratic Party that has turned its back on working-class individuals would see those same individuals abandon them,” Sanders stated. “While the Democratic leaders uphold the status quo, the American people are frustrated and demand change. And they’re justified in feeling this way.”

At 83, Sanders, who runs as an independent but generally aligns with the Democratic Party, successfully secured his fourth term in the Senate on Election Day by beating Republican challenger Gerald Malloy. He first joined the Senate in 2007 after being elected to the U.S. House in 1991. He also ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016 and 2020.

− Anthony Robledo

Which key states did Trump secure on Election Day?

Trump was the first to win a pivotal swing state called on election night, taking North Carolina. He also achieved victories in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Furthermore, the former president captured traditional Republican strongholds across various states including Texas, Montana, and South Carolina. He also won several states that were once considered swing states but have shifted more to the right in recent years, such as Ohio and Florida.

− Marina Pitofsky

Which states did Harris win on Election Day?

Harris secured Democratic strongholds nationwide, including states like California, New York, and Illinois. Additionally, she won several New England states like Vermont and Massachusetts, along with the capital, Washington, D.C.

− Marina Pitofsky