Kamala Harris phoned Donald Trump on Wednesday to congratulate him on winning the election, then formally conceded and called on her supporters to mobilize and “roll up your sleeves” during a speech at Howard University. In his own victory speech early Tuesday morning, Trump promised: “We’re going to help our country heal. We’re going to fix everything about our country.” (CNBC)
Hurricane Rafael hit Cuba as a Category 3 storm, causing power outages and up to 12-inch rainfall totals. As it moves into the Gulf of Mexico, it is expected to weaken, but the exact threat to the US Gulf Coast remains uncertain. The storm is forecast to become only the fifth hurricane to hit the Gulf of Mexico in the month of November since 1966. (CNN)
The Mexican Navy seized nearly 8,000 pounds of cocaine off Acapulco, resulting in the arrest of 9 individuals. The drugs were spotted from the air on a “Go Fast” boat with two outboard motors, and the suspects were arrested “in strict compliance with human rights.” The Navy says its surveillance operations are meant “to guarantee and maintain the rule of law at sea.” (UPI)
A fast-moving brush fire in Ventura County, California has already scorched over 10,000 acres, triggering evacuations and a red flag warning. The Mountain Fire remains at 0% containment, with at least two individuals hospitalized for smoke inhalation. Over 14,000 people have been evacuated while firefighters battle the blaze amid extreme fire risk conditions. (ABC News)
No criminal charges will be filed in the death of a 12-year-old boy who suffocated at a North Carolina wilderness camp. The DA said the case “did not involve criminal intent or recklessness sufficient to warrant criminal charges for involuntary manslaughter under the law.” However, the camp’s license was ultimately revoked due to violations related to the incident. (CNN)
