Raphael Warnock is victorious; McConnell criticizes Trump; Supreme Court hears election case

Plus, why Russian sanctions haven’t worked ... yet. [View this email online]( [NPR]( by Suzanne Nuyen Good morning. A jury in Manhattan has found Donald Trump's company guilty of a [long-running criminal tax fraud scheme]( that lasted into his presidency. The maximum penalty is $1.6 million. Here’s what we’re following today. First up John Bazemore/AP The last Senate race of the 2022 midterms has concluded, and [Democrat Raphael Warnock has come out on top]( beating Republican Herschel Walker. The win expands the Dems’ majority by one, from 50-50 to 51-49. It means “[a world of difference]( for Democrats, according to Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. The two-seat edge could help them avoid power-sharing negotiations, give them wiggle room during votes and help with Democratic presence on committees. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell criticized Donald Trump's calls to terminate the Constitution, saying that anyone seeking the presidency, which includes Trump, "[would have a very hard time]( being sworn in" if the Constitution was suspended. The Supreme Court hears arguments today on a case that could change elections in the U.S. The "[independent state legislature theory]( could give state legislatures nearly unchecked power to put in place all manner of election rules, without any available review by state courts. 🎧 [Listen to the facts of the case](. When sanctions were enacted against Russia in February after the country invaded Ukraine, many predicted an imminent collapse in the Russian economy. But the country [hasn’t been brought to his knees — yet](. Russia’s rosy economic statistics are likely concealing some serious damage. --------------------------------------------------------------- Newsletter continues after sponsor message --------------------------------------------------------------- ❤️ I’m really into Rakiesha Chase-Jackson As a Black woman, NPR project manager Rakiesha Chase-Jackson has had plenty of experiences where she felt powerless. Then, during the pandemic, her family discovered the joy of Legos. Building Legos with her family helped Chase-Jackson [realize she was the foundation]( and that even though she felt hidden or overshadowed, it was still important to fulfill her purpose. What are you really into? Fill out [this form]( or leave us a voice note at 800-329-4273, and part of your submission may be featured online or on the radio. --------------------------------------------------------------- 🎧 Today’s Listen Michelle Aslam/NP When Stafford Braxton was working as a photographer for a mall Santa in 2011, many families of color requested a Santa that looked more like them. He asked his managers, but they didn’t take his request seriously. So, he created his own company, called Santas Just Like Me. 🎧 Listen to how his [diverse Santas have affected the lives of people of color](. --------------------------------------------------------------- Before you go Valerie Macon/AFP via Getty Images - More than two dozen disappointed Swifties have filed a class action lawsuit accusing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation, of fraud, misrepresentation and antitrust violations over its [botched Taylor Swift Eras Tour ticket sale](. - Two women who were stalked and harassed are suing Apple over its AirTags, claiming the company hasn’t done enough to [protect the product from being used illicitly](. - NPR’s Life Kit has brought you a LOT of advice this year. But [these tips were 2022’s most popular](. - Franchise owners of McDonald's locations in the Pittsburgh area have been caught violating child labor laws. The violations involved [more than a hundred teenagers]( who were scheduled to work too many hours or late shifts. --------------------------------------------------------------- Stream your local NPR station. Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. [Find a Station]( --------------------------------------------------------------- Enjoying this newsletter? Forward to a friend! They can [sign up here](. Looking for more great content? [Check out all of our newsletter offerings]( — including Music, Politics, Health and more! You received this message because you're subscribed to Daily News emails. This email was sent by National Public Radio, Inc., 1111 North Capitol Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy]( [NPR logo]