AP News Summary at 11:42 a.m. EST

US military downs 2 Iranian attack drones as Iran claims a strike on a US radar in Bahrain The U.S. military has intercepted two Iranian attack drones headed toward Bahrain. The Revolutionary Guard claimed it struck a U.S. radar system in Bahrain, but this couldn't be independently verified. The U.S. denied any damage or injuries. Iran also reported a tanker struck a naval mine in the Strait of Hormuz, causing an explosion. Meanwhile, in Iran, thousands mourned 350 unidentified soldiers from the Iran-Iraq war. In Gaza, a 9-month-old boy died from hypothermia, raising concerns about the winter ahead. Humanitarian groups warn more people are at risk without increased winter supplies. Van Hollen to challenge Schumer for Senate Democratic leader WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland says he will run for Senate Majority Leader in the next Congress, setting up a challenge to Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after the party swept to power in the midterm elections. Van Hollen said in a statement Thursday night that “the American people called for change” and that is why he is running. The race will be the first contested election for Democratic leader in decades. The question of whether to reelect Schumer has already divided the caucus and many senators will not say publicly how they will vote. Fallout from the Nvidia scandal may dampen the exuberance around the AI boom Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s stunning resignation has sent ripples throughout the global technology industry, with competitors itching to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding the chip giant. Others wonder if the downfall of one of AI’s biggest cheerleaders will dampen the mood around the civilization-altering technology. Some of Nvidia’s biggest rivals, such as Broadcom, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices, saw their shares advance Thursday following Huang’s departure, as investors predicted that its customers may be looking to diversify their suppliers. In the end, analysts say, this might not be such a bad thing. Bessent blames Lutnick's Commerce Department for not restricting Nvidia chips to China WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says he was frustrated with the Commerce Department’s delay in implementing controls over the export of certain Nvidia chips to China. Bessent said on CNBC Friday that his department, along with the departments of State and Defense and the U.S. Trade Representative, were in favor of adding Megaspeed to an export control list for months but that the Commerce Department was in charge of the matter. Republicans acknowledge voters rejected them but show little appetite for breaking with Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are grappling with unexpected losses after the midterm elections. National Republican Congressional Committee chair Rep. Richard Hudson acknowledges the party's failure to connect with voters on key issues like high gas prices. This week, Republicans met behind closed doors to analyze their defeat and plan their next moves before Democrats assume control of the House and the Senate in January. Some Republicans are angry and blame their party's leadership, while others focus on future strategies. House Republicans elected Jim Jordan as their leader, reflecting a desire for a more combative approach. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans reelected John Thune, suggesting a more moderate stance. Democrats are weighing impeachment of RFK Jr. while courting his supporters NEW YORK (AP) — When Democrats take over Congress in January, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will be a major oversight target. His changes to vaccine guidance and cuts to medical research have sparked criticism. Some lawmakers have suggested impeachment, and probes into his actions are underway. However, Democrats also want to find common ground with Kennedy’s Make America Healthy Again supporters. This balance is tricky since many MAHA activists still see Kennedy as an ally. Democrats will try to hold him accountable while collaborating on shared interests like regulating pesticides and improving school lunches. They'll also have to work to lower health costs. Pope says it's a "joy" to be home as Peru's Chiclayo welcomes back its former shepherd CHICLAYO, Peru (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has returned to his former diocese of Chiclayo, Peru, marking an emotional homecoming. He says it is a “joy” to be home. His visit highlights his deep connection with the local community. The pope's Latam charter landed Friday at Chiclayo’s airport. The Vatican estimates 1 million people lined his motorcade route, and another 500,000 were at the Mass. Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, spent two decades as a missionary priest and bishop in Peru. He is beloved for his dedication to social justice and his closeness to the people. His visit is filled with joy and nostalgia, as he reconnects with the place and people who shaped his ministry. Bigger and more-frequent wildfires threaten water supplies across the US A record number of wildfires burned more than 14,062 square miles in the U.S. this year, leaving behind charred trees and scorched vegetation. But less-obvious are the impacts they had on the streams and rivers that provide drinking water to urban and rural communities across the country. After a wildfire burns a watershed, rain will carry ash and organic matter into the streams that feed water treatment plants for towns and cities. Utilities must turn off the intake to keep the sediment-filled water from contaminating their systems and switch to another source, if it’s available. New studies found that wildfires can contaminate water for up to 15 years. These findings are especially concerning as climate change has led to an increase in the number and size of wildfires in the U.S. UK police launch sex offense investigation into children’s author and comedian David Walliams LONDON (AP) — London police say they are investigating children’s author and comedian David Walliams for serious sexual offenses after news outlets reported allegations of misconduct. The Metropolitan Police said it had received a number of allegations of abuse in the past after a joint investigation by ITV News and the Guardian newspaper. The allegations are different from those reported by the news outlets, police said. But they will also look into the news stories to see if there is evidence of other crimes. Stocks sway as Wall Street heads for a winning week after several turbulent days NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks are swinging again on Wall Street, but the market remains on track for its first winning week since early October. The S&P 500 fell 1.1% Friday and is on track for a weekly gain of 1.8%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 163 points, or 0.3%. The Nasdaq composite fell 1.9%. Technology stocks were the biggest weights on the market. Wall Street remains unsteady a day after the AI industry was rocked by the resignation of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. Oil prices rose. Treasury yields were mixed in the bond market. Stocks in Europe and Asia were also mixed. More from this section News Master carver to engrave crystals from last year's New Year's Eve ball sold as mementos Updated 18 hrs ago Texas Tioga takes down Alvord in the quarterfinals Nov 10, 2026 News Historic Ship New Reef Nov 11, 2026 Associated Press Matt Boldy has 2nd hat trick of season to help Wild beat Maple Leafs, 5-2 13 hrs ago Inside Killeen Podcast