California governor commutes more than 500 death sentences, clearing state's death row

■ Steady

Democrats take Congress as attention turns to Hegseth and Republican fallout

On Thursday, California Governor Gavin Newsom commuted the death sentences of more than 500 people, converting them to life without parole. Democrats are discussing impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and pledging to cut living costs and scrutinise the Trump administration, after winning the House and Senate in Tuesday's midterms. Vice-President JD Vance has blamed the Iran war for the Republican defeat, while the Alaska and Mississippi Senate races remain uncalled.

• Newsom's commutations clear California's death row, described as the largest such clearing in modern US history.
• Democrats can adopt impeachment articles against Hegseth in the House, but conviction would need Republican votes in the Senate. Thomas Massie has filed eight articles.
• Vance said the Iran war doomed Republicans. Trump said Democrats did well and that the war may have played a role, but did not take personal responsibility.
• Democrats take control of both chambers in January. Speaker Mike Johnson reportedly will not seek the minority leader post.