MARK KELLY, Democratic senator from Arizona, has won re-election (Facebook).

With a victory in Arizona, Democrats are within one seat of retaining control of the U.S. Senate for the next two years.

Mark Kelly has defeated his Republican opponent Blake Masters by 5.7 points. The balance is now even with each party controlling 49 seats …. so far.

But according to The New York Times, the outlook is good for Democrats to retain the seat in Nevada held by Catherine Cortez Masto. She has trailed in the ballot count to Republican Adam Laxalt since the counting started, but has closed to within less than 1,000 votes.

Remaining ballots to be counted will come mostly from the Las Vegas area, which is a Democratic stronghold.

Her win would give Democrats 50 seats, which amounts to a majority since Vice President Kamala Harris is the tie-breaking vote.

One more seat will be decided on Dec. 6 when Sen. Ralph Warnock competes against Republican nominee Herschel Walker in a runoff. Warnock had more votes, but neither had a majority, as required in Georgia.

Russians retreat from Kherson

UKRAINIAN TANKS in Kherson.

The regional capital of Kherson is now back in Ukrainian hands after Russian forces retreated in a major defeat for the invaders.

Kherson had been taken by Russians early in the war 10 months ago, but was the only regional capital held by them.

Residents celebrated into the night, according to United Press International, and chanted “ZSU,” the initials of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Sports: Astros GM not returning

James Click, general manager of the World Series champion Houston Astros, will not be offered a contract for 2023.

According to the Associated Press, Click – who had been fired from the Tampa Bay Rays in 2020 – was reportedly having issues with team owner Jim Crane.

It was the first time a general manager of a Series winner was let go since 1947.

College Football: USC improved its record to 9-1 with a 55-17 win over Colorado. Caleb Williams passed for 268 yards and three touchdowns for the Trojans. He also ran for two scores.

Weather: Sunny and cool

Perfect autumn weather for West Orange County for the next few days. The National Weather Service is forecasting sunny days and cool nights through the weekend and beyond.  Saturday’s daytime high should be 67 with an overnight low of 48. Sunday is expected to be similar with a high of 66 and a nighttime low of 46, with Monday very similar.