1. Mississippi's Senate race remains too close to call, with Democrat Scott Colom leading Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith by 2,574 votes, 467,930 to 465,356, about 97 percent counted. Black Delta organizers helped drive turnout, including in Holmes County, where late votes put Colom ahead by 28. Absentee and affidavit ballots arriving through Tuesday could decide it.
2. Three Winston-Salem shootings over the weekend left two people dead, three hurt, and two charged, police say. Jaylin Amir White, 21, died Saturday in a shooting at Hanes Mall Circle that began as a gambling incident inside the mall. Peyton Izaia Patterson, 19, died Saturday night near Winston-Salem State University during homecoming; Ziyaire Antonyo Spinks, 20, is held without bond for murder.
3. The IRS has announced 2027 tax changes, adjusting brackets and deductions for inflation, for returns filed in 2028. The standard deduction rises to $16,600 for single filers, $33,200 for married couples filing jointly, and $24,925 for heads of household. Families will also see an increased Child Tax Credit.
4. For Ministry Monday, Willie Mae McIver reflects on "In God We Trust," first placed on U.S. currency in 1864 and made the national motto in 1956. She says trusting God means believing wholeheartedly, citing Proverbs 3:5-6: trust in the Lord and He will direct your path. Choosing God over man brings peace and blessings.
5. Enslaved and free African Americans fought for both Patriot and British forces in the Revolutionary War. In 1775, Lord Dunmore promised freedom to enslaved people who joined the British, while Black troops served in the Continental Army. The First Rhode Island Regiment, which offered enslaved recruits freedom in 1778, became one of the Army's best units.