National

Democrat Barack Obama was elected America's 44th president and its first African-American commander in chief Tuesday night, in a sweeping victory that cut across race, demographics and geography.

Born in 1899 in central Texas, Amanda Jones is the living link between the time when a black man could be owned as property and when a black man could be elected president of the United States. She calls Barack Obama's election "a blessing."

Born in 1899 in central Texas, Amanda Jones is the living link between the time when a black man could be owned as property and when a black man could be elected president of the United States. She calls Barack Obama's election "a blessing."

In these prepared remarks, President-Elect Barack Obama calls himself the unlikeliest presidential candidate, and warns supporters about the enormous problems the country must now face.

Same-sex marriage and abortion were among the hot-button issues addressed on some state ballots Tuesday. Voters in 36 states weighed 153 measures, ranging from affirmative action to assisted suicide. Most initiatives were decided by Wednesday.

Same-sex marriage and abortion were among the hot-button issues addressed on some state ballots Tuesday. Voters in 36 states weighed 153 measures, ranging from affirmative action to assisted suicide. Most initiatives were decided by Wednesday.