Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) was reelected Senate minority leader despite the first challenge to his position during his 15 years as the chamber's top Republican. The challenge came from Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla), the Senate's Republican campaign chief. Scott blamed McConnell for the Republicans' disappointing showing in the midterm elections. McConnell, who easily defeated Scott by a 37-10 margin, will break the record for longest-serving Senate leader next year. 

SEE WHY HERSCHEL WALKER PLAYED A ROLE IN THE VOTE

The Senate on Wednesday voted to advance a bill protecting federal recognition of same-sex marriage, prompted by concerns that a more conservative Supreme Court could reverse a 2015 decision that made it legal nationwide. The bill garnered the 60 votes (50 Democrats, 12 GOP) required to limit debate before a final vote on its passage. If passed as is, the bill would not block states from banning same-sex or interracial marriages if the Supreme Court allows them to do so.

FIND OUT THE ODDS OF THE BILL PASSING THE NEW HOUSE

When Taylor Swift announced her first tour in five years, "Swifties," as her fans are called, jumped online to see their favorite artist. Instead, they were met with a massive queue, site glitches and soaring costs. The American ticketing industry, which the company Ticketmaster overwhelmingly dominates, has for years left concertgoers frustrated by hidden fees, rampant scalpers and limited tickets due to presales.

FIND OUT WHAT'S BEING DONE ABOUT TICKETMASTER TRICKS

Taylor Swift's latest album "Midnights" broke many records, including becoming the first artist to place how many songs in Billboard's Top 10?

Wednesday's answer: The world's population officially topped the 1 billion milestone in 1804. It took another 123 years (1927) to hit 2 billion. The Earth reached the 8 billion milestone only 95 years later.