The five most poplar stories on CNN.com in the past 24 hours, according to NewsPulse.

No African-Americans in next U.S. Senate: Despite record election achievements by African-Americans in the House, the United States Senate will not have an African-American in its ranks.

Wednesday's intriguing people: The surfing world is mourning the loss of triple world champion Andy Irons, who died unexpectedly at 32.

Reid basks in victory of 'hope' over fear: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid basked in his re-election Wednesday after Nevada voters helped him turn back a challenge from a Tea Party-backed Republican he painted as too extreme for the state.

Quantitative easing hits the Fed: In its latest move to jump start the sluggish recovery, the Federal Reserve announced it will pump billions into the economy.

Who will be 'Skating with the Stars'?: “Dancing with the Stars” has been a hit on ABC for more than five years, but will trading the dance floor for a skating rink bring similar success?