Wednesday morning news: November 5, 2025

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Election results: governors » A successful Election Day for Democrats in a pair of high-profile votes to pick the next governors of Virginia and New Jersey.

Former U.S. Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger scored a double-digit victory over Republican current Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears.

Addressing supporters in Richmond, Spanberger noted she’s set to be the first female governor in the state’s history.

SPANBERGER: Your mom’s going to be the governor of Virginia, and I can guarantee those words have never been spoken in Virginia ever before. [cheers]

Her victory flips Virginia’s executive mansion where GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin is term limited.

And in New Jersey, another former congresswoman, Mikie Sherrill, also comfortably defeated her GOP opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. She told supporters in East Brunswick …

SHERILL:  Serving you is worth any tough fight I have to take on, and I am incredibly honored to be your next governor.

Election results: NYC » Meantime in New York City, voters have elected socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani.

The 34-year-old Muslim Mayor-elect has become a rising star in the Democratic party.

He defeated former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was running as an independent.

MAMDANI: My friends, tonight, we have toppled a political dynasty! 

President Trump endorsed Andrew Cuomo on the eve of the election, saying that in his view, electing a liberal is better than electing a socialist.

Ballot measures » Several states also voted Tuesday on major ballot measures.

In Maine, residents rejected a measure that would have required photo ID to vote and imposed new limits on absentee ballots and drop boxes. About 6 in 10 voters opposed it.

But in Texas, voters approved a constitutional amendment declaring that only U.S. citizens can cast ballots.

And in California, Gov. Gavin Newsom successfully ushered a ballot measure across the finish line.

NEWSOM:  We organized in an unprecedented way in a 90 day sprint. People from all over the United States of America contribute their voices and their support.

Californians approved a plan to re-draw the state’s congressional map … to add five more Democratic-leaning districts.

Gov. Gavin Newsom said the move was meant to offset redistricting earlier this year in Texas which added five more Republican-leaning districts.

In California, Democrats already control 83% of the districts in the state.

Cheney obit » Flags at the White House and Capitol flying at half-staff this morning … in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney.

He died Monday night at the age of 84 … due to complications from pneumonia … and heart disease.

House Speaker Mike Johnson paid tribute …

JOHNSON:  Someone who, uh, gave their life, loved their country, loved uh, serving their country in so many capacities. And so the honor is certainly due to him. And our, our prayers go out to the family.

We’ll have more on the life and career of Dick Cheney later in the program.

Israel latest » The United States is reportedly pushing a plan aimed at shaping the future of the post-war Gaza Strip.

The Associated Press, citing two anonymous U.S. officials, says Washington is proposing a UN Security Council resolution that would place an international stabilization force — or ISF — in Gaza … for at least two years.

UK minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer told reporters:

FALCONER: Some of the provisions of the 20-point plan do include ISF, and we support that being underpinned by a Security Council mandate, including a Security Council resolution…

He said the UK is fully engaged in helping ensure the stability of the Gaza Strip.

UPS plane crash » At least seven people are dead and 11 injured after a UPS plane crashed on takeoff in Kentucky Tuesday sending a fireball and column of smoke into the skies above Louville’s international airport.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the plane crashed a little after 5pm … as it was departing for Honolulu.

Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Niell said crews had a tough time getting a handle on the blaze.

ONIELL:  It's about a city block wide. You've got, uh, uh, fuel recycling, storage and some bulk fuel storage that's right there. Uh, you also have, uh, the auto parts area.

Video showed flames on the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke. The plane then lifted slightly off the ground before crashing and exploding.

I'm Kent Covington.

Straight ahead: Washington Wednesday with Hunter Baker. Plus, a World Tour report on the spreading war in Sudan.

This is The World and Everything in It.

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