[Wednesday, November 05] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 5, 2025

Executive Summary

• Democrats achieve a historic sweep in the 2025 off-year elections, flipping gubernatorial mansions in Virginia and New Jersey and winning a stunning victory in the New York City mayoral race, results widely seen as a sharp public rebuke of President Trump.
• The federal government shutdown becomes the longest in U.S. history at 36 days, with the FAA preparing to cut flights and SNAP benefits at risk.
• President Trump, calling the GOP’s performance a “disaster,” is now demanding Senate Republicans eliminate the filibuster.
• The Supreme Court appears deeply skeptical of the administration’s tariff authority.

1. 2025 Elections: Democrats Score Historic Sweep in Rebuke of Trump

1.1. Zohran Mamdani Wins NYC Mayoralty in Stunning Progressive Upset

In the day’s most high-profile contest, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral race, capping a “stunning ascent” to power [1, 2]. At 34, Mamdani will be the city’s first Muslim mayor, winning on a progressive platform that included universal child care in an election that saw the highest voter turnout in decades [3, 4]. His victory overcame what one report called a “billionaire onslaught” of campaign spending directed against him [5]. In a fiery victory speech, he positioned New York as a center of opposition to the Trump administration, declaring the city a “light” and putting federal ICE agents operating in New York “on notice” [6, 7]. The win sparked immediate fallout, with the NYC Fire Commissioner resigning over Mamdani’s stance on Israel, while Senator Bernie Sanders defended the mayor-elect, stating his ideas are “‘Not Radical’” [8, 9].

References:
[1] Zohran Mamdani wins NYC mayor’s race, capping a stunning ascent, https://apnews.com/article/mamdani-cuomo-sliwa-nyc-mayor-af8b9790e7cb4e023d0984a0207cbcca
[2] Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani Wins Historic NYC Mayoral Race: “The Future Is in Our Hands”, https://www.democracynow.org/2025/11/5/zohran_mamdani_2025_victory_speech_nyc
[3] Zohran Mamdani, 34, Defeats Andrew Cuomo to Become N.Y.C.’s First Muslim Mayor in Historic Election, https://people.com/zohran-mamdani-defeats-andrew-cuomo-nyc-mayor-election-11837136?utm_campaign=peoplemagazine&utm_medium=social&utm_source=reddit.com&utm_content=post
[4] Zohran Mamdani, who ran on universal child care, elected New York City mayor, https://19thnews.org/2025/11/zohran-mamdani-new-york-mayor/
[5] Zohran Mamdani wins decisive victory in NYC, triumphing over billionaire onslaught, https://truthout.org/articles/zohran-mamdani-wins-decisive-victory-in-nyc-triumphing-over-billionaire-onslaught/
[6] Mamdani tells Trump that New York is ready to fight after president’s threats fail to thwart voters, https://apnews.com/article/trump-mamdani-new-york-city-86c90b81acdb062de35fd93958fdd4a8
[7] Mamdani Issues warning to Trump admin’s ICE agents After NYC mayoral win, https://www.newsweek.com/zohran-mamdani-ice-warning-donald-trump-new-york-10998303?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_influencers
[8] NYC Fire Commissioner to Resign Over Mamdani’s Stance on Israel, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-11-05/nyc-fire-commissioner-to-resign-over-mamdani-s-stance-on-israel?srnd=homepage-americas
[9] Zohran Mamdani’s Ideas Are ‘Not Radical,’ Sen. Sanders Says, https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/zohran-mamdani-s-ideas-are-not-radical-sen-sanders-says-251347013651

1.2. Democrats Flip Virginia and New Jersey Governorships

Across the nation, Democrats “dominated” the electoral landscape, sending an “unmistakable warning to Republicans” in what multiple analyses framed as a “backlash” against President Trump and his agenda [1, 2]. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger defeated Winsome Earle-Sears to flip the governorship, becoming the state’s first-ever female governor [3]. Her victory led a complete Democratic sweep of statewide offices in what was viewed as a decisive rejection of “Trumpism” [4]. In another Virginia first, Ghazala Hashmi was projected to win the lieutenant governor’s race, becoming the first Muslim woman elected to a statewide office in U.S. history [5]. In New Jersey, Rep. Mikie Sherrill won the governor’s race, securing a rare third consecutive term for the Democratic party in that office [6].

References:
[1] Democrats didn’t just rebound. They dominated., https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/05/democrats-2025-win-midterms-virginia-new-jersey-00637057
[2] The Backlash Has Arrived: 6 Takeaways From a Good Night for Democrats | In Virginia, New Jersey and beyond, Democratic voters powered their candidates to victory and sent a warning sign to President Trump and his Republican Party., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/us/politics/election-takeaways-democrats.html
[3] Virginia elects Democrat Abigail Spanberger as state’s first woman governor, https://19thnews.org/2025/11/abigail-spanberger-virginia-first-woman-governor/
[4] Democrats Sweep Statewide Races in Virginia, Projected to Gain Delegate Seats, As Voters Reject Trumpism, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/democrat-spanberger-wins-governor-race-as-virginians-reproach-trump/
[5] Ghazala Hashmi to win Virginia lieutenant governor’s race, CNN projects, becoming first Muslim woman elected statewide, https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/04/politics/ghazala-hashmi-virginia-lt-governor
[6] Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill wins New Jersey governor’s race, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/new-jersey-governor-winner-election-race-2025-rcna238902

1.3. Broad Democratic Gains in State Legislatures and Ballot Measures

The Democratic victories extended down the ballot. In a major upset, Mississippi Democrats broke the Republican supermajority in the state Senate by flipping multiple legislative seats [1]. In Pennsylvania, voters retained three state Supreme Court justices, preserving the Democrats’ critical 5-2 majority on the bench [2]. On the ballot, California voters approved Proposition 50, a redistricting measure championed by Governor Gavin Newsom to redraw House maps in a move described as “California Strikes Back in the Redistricting War” [3, 4]. In Maine, voters soundly rejected new voter ID and absentee ballot restrictions, while separately approving a “red flag” gun law following a recent mass shooting [5, 6].

References:
[1] Mississippi Democrats Break Republican Senate Supermajority, Flipping 3 Legislative Seats, https://www.mississippifreepress.org/mississippi-democrats-break-republican-senate-supermajority-flipping-3-legislative-seats/
[2] Democrats retain control of Pennsylvania’s supreme court with three-seat sweep, https://boltsmag.org/pennsylvania-supreme-court-democrats-win-2025/
[3] California voters approve new US House map to boost Democrats in 2026, https://apnews.com/article/california-redistricting-prop-50-gavin-newsom-839193bfc2a817086acca7365315f26f
[4] California Strikes Back in the Redistricting War, https://www.newyorker.com/news/the-lede/california-strikes-back-in-the-redistricting-war
[5] Mainers reject voter ID, absentee ballot restrictions as Question 1 fails, https://www.mainepublic.org/politics/2025-11-04/mainers-reject-voter-id-absentee-ballot-restrictions-as-question-1-fails
[6] Maine voters approve red flag gun law after mass shooting that killed 18, https://apnews.com/article/maine-election-guns-red-flag-lewiston-shooting-61e49c0eb1d7dbee24fb8cf3afb54084

1.4. Trump Calls GOP Performance a “Disaster,” Pushes to End Filibuster

President Trump reacted to the electoral “wipeout” by labeling it a “disaster,” acknowledging the government shutdown was “a big factor” while also blaming “kamikaze” Democrats [1]. He deflected personal responsibility, stating he “wasn’t on the ballot” and is now reportedly seeking to tout the economy after the tough results [2, 3]. The losses have ignited a “MAGA blame game” among his allies [4]. In a significant policy pivot, the President is now intensifying pressure on Senate Republicans to eliminate the legislative filibuster to break the shutdown stalemate, a move critics allege is aimed at passing “suppression laws” following the electoral rebuke [5, 6].

References:
[1] “Disaster”: Trump says government shutdown “a big factor” for GOP election night wipeout, http://salon.com/2025/11/05/disaster-trump-says-government-shutdown-a-big-factor-for-gop-election-night-wipeout
[2] Trump ducks responsibility after big Republican losses: ‘Wasn’t on the ballot’, https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-election-democrats-blame-b2858788.html
[3] Trump seeks to tout economy after tough elections for GOP, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5591773-trump-economy-vs-democrats/
[4] MAGA Blame Game Erupts After Republicans Suffer Nationwide Losses, https://www.thedailybeast.com/maga-blame-game-erupts-after-republicans-suffer-nationwide-losses/
[5] Donald Trump pushes Republicans to end Senate filibuster as shutdown sets record, https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/5590507-trump-warns-republicans-filibuster/
[6] After Voters Chastise Trump, He Demands End to Filibuster to Pass Suppression Laws, https://www.democracydocket.com/news-alerts/after-voters-chastise-trump-he-demands-end-to-filibuster-to-pass-suppression-laws/

2. Record-Breaking Government Shutdown Threatens National Services

2.1. Now Longest in History, Shutdown Prompts Imminent FAA Flight Reductions

Now in its 36th day, the partial government shutdown has officially become the longest in U.S. history, with fallout spreading nationwide [1]. The crisis is poised to severely disrupt the nation’s air travel system, as the Federal Aviation Administration is preparing to cut flights by 10% at 40 major airports to manage staffing shortages and delays [2]. According to Reuters, these cuts could be implemented as early as this Friday if no deal is reached [3]. Air traffic controllers had previously issued an urgent warning that the air system was approaching a “tipping point” for safety [4].

References:
[1] Government shutdown becomes the longest on record as fallout spreads nationwide, https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-longest-trump-republican-senators-democrats-9712df6c11ef19c5df8f18c8a4f7b341?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-11-05-Breaking+News
[2] FAA to cut flights by 10% at 40 major airports amid government shutdown, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/05/faa-cuts-flight-capacity-shutdown.html
[3] US may cut air traffic 10% by Friday without shutdown deal, sources say, https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/us-may-cut-air-traffic-10-by-friday-without-shutdown-deal-sources-say-2025-11-05/
[4] Air traffic controllers warn of ’tipping point’ as U.S. government shutdown drags on, https://www.npr.org/2025/11/05/nx-s1-5598420/air-traffic-controllers-government-shutdown

2.2. Human Toll Mounts as SNAP Benefits and Federal Pay Are Withheld

The shutdown is exacting a widespread human toll. Millions of federal workers are going unpaid, with reports that some are now facing hunger [1]. The crisis extends to the social safety net, as a “defiant” President Trump vowed that SNAP payments will not resume “until Democrats cave” [2]. A New York Times report has revealed a White House policy that may prevent some SNAP recipients from receiving their food stamps [3]. The Department of Veterans Affairs has issued a statement that veterans are going without critical services, explicitly blaming the “Democrats’ government shutdown,” highlighting the intense partisan finger-pointing [4].

References:
[1] Millions are going unpaid and hungry as the US federal government shutdown breaks records, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-06/us-federal-government-shutdown-data/105965562
[2] A defiant Trump vows no SNAP payments until Democrats cave on shutdown, https://stateline.org/2025/11/04/repub/a-defiant-trump-vows-no-snap-payments-until-democrats-cave-on-shutdown/
[3] Some SNAP Recipients May Not Receive Food Stamps Under White House Policy, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/05/us/politics/snap-payments-white-house.html
[4] Veterans go without critical VA services, 37,000 VA employees missing pay due to Democrats’ government shutdown, https://news.va.gov/press-room/veterans-go-without-critical-va-services-37000-va-employees-missing-pay-due-to-democrats-government-shutdown/

3. Executive Power Under Judicial and Internal Scrutiny

3.1. Supreme Court Appears Skeptical of Presidential Tariff Authority

The Supreme Court is weighing the legality of President Trump’s tariff policies in a “major test” of executive power [1]. During oral arguments, the administration’s case received a “frosty reception,” with multiple justices across the ideological spectrum appearing “skeptical” and sharply questioning the legal basis for the tariffs [2, 3]. Justice Neil Gorsuch was noted for delivering a clear warning about the expansion of presidential power. The case is seen as a critical test, with one analysis noting some conservative justices have previously worked to curb the exact type of power the President is exercising [4].

References:
[1] Supreme Court takes up first major test of Trump’s presidential powers in tariffs case, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/11/04/what-to-know-supreme-court-challenge-trump-tariffs/87010780007/
[2] Trump’s tariffs get frosty reception at Supreme Court, https://thehill.com/homenews/5589317-trump-tariffs-supreme-court/
[3] Supreme Court justices appear skeptical that Trump tariffs are legal, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/05/supreme-court-trump-trade-tarrifs-vos.html
[4] The Court Must Decide If the Constitution Means What It Says | Conservative justices have worked to curb exactly the kind of power Trump is abusing in the tariff case, https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/11/supreme-court-tariffs-legal-trump/684818/

3.2. FBI Director Patel Under Fire for Firings of Trump Investigators

The FBI is experiencing significant internal turmoil after an association representing agents publicly blasted Director Kash Patel for “’erratic’ personnel moves” [1]. The group’s rare public criticism cites the firings of agents who participated in past investigations of Donald Trump. This follows an AP report confirming additional agents involved in those probes had been fired, and a separate report that agents in the Jack Smith probe were “fired, unfired, then refired,” suggesting a deepening conflict within the bureau [2, 3].

References:
[1] FBI agents group blasts Patel over ’erratic’ personnel moves targeting agents who probed Trump, https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/fbi-agents-group-blasts-patel-over-erratic-personnel-moves-targeting-agents-who-2025-11-04/
[2] FBI fires additional agents who participated in investigating Trump, AP sources say, https://apnews.com/article/fbi-firings-kash-patel-jeanine-pirro-b5593fdbe1c94056457a895daef3ea9c
[3] FBI fires, unfires, then refires agents linked to Jack Smith probe, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/fbi-agents-tied-trump-investigations-are-fired-rcna241731

3.3. Reports Allege Plan to Entrench GOP Power

Headlines from multiple outlets have emerged describing what is characterized as a “shocking plan” revealed by President Trump, allegedly designed to ensure Democrats will “‘most likely never attain power’ again” [1]. One report from The Daily Beast describes it as a “sinister plan to rule forever” [2]. These reports follow an article stating the White House is preparing an “anti-voter executive order” based on what it calls a “baseless fraud claim” following the election [3]. The specific details of the alleged long-term plan are not provided in the headlines.

References:
[1] Trump just revealed his shocking plan for Democrats to ‘most likely never attain power’ again, https://www.nj.com/politics/2025/11/trump-just-revealed-his-shocking-plan-for-democrats-to-most-likely-never-attain-power-again.html
[2] Trump Orders Republicans to Approve His Sinister Plan to Rule Forever, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-orders-republicans-to-approve-his-sinister-plan-to-rule-forever/
[3] With Baseless Fraud Claim, White House Says Trump Preparing Anti-Voter Executive Order, https://www.commondreams.org/news/executive-order-voter-fraud

4. Domestic Policy, Security, and Notable Figures

4.1. Controversial Immigration Raids in Chicago; U.S. Military Strike

A significant immigration enforcement crackdown has been reported in Chicago, where federal agents conducted raids on sensitive locations including a daycare and a senior living center [1]. The enforcement actions sparked local outrage, with residents alleging children were tear-gassed in areas near the operations [2]. Separately, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that a U.S. strike killed two individuals on an “alleged drug boat” in the Eastern Pacific [3].

References:
[1] In Chicago immigration crackdown, agents raid daycare, senior living center, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/chicago-immigration-crackdown-agents-raid-daycare-senior-living-center-2025-11-05/
[2] Chicago residents say kids tear-gassed due to nearby immigration enforcement, https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/chicago-immigration-enforcement-children-tear-gas-border-patrol-rcna241629
[3] 2 killed in U.S. strike on alleged drug boat in Eastern Pacific, Hegseth says, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/2-killed-us-strike-alleged-drug-boat-eastern-pacific-hegseth-says-rcna242012

4.2. Notable Death: Former Vice President Dick Cheney

News outlets are reporting the death of former Vice President Dick Cheney at the age of 84. The headline from The New Republic, “Dick Cheney Dies at 84—Unfortunately Not at The Hague,” reflects a highly critical perspective on his legacy, citing his role in the Iraq War and torture policies [1].

References:
[1] Dick Cheney Dies at 84—Unfortunately Not at The Hague, https://newrepublic.com/post/202647/dick-cheney-dies-iraq-war-torture-no-regrets

5. Congressional Dynamics and Partisan Aftermath

5.1. Democrats Face Strategic Headwinds Despite Victories

Despite a triumphant election day, the Democratic Party faces significant strategic headwinds. The party suffered a “major blow” to its hopes of holding the House with the announcement that Rep. Jared Golden of Maine, who represents a Trump-won district, will not seek reelection [1]. Political analysts are also cautioning Democrats not to “risk drawing the wrong lessons from one good day,” with some framing Mamdani’s victory as “a rebuke to the failed strategies of the Democratic party” establishment [2, 3]. In a sign of intra-party tensions, it was reported that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer “Never Endorsed” Mamdani during his campaign [4].

References:
[1] Rep. Jared Golden won’t seek reelection to Congress in major blow to Democrats, https://www.axios.com/2025/11/05/jared-golden-retiring-2026-house-democrats-maine
[2] Democrats risk drawing the wrong lessons from one good day, https://economist.com/leaders/2025/11/05/democrats-risk-drawing-the-wrong-lessons-from-one-good-day?giftId=OWViNWRkMzAtYmMwNy00ZjU0LThlNGEtMWVlYmZkN2RiYmIx&utm_campaign=gifted_article
[3] Mamdani’s victory is a rebuke to the failed strategies of the Democratic party, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/nov/05/zohran-mamdani-victory-democratic-party
[4] Schumer Never Endorsed Mamdani, https://talkingpointsmemo.com/where-things-stand/schumer-never-endorsed-mamdani

5.2. GOP Infighting Erupts in Wake of Election Losses

The government shutdown and election results have exposed and exacerbated deep divisions within the Republican party. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly called it “an embarrassment” that the GOP-led House was not in session during a national funding crisis [1]. Separately, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claimed that President Trump personally intervened to “shut down” Rep. Greene’s Senate ambitions, allegedly spurring Greene to embark on a “‘revenge tour’ against the GOP” [2].

References:
[1] Marjorie Taylor Greene calls it ‘an embarrassment’ that the Republican-led House isn’t in session during the shutdown, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/marjorie-taylor-greene-house-republicans-government-shutdown-rcna241934
[2] Ocasio-Cortez says Trump shut down Greene’s Senate ambitions, spurring ‘revenge tour’, https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/5589561-ocasio-cortez-trump-greene-feud/amp/

5.3. Local Incident Reflects Heightened National Tensions

The fractious political environment was reflected in a disturbing local incident. Hours after the widespread Democratic victories were announced, a farm in rural Virginia owned by a gay couple was reportedly vandalized with medical waste and human feces in a targeted attack [1].

References:
[1] Hours after Dems won big, a rural Virginia farm owned by the ‘Gardening Gays’ was vandalized with medical waste and human feces, https://www.advocate.com/news/gardening-gays-farm-virginia-vandalized

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