Today's Headlines: Mamdani Seals Victory in Improbable Run

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November 5, 2025, 4:30 a.m. Eastern time

Top News

Zohran Mamdani Is Elected Mayor of New York City

Mr. Mamdani, a state lawmaker and democratic socialist, will be the first Muslim mayor in the city’s history.

Live Updates: California Approves Redistricting Plan as Democrats Rack Up Key Wins

Voters backed redrawing California’s congressional districts, countering Republican efforts in red states. Democrats won high-profile governors’ races in New Jersey and Virginia and notched other victories across the nation.

For Dick Cheney, a Journey From Champion of War to Voice of Resistance

Dick Cheney was to many the embodiment of the unpopular and bloody Iraq war. But his late-in-life anti-Trumpism changed his image for some of his longtime critics.

World

Trump Weighs Options, and Risks, for Attacks on Venezuela

President Trump has yet to make a decision, but his advisers are pressing a range of objectives — from attacking drug cartels to seizing oil fields — to try to justify ousting Nicolás Maduro.

What to Know About the Legal Scandal in Israel Over Accusations of Abuse

The fallout from a legal case has reignited a highly charged debate within the country over whether Israeli soldiers accused of abusing Palestinians are held accountable.

U.S. Seeks Two-Year U.N. Mandate for Gaza Stabilization Force

A draft Security Council resolution said that an international force would ensure that Gaza be demilitarized, though specifics were unclear.

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U.S.

UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Louisville, Killing at Least 7

The plane crashed and exploded shortly after taking off from a Kentucky airport, disrupting operations at the delivery company’s main air cargo hub.

Spanberger Wins Virginia Governor’s Race With Forceful Anti-Trump Campaign

Abigail Spanberger, a former congresswoman and C.I.A. officer, will be the first woman to serve as governor of Virginia, following a streak of 74 men.

‘Unnecessarily Cruel’: Judge Expresses Alarm About ICE Detention Conditions

Several former detainees described tight quarters, a lack of sanitation and little access to lawyers at the Broadview, Ill., immigration detention facility.

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Politics

The Democrats Just Took a Big Step Toward Getting Their Groove Back

Victories in New York City, New Jersey, Virginia and elsewhere were decisive, but new political tests loom for a party still rebuilding its brand.

Shutdown Becomes Longest in History, as Trump Officials Threaten Pain Could Worsen

President Trump and administration officials indicated the fallout could intensify in the coming days, even as he has kept himself at a remove from the crisis.

Latest U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug Boat Kills 2 in Pacific, Hegseth Says

It was the 16th announced attack in two months and raised the death toll to at least 67 people in both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific.

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Business

New Pentagon Press Crew Is All In on Trump

The Defense Department’s new press policy led to an exodus of traditional journalists. Supporters of the president have stepped in.

Right-Wing Chatbots Turbocharge America’s Political and Cultural Wars

Once pitched as dispassionate tools to answer your questions, A.I. chatbots are now programmed to reflect the biases of their creators.

Gannett Changes Name to USA Today Co.

The company, which publishes more than 200 local newspapers across 42 states, is adopting the name of its flagship publication.

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Arts

How the Cop Show ‘Barney Miller’ Made Gay TV History, 50 Years Ago

A 1975 episode introduced audiences to one of the first openly gay couples in mainstream American television not depicted as deviants or criminals.

Polarizing San Francisco Fountain Will Be Dismantled

“From a city that is supposed to be avant-garde, it’s a shame,” the sculpture’s 96-year-old artist said after the decision.

Director of Philadelphia Art Museum Is Dismissed After Unpopular Rebranding

Sasha Suda was three years into her five-year contract when the museum’s board announced that she was being terminated for cause.

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New York

Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, Wins New Jersey Governor’s Race

Ms. Sherrill, a Democratic congresswoman, beat Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican running his third race for governor, after a hard-fought campaign. She urged voters to consider the race a referendum on President Trump.

How Zohran Mamdani Beat Back New York’s Elite and Was Elected Mayor

The 34-year-old assemblyman won the Democratic primary by defying the city’s all-powerful establishment. He secured the mayoralty by delicately disarming it.

Jumaane Williams is Re-elected New York City Public Advocate

Mr. Williams, who has championed the rights of tenants, immigrants and victims of police violence while in office, won re-election handily after beating two Democratic primary challengers in June.

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Food

The Quest to Recreate My Family’s Century-Old Secret Spice Blend

How hard could it be? Very, with multiple recipes, far-flung relatives to please and more than a year’s worth of work.

Il Leone Brings Its Lobster Pizza From Portland, Maine, to Park Slope

Chinese Tuxedo takes over the bar under the restaurant, Ilili expands to Midtown and more restaurant news.