On November 5, the US political landscape intensified after Republican defeats in recent elections. Cory Bowman, the brother of Vice President J.D. Vance, tried to become mayor of Cincinnati but lost to incumbent Democrat Aftab Pureval, gaining only 21.8% of the vote versus Pureval's 78.2%.
Democrats also won in New York City, where Zohran Mamdani became the new mayor—he is the first Muslim and the first person of South Asian descent, born outside the US, to hold this office. Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson commented that the victory of an “extremist” is dangerous for the country.
Democrats secured additional victories in Virginia, New Jersey, and California. California approved a new redistricting plan, strengthening Democratic positions for the upcoming House elections. Donald Trump called the defeats a challenge and advocated for electoral reform, citing the record-long US government shutdown, now ongoing for 36 days.
Due to the shutdown, over 42 million citizens are affected: delayed payments, transportation problems, and staff strikes. The government is at an impasse as Republicans and Democrats fail to agree on the budget.
Meanwhile, in Kentucky, a plane crash resulted in 7 deaths and 11 injuries.
In Europe, parts of Belgian airspace were closed due to drones. Norway promised Ukraine $7 billion in military aid, and the EU seeks ways to fund a reparation loan for Ukraine.
In Ukraine, Russian drones attacked the energy infrastructure, with 61 drones neutralized in response. The Verkhovna Rada discusses the “Ukrainian Railways 3000” program, which includes social payments and the possibility of free train travel for citizens.
