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1 Democrats Win Big At The Ballot Box
It was a big night at the ballot box for Democratic candidates, with a clean sweep in nationally-watched contests. Democrat Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won the mayoral race in New York City. Democrat Mikie Sherrill won against Republican Jack Ciattarell in the New Jersey governor’s race. Democrat Abigail Spanberger defeated Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears to become Virginia's first female governor. Democrat Jay Jones defeated Republican incumbent Jason Miyares, despite a scandal involving violent text messages from years earlier. California voters approved a ballot measure that would allow state lawmakers to redistrict before the midterm elections. In a post to Truth Social, President Trump wrote that "'TRUMP WASN'T ON THE BALLOT, AND SHUTDOWN, WERE THE TWO REASONS THAT REPUBLICANS LOST ELECTIONS TONIGHT,'" according to pollsters.
2 Department Of Transportation May Close Some Airspace If Shutdown Continues
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned yesterday that the U.S. might have to close parts of its airspace if the government shutdown continues. The shutdown, now in its second month, has left air traffic controllers working without pay, creating a shortage of 2,000 to 3,000 controllers. Duffy said if the situation continues for another week, there will be mass flight delays, mass cancellations, and possible airspace closures because there aren't enough controllers to manage air traffic safely. More than 1,800 flights were delayed and over 50 were canceled yesterday, with Newark and JFK airports seeing the most problems. The weekend saw over 5,000 flights delayed on Sunday alone.
3 Potential Deal To End The Shutdown Taking Shape In The Senate
Senate talks revealed the outline of a possible deal to end the government shutdown, which is now the longest in U.S. history after yesterday’s failed vote, the 14th attempt to pass the continuing resolution passed by the House. The deal would involve funding the government with a short-term measure alongside a package of full-year spending bills, in exchange for a vote on extending health insurance tax credits that Democrats want. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he's hopeful the group of senators working on the deal is close to a solution. The package would include three separate bills covering military construction and the VA, the legislative branch, and the FDA and Agriculture Department. Republicans need at least five more Democrats to vote for reopening the government and have offered to guarantee a vote on health care tax credits. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson ruled out a December deadline for the continuing resolution, saying too many people worry it would lead to another massive spending bill. Multiple senators said talks are becoming more productive and specific.