NPR News Now – November 5, 2025, 3AM EST

Host: Shea Stevens
Duration: 5 minutes
Main Theme:
A concise roundup of the latest U.S. political election outcomes, major incidents, public health alerts, and significant Supreme Court developments.

Election Results and Political Shifts

Timestamps: 00:18 – 02:03

• NYC Mayoral Election:

  • Zoram Mamdani, a Socialist Democrat, wins the New York City mayor's race.
    • Defeats former Governor Andrew Cuomo (Independent) and Curtis Sliwa (Republican radio host).
    • Source: Associated Press.

• New Jersey Governor Race:

  • Mikey Sherrill (Democrat) secures victory.
    • Sherrill celebrates in Newark, addressing a jubilant crowd:

      “Wow, they always say we're loud, but man, with this vote, you guys just scream from the rooftop.”
      — Unnamed supporter, [00:44]

    • Sherrill thanks Republican opponent Jack Cittarelli, who was endorsed by President Trump ([00:54]).

• Virginia Governor Race:

  • Abigail Spanberger (Democrat, former Congresswoman, CIA Veteran) wins, becoming the first woman to govern Virginia.
    • Defeats Winsome Sears (Republican Lt. Gov.), who did not have a personal Trump endorsement ([00:54]).

• California Ballot Measure (Proposition 50):

  • Voters pass Prop 50, which benefits Democrats—expected to yield five more congressional seats in the midterms ([01:28]).
    • Marissa Lagos (KQED) reports this is a major win for Governor Gavin Newsom:

      “Speaking Tuesday night, Newsom said Prop 50 was about holding Trump accountable.”

    • Governor Andy Beshear acknowledges supporters:

      “I want to thank everybody that stood up not just for our democracy, but but stood up for those that have feel bullied and intimidated.”
      — Andy Beshear, [01:52]

    • Republicans condemn the measure as “anti-democratic,” raising concerns about loss of representation ([02:03]).

Major Incident: UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Kentucky

Timestamps: 02:13 – 03:08

• Crash Details:

  • UPS cargo plane crashes near Louisville airport Tuesday; at least 7 dead, 11 injured.
  • NPR’s Joel Rose reports:
    • Governor Andy Beshear:

      “Anybody who has seen the images and the video know how violent this crash.” — [02:35]

    • The plane (McDonnell Douglas MD-11) was headed to Honolulu, loaded with 38,000 gallons of jet fuel.
    • Video shows the left engine burning, culminating in a massive explosion after failed takeoff.

• Response & Investigation:

  • NTSB to lead investigation; uncertain fate of the 3 crew members.

Economic & Market Updates

Timestamps: 03:08 – 03:13

• Financial Markets:
  • U.S. futures and Asia-Pacific markets trending lower in after-hours trading.

Public Health: Listeria Outbreak

Timestamps: 03:13 – 04:05

• Outbreak Details:
  • CDC links 6 deaths and 27 illnesses in 18 states to a listeria outbreak from prepared pasta meals.
    • Outbreak began in June; products sold nationwide under Home Chef (Kroger) and Marketside (Walmart) brands.
    • Affected: Ready-to-eat chicken fettuccine alfredo (manufacturer: Fresh Realm).
  • Major product recalls in effect.

Supreme Court Preview: Trump Tariff Case

Timestamps: 04:05 – 04:44

• Hearing Focus:
  • Supreme Court to debate if President Trump had authority under the International Economic Powers Act (IEPA) to unilaterally impose tariffs.
  • Nina Totenberg (NPR Legal Reporter):

    “The president argues that under the statute, he's entitled to set tariffs by himself ... Business owners and literally thousands of organizations are challenging that claim, noting that the statute nowhere uses the word tariffs.” — [04:05]

  • IEPA’s 50-year history has never been interpreted to grant such power.

Obituary: Former Vice President Dick Cheney

Timestamps: 04:44 – 04:57

• Passing of Dick Cheney:
  • Cheney dies at age 84.
    • Served as Vice President to George W. Bush; regarded as key figure in post-9/11 “war on terror.”

Notable Quotes

• “Wow, they always say we're loud, but man, with this vote, you guys just scream from the rooftop.”
  — Unnamed supporter at Mikey Sherrill’s victory event, [00:44]

• “I want to thank everybody that stood up not just for our democracy, but but stood up for those that have feel bullied and intimidated.”
  — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, [01:52]

• “Anybody who has seen the images and the video know how violent this crash.”
  — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, [02:35]

• “The president argues that under the statute, he's entitled to set tariffs by himself ... Business owners and literally thousands of organizations are challenging that claim, noting that the statute nowhere uses the word tariffs.”
  — Nina Totenberg, [04:05]

Summary

This rapid news update highlights a transformative election night with sweeping Democratic wins in major gubernatorial and mayoral contests, a significant California ballot win for congressional Democrats, a deadly aviation disaster in Kentucky, a national public health warning on recalled prepared foods, a looming Supreme Court test of presidential powers regarding tariffs, and the passing of a consequential former Vice President. Each segment presents emerging political, safety, health, and legal stories shaping the national agenda.