5 things to know for Nov. 5: Election results, UPS plane crash, Tariffs, Nuclear weapons, China space mission

Washington finds itself at a crossroads as Democrats celebrate historic victories in recent elections, even as the government shutdown drags into its 36th day, marking the longest in U.S. history. The political landscape is shifting notably with key races swinging in favor of Democrats, who campaigned heavily on issues opposing President Trump's agenda and emphasizing democracy and the rising cost of living. In New York City, Zohran Mamdani's projected win as mayor marks a significant milestone. Beating former Governor Andrew Cuomo, Mamdani will be the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor, and at 34, the youngest mayor in over a century. New Jersey also sees a historic first, with Mikie Sherrill expected to become the state's first female Democratic governor, maintaining the party's hold despite recent Republican gains. Meanwhile, Virginia’s top office is set to flip as Abigail Spanberger is projected to become the state’s first female governor, unseating Republican leadership. Additionally, California voters approved Proposition 50, a Democrat-led redistricting measure aimed at countering Republican gerrymandering and potentially reshaping five House districts in favor of Democrats. Tragedy struck near Louisville, Kentucky, as a UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in at least seven fatalities, including all three crew members aboard. The fiery wreckage and massive smoke clouds led to a shelter-in-place order around the airport. The National Transportation Safety Board is taking charge of the investigation, dispatching a team to examine the crash site and determine the cause. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is set to hear a critical case regarding the legality of President Trump's emergency tariffs, which have affected imports from China, Mexico, and Canada. Small businesses argue these tariffs drive up costs and create uncertainties, challenging the sweeping measures originally announced in April. The court’s decision will have substantial implications for U.S. trade policy and the broader economic agenda. On the international front, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded developers of nuclear-powered weapons, specifically the Burevestnik cruise missile and the Poseidon underwater torpedo, both unveiled in 2018. Analysts suggest these presentations serve as strategic signals aimed at deterring U.S. support for Ukraine and asserting Russia's long-range nuclear capability. The U.S. meanwhile is advancing missile defense plans, including the proposed 'Golden Dome' system intended to protect against foreign missile attacks. Chinese space endeavors also hit a snag as three astronauts onboard the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft were forced to extend their mission due to possible debris damage to their return vehicle. Originally scheduled to return after six months, the astronauts handed the space station’s control to a new crew but must remain in orbit until safety checks are complete. This delay underscores the intensifying competition in the global space race, with China targeting a lunar landing by 2030 while the U.S. aims to return astronauts to the moon by 2027. In lighter news, November’s supermoon will be visible tonight, with a potential meteor shower adding to the celestial show for skywatchers. Meanwhile, new research raises concerns about the long-term use of melatonin supplements and their impact on heart health. In the business world, American chains like Denny’s and Pizza Hut are undergoing strategic shifts, reflecting broader trends in the restaurant industry. Innovative AI-based tennis coaching is emerging, offering affordable alternatives to traditional coaching. Lastly, a new documentary highlights retired Navy SEALs using psychedelics to address wartime trauma, spotlighting evolving approaches to mental health treatment. Despite frustrations in air travel, recent data reveals some surprisingly positive trends in the aviation industry, suggesting resilience and potential recovery even as challenges remain. These developments paint a complex picture of progress and setbacks across politics, technology, and public health.