JQJO — General news · Page 2

As Virginia’s governor’s race enters its final days, Democrat Abigail Spanberger maintains a steady polling edge over Republican Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears. The off-year contest, seen as a bellwether, unfolds amid a grinding government shutdown and anxiety among the state’s 300,000-plus federal workers. Spanberger has campaigned on lowering costs for housing, health care, and energy, while Earle-Sears has pressed attacks tying her to Democratic attorney general candidate Jay Jones’ texting scandal and to policies on transgender students. A Christopher Newport University poll lists democracy, inflation, and health care as top concerns and shows Spanberger up seven points.

New York City voters headed to the polls Tuesday to choose a mayor in a three-way race testing a generational and ideological divide. Democrat Zohran Mamdani, 34, could become the city’s first Muslim mayor, elevating his democratic socialist agenda of free buses, universal child care and a rent freeze. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent after resigning in 2021 over sexual harassment findings, seeks a comeback with moderates and GOP support, aided by Michael Bloomberg and Mayor Eric Adams. Republican Curtis Sliwa hopes for an upset on a tough-on-crime message as Donald Trump backs Cuomo over Sliwa.

Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful to strike Jamaica, slammed into the island as a Category 5 storm, killing at least 32 and leaving much of the country without power. In Black River, St. Elizabeth Parish, nearly every building was shattered: a church gutted, the firehouse flooded 16 feet deep, the hospital unroofed, and historic waterfront homes obliterated. A fire superintendent said 90 percent of residents are displaced as aid distribution has begun. Families sleep in cars, elders crowd into one room, and loved ones are still missing.

New Jersey voters head to the polls Tuesday to choose a governor in a closely watched test of Democrats’ hold on a traditionally blue state. Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former legislator endorsed by President Donald Trump, faces Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who would be the second female governor. Ciattarelli touts business credentials and ties to Trump; Sherrill centers opposition to Trump and criticized an administration freeze on Hudson River tunnel funding. The Justice Department will monitor Passaic County polling sites, a move the state attorney general called highly inappropriate. All 80 Assembly seats are also on the ballot.

In Indianapolis, Giannis Antetokounmpo shook free on an AJ Green screen, backed down Aaron Nesmith and hit a fading jumper as the buzzer sounded, lifting the Bucks over the Pacers 117-115. Coach Doc Rivers conceded the play wasn’t clean, but Antetokounmpo’s 33 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and two steals carried the night—and capped his second career buzzer-beater. After silencing the crowd, he gestured in support of Myles Turner, booed in his first return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse after 10 seasons in Indiana. Teammates marveled at the shot, calling it “surreal” and the product of daily work.

President Donald Trump’s call to resume US nuclear testing has alarmed experts and revived painful memories of past detonations. The Marshall Islands, where the United States conducted 67 tests, still endure radiation, cancer and displacement—from the aging Runit dome threatened by rising seas to contaminated coconuts and uninhabited Bikini Atoll. Fallout from earlier tests spread worldwide, and Nevada’s history shows even underground blasts leaked. Advocates warn restarting tests could inflict new harms, calling this a perilous moment. While the US Russia and China have observed the test ban’s spirit, the islands remain a testament to damage and plutonium’s 24,110-year half-life.

Natalie Rowntree, 38, describes her early IVF treatment as intense, juggling seven appointments in eight weeks by using sick days and holidays to avoid telling her employer. New research by Fertility Matters at Work says 63% of employees undergoing IVF take sick leave to hide treatment, and warns of lost productivity. Campaigners want a legal right to paid time off, while the government points to flexible working plans. Labour MP Alice MacDonald is tabling a bill, but business groups warn against over legislation. Rowntree says legal rights would ease stress.

Before an announced crowd of 92,211, Arizona seized control early and never let go, beating Dallas 27-17 at AT&T Stadium to halt a five-game slide. Jacoby Brissett, subbing for injured starter Kyler Murray, threw for 261 yards and two touchdowns and added a 1-yard score, while Marvin Harrison Jr. caught seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Arizona’s defense sacked Dak Prescott five times and forced three turnovers. Dallas gained 333 yards but squandered chances with two failed fourth downs, two fumbles, an interception and a missed 68-yard field goal. Arizona improved to 3-5; Dallas fell to 3-5-1.

With Disney channels dark on YouTube TV after stalled carriage talks, Disney publicly asked the streamer to temporarily restore ABC for U.S. Election Day on November 4, citing the public interest. YouTube TV refused, saying a 24-hour return would confuse customers and noting that most subscribers didn’t watch ABC on the past two Election Days. The company suggested Disney could immediately restore ABC and ESPN while negotiations continue, and accused ABC of using a similar tactic in a DirecTV dispute last year. As of 11 p.m. ET on Nov. 3, no channels had returned.

People magazine named actor Jonathan Bailey its Sexiest Man Alive, continuing its actor-heavy streak even as the IAC-owned magazine recently cut 6 percent of staff. The Wicked and Bridgerton star, likely the first publicly out gay honoree, called it "the honor of a lifetime" on Jimmy Fallon. People published two covers, including one with Bailey’s dog, Benson. Editors say the designation isn’t based on looks alone, and the magazine says neither side pays for it. Bailey follows 2024’s pick, John Krasinski, with People teasing "big shoes to fill."