The 8 Democrats Who Crossed the AisleOn November 9, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted 60-40 to advance a House-passed continuing resolution (CR) to end the 40-day government shutdown, funding federal operations through January 30, 2026, and including a package of three appropriations bills (for agriculture, military construction/Veterans Affairs, and the legislative branch). Republicans hold 53 seats but needed 60 votes to overcome a filibuster, requiring 7 Democratic votes (or 8 including Independent Angus King, who caucuses with Democrats). Exactly 8 Democrats broke with their party leadership—led by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who opposed the measure for not directly extending Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies—to provide those votes, alongside all but one Republican (Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky).This bipartisan breakthrough came after Democrats had blocked the CR 14 times, demanding concessions on ACA subsidies (set to expire December 31, 2025, potentially doubling premiums for 20 million Americans). In exchange for their votes, Republicans agreed to a guaranteed Senate floor vote by mid-December on extending those subsidies for a year, protections against further federal worker layoffs during the shutdown, reinstatement of wrongfully terminated employees, back pay for furloughed workers, and restored SNAP benefits through fiscal year 2026. Critics like Sen. Bernie Sanders called it a “very bad vote” that endangers healthcare access, while supporters argued the shutdown’s harms (e.g., disrupted food assistance, airport chaos) outweighed the risks.The 8 Democrats (and 1 Independent) who voted yes on the procedural motion to advance the CR are:

The measure now heads to final Senate passage (expected soon), then the House for concurrence before President Trump’s signature. House Democrats, led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have criticized the deal as a “handshake compromise” but indicated some centrists may support it to reopen government quickly. This vote reflects growing centrist frustration with the shutdown’s toll, despite progressive opposition.

Current Status of Hostage Bodies in GazaAs of November 9, 2025, five bodies of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel (and one from a prior conflict) remain held in Gaza by Hamas or its allies. This follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal that took effect on October 10, 2025, which mandated the release of all living hostages (20 were returned by October 13) and the remains of 28 deceased hostages. So far, 23 bodies have been repatriated to Israel via the Red Cross, leaving these five unrecovered. Hamas has cited difficulties locating remains under rubble from the war, while Israel accuses deliberate delays.The Five Remaining HostagesThese individuals were killed either on October 7, 2023, or shortly after in captivity; their bodies were not returned in the initial phases of the deal:

• Meny Godard: A 53-year-old security guard from Nir Oz kibbutz, killed defending his community on October 7.
• Ran Gvili: A 34-year-old sound technician from Nir Oz, abducted and later confirmed dead in captivity.
• Dror Or: A 48-year-old from Kibbutz Be’eri, killed during the attack on his home.
• Sudthisak Rinthalak: A 39-year-old Thai farmworker from Kibbutz Alumim, killed on October 7.
• Hadar Goldin: A 23-year-old IDF soldier killed in combat during the 2014 Gaza War (Operation Protective Edge); his body has been held by Hamas since then, predating the current conflict.

The repatriation process is ongoing but stalled on these cases, complicating the ceasefire’s second phase, which includes broader issues like Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. Israeli officials express hope for their return but note intelligence assessments suggest some remains may be irretrievable. Families continue to advocate publicly, with rallies held in Tel Aviv as recently as November 8.

The race remains too close to call, with Harrell holding a narrow lead but Wilson gaining ground in recent ballot drops. King County Elections will continue tabulating votes daily (weekdays at 4 p.m. PT) until certification on November 25.