Nova Newsletter
November 5, 2025
☕ Good morning. 1,804 words for you today - 10 minute read.
The Spotlight
1. Former Vice President Dick Cheney Dies At 84
Former Vice President Dick Cheney died DATE at the age of XX. He is seen here on Nov. 5, 2000, applauding as retired Gen. Colin Powell speaks at a rally in Del Mar, Calif.
Former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, one of the most influential and controversial figures in modern American politics died Monday at age 84 from complications of pneumonia and heart disease, according to his family.
Takeaways:
Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush was known for expanding the power of the presidency and shaping post-9/11 U.S. foreign policy.
His early life included setbacks dropping out of Yale and two DUI arrests before rising through Washington ranks to become Defense Secretary and later Vice President.
As a key architect of the Iraq War, he defended preemptive military action and wielded unprecedented influence for a vice president.
Controversies marked his career, including the Iraq War fallout, the Valerie Plame scandal, and his 2006 hunting accident.
Bush called him “a calm and steady presence” and “a decent, honorable man.”
Cheney’s decades-long career spanned public service, defense, and private industry. Revered by some as a patriot and strategist, and reviled by others for his hardline policies, he leaves behind a complex legacy that reshaped the modern vice presidency and U.S. executive power. Read More
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2. Missing California Hunter Found Alive After 20 Days
Ron Dailey, a 72-year-old hunter from Selma, California, was found alive in the Sierra National Forest nearly three weeks after vanishing during a solo hunting trip, officials said.
Takeaways:
Dailey was missing since Oct. 13 near Shaver Lake.
He was discovered by another group of hunters along the Swamp Lake trail.
Rescuers had searched tough mountain terrain for nearly 20 days.
Officials called his survival “nothing short of a miracle.”
Dailey said he became stranded after his truck got stuck on a rocky plateau and later abandoned the vehicle to find help. He went six days without food before being rescued, surviving on minimal water and prayer.
His wife, Glenda Dailey, thanked the rescuers and community for their support, saying she was “eternally grateful” to those who found him.
Officials say his recovery underscores the power of persistence and hope in wilderness rescues. Read More
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3. Seven Climbers Dead After Nepal Avalanche
Getty Images
At least seven climbers were killed after an avalanche struck Yalung Ri mountain in northeastern Nepal, officials confirmed Monday.
Takeaways:
The victims include five foreigners and two Nepali guides.
Eight survivors were rescued and treated in Kathmandu.
Poor weather and terrain slowed search efforts for five missing climbers.
The team was training for a higher climb on Dolma Khang peak.
The avalanche hit around 9 a.m. local time near the Yalung Ri base camp in Dolakha district. Two bodies have been found, with others believed to be buried under 10–15 feet of snow.
In a separate incident, two Italian climbers missing on Panbari mountain were found dead after days of heavy snowfall.
Officials warn that severe weather and avalanches are increasing despite Nepal’s busy autumn climbing season. Read More
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Quick Headlines
Vehicles lie piled on after flooding caused by Typhoon Kalmaegi in Cebu city, central Philippines, Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Hernandez)
Typhoon Kalmaegi tore through the central Philippines, killing at least 26 people, mostly from flooding in Cebu and nearby provinces. Floodwaters trapped residents on rooftops and submerged vehicles, while a separate helicopter crash in Agusan del Sur claimed six more lives as aid was being delivered. The storm brought winds up to 130 kph before moving toward the South China Sea, forcing mass evacuations, flight cancellations, and ferry suspensions across the region. Read More
Veteran actress Diane Ladd, known for her powerful performances in Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore and Wild at Heart, has died at her home in Ojai, California, at age 89. Her daughter, actress Laura Dern, confirmed the news, calling Ladd her “amazing hero” and “profound gift of a mother.” Over her six-decade career, Ladd earned three Oscar nominations, worked alongside her daughter in multiple films, and became celebrated for her fearless range and commanding screen presence. Read More
Denny’s will be acquired by TriArtisan Capital Advisors, Treville Capital, and franchisee Yadav Enterprises in a $620 million deal that takes the chain private. Shareholders will receive $6.25 per share, a 52% premium to Monday’s closing price. The deal, pending approval, is expected to close in early 2026. Read More
A Harvard Medical School building has reopened as authorities investigate an intentional explosion that occurred early Saturday on the fourth floor of the Goldenson Building. No one was injured, and the area has been cleared for use. Police released photos of two masked suspects seen fleeing the scene. The FBI described the case as a “very active” investigation. Read More
American teacher Daniel Owen, 47, and his 15-year-old son Cooper died after being stung over 100 times by Asian giant hornets while ziplining. The pair were taken to a clinic but later died in a hospital; Owen’s school community mourned his 18 years of service. Read More
Thirteen suspected drug cartel members were killed and four arrested after a violent clash with police in Guasave, Sinaloa. Nine kidnapped victims were freed as officers seized vehicles and weapons amid ongoing cartel wars between factions of El Chapo Guzmán and captured leader “El Mayo” Zambada. Read More
Deep Dive
4. Trump Says SNAP Benefits Frozen Until Shutdown Ends
Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
President Trump said Tuesday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be released only when Democrats vote to reopen the government, contradicting earlier federal filings that suggested partial payments would go out soon.
Takeaways
Trump declared on Truth Social that food aid will resume only after the shutdown ends.
The statement conflicts with Justice Department filings pledging to use $4.6 billion in contingency funds for reduced November benefits.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins warned of a “weeks-long delay” in payments even if funds are approved.
The shutdown hit 35 days Tuesday, making it the longest in U.S. history.
42 million Americans depend on SNAP, leaving states scrambling to manage confusion.
Trump’s post claiming benefits would go out “only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government” directly undercut assurances made in court that limited aid was on its way. Federal lawyers told U.S. District Judge John McConnell on Monday that the administration would “fulfill its obligation” to use all contingency funds for partial payments.
The Department of Agriculture confirmed roughly $4.6 billion would be used to cover about half of November’s benefits. But officials warned that state systems may face “significant delays” and “payment errors” as they adjust to reduced funding.
Secretary Rollins said on X that the agency sent states guidance Tuesday morning but described the process as “cumbersome.” She added that reopening the government would allow families to receive full benefits “much more quickly.”
The legal fight continues. A coalition of 25 states and the District of Columbia has asked Judge McConnell to order full payments, arguing that withholding benefits violates federal law.
For millions of low-income households, the uncertainty over when food aid will resume is deepening frustration and hunger. Read More
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On Our Radar
5. Jonathan Bailey Named 2025 Sexiest Man Alive
Sexy & Musical! Every ‘People’s Sexiest Man Alive’ Who Has Hit the Billboard Hot 100
Jonathan Bailey has been named People magazine’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive, announced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Takeaways:
Bailey, 37, follows John Krasinski, who held the 2024 title.
Known for roles in “Wicked,” “Bridgerton,” and Fellow Travelers.
Recently starred in “Jurassic World Rebirth” and earned a 2024 Emmy nomination.
Founded The Shameless Fund to support LGBTQ+ organizations.
Bailey told People it was a “huge honor” and admitted the title felt “completely absurd.” On The Tonight Show, he called it the “honor of a lifetime.”
He began acting at age 5 and joined the Royal Shakespeare Company by age 7. His advocacy work continues to spotlight LGBTQ+ issues under threat.
He joins a roster of past honorees including Brad Pitt, Michael B. Jordan, and Patrick Dempsey. Read More
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6. Erika Kirk Rejects Jimmy Kimmel’s Offer to Apologize
Erika Kirk, widow of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, says she declined an offer from Sinclair Broadcast Group to appear on Jimmy Kimmel Live for an on-air apology from the comedian.
Takeaways:
Sinclair offered to arrange an apology appearance following Kimmel’s controversial monologue.
Kimmel was suspended after comments about Charlie Kirk’s assassination sparked backlash.
Disney confirmed the suspension to prevent “further inflaming a tense situation.”
Erika Kirk told Fox News she didn’t want or need an apology unless it was sincere.
Kimmel claimed the suspected shooter was linked to the “MAGA gang,” which drew national outrage and led major ABC affiliates Sinclair and Nexstar to pull his show.
Kirk emphasized her family’s focus on healing, saying, “It’s not our issue. It’s not our mess.”
Her full interview airs Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Jesse Watters Primetime. Read More
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8. 🎉 This day in history
On This Day — November 5
Cuba Holds Constitutional Convention, 1900 – After two years under U.S. military rule following the Spanish–American War, Cuba convenes its own constitutional convention, taking a key step toward self-governance.
Hitler Outlines War Plans, 1937 – In a secret meeting with top military leaders, Adolf Hitler reveals his intent to launch war to expand German territory, foreshadowing World War II.
Japanese Officers Depart Pearl Harbor, 1941 – Japanese naval staff officers Suzuki and Maejima leave Pearl Harbor after intelligence-gathering efforts just weeks before Japan’s surprise attack on the U.S. base.
9. Poll
Life Hack of the day
📃 🥩 Wrap Frozen Meat in Paper
Want to keep your frozen meat fresher for longer? Wrap it in paper before placing it in the freezer. The extra layer helps block air exposure, reducing the risk of freezer burn. It’s an old-fashioned trick that still works like a charm.
That’s your morning brief. Now go show someone how smart you are. 🧠
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