Big red state wins for Dems

Democrats showed strength at the polls in this year's election. Ivanka Trump testifies in her dad's New York civil fraud trial. And why we’re waving goodbye to the National Zoo’s pandas.

👋 Hello there! Laura Davis here. Wednesday’s news is ready to go!

But first: Steer clear! 💎 Got a blinged-out steering wheel? Why a federal agency is warning drivers about rhinestone decorations in the car.

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Dems score red state wins on election night

Tuesday’s off-year elections offered a wide glimpse into the minds of Americans ahead of the consequential 2024 elections, with bellwether votes for key issues such as abortion rights and how Republicans and Democrats will fare on the national stage next year. Democrats saw major victories in red states, as Ohio voters approved an amendment that puts abortion rights protections into the state’s constitution and Democratic incumbent Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear secured reelection. 🗳️ Our 3 biggest takeaways.

• Nearly half the US now has legal weed as Ohio legalizes marijuana.

• Will of the voters? Republicans in Ohio pledge to push back on abortion, marijuana.

🗣️ GOP debate tonight: Five Republican presidential candidates are set to face off at 8 p.m. in Miami during the third Republican presidential primary debate. Follow our live updates.

Ivanka Trump takes the stand

The former president's oldest daughter and close confidante, Ivanka Trump, appeared on the witness stand Wednesday in a high-stakes New York trial over whether Donald Trump and others, including Trump business entities, should be forced to turn over hundreds of millions of dollars and lose business privileges for allegedly engaging in numerous forms of fraud and conspiracy. Ivanka Trump, a former White House adviser and top company business leader, has already distanced herself from her father's claims of 2020 election fraud. 👉 Here's everything that happened in court.

• Donald Trump is skipping another debate. Is that a risky move?

• 'Birdbrain' and high-heeled boots: Trump's unhinged rages are hitting new lows – even for him. | Opinion

What everyone's talking about

• GM recalls Cruise driverless cars after robotaxi dragged a pedestrian.

• Green slime? New Yorkers puzzled over liquid oozing from sewers.

• Timbaland apologizes after backlash for Britney Spears 'muzzle' comment.

• Trading one addiction for another: 'Addiction transfer' after weight loss is real.

• Walmart is rolling out daily sensory-friendly hours.

• 'Billionaire Bunker': Jeff Bezos' new home island has a rich history – literally.

• Coming to a sky near you: A spectacular meteor shower.

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Chemical plant explosion rocks Texas town

Fire from an explosion at a plant housing toxic chemicals in east Texas was contained and shelter-in-place orders were lifted Wednesday afternoon after a massive plume of dark smoke spread over the area, officials said. The explosion happened at about 8:17 a.m. at the Sound Chemical Solutions plant in Shepherd, Texas, a rural city of just over 2,000 people in San Jacinto County. The specific cause of the explosion wasn't immediately known. Officials said a shelter-in-place order was lifted, but residents should still avoid spending unnecessary time outdoors. 👉 Here's the latest.

Pandas from National Zoo returned to China

So long, pandas. The pandas at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C., are leaving the U.S. on Wednesday and heading back to China, the zoo said. After spending 23 years in the U.S., Mei Xiang, Tian Tian and Xiao Qi Ji were moved via forklifts into FedEx trucks to begin their long journey back to China, marking the end of the animals' decadeslong tenure in the country. The Atlanta Zoo pandas Ya Lun and Xi Lun will go back at the beginning of 2024 as Beijing continues to slowly pull its pandas from Western nations amid declining relations. Watch the pandas head back to China.

🐼 Fun panda pics! Their time at the National Zoo.

A break from the news

• 🧼 Your shower curtain liner is grody. How to clean it.

• 🌄 Hit the road: National parks are free on Veterans Day.

• 🍩 Do-nut miss out! Krispy Kreme is giving out free donut dozens on World Kindness Day.

• 🦃  "The One With All the Thanksgivings”? "The One With the Football”? All 9 'Friends' Thanksgiving episodes, ranked.

Laura L. Davis is an Audience Editor at USA TODAY. Say hello: laura@usatoday.com. This is a compilation of stories from across the USA TODAY Network. Support quality journalism like this? Subscribe to USA TODAY here.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ivanka Trump, election results, Texas explosion, pandas: Wednesday's news