The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially canceled its Direct File online tax filing service for 2026, informing states via email yesterday that the program will not proceed and has no future launch date, according to a report from Nextgov. This decision follows opposition from Republicans and tax preparation companies. Amidst ongoing election day activities, preliminary exit poll data released between 10:15 PM and 10:45 PM UTC on November 4th, 2025, provided insights into voter sentiment in Virginia and New Jersey. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger's favorability stood at 52% favorable and 46% unfavorable, while Winsome Earle-Sears had 52% unfavorable and 45% favorable, according to NBC (SSRS) preliminary exit polls. For the New Jersey Governor race, 47% of voters stated Trump was not a factor in their vote, 38% voted to oppose Trump, and 13% voted to support Trump, according to CNN (SSRS) preliminary exit polls. Similarly, for the Virginia Governor race, 47% indicated Trump was not a factor, 37% voted to oppose him, and 15% voted to support him. Further exit poll data from CNN revealed President Trump's approval ratings in these states. In New Jersey, 55% disapproved and 43% approved, while in Virginia, 56% disapproved and 41% approved. Meanwhile, despite President Trump's earlier stance on SNAP benefits, Department of Justice attorneys stated yesterday that the USDA is complying with a court order to make partial SNAP payments to states, according to Josh Gerstein. Previous reports from November 4th, 2025, indicated a surge in voter turnout in New York City, with over 1.8 million votes cast and the potential to reach 2 million, aligning with 1965 and 1969 levels. In New Jersey, election day turnout in key cities like Elizabeth had surpassed 2021 levels by 4 PM. Separately, a report alleged a poll worker provided a voter with a pre-filled ballot for Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey. Economic developments from previous reporting on November 4th, 2025, included a Saudi Letter of Request for 48 F-35 Joint Strike Fighters progressing through the U.S. Foreign Military Sales approval process. The House Freedom Caucus endorsed a year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown. Additionally, Mark Carney was reportedly earmarking billions in new spending to counter U.S. protectionism. In other news from November 4th, 2025, former Vice President Dick Cheney died at the age of 84, with statements of remembrance from former Presidents Bill Clinton and Joe Biden. Decision Desk HQ launched its new election exploration platform, Decision Desk HQ Votes, on November 4th, 2025. The Department of Transportation had warned of potential airspace shutdowns due to government shutdown-related shortages at air traffic control facilities.
