Republicans secure House, finalizing Congressional sweep

Republicans secure House, finalizing Congressional sweep.

Weeks after devastating floods, torrential rain returns to Spain.

Brazil: Explosions kill one at site of 2023 post-election riots.

NATIONAL NEWS

News outlets have now called 218 House races in favor of Republicans, meeting the threshold for control. This means that Republicans are now in control of the House, Senate and White House. However, Republicans have not secured a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. This means that Democrats are in a position to put up at least some stumbling blocks for President-elect Trump’s federal appointments and legislative priorities.

Reports of Trump’s proposed Cabinet picks are circulating. Despite Trump’s isolationist rhetoric on the campaign trail, many of his picks in diplomatic, national security and defense positions are decidedly hawkish, especially with respect to China. The one unifying trait of all the picks announced so far is that they have been loyal to Trump, at least publicly.

Some of Trump’s picks are raising eyebrows among his fellow Republicans. For example, Trump has reportedly tapped Rep. Matt Gaetz of Florida for Attorney General. Although Gaetz is a licensed attorney in Florida, he is an unlikely pick for AG because he does not seem to have any prosecution experience. Also, Gaetz has managed to make enemies within his own party. That does not necessarily mean that Senate Republicans won’t back him, but he will need them to hold the line if all Democrats oppose his appointment.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Weeks after devastating floods, torrential rain returns to Spain

Two weeks ago, sudden heavy rains and flooding caused massive devastation in Southern and Eastern Spain, with the region of Valencia being the hardest hit. To date, at least 215 fatalities have been confirmed from that event, with others still missing. That event, and the local governments tardy emergency response, led to a public outpouring of anger, directed both at local officials and at Spain’s national leaders.

Southern and Eastern Spain is now once again experiencing torrential rains. While not expected to be as powerful as the storms two weeks ago, these storms have great destructive potential. The area is most affected 2 weeks ago are particularly vulnerable, since the ground is saturated and there is still mud and debris piled deep across much of the area.

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Brazil: Explosions kill one at site of 2023 post-election riots

Two explosions about 20 seconds apart have killed one person outside Brazil’s Supreme Court. The Supreme Court is located at Brasilia’s Three Powers Plaza, were Brazil’s presidential palace and Congress are also situated. Another explosion took place in the Congressional parking lot, but no one was injured. Police have not said if they believe the two incidents are connected. The person killed outside the Supreme Court may have been the bomber. Forensic analysts are working to determine their identity.

On January 8, 2023, about 5,000 supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro stormed the government buildings at Three Powers Plaza in an attempt to thwart the victory of leftist President Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro was an ideological ally of Donald Trump, and the January 8th riots drew comparisons to the January 6th, 2021, Capitol riots in Washington, DC.

The mob in Brazil was unsuccessful in their goals but caused about $2.5 million in property damage.

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Republicans secure House, finalizing Congressional sweep – National & International News – WED 13Nov2024

NATIONAL NEWS