Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva won a fourth Brazilian presidential term, defeating right-wing challenger Flávio Bolsonaro by 4.4 million votes after initially losing the first round. His campaign reversed the result in three weeks through large public demonstrations and an extensive social-media effort, delivering a comeback supporters called historic. Bolsonaro said he would seek to annul the election, but Lula’s supporters celebrated the victory. The result also bucks a regional shift toward conservative leaders, though it reveals Brazil’s deep political divisions: more than 48% of voters backed Bolsonaro.
Lula’s term is due to begin on 5 January 2027, but governing will be difficult. He faces a Congress described as the most right-wing in Brazil’s democratic era, where Bolsonaro’s Liberal Party made the biggest gains, and must seek to bridge a polarized electorate. Internationally, relations with Donald Trump’s administration may be strained: Washington favors leaders aligned with its policies, while Lula has resisted US interference and Brazil being treated as part of its “backyard.” Environmentalists welcome his win, fearing Bolsonaro might have loosened protections and enabled further Amazon destruction. Lula promises a fairer country and a new approach to governing, but has offered few specifics; his age and hostile legislature add to the challenge.
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From August 2028, universities in England will pay £925 ($1,200) annually for each international student above an exemption threshold of 220, including current and new students. The government expects the levy to raise revenue for education, while university leaders warn it could strain finances and push up tuition fees. (africa.businessinsider.com)
The Pentagon is developing a plan for major U.S. bases to sustain essential operations independently for 90 days, including power, water, fuel, and communications. Separately, Britain is advising households to keep enough food, water, and cash for three days of disruption; officials say the efforts are not coordinated and do not signal an imminent war. (fortune.com)
“Buy, borrow and die” lets wealthy investors hold appreciating assets, borrow against them instead of selling, and pass them to heirs, who may receive a higher tax basis. The strategy can reduce capital-gains taxes while creating demand for loans secured by investments. (wsj.com)
The US fired an estimated 609 missile interceptors defending Israel from October 2023 through September 2026, including 186 SM-3s and 378 THAADs. The analysis estimates the interceptors cost $11 billion, exceeding Israel’s own use of ballistic-missile defenses. (stephensemler.com)
Microsoft is offering voluntary exits to 60,000 employees at level 70 or below in the U.S., India, Canada, and the UK. The program has prompted speculation that further layoffs are coming, but the post does not confirm that connection. (twitter.com)
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