Lula’s victory was welcomed by commenters who saw it as a rejection of Bolsonaro, whom they associated with a failed coup attempt and threats to democracy. Some also pointed to Lula’s environmental record and hoped his win would help Brazil protect the Amazon and pursue greater economic independence. Others called the choice a lose-lose between Lula and Bolsonaro, and worried that another Lula term entrenches a politics dominated by the same two leaders. Critics argued that long-serving presidents concentrate power; defenders replied that Lula’s terms were not consecutive and that voters, rather than term limits, should decide. Some expected Lula to govern from the center because moderates backed him and the opposition controls a stronger Congress.
Commenters also disagreed over the election’s legitimacy. Critics alleged that extending voting hours was unlawful and could benefit Lula, while others focused on Bolsonaro’s likely claims of fraud after predictions favored him. Several praised a live statistical model that tracked the vote count, and one commenter credited Lula’s late surge to disciplined WhatsApp and Instagram organizing - an effective but cult-like style of campaigning. Others welcomed the result as evidence that voters can resist wealthy or foreign influence, while some feared political instability or outside intervention.
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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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