An Ignoble Experiment: Brazil's presidential election heads to runoff

By Marita Vlachou

Monday, October 3

BRAZIL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION HEADED TO RUNOFF AFTER SURPRISINGLY STRONG VOTE FOR RIGHT-WING BOLSONARO Right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro and leftist former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva appear headed for a second-round runoff contest to settle Brazil's presidential election, after neither candidate scored an outright victory. Bolsonaro has signalled he does not intend to accept the results of a defeat, sparking fears that he will attempt to provoke something akin to a Brazilian version of the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection if he loses. [HuffPost]

THE SUPREME COURT IS BACK WITH A WHOLE NEW SET OF CONTROVERSIAL CASES The Supreme Court's six-vote conservative supermajority returns to hear a new batch of cases that could further upset past precedent and dramatically rewrite the law. Justices will be hearing cases on affirmative action and voting rights, among others. The October term is also the first full sitting for Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. [HuffPost]

9 NATO COUNTRIES THROW SUPPORT BEHIND UKRAINE MEMBERSHIP Ukraine applied for fast-track membership into the military alliance just days after Russia annexed four of its regions in violation of international law. The country's NATO membership bid has already earned the support of nine countries, but will need approval of all 30 members to join. [HuffPost]

FLORIDA SENATORS REQUEST MORE FEDERAL AID DESPITE NOT VOTING FOR HURRICANE RELIEF Florida Republicans Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott asked for funding to "provide much needed assistance to Florida," after Hurricane Ian caused death and widespread destruction. But just one day earlier, Scott and Rubio refused to vote for a bill granting such additional funding. Meanwhile, the storm's death toll continues to rise. [HuffPost]

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CALIFORNIA POLICE SEEKING POSSIBLE SERIAL KILLER AFTER 5 MURDERS Five recent murders in California over the last three months appear to be connected, authorities said while announcing an $85,000 reward. [HuffPost]

TRUMP SHOWS LOVE TO GINNI THOMAS AT RALLY FOR BACKING HIS BIG ELECTION LIE Former President Donald Trump told Michigan rally attendees that Ginni Thomas, the wife of conservative Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, had "courage and strength" for backing up his false election fraud claim. "She didn't wilt under pressure like so many others that are weak people and stupid people," Trump said of Thomas, who testified before the House Jan. 6 committee last week. [HuffPost]

'WE'RE WITH YOU' BIDEN TELLS PUERTO RICO AHEAD OF VISIT FOLLOWING HURRICANE FIONA President Joe Biden said the U.S. government will be with Puerto Rico for the long haul as it cleans up and rebuilds after Hurricane Fiona ahead of his visit to the island Monday. Tens of thousands of people are still without power two weeks after the storm hit. [AP]

DOZENS OF FAMILY MEMBERS OF UVALDE SHOOTING VICTIMS SHOW SUPPORT FOR BETO O'ROURKE Thirty-five family members of those affected by the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting traveled by bus to show their support for Democratic candidate for Texas governor Beto O'Rourke before his debate with Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. Abbott has been routinely criticized for his response to the deadly mass shooting and his unwillingness to support gun control measures. [HuffPost]

MANY MICHIGAN REPUBLICANS DON'T SEEM VERY INTO THEIR NOMINEE FOR GOVERNOR Tudor Dixon, the Republican Party's nominee for governor in Michigan, had the smallest contingent of visible allies, judging by the campaign apparel that people wore to Trump's rally in the state over the weekend. HuffPost's Liz Skalka spoke to attendees who said that even though Dixon wasn't their first choice, she was still much better than the Democratic alternative Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. [HuffPost]