Politics – Elections, Policy & Leaders

Bolsonaro leads Lula in Brazil’s first-round vote, forcing runoff

BRASÍLIA — Senator Flávio Bolsonaro narrowly led President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s first-round presidential election, forcing a runoff on October 25 after both candidates failed to secure an outright majority. Bolsonaro, 45, received 47.2% of the vote, while Lula, 80, received 45%, according to results processed by the electoral court. “Tomorrow we start a new campaign,” Lula said, while Bolsonaro expressed optimism about the “definitive answer” the country will give in three weeks.

Bolsonaro Nears Brazil Presidency After First-Round Election Win

RIO DE JANEIRO — Flávio Bolsonaro, son of jailed former president Jair Bolsonaro, narrowly led President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brazil’s first-round presidential election on 4 October, setting up a decisive runoff on 25 October. Bolsonaro won 47% of the vote, while Lula secured 45%, according to results reported by The BBC and The Hindu.

Tennessee Governor Halts Executions After Botched Lethal Injection

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee suspended all executions in the state until at least the end of 2026 after a botched lethal injection left death row inmate Christa Pike alive and in critical condition following two doses of pentobarbital.

Bangkok Declared Flood Disaster Zone After Days of Torrential Rain

BANGKOK — Bangkok was declared a flood disaster zone on Saturday after days of torrential rain overwhelmed the city, submerging roads, forcing evacuations and prompting the government to activate emergency measures.

Trump’s Secret Deportation Deals Send 25,000 to Alien Lands

The Trump administration has deported more than 25,000 migrants and asylum seekers to countries where they have no ties under secret agreements, according to a joint investigation by The Guardian and 22 other media organizations.

Imran Khan’s Sisters Detained Ahead of Islamabad March

Imran Khan’s family says three of the jailed former prime minister’s sisters have been detained in Lahore ahead of a planned protest in Islamabad. Authorities confirmed the detention of one of the sisters, Aleema Khan.

German Chancellor Merz calls state election a ‘disaster’ for his party but vows to stay on

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to remain in office despite exit polls showing significant setbacks for his CDU party in two state elections, according to the BBC.

18 Arrested in 2021 Haitian President’s Assassination Case

Eighteen people have been arrested in association with the 2021 assassination of Haitian president Jovenel Moïse, according to US officials.

German Chancellor Merz Vows to Stay After Election ‘Disaster’

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has pledged to remain in office despite exit polls indicating damaging defeats for his Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party in two state elections, according to the BBC.

Trump Says Planned Triumphal Arch Will Double as Military Complex

US President Donald Trump has said his proposed triumphal arch will double as a complex to store military equipment, according to a BBC report.

Resident Evil Feasting at $55M Box Office Opening

Zach Cregger’s ‘Resident Evil’ reboot grossed $26.3 million on Friday, with Sony Pictures projecting a $53–$55 million opening weekend. The film, with a $75 million budget, is the highest-grossing debut in the franchise’s history and is the year’s top-reviewed horror release.