US lawmakers avoid government shutdown, Slovakia's election adds pressure to EU's unity on war in Ukraine, Brazil's oil exploration and green ambitions discussed, challenges in transitioning to clean energy and issues faced by brickmakers explored.
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Quick takeaways
US lawmakers reached a last-minute agreement to fund the government for the next 45 days, avoiding a costly shutdown, but faced internal turmoil as 90 Republicans rebelled against Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Brazil aims to balance its green ambitions with increased oil exploration near the Amazon rainforest, highlighting the challenges of transitioning to cleaner fuel sources while also funding social programs and poverty reduction efforts.
Deep dives
Temporary funding deal reached to avoid government shutdown
US lawmakers reached a last-minute agreement to fund the government for the next 45 days, avoiding a costly government shutdown. House Republicans initially pushed for steep budget cuts but ultimately agreed to maintain funding at current levels. Notably, additional funding for Ukraine was absent from the package. The compromise deal passed, but 90 Republicans rebelled against Speaker Kevin McCarthy, indicating potential leadership challenges.
Brazil's president, Lula, aims to end deforestation while his energy minister pushes for increased oil drilling near the Amazon rainforest. State-controlled oil company Petrobras applied for permission to conduct exploratory drilling, a project that could potentially transform Brazil into the world's fourth-largest oil producer. The government argues that oil revenues are crucial for funding social programs and poverty reduction efforts. This tension between economic development and environmental concerns is seen across South America, highlighting the complexities of transitioning to cleaner fuel sources.
US lawmakers were able to avert a shutdown over the weekend, Slovakia’s election results are adding pressure to the EU’s unity around the war in Ukraine, and Brazil says its oil exploration and green ambitions aren’t contradictory.
The FT News Briefing is produced by Fiona Symon, Sonja Hutson, Kasia Broussalian and Marc Filippino. Additional help from Monique Mulima, Monica Lopez, Peter Barber, Michael Lello, David da Silva and Gavin Kallmann. Topher Forhecz is the FT’s executive producer. The FT’s global head of audio is Cheryl Brumley. The show’s theme song is by Metaphor Music.