What's Happening

Politics

What a Republican Trifecta in Washington Could Mean

What's going on: The GOP is on the cusp of gaining full control of the federal government next year. Republicans have secured 216 of the 218 seats needed to retain a narrow majority in the House, with 12 races still uncalled. If the GOP succeeds, it will mark the party’s first trifecta — winning control of the House, Senate, and presidency — since 2017. This majority would likely enable Republicans to follow through on key goals such as cutting taxes, curbing illegal immigration, and reducing clean energy spending, all of which could pass with a simple majority in Congress. Meanwhile, the search for the lower and upper chambers’ leaders is underway. While House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) might be able to hold on to his gavel, the fight for Senate majority leader is heating up.

What it means: This time around, the party appears better prepared to jump-start its agenda, with plans for President-elect Donald Trump’s first 100 days in office already underway. While a trifecta would give Trump an advantage, some policies may still face hurdles. Certain legislation — like imposing tariffs and implementing voter ID requirements — would need to beat the filibuster, requiring at least seven Democrats to vote with the GOP. However, it may be easier for Republicans to oppose large aid packages for Ukraine, which Trump has said he plans to end. With slim majorities in both chambers, internal party disagreements could pose significant challenges. (No one can forget last year’s GOP speakership drama, to Kevin McCarthy’s dismay.) As the House reconvenes this week, Democrats are strategizing to counter the GOP’s initiatives.

Related: Elon Musk Will Co-Lead the “Department of Government Efficiency.” Of Course, He’s Teasing Merch (The Verge)

International

The FAA Bans US Flights to Haiti After Bullets Hit Three Planes

What's going on: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is banning US-based flights from traveling to Haiti for the next 30 days. The decision comes one day after Spirit, JetBlue, and American Airlines said bullets struck their planes while flying over Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Spirit said its aircraft diverted from Haiti and landed in the Dominican Republic as a result. A post-flight inspection in New York also revealed a JetBlue plane returned from Haiti with damage “consistent with gunfire.” An American Airlines plane was also hit while in Haiti. No passengers were injured on any of the flights, but a Spirit flight attendant received treatment for minor injuries.

What it means: The US Embassy said the attack on Spirit’s aircraft was part of “gang-related efforts to block travel.” In response, Haitian officials shut down the international airport in their capital city for the next week — likely impacting Haiti’s ability to receive much needed-aid. Despite recent intervention efforts by the US, Kenya, and the United Nations, Haiti — the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere — has faced escalating gang violence and instability over the past year. Haiti’s transitional council has just sworn in a new prime minister, who promised to bring back stability and democracy to the nation.

Related: Haiti Is on the Verge of Famine With More Than 6,000 People Starving (AP)

Health

Perimenopause Has Entered the Chat

What's going on: “I’m in MENOPAUSE, okay?” Halle Berry made this announcement in May on Capitol Hill. She’s among a growing number of celebs, doctors, and “menopause influencers” to put the spotlight on this life transition. Menopause is marked by a year without a period, but there’s increasing attention being given to the lead-up: perimenopause. Many say they feel unprepared for this period of their lives, which typically starts in the 40s and brings symptoms like mood changes and vaginal dryness. Doctors, on average, also receive shockingly little training on how to identify perimenopause, let alone guide people through it. So, women are taking charge (nothing new there). Google Trends searches for “perimenopause” are up, with no sign of slowing, as an army of women and creators aim to raise awareness (and, hey, if that infantry can sell you a cute little hot flash fan or supplement in the meantime, they will).

What it means: Until around 1820, there wasn’t even a word for “menopause” — colloquially, it was just called “women’s hell.” Since then, we’ve learned more, but research and education have been spotty. There’s also a general lack of funding for women’s health and a tendency to downplay the pain of women, especially Black women, all of which can leave many suffering in silence. Now, content about perimenopause is more accessible, as Gen X and millennials (who aren't taking this heat any longer) push back against under-trained doctors dismissing their symptoms. With the interest, of course, comes misinformation and grifters, but many experts welcome the shift in conversation around “the change.” As one doctor put it: “Once you see the injustice that’s been done to women by not talking about this for all of time, you can’t unsee it.” 

Related: Have We Been Misled About Menopause? (NYT Gift Link)