DeSantis: There were reports today that Donald Trump is considering offering the job of secretary of defense to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, replacing Trump’s initial pick of former Fox News host Pete Hegseth. Opposition to Hegseth is growing among Republicans in the Senate and it is felt that he is unlikely to be confirmed for the job. NBC reported that sources at Fox News said Hegseth would show up for TV appearances smelling of alcohol. He has faced allegations of sexual assault as well as being drunk while working at various jobs in the past. Â
DEA: The man Donald Trump picked to head the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has withdrawn his name from consideration for the post. Chad Chronister, who is the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, said he appreciates being nominated to head the DEA but he wants to remain in his sheriff’s job. Chronister had come under criticism from right-wing extremists for enforcing prohibitions on large public gatherings during the Covid pandemic.
South Korea: Pressure is growing for South Korean President Yoon to resign following the chaos that resulted from him declaring martial law and using South Korean troops to put down pro-democracy demonstrations. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said today that the U.S. is watching developments in South Korea very closely. South Korea’s parliament has approved articles of impeachment against Yoon, adding to the pressure for him to resign. Â
Online spending: U.S. consumers spent $13.3 billion for internet purchases on Cyber Monday, according to Adobe Analytics. That was a 7.3% increase from Cyber Monday in 2023. Adobe said that 57% of online purchases were made using a mobile device. During the peak hours of 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., consumers were spending $15.8 million online every minute. In the five days from Thanksgiving to Cyber Monday, consumers spent a total of $41.1 billion online, according to Adobe.
Cuba: The electrical grid in Cuba failed again overnight, plunging the island into darkness. The island’s utility, the Cuban Electric Union, which is run by the Cuban government, said that it may take several days to restore power. During October, Cuba was without power for about a week. Cuba’s electrical generating plants were built using equipment manufactured by the former Soviet Union and have a reputation of being extremely difficult to maintain.
House: The final contest for seats in the House of Representatives has been decided. It was for the 13th Congressional District in California. Democrat Adam Gray defeated Republican Congressman John Duarte by 187 votes according to the final count. The election results give Republicans control of the House by 220 seats compared with 215 seats to be held by Democrats.
