Democrats do well: Democratic candidates and causes did comparatively well in yesterday’s elections. Voters in Ohio approved an amendment to the state’s constitution that guarantees access to abortions. Ohio voters also legalized marijuana in that state, making Ohio the 24th state to legalize adult recreational marijuana use. Democrat Gov. Andy Beshear was reelected in Kentucky by a larger margin than his first win four years ago. Democrats took control of the Virginia state legislature. Gabe Amo, who was an aide in the Biden White House, became the first Black elected to Congress from Rhode Island. Democrat Cherelle Parker became the first female mayor of Philadelphia.
Gaza refugees: It’s estimated today that 70% of the people living in Gaza have left their homes as the Israeli military steps up the fighting in Gaza in an effort to root out Hamas. Israel has said that there will be a four-hour window each day during which it will halt military action along the main north-south highway in Gaza so refugees can safely escape. Loud explosions were reported this morning in and around Gaza City.
Guilty plea: A former CIA officer, who was assigned to various jobs overseas, has pleaded guilty to drugging and sexually assaulting numerous women while working for the government. Brian Jeffrey Raymond had served with the CIA in Mexico, Peru and elsewhere. He pleaded guilty to four of 25 counts and is expected to face up to 30 years in prison when he is sentenced next year.
Las Vegas contract: The Culinary Workers Union in Las Vegas has reached a tentative contract agreement with Caesar’s World. It’s expected that the new contract will become the basis for deals to be reached with a dozen other casino operators. The new five-year contract covers about 10,000 workers at Caesar’s World. The union represents about 35,000 workers at the Las Vegas casinos.
EU membership: A report by the European Union today recommended that Ukraine be allowed to open talks about becoming a member. The report was prepared by a group of executives of the organization. It recommended that the talks begin once Ukraine has addressed concerns about government corruption. It was recommended that talks about membership for Moldova and Georgia also begin. The recommendations are expected to be taken up when EU leaders meet next month.
Giant pandas: Three of China’s giant pandas, who have been at the National Zoo in Washington are headed home to China. A 25-year-old female, 26-year-old male and their three-year-old son were taken to Dulles International Airport early this morning to be placed on board a FedEx cargo plane for the trip to China. The adult pandas came to the Washington zoo in 2000. China owns the pandas and leases them to zoos for exhibition.
