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Donald Trump is building a team for his incoming administration.
Who’s in? He’s eyeing Sen. Marco Rubio for secretary of state, and South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem was chosen as homeland security secretary. We’re tracking Trump’s picks here.
What else to know: Trump is demanding that lawmakers let him install nominees, without requiring Senate approval. It’s part of his plans for a more powerful presidency.
Zooming out: Americans elected Trump — but they may not like what comes next.
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Democrat Ruben Gallego was elected Arizona’s first Latino U.S. senator.
How he did it: By holding off Republican Kari Lake, a pro-Trump former news anchor. Every Senate race has now been called, leaving Republicans with a 53-47 edge.
In the House: Republicans are on the cusp of a majority, which would give them full control over the White House and Congress. Find the latest results here.
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A top Israeli official talked about annexing parts of the West Bank.
What he said: That Trump’s election meant “the time has come” to extend Israeli control over the Palestinian territory. Trump has ties with allies of Israel’s settler movement.
The bigger picture: Since 2022, Israel has dramatically expanded its footprint in the occupied West Bank. Israeli settlers are seeking to thwart the creation of a Palestinian state.
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Women are stockpiling abortion pills before Trump takes office.
How we know: One supplier reported 10,000 requests for medication within 24 hours of Trump’s win. Demand for “morning after” pills, IUDs and vasectomies has also increased.
In related news: Wisconsin’s highest court heard arguments yesterday about whether an 1849 law should ban abortion, with no exceptions. A decision is expected next year.
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Another storm could form in the western Caribbean this week.