AI In-brief 13 Sept 06:49

Same-sex marriage and surrogacy: where is it legal?

Cuba recently voted overwhelmingly to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming the 33rd country globally, and also approved "altruistic" surrogacy, which permits the practice without commercial exchange.
The global landscape for same-sex marriage shows Europe as a pioneer (Netherlands in 2001), with significant advancements across the Americas and Taiwan leading in Asia; however, most Eastern European countries, nearly all of Africa (except South Africa), and many Middle Eastern nations still ban or severely restrict it.
Surrogacy laws are more varied and restrictive worldwide; "altruistic" models are legal in countries like Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, while commercial surrogacy is permitted in some US states but faces widespread bans or tight regulations in many other nations, including much of Europe and former Asian hubs.

AI In-brief Yesterday 14:50

Democratic takeover of US Congress: What happens next

Democrats plan an ambitious legislative push in the House's first 100 hours, focusing on affordability, healthcare, and reversing Trump-era policies.
They will launch extensive investigations into alleged corruption and abuses within the Trump administration, using committee powers to subpoena officials and documents.
The Senate majority grants Democrats the power to block Trump's judicial and cabinet nominees, significantly curbing his influence on federal appointments.
Despite their victories, Democrats face significant obstacles, including Trump's veto power and Senate procedural rules, making legislative progress difficult without bipartisan cooperation.