An update on current events, a film festival, and more in this edition of Bwoglines!

Happening in the World: Republicans have voted to support Steve Scalise as the next Speaker of the House of Representatives. However, Scalise’s victory in a private party vote over hardliner Jim Jordan, with a narrow margin of 113 to 99, highlights divisions within the Republican party. Scalise, who must unite the party and secure a majority, faces opposition from some members, including Thomas Massie and Chip Roy, who have expressed concerns over issues like budget handling and the rushed vote. The winner of the Speaker role, requiring 217 votes, will bring an end to recent infighting within the Republican party and replace Kevin McCarthy. Scalise is seen as a more traditional candidate, while Jim Jordan, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, represents the more confrontational wing of the party. Scalise’s victory shows that Trump’s influence within the party may not be as strong as his popularity suggests when it comes to internal House of Representatives leadership elections. (BBC)

Happening in the US: The United Auto Workers union has escalated its strike against Detroit’s Three automakers, shutting down Ford’s largest factory and threatening Stellantis, the maker of Jeep. The strike at Ford’s Kentucky truck plant involves 8,700 members and affects the production of heavy-duty F-Series pickup trucks and Ford and Lincoln SUVs, valued at $25 billion annually. Union President Shawn Fain hinted at further action against Stellantis. The strike expansion is seen as a move to increase pressure on Ford, as talks haven’t led to a revised contract. This escalation indicates the potential for a prolonged strike, impacting automakers’ bottom lines and laying off workers at factories due to strike-related parts shortages. The strike has become increasingly contentious over issues like pensions and health insurance for retired workers and the union’s demand for unionized battery plants in the face of the industry’s shift to electric vehicles. (AP)

Happening in NYC: Queens borough president Donovan Richards has issued an ultimatum, stating that he will withhold approval for a planned $780 million soccer stadium in Willets Point unless the Adams administration reinstates a popular street vendor market in Corona Plaza. This ultimatum comes amid a dispute over the closure of the street vendor market earlier this year due to concerns about cleanliness, crime, and crowding. Richards insists on the return of vendors to Corona Plaza before approving the stadium project. The 25,000-seat stadium is set to be the future home of the New York City Football Club. City officials have been working on long-term plans for a market at Corona Plaza, and the ultimatum adds a new twist to the ongoing debate. The project requires a land-use review, which is expected to proceed without delays, according to City Hall. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Tonight from 6:30-8:00 pm, Columbia University Maison Française, will be screening the documentary “The Super 8 Years” by David Ernaux-Briot and Nobel Prize-winning writer Annie Ernauxl. It delves into their family’s memories through home movies from 1972 to 1981. Annie Ernaux narrates, offering a unique perspective on their lives during that period. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with directors David Ernaux-Briot and Thomas Dodman. The screening will take place in the Cowin Auditorium in Horace Mann Hall at Teachers College.

Soccer Stadium via Wikimedia Commons