Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed at least 11 Palestinians, including three journalists (Mohammed Salah Qishta, Abdul Raouf Shaat, and Anas Ghneim) who were documenting a displaced persons camp tied to Egyptian aid efforts, along with two children and others, according to Gaza health officials and medics. The Israeli military stated the target was individuals operating a Hamas-affiliated drone posing a threat.This marks one of the deadliest days in Gaza during the ceasefire period, with ongoing mutual claims of breaches. We cannot turn a blind eye to the situation in Israel, not simply because it is an example of human suffering, as there are many of those throughout the world, but because it's indicative of the disjuncture between what the rules say and how power actually works.

ASEAN, led by Malaysia's foreign minister, has stated it will not endorse or send observers to Myanmar's ongoing multi-phase election under military control, deeming it illegitimate due to lack of inclusive, free, and fair participation amid civil war and exclusion of democratic actors. The bloc rejected the junta's request for observers at its October summit, though some members like Cambodia and Vietnam attended individually. Increasingly in the developing world, rule through the military is being normalized, so it is interesting to see ASEAN push back on that despite Myanmar attempting to ingratiate itself into the Southeast Asian community.

The EU is advancing toward a major free trade agreement (FTA) with India, described by Ursula von der Leyen as potentially the "mother of all deals," along with a new security and defense partnership covering maritime security, cybersecurity, and counterterrorism, with signatures expected soon (possibly at the January 27 EU-India summit). This comes amid transatlantic tensions from US tariff threats under Trump, positioning the pact as strategic diversification for Europe. EU leaders emphasize it strengthens economic resilience and supply chains in key sectors like clean tech and semiconductors. EU leaders are looking to sell out the interests of ordinary Europeans for increased profits and growth in a similar fashion that the U.S. did to American labor in the late 70's and 80's. A tragedy in the making if you ask us.

US homicides dropped sharply in 2025, with a projected national rate around 4 per 100,000, the lowest since at least 1900, following a 21% decline in 35 large cities (the largest single-year drop on record), per Council on Criminal Justice analysis. Reductions occurred in most cities (for example, 41% in Denver, 40% in D.C.), reversing pandemic-era spikes. Overall, murders fell about 20-25% from recent peaks. This is wonderful news and especially inspiring given the disproportionate impact violence has on the most vulnerable communities in the country. Above all things the tools of the government must be used to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

The House Oversight Committee voted (bipartisan in parts: 34-8 for Bill Clinton, 28-15 for Hillary) to recommend holding former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary Hillary Clinton in contempt for defying subpoenas in its probe into government handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The panel seeks their testimony on related matters. The Clintons provided limited information but refused to appear. If approved by the full House, it could lead to Justice Department referral with potential penalties up to one year in prison or fines. These are politics we can get behind! Every criminal actor must be held accountable and this is a good step in that direction.

A May 2025 ICE memo (revealed via whistleblowers) authorizes agents to forcibly enter homes using only administrative warrants (Form I-205) for arrests of those with final removal orders, shifting from prior Fourth Amendment-respecting guidance. Critics, including senators like Richard Blumenthal, call it unconstitutional. Democrats are pushing to block related DHS/ICE funding amid concerns over wrong-home raids and enforcement tactics. The policy applies to civil immigration arrests and has sparked protests and legal challenges. This has provoked intense pushback and debate but provides an interesting view into the way the law operates as ICE under the executive not judicial branch; however, citizens ought not be subjected to warrantless government searches as that would create a seemingly lawless environment. Hopefully, the spirit of the Constitution prevails no matter the technical details of law enforcement.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released a model AI policy that promotes ethical use, prohibits AI-enabled bullying or harassment, and requires teacher permission for student AI in classrooms while ensuring AI only supplements human teaching. Districts must adopt their own AI policy, using the state's model or a customized version, by July 1, 2026, per House Bill 96 requirements. This is an interesting development given the increasing creep of AI into the educational space. While some have claimed students have greater success with learning models guided by AI, we want to believe there is still something important about having human-centric approaches to education.

Wisconsin's general fund is now projected to end the 2025-27 biennium with a $2.37–2.5 billion balance, about $1.53 billion higher than expected, mainly from $1.367 billion in increased tax collections driven by strong stock market performance and economic factors. Both parties claimed credit for the surplus, with Republicans emphasizing fiscal discipline and Democrats highlighting investments in the economy and tax relief, while Governor Evers eyes using funds for property tax reductions amid calls for caution regarding increased spending. In a time where so many localities are dealing with huge deficits it's wonderful to see a state have a surplus and have leadership inclined to use that to bolster tax relief as opposed to immediately drawing plans to spend it.

The DOJ issued grand jury subpoenas to Governor Tim Walz, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, Attorney General Keith Ellison, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, and others as part of a probe into alleged conspiracy to impede federal immigration enforcement during the Trump administration's crackdown, linked to clashes over ICE practices and a recent ICE agent shooting. Frey called it an attempt to intimidate local leaders, while Ellison described it as retaliation, with Frey required to appear in court on February 3, 2026. Although leadership in Minnesota may have their hearts in the right place we simply can't live in a country where local leaders incite active resistance to federal law enforcement and threaten to use local powers to stifle their operations. If operations are lawful, then it is important for political leaders to ensure things happen in an orderly fashion.

Senate Bill 78, advanced by the Indiana Senate (28-19 vote), would enforce a "bell-to-bell" ban on student cellphones and wireless devices (including smartwatches) throughout the school day, with districts choosing between no-device policies or secure storage, despite bipartisan concerns over safety, costs, and enforcement. It now heads to the House. Separately, House Bill 1035 passed the House unanimously (93-0) to protect parents from child welfare investigations solely for allowing age-appropriate independent activities like unsupervised outdoor play, walking to school, or staying home alone, provided there's no reckless endangerment. It advances to the Senate. It seems like there is an increased emphasis on promoting the welfare of children and creating the appropriate legal structures to ensure that's the case. Perhaps children are made better in an environment where they are empowered to walk to the store by themselves and don't spend their entire school day doomscrolling.