Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Yemen’s capital Sanaa, targeting Houthi military sites in retaliation for a drone attack on Eilat that injured 20 people. The strikes reportedly killed dozens of Houthi operatives according to Israel, while Houthi media reported two deaths and 48 injuries, amid ongoing escalations linked to the Gaza conflict. This isn’t a tremendously consequential update as the ongoing Israeli 10,000 front war already included attacks on Yemen due to their relationship with the Houthi rebels.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that NATO and the EU have declared war on Russia by using Ukraine as a proxy and directly participating in the conflict. This claim comes amid heightened tensions, with Russia accusing Western powers of strategic interests in Ukrainian territories and planning military actions in the region. Again we continue to stress that there does not appear to be an opportunity for de-escalation between Russia and the West. If things continue this way, then we may need to move towards more aggressively labelling ongoing conflicts for what they are which is the beginnings of WWIII.

The Bank of Mexico lowered its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.50%, marking the 10th consecutive cut amid sluggish economic growth and trade tensions with the US. The decision, supported by a 4-1 vote, reflects expectations that inflation will return to target levels next year. All central banks must be abolished and the fact that Mexico is keeping interest rates so high is another reminder of how central banks function as a tool for elite domination in capitalist economies.

The U.S. Department of Justice has sued six states (California, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania) for refusing to provide statewide voter registration lists, alleging violations of federal law. This action is part of the Trump administration’s efforts to collect voter data to verify compliance with voter roll maintenance requirements and address claims of voter fraud. As the rhetoric continues to demonstrate, many democratic leaders understand the federal government to be defunct because it is operating under what they believe to be fascist and authoritarian rule. I will continue to suggest that it is in the best interest of the republic for states to cooperate with the federal government or make plans to secede from the Union.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned hundreds of U.S. generals and admirals for an urgent meeting at a military installation in Quantico, Virginia, with the purpose remaining undisclosed. Speculations include a group fitness test, a departmental briefing, or potential mass firings, following Hegseth’s previous actions to reduce high-ranking officers. The reason could be anything, but in this climate knowing that so many senior military officials have been called together is reason to raise eyebrows. We’ll just have to wait and see what all of this was about.

Whistleblowers from HUD’s Office of Fair Housing have accused the department of systematically undermining fair housing laws through staff reductions, gag orders, and halted investigations. The National Urban League echoes these claims, stating that the Trump administration has abandoned enforcement, exacerbating housing disparities for marginalized groups. People undoubtedly need access to adequate housing. I might add, or at least question, whether HUD has ever sufficiently met its mandate and perhaps should be on the chopping block for abolition.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has warned that teachers who post online celebrating political violence, particularly related to the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, could have their licenses suspended or revoked. The state’s Department of Education and Attorney General are reviewing such comments, with some school districts already taking action against involved educators. Between this and the anti-Semitism crusades, we are on the precipice of unleashing the worst type of censorship regime since the red scare. Free speech is a principle that can not be leveraged conveniently but must be thought to be a permanent feature of American society and governance.

North Dakota, along with Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Montana, has filed a complaint against the Midcontinent Independent System Operator’s $22 billion power line expansion project, arguing that the costs are unjust and benefits overstated. The project aims to build over 3,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines to reduce energy loss and costs, but opponents question its assumptions and impact on utility bills. This is just worth thinking about as we increasingly have conflicting ideas about how to secure the energy needed to power modern society.

The Milwaukee Common Council has unanimously passed legislation imposing fines on participants and spectators of illegal street takeovers, with penalties ranging from $300 to $1,000 depending on the role. Repeat offenders face a minimum $1,000 fine, and courts may also require community service related to traffic safety. Many American cities have wrestled with banning these takeovers and perhaps this provides some insight into how to deter people from engaging in this behavior. Also one must wonder how to address the underlying concern, which is the desire for so many citizens to gather and engage in disruptive behavior for entertainment.

St. Louis has scrapped a $1.1 billion light rail project, known as the green line, due to challenges in securing federal funding and its high cost. Instead, Bi-State Development is shifting to a cheaper bus rapid transit alternative along a similar route. Building public transportation ought to be a critical priority of both large and small government bodies and trains are better than buses but buses are better than nothing.