The Taliban government in Afghanistan imposed a nationwide internet blackout lasting over 48 hours without official explanation, severely disrupting flights, banking, digital communications, and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Services were restored, including high-speed 4G networks, amid UN concerns over economic stability and further isolation of women under Taliban restrictions aimed at preventing “immoral activities.” If the Taliban, who have installed one of the worst governments of all time, can come to see that internet repression is an absurd tactic, perhaps there is hope for us yet.

Youth-led protests in Morocco, organized by the group GenZ 212, erupted over government prioritization of billions for the 2030 World Cup preparations while neglecting public health and education, leading to violent clashes in cities like Agadir, Tiznit, and Oujda. Authorities arrested over 400 protesters, with injuries to 263 security personnel and 23 civilians, prompting calls for dialogue on corruption and reforms amid damaged property and use of water cannons. We again are in amazement at the intensity of Gen Z resistance to corrupt government. Hopefully, this energy can be organized by like-minded and more mature leaders to foster a structural push for a better world going forward.

The Israeli military intercepted and boarded vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including an Italian boat, in international waters 70 nautical miles from Gaza, citing violations of a naval blockade in an active combat zone. The flotilla, carrying over 500 participants including Greta Thunberg and aiming to deliver food, water, and medicine directly to Gaza civilians, faced communication disruptions, with Israel offering alternative aid routes that were rejected. The Italian government had voiced concerns that this interaction would lead to an international catastrophe, but it appears it will end with Israel simply ensuring the aid does not arrive in Gaza on terms they find problematic.

The US federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass a stopgap funding bill, with Democrats demanding extensions for Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent premium spikes and Republicans refusing to negotiate on health care until reopening. The shutdown furloughed up to 750,000 workers, closed national sites like the Liberty Bell, disrupted disaster relief and military pay, and withheld billions in infrastructure funding, with both parties exchanging blame over partisan demands. As partisanship and polarization continue to dominate our political climate, it is no surprise that we find ourselves once again watching a government fail to be able to keep itself open. Unlike other shutdowns, this one feels like both sides are so committed to gutting their opposition that it may be harder than usual to find enough common ground to restart normal governance.

FBI Director Kash Patel terminated the bureau’s partnership with the Anti-Defamation League, established under James Comey, criticizing the ADL as an “extreme group” involved in activism rather than law enforcement and accusing it of endangering Americans. The decision followed backlash over the ADL’s classification of Turning Point USA in its extremism glossary, which was subsequently retired, amid broader scrutiny including from Elon Musk and Republican lawmakers. For far too long the ADL has served as a tool of partisanship, so it is unsurprising that elements within the government are rejecting its influence in relation to law enforcement. The ADL can come to improve its reputation by taking on a more even-handed approach that does not evoke the concern that its method of identifying harmful groups isn’t rooted in a desire to crush what it sees as its political opposition.

The Trump administration defunded the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency, an independent body overseeing 72 federal watchdogs, accusing them of corruption and partisanship, leading to its immediate shutdown. This action will furlough staff, close oversight websites and hotlines, hinder detection of waste and fraud, and isolate inspectors general, drawing bipartisan criticism from senators urging reversal. In order for people to have trust in government, they need to feel as though there are people dedicated to watching the powerful. This is a bad decision here by the Trump administration but not disastrous in and of itself.

Louisiana issued an arrest warrant for California doctor Remy Coeytaux, accused of mailing abortion pills to a woman in the state in 2023, violating its near-total abortion ban which carries penalties up to 15 years in prison. The case, stemming from a woman’s claim of coercion by her boyfriend, highlights interstate tensions over telemedicine abortions, with California’s shield laws likely preventing extradition amid efforts to restrict mifepristone access. It seems clear that the state of Louisiana will not be able to compel this California resident to appear in a Louisiana court; however, this does present a frightening example of what happens when different states have widely different approaches to the legality of something like abortion.

Texas suspended issuance and renewal of commercial driver licenses for refugees, asylees, and DACA recipients following federal emergency rules aimed at addressing safety concerns and improper issuance involving non-citizen drivers. The policy, supported by the Texas Trucking Association for uniform standards, impacts employment in the industry but allows lawful permanent residents to remain eligible, with non-citizens needing specific visas and immigration checks. This is an interesting development in the increasing scrutiny of immigrants in the labor market. On face, this seems like an overly regulative approach as it remains unclear to us what the logic is here regarding how permanent resident status makes someone substantively different than temporary status in relation to driving a truck.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens announced a $5.1 billion Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative to revitalize underserved south and westside areas using tax allocation districts for affordable housing, transit expansion, greenspace, and infrastructure. The plan, requiring approval from city council, county, and schools, targets issues like poverty and health disparities in seven neighborhoods, building on prior achievements in crime reduction and housing creation. This is an ambitious plan, but the cynic in us cannot help but be concerned that this funding will not be used for basic infrastructure development but be used for flourishes and symbolic improvements.

Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux proposed a $709.4 million operating budget for 2026, a 3.7% increase from the prior year, prioritizing crime reduction, bond-funded projects, and blight redevelopment. The plan includes a &1.1 billion capital improvements budget with &34.3 million for new projects and a proposed 2% blight surcharge on utility bills to raise $3 million for demolitions, pending city council approval by December 15. It seems wise to try to keep spending down at a time like this, but hopefully the slight increase in overall budget is not accompanied by a significant increase in some type of taxation, be it property taxes or sales taxes.