In the Middle East…

Donald Trump announced that the US will recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

This was a really controversial move. In the ongoing conflict between Palestine and Israel, in part over who Jerusalem (a major religious site both for Muslims and Jews) belongs to, the US has been acting as a neutral mediator, trying to help the two sides figure out a solution for decades. But now America’s taking sides (although our relations with Israel have been pretty friendly in the past, we never declared our support in such an outward manner).

Trump said that the move will help advance the peace process, however some Arab leaders feel that it will do the exact opposite. As of right now, Palestine seems a little upset at us: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is refusing to meet up with VP Mike Pence later in the month, and there have been numerous protests across the region, with some casualties.

RIP Net Neutrality

This week, the FCC voted to drop Net Neutrality, a principle by which internet providers cannot alter the speed of websites regardless of their use of data or ability to pay. The FCC is the Federal Communications Commission, an independent agency of the government created to regulate interstate communications by radio, television, wire, and so on.

Supporters of Net Neutrality say that its removal will allow internet providers to unfairly favor certain sites and raise Web prices for everyone.

Opponents say that removing the regulations will increase competition and give customers more internet options.

The Net Neutrality rules were put in place in 2015, during the Obama administration.

Sweet Home

Earlier this year, Jeff Sessions left his position as an Alabama senator to become the attorney general, so Alabama held a special election. And Democrat Doug Jones defeated Republican Roy Moore. In a state that’s been red for more than two decades. Many democrats have seen the win as a way to increase their influence coming into the new year.

Prior to the elections, Moore was accused of sexual abuse and child molestation (which he has continually denied).

Donald Trump congratulated Jones, but said that Republicans will have another shot at the senate seat in a little while.