The U.S. treasury targets the Sinaloa cartel’s chemical suppliers. A hardline conservative is Japan’s first woman PM. + How TikTok turns casual scrollers into compulsive users—by design.

France’s government collapses in less than a day. Georgia’s opposition tries storming the presidential palace. &c. + When political fragmentation makes even forming a cabinet impossible.

The Czech Republic turns away from Ukraine. The Church of England names its first woman archbishop. + Out now—the weekend despatch.

The U.S. government suspends federal funding for Democratic states. Gen Z protests move across Madagascar. + Voice of America goes silent—while China and Russia keep talking.

The American government shuts down. The Pope questions the Pentagon. + Leaked documents about preventing leaks—and impending polygraphs for thousands at the U.S. Defense Department.

Afghanistan’s internet goes dark. Moldova defies Moscow. + Trump reveals his plans to America’s generals at Quantico.

Federal troops spread to more American cities. Another execution in Iran. + A 21-point Gaza proposal—where ambiguity is doing most of the work.

What a difference a new prosecutor makes. The struggle over TikTok ends in a shakedown. + Up now—this week’s member’s despatch.