Topic: Blackouts

The Indian government reportedly cut internet access 65 times in 2025 to suppress dissent, the highest rate in any democracy. Developer Rahul Kumar created BitSocial, a Bluetooth-based alternative used by protesters to bypass these blackouts. The technology allows messages to travel several meters between devices, effectively covering large areas through a chain of user hardware.

New York City firefighter Jason Charles showcased his "bug out bag" designed for a potential AI apocalypse or extended power grid failure. The kit includes a solar-powered EcoFlow generator, tents, and tools for survival in the woods. The hosts critique the practicality of carrying heavy batteries during a city-wide evacuation, suggesting that hunkering down with security is a more viable strategy.

Vice President Kamala Harris campaigned for Richard Pan in a newly redistricted California district, but the event was marked by the exclusion of several media outlets, including the New York Times. Local reporters questioned Pan on the decision to bar journalists, which he deflected by claiming other media were present. The move was criticized as a lack of transparency during a competitive race against Republican Kevin Kiley.