Three to Get Ready for February 4, 2026

Bad News First

It can be hard to know what to make of all the noise, but checking out is not going to save America. Let’s take a teeny tiny little peek.

1. The president of the United States said that Republicans “should take over the voting,” nationalizing elections in “at least 15 places,” a proposal so blatantly unconstitutional that his interpreters said he was “merely expressing support for the SAVE Act.”
2. A partial funding package to keep the government open left out funding for the Department of Homeland Security, setting the stage for a battle over the agency’s use of administrative warrants and the meaning of due process.
3. Hours after a man emailed a Homeland Security official in support of an asylum seeker, he received notice that the agency had subpoenaed his personal information from Google.

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging developments don’t always make the headlines. But look! There is some!

1. The U.S. Supreme Court denied an emergency request to stop redistricting in California and federal district court judges extended temporary protected status for Haitians, rejected ICE’s 7-day notice requirement for legislative visits to detention facilities, and restricted the use of tear gas on protestors and journalists.
2. Several individuals who were detained by ICE, along with the brothers of Renee Good, bravely provided powerful testimony before House and Senate Democrats, giving Americans an opportunity to bear witness to the violent tactics and lack of due process.
3. While another 8 lawyers leave the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, a federal judge held a hearing to determine why ICE is failing to comply with his orders to release unlawfully detained individuals. An ICE attorney provided a rare glimpse inside ICE operations, decrying the lack of attorneys and infrastructure, confessing, “Sometime I wish you would just hold me in contempt, your honor, so that I can have a full 24 hours of sleep.” She described the difficulties of getting ICE to release detainees, stating, “I am here just trying to make sure that the agency understand how important it is to comply with all the court orders, which they have not done in the past or currently.”

And Here’s What You Can Do

Doing good is good for you. If you need more ideas, click the More Ideas button. I've got you!

1. Call your elected representatives tonight and leave a message about your biggest concern, then sleep well, knowing you did a good thing for democracy. Find yours here.
2. If you’ve unsubscribed from major media outlets but still want access to professional journalism, why not get a library card? Look online or ask a librarian how to unlock free online access to local and national outlets.
3. If you’re moved by the Minnesota Singing Resistance, join or start a Justice Choir where you are.