Three to Get Ready for January 21, 2026

Bad News First

The news can be overwhelming, but it can also inform, inspire, and focus our engagement. Let’s gird our loins and take a quick peek.

1. The Environmental Protection Agency will no longer calculate the dollar value of human lives saved as part of its cost-benefit analysis for new pollution rules and a leader of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention characterized the United States’ loss of measles elimination status as “the cost of doing business.”
2. It was revealed in a court filing that DOGE members had shared Social Security data using a third-party service and, in a separate case, a court has ruled that Immigration and Customs Enforcement may resume using certain Medicaid data to identify immigrants.
3. According to the New York Times, Donald Trump has used the office of the president to enrich himself by at least $1.4 billion.

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging developments don’t always make the headlines, but good news can provide us with hope and momentum, so let’s take heart!

1. House Democrats are opposing legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security, and 100 co-sponsors have signed on to articles of impeachment for DHS secretary Kristi Noem.
2. The Catholic archbishop responsible for U.S. military personnel said it is morally acceptable to disobey an order against the servicemember’s conscience, the three highest-ranking heads of Roman Catholic archdioceses in the U.S. sharply criticized the country’s foreign policy, and hundreds of faith leaders in Minnesota are calling for an end to ICE operations in the state.
3. The American Academy of Pediatrics suing to reverse changes in the recommended childhood vaccination schedule.

And Here’s What You Can Do

Even small efforts have the potential to ripple out in ways we don’t expect. Plus, doing good is good for you. Give it a try and see.

1. Stand Up for Science has opportunities for you to help protect science and democracy.
2. State attorneys general are elected in most states. AGs in states like Oregon, California, and Illinois have filed 50+ lawsuits to protect citizens in their state. Consider giving your state’s AG some feedback or encouragement.
3. The House has passed the SAVE Act, which will make it more difficult for married women (and others!) to vote. The League of Women Voters makes it easy to contact your Senator.