Three to Get Ready for March 4, 2026

Bad News First

The news can be distracting, but it's not just a distraction.

1. After launching military action against Iran, the president officially notified congress, failing to identify an imminent threat as the basis for the attack, even as the conflict spread across the Middle East and began to impact Americans at home.
2. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, ladies and gentlemen.
3. The United States Supreme Court has stayed efforts to redraw New York’s congressional map to improve representation of Black and Latino voters, a departure from the court’s approach in previous redistricting cases.

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging news doesn't always make the headlines. So let's take a minute to celebrate a few jobs well done.

1. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faces a second day of tough questioning by Senators, including Republican Tom Tillis, who called on her to resign.
2. A federal appeals court rejected the administration’s request for a 90-day delay before implementing the Supreme Court’s holding that Trump’s emergency tariffs are illegal. Many companies have already filed suit, seeking refunds.
3. A federal judge in the District of Columbia ruled that Kristi Noem cannot require seven days advance notice for congressional oversight visits of ICE facilities. Again.

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.

1. Visit MoveOn.org to easily communicate your opposition to war in Iran to congress.
2. Have you read any of these books on protecting democracy? Or these banned books? Or these books about climate change? Extra credit: See if you can get your book club on board for a good discussion.
3. Misinformation is flying. Resolve not to share unverified videos or claims from questionable sources. And maybe bookmark a trusted fact checker.