Three to Get Ready for January 7, 2026

Bad News First

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

1. The White House commemorated the anniversary of the January 6, 2021 insurrection by publishing a stunningly false and political re-write of the historical event.
2. The Department of Health and Human Services announced that it is withholding child care and family assistance funding for needy families in five Democratic-led states.
3. In the days following military intervention in Venezuela, the administration seems to be contemplating action against Columbia, Cuba, Mexico, Iran, and Greenland.

But Here’s the Good News

Bad news drives clicks, so encouraging developments don’t always show up in the headlines. But good things are happening every day, like these:

1. In a 4-1 decision, the Wyoming Supreme Court protected the right to abortion in that state, citing the state constitution to block implementation of two state legislative bans.
2. A federal appeals court ruled that a National Institutes of Health (NIH) cap on research reimbursement rates violates federal law, in a lawsuit brought by more than 20 states, the Association of Medical Colleges, and the Association of American Universities.
3. A federal trial court judge has ordered Lindsey Halligan to explain why she continues to use the title of U.S. Attorney despite an earlier court ruling that she had unlawfully assumed the role.

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.

1. Protect yourself against “J6” propaganda by relying on journalistic and fact-checked accounts of historical events.
2. If you have kids, they live in a different information bubble than you do. Take a look at how one mom is teaching her sons to watch and read critically.
3. According to a Bluesky user, ICE observers in the Twin Cities are asking for donations to obtain dash cams and memory cards.