Three to Get Ready for January 12, 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 U.S. Department of Justice has opened a criminal investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell‘s conduct relating to renovation of the Fed’s headquarters, leading to a rare public statement in which Powell characterized the investigation as “a consequence of the Federal Reserve setting interest rates based on our best assessment of what will serve the public, rather than the preferences of the President.”
2. Following a court decision affirming congressional representatives’ right to make unannounced visits to ICE detention centers, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem issued a memo requiring 7-days advance notice, blocking Minnesota congresswomen from entry to a Minneapolis detention center.
3. The U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division will not investigate the fatal shooting of a U.S. citizen in Minneapolis by an ICE officer.

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. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the administration’s attempted freeze of $10 billion in federal funding for programs benefiting vulnerable families in Democratic-led states.
2. Former Special Counsel Jack Smith will publicly testify before the House Judiciary Committee about his findings regarding President Trump’s conduct following the 2020 election.
3. The Arizona Secretary of State has refused to hand over voter registration records to the Department of Justice, inviting a top official to “pound sand.”

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. Join library supporters and send a postcard in support of the Right to Read Act.
2. Recruit a few friends and volunteer to write 100 postcards to combat disinformation in upcoming swing state Senate elections.
3. Use the Mobilize tool to find out about all kinds of opportunities. Adjust the filters to find something perfect for you.