Three to Get Ready for January 5, 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. In remarks inconsistent with those of the president, Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to clarify the legal authority for intervention in Venezuela or what the U.S. role will be going forward.

2. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reduced the childhood vaccine schedule from 17 routine immunizations to 11, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has dropped required state reporting re: vaccination of children covered by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

3. The Defense Department plans to downgrade the retirement rank and pay of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, in retaliation for his appearance in a video reminding servicemembers of their duty to refuse illegal orders.

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. One GOP House Representative has spoken out against the United States’ intervention in Venezuela and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expects a vote later this week on a resolution seeking to block further military intervention.

2. Americans from coast to coast protested the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.

3. Political parody and satire are alive and well. A South Park writer purchased and maintains the website trumpkennedycenter.org and The Onion is thriving, with a print circulation of more than 60,000 subscribers.

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. Take a look at former Labor Secretary Robert Reich’s list of ten things you can do to support democracy in 2026, and find something that works for you.

2. One easy way to diversify your news sources is to sign up for Bluesky and follow this starter pack of independent news sources that “aren’t owned and controlled by billionaires.”

3. If you find yourself wondering whether those calls to Congress really matter, have a look at this guide to contacting your congressional reps and see how calls, letters, emails and other outreach all have their roles.