Three to Get Ready for June 22, 2026

Bad News First

Let’s take a deep breath and a quick peek.

1. Cause for concern for Americans with disabilities: Longstanding services for disabled students have been shifted to RFK’s portfolio, a DOJ memo argues states do not have to provide in-home or community-based care, and the Supreme Court denied review of an 8th Circuit ruling potentially limiting assistance for voters with disabilities and limited English proficiency.
2. Bill Pulte, a construction industry GOP mega-donor now acting as the Director of National Intelligence (to the consternation of both Democrats and Republicans) plans to immediately fire 300 people, despite outcry regarding national security risks.
3. On the presidential pardon front, we have the quashing of a criminal investigation into whether improper payments were made in connection with a grant of clemency for an individual sentenced to 7 years in prison and a $15.5 million forfeiture for defrauding mom-and-pop investors. And Lawfare has reported on how many of the pardoned January 6 insurrectionists have been subsequently charged for other crimes. Spoiler: It’s not good.

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging developments don’t always make the headlines. But good things are happening, so take heart!

1. Wisconsin is charging federally pardoned proponents of 2020 fake electors with state felony forgery. Also on the state level, California, Colorado, Connecticut and Maryland are enacting laws to fortify elections from federal interference.
2. A federal court has rejected DOJ attempts to obtain Maryland voter rolls. That’s 9-0 for anyone keeping track. PS The Cook Political Report has shifted 7 House races toward Democrats.
3. Video projection artists are making protest art all over DC, most recently on the screens hiding the absence of someone’s name on the Kennedy Center from public view.

And Here’s What You Can Do

Stay informed!

1. Here’s where you can see for yourself the full list of presidential pardons, including charges and sentences.
2. Here’s where you can track what’s happening in voting rights policy.
3. Here’s where you can track federal immigration policy changes.