Three to Get Ready for June 18, 2026

Bad News First

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

1. You might think ending the war with Iran would be good news, but the president has signed a Memorandum of Understanding so vague and unfavorable that even Senate Republicans are alarmed.
2. A GAO report identified “serious performance and oversight challenges” at an ICE detention facility in Texas, the hypothermia death of a released detainee in Pennsylvania has been ruled a homicide, and a Reuters analysis found that the death rate in detention centers has more than doubled.
3. The U.S. is continuing military strikes on boats in the Pacific, claiming terrorism (and Senators have a new strategy for getting answers from the Pentagon.)

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging developments don’t always make the headlines. But good things are happening, so let's give a cheer!

1. Joining South Carolina, Republicans in the Georgia legislature have rebuffed calls to redraw federal congressional districts in their favor.
2. Unions representing federal government employees have sued to challenge the administration’s new loyalty test on First Amendment grounds.
3. The administration has abandoned appeals in its losing battle against issuing permits for wind energy projects.

And Here’s What You Can Do

Even quickie actions have the potential to ripple out in ways we don’t expect. Plus, doing good is good for you.

1. Read the Declaration of Independence and see if the charges against King George sound familiar.
2. Amplify a post from the DemCast affordability toolkit.
3. If you’re wondering what the data center fuss is all about or what you can do, here are some websites to explore.