Three to Get Ready for July 16, 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 president’s latest batch of nominees (Blanche, Clayton and Schwartz) did their best to convince Senate committees they will exercise independent judgment.
2. Defense Secretary Hegseth blocked more promotions of women and people of color and announced he will test troops to make sure they have the “right” testosterone levels.
3. The president reduced the acreage of two national monuments by about 90% or almost three million acres. A visual.

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging developments don’t always show up in the headlines. But good things are happening every day.

1. A federal judge made a temporary block on the executive order purporting to restrict mail-in ballots and require proof of citizenship to vote permanent.
2. Federal judges ruled that the DOJ cannot access voter information in New Mexico and Virginia, bringing the DOJ’s record to 0-15.
3. A federal judge refused to pause a ruling ordering the administration to resume processing visa applications for immigrants from 39 countries, finding that visas granted for World Cup participants undercut the administration’s argument that national security requires a categorical ban.

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. Contact your senators with your concerns about the president’s nominees.
2. While you’ve got them on the phone, you can weigh in on the shrinking national monuments.
3. If you’ve lost track of where your state stands with respect to DOJ voter roll litigation, here’s a handy tracking tool.