Three to Get Ready for May 23, 2026

Bad News First

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

1. Foreign nationals who are legally in the United States will now have to leave the country to apply for a green card.
2. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick donated $5 million to a super PAC backing House Republicans ahead of his testimony before….House Republicans.
3. The Justice Department website is being scrubbed of information relating to criminal charges against the January 6 insurgents, and consumer advisories on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website have disappeared.

But Here’s the Good News

Today's good news is SO GOOD. Let's take a few moments to savor it! WOOT!

1. Congress adjourned without passing the reconciliation bill because the GOP was on the losing side of the weaponization slush fund, ballroom, and (get this!) War Powers Act. SO GOOD. Read. Watch.
2. A federal judge dismissed criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland man who was deported to El Salvador, brought back, then charged with a crime, finding evidence of vindictive prosecution. PLUS, all charges against Chicago ICE protestors were dropped after a judge found irregularities in the underlying grand jury proceedings, to say the least. VERY EXCITING!
3. The DOJ is now 0 for 8 in litigation to gain access to state voter rolls.

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. Take a few minutes and do a democracy!

1. The weaponization fund has potential to be the straw that breaks the congressional camel’s back. Here’s a quick way to weigh in.
2. This list has a nice mix of targeted and easy actions on a variety of important issues. Do any work for you?
3. Gen Z activate! Pass it on!