Three to Get Ready for June 13, 2026

Bad News First

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

1. The president says we’re close to a “deal” with Iran…for the 39th time.
2. Despite the stunning commercialism of a UFC fight on what used to be the White House lawn, seven federal agencies are believed to have allocated significant resources to the endeavor.
3. The FBI raided the offices of an Ohio organization that advocates for voting and labor rights. Meanwhile, it was revealed that a criminal probe into whether a GOP senator’s coal mines violated the Clean Water Act was quietly abandoned.

But Here’s the Good News

Encouraging developments don’t always make the headlines. But good things are happening--Look!

1. Court roundup: A judge declined to take Todd Blanche at his word and extended an order blocking the “weaponization fund.” National Park signage concerning slavery, climate change, and Indigenous history are ordered to be restored. And a judge ruled that the Department of Energy must restore grants to Democratic-leaning states.
2. The DC Board of Professional Responsibility, which disciplines attorneys, handed down a six-month suspension for a federal prosecutor who used deceptively edited videos in criminal cases against protestors.
3. At three in the morning, the name “Donald J. Trump” was removed from the Kennedy Center facade. (PS The Washington National Opera would like its money back.)

And Here’s What You Can Do

Anyone can comment on a proposed federal rule. And that includes you, friend. Pick one and use your voice for good. You can do this!

1. Comment by July 13 on a federal rule that would make scientific funding subject to political review. Here’s how. Here’s where.
2. Comment by July 2 on a proposed rule that would make the USPS responsible for determining who can vote by mail. Here’s why. Here’s where.
3. Comment by July 20 on a proposed rule to roll back PFAS health standards. Here’s why. Here’s where.