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Three to Get Ready for
January 5, 2026

Three things you should know about the U.S. government.
Three reasons to believe things can get better.
Three things you can do to help.
Three times a week.
Let’s go!
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Bad News First

The news can be overwhelming, but it can also inform, inspire, and focus our engagement. Let’s gird our loins and take a quick peek.

  1. In remarks inconsistent with those of the president, Secretary of State Marco Rubio failed to clarify the legal authority for intervention in Venezuela or what the U.S. role will be going forward.

  2. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reduced the childhood vaccine schedule from 17 routine immunizations to 11, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has dropped required state reporting re: vaccination of children covered by Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

  3. The Defense Department plans to downgrade the retirement rank and pay of Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, in retaliation for his appearance in a video reminding servicemembers of their duty to refuse illegal orders.

But Here's the
Good News!

Encouraging developments don’t always make the headlines, But good news can provide us with hope and momentum, so let's take heart!

  1. One GOP House Representative has spoken out against the United States’ intervention in Venezuela and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer expects a vote later this week on a resolution seeking to block further military intervention.

  2. Americans from coast to coast protested the U.S. military intervention in Venezuela.

  3. Political parody and satire are alive and well. A South Park writer purchased and maintains the website trumpkennedycenter.org and The Onion is thriving, with a print circulation of more than 60,000 subscribers.

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. Give it a try and see!

  1. Take a look at former Labor Secretary Robert Reich’s list of ten things you can do to support democracy in 2026, and find something that works for you.

  2. One easy way to diversify your news sources is to sign up for Bluesky and follow this starter pack of independent news sources that “aren’t owned and controlled by billionaires.”

  3. If you find yourself wondering whether those calls to Congress really matter, have a look at this guide to contacting your congressional reps and see how calls, letters, emails and other outreach all have their roles.

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Past Issues

The situation for immigrants is going from bad to worse, while U.S. citizens and Democratic congressfolks look for ways to turn the tide. Have you found a way to participate?
Bad news persists, but so do we, taking inspiration from brave objectors and doing what we can, when we can. Do you have room in your week for a postcard ... or more?
Wrapping up a difficult week with a look at what's happened, including some rays of light (on Capitol Hill, even!) and things you can do, like today, tomorrow, and Sunday. Let's go!
Bad news for objective truth, social services funding, and possibly Greenland, but courts continue to uphold the law and critical thinking starts at home, so let's make sure we're walking the walk, shall we?
Concerning developments regarding U.S. military intervention, public health, and free speech, but take heart! People are speaking out and you can, too!
Not gonna lie, the Bad News today is big and bad. But let's keep moving toward the points of light! Resistance is not futile, truly.

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