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. An analysis by the group Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) finds that, since 2023, White House cabinet members have directed $30 million to the president in the form of political contributions, property visits, stock holdings, and donations. (P.S. Jared Kushner is trying to raise $5 billion for his private equity firm while working as an envoy in the Middle East.)

  2. FCC chair Brendan Carr threatened to revoke broadcast licenses from stations that run coverage critical of the war with Iran (a move so unconstitutional that a Republican senator criticized it.)

  3. Six American crew members on a refueling jet supporting operations in Iran have died. Meanwhile, the president’s political action committee sent a fundraising email featuring an image of the president saluting the casket of a fallen soldier.

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. In a scathing order, a federal judge quashed subpoenas directed at Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, finding that the purpose of the subpoenas was to pressure Powell to resign, not to investigate a crime.

  2. A federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s stay on the administration’s attempt to remove temporary protected status for Haitians living in the U.S., while a federal district court has paused the termination of temporary protected status for Somali immigrants.

  3. A record number of Republican incumbents (35!) are leaving the House of Representatives in the next election cycle.

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. Protect your vote against shenanigans by checking on your registration status. Vote 411 can help.

  2. Support transparency and ethics in government by making a donation to CREW.

  3. Attend a Red, Wine & Blue webinar on women changemakers, identifying misinformation, and talking about politics,  all on the schedule this month.

Share Your Thoughts!

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Past Issues

Forgive me, readers, for this momentary lapse of pettiness. In my defense, it's all true.
Bad news getting you down? Focus on ushering in change with the midterms! Here are some great questions to ask candidates. Plus, opportunities for connecting with voters in other states.
All you need is a piece of chalk and a dry-ish forecast to promote democracy and encourage your fellow humans. How great is that?
Look what people can do! Get inspired and try a democracy quickie to start your weekend right.
Good news if you don't love infectious disease or financial fraud. Less than good news if you're expecting a coherent Middle East energy policy. But look! Exciting new candidates!
Corruption and media criticism continue, but guess what? Media and judicial independence are still a thing. Let's act to keep it that way.

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