Good news on vaccinations, gender equality
On this good-news Friday, let’s celebrate Fix the News for providing the counterpoint of global progress in areas of U.S. backsliding.
Among the items in Fix the News’ section requiring a subscription:
— “Global childhood immunization coverage inches forward despite conflict and hesitancy,” headlines a joint press release from the World Health Organization and UNICEF.
For example, 90 percent of infants globally (nearly 116 million) received at least one dose of a diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine in 2025, and 85 percent (110 million) completed the full three-dose series, according to the annual WHO-UNICEF estimate.
— The Swiss government has indicated that uniform legislation against so-called conversion measures is sensible, reports SWI, the Swiss Broadcasting Corp.’s international online service.
“Conversion therapies aim to change the sexual orientation of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people. The Swiss government clearly rejects and condemns these practices,” SWI says.
— Poland has started recognizing foreign same-sex marriages, says TPV World, the English-language version of Poland’s public broadcaster. Same-sex marriage still is illegal in Poland.
“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.” — late Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., civil rights activist
Here are regularly updated voting rights resources for the November midterm elections, on John Dineen’s briefing.center website. And here is John’s daily quick commentary on his briefing.center home page.
Russia is using migrants as weapons against Europe
Third aircraft carrier and thousands of troops head to Mideast as Trump considers new Iran strikes
New ICE guidance bans high-speed car chases, sets tighter rules for traffic stops
WSJ: Department of Homeland Security pays local agencies as much as $2 million for each migrant arrest in a nationwide task force
Renee Good’s family sues federal government and immigration officials over her killing in Minneapolis
Federal scholarship for private school and homeschool to be available to most kids in at least 30 states
Federal panel approves final design and plans for White House security screening center
ProPublica: Russell Vought is ‘shadow president’
Bill Pulte, director of Federal Housing Finance Agency, moves to cut agency’s inspector general office, drawing calls for his resignation
Full transcript of Trump interview with Time
Trump meme coin firm inviting top buyers to ‘exclusive’ gala with the president
Bill to ease seniors’ wheelchair upgrade costs passes Senate by voice vote
Congress ‘leaves with a whimper’ until after midterm elections
Supreme Court agrees to review of Trump administration’s mandatory detention policy for immigrants
Supreme Court rejects Arizona bid to block start of court-ordered takeover of healthcare operations in prisons
States and cities sue over Trump EPA’s elimination of rule limiting power-plant emissions
High gas and diesel prices spur states to waive gas taxes, regulations
Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore forms bipartisan governors group on AI, citing federal inaction
D.C. judge permanently dismisses case charging Olympian David Hearn with vandalizing Reflecting Pool
Florida’s St. Lucie County discovers Flock cameras with no obvious owner
Heather Cox Richardson: ‘The fact that one man’s mental acuity has collapsed is an immediate calamity’
Study: Underwater umbrellas reduce — and reverse — coral bleaching in Caribbean
Most American children being auto-enrolled in Trump accounts, but parents must claim the accounts to make their own deposits, get employer match
Congress clarifies Social Security retirement ages
Medicare Advantage premiums projected to drop in 2027, but enrollees can expect higher out-of-pocket costs and fewer benefits
KFF: Midterms have revived universal healthcare debate; Oregon, California, New York, Washington are ahead of everyone
You can call the Capitol switchboard, (202) 224-3121, and be connected to the offices of your representative and senators. To email your House member and your two senators, you can connect to their websites at Congress.gov. Most lawmakers seem to only accept emails from their constituents, but these leaders accept emails from Americans nationwide, at:
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer
Senate Majority Leader John Thune