as days grow longer, the horrors remain dark

It's hard to know where to start, given the avalanche of dreadful developments over the past couple of weeks. On January 3, our fearless, feckless leader illegally sent the military to capture Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The event is bad enough but using it to make a pile of dough? Some grifter got a $400,000 payout on the prediction market Polymarket! Is the anonymous trader high enough in the Trump camp to know about the raid in advance or tipped off by someone in the regime? Is he/she/they engaged in insider trading? Apparently at least some news organizations had learned about the operation in advance. So perhaps the trader had also.

On January 7, ICE agent Johnathon Ross murdered Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis. Her pet dog was in the car with her and her wife was nearby when Ross fired 3 shots at close range into Good's head. If you have not already done so, you should watch the New York Times analysis of the event. The piece is gifted to get you past the paywall. The Department of Justice has decided not to investigate the shooting or its aftermath. Instead, the DOJ is investigating the victim's spouse. As a result, "at least six leaders of a Justice Department unit that investigates police killings [the Civil Rights Division] have resigned in protest over the administration’s handling of the fatal shooting of a motorist in Minneapolis by an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer" (MS NOW, January 12, 2026). In Minnesota, "at least six prosecutors with the U.S. attorney’s office in Minnesota have resigned over their concerns with the direction of the investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Nicole Good" (NBC News, January 13, 2026).

On January 10, Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, revealed that the Justice Department had served the Federal Reserve "with subpoenas and threatened a criminal indictment over testimony he gave to a Senate committee about renovations to Federal Reserve buildings" (BBC, January 12, 2026). Powell revealed the information in an usual video statement, measured in tone but defiant in message (Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, January 11, 2026). The video takes about 2 minutes and the site also includes a transcript of Powell's remarks.

Today, our mafia boss wannabe renewed his threats to take over Greenland. "President Donald Trump said Wednesday that 'anything less' than US control of Greenland is 'unacceptable,' arguing the United States needs the territory for national security purposes, which could in turn strengthen NATO." The Danish foreign minister had this to say after a brief meeting with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President J.D. Vance: "Donald Trump remains intent on 'conquering' Greenland, the Danish foreign minster has said, as crucial talks with US officials failed to solve a 'fundamental disagreement' that has led to unprecedented tensions between Washington and a Nato ally." Although the meeting lasted less than an hour, the "two sides did agree to create a working group to discuss ways to work through differences as Trump continues to call for a U.S. takeover of the semiautonomous territory of Nato ally Denmark" (The Guardian, January 14, 2026).

Not to be outdone in the department of egregious events, Wisconsin's Assembly passed TWO measures that would become amendments to the Wisconsin Constitution if the state Senate also passes them and the voters approve by voting for them on the November 2026 ballot. One of them, AJR 102, "seeks to target diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in state and local governments, passed 54-45 with only Republican support." The other proposed amendment "would prohibit the state from ordering the closure of places of worship during a state of emergency" (Wisconsin Examiner, January 14, 2026). Neither one, in my view, belongs in the Constitution. But enacting them as laws, I'm guessing, would make it easier for a future legislature — perhaps one with Democrats in the majority — to undo the measures.

So here's some really good news to counter all the ick. Governor Evers and Democratic Party Chair Devin Remiker have established The Governor Readiness Project. "Remiker and Evers are joined by former state party chair Ben Wikler and Cassi Fenilli, a Democratic operative who successfully steered Evers to victory in 2018 and 2022 and led Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Susan Crawford’s winning campaign earlier this year. The goal is simple: Put together a ready-made campaign to hand off to the Democrat who wins the August 2026 primary (The Cap Times, October 27, 2025).

I only learned about it when Governor Evers called me for a contribution to the project so that, in addition to lining up strategists and the like, there will be enough money for the candidate who wins the August 11 primary to mount a vigorous campaign. In my view, this is good news because it addresses a problem that almost certainly hampered former Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes when he ran two years ago against Senator Ron Johnson and lost by a smidgeon. One of the keys, apparently, was Barnes' inability to rebut attack ads that appeared the moment he won the primary because he lacked sufficient financial resources. You can of course support an individual candidate running in the primary. But if you'd like to support the person who wins the primary now, whoever that turns out to be, Act Blue is your friend!

TAKE ACTION

Support Grassroots North Shore! We're holding our annual fundraiser on Sunday, February 1, from 4:30 to 6:00pm online: Protecting This Wall of Democracy: Defending the Courts and Constitution in the State and the Nation. The money we raise makes all our work possible — election activities as well as events to keep us informed and engaged.

As our Supreme Court casts aside precedent and voter protections, as legislatures redraw electoral districts, and as unwelcome ICE and national guard deployments march into multiple states, the courts now define and protect the country’s norms. We have a stellar lineup of speakers to address those issues:

Jeff Mandell, President and founder of Law Forward;
Mary B. McCord, Director of Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection;
Paul L. Kiessel, attorney and founder of Speak up for Justice, a nonpartisan initiative projecting the rule of law, our democracy, and our judges.

and then SIGN UP.

Indivisible: Health insurance premium supports. Last year, Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” let Affordable Care Act tax credits expire. It was one of the many provisions of the bill that screwed over working Americans to pay for tax breaks for some of the richest people in history.

The impasse over healthcare affordability -- Democrats insisting the subsidies get funded, and Republicans refusing to negotiate at all -- led to last fall’s government shutdown. But last Thursday, there was a breakthrough. Seventeen House Republicans backed a Democratic bill to restore the subsidies and end the healthcare nightmare of the GOP’s own making. Now it’s the Senate’s turn to do the right thing and pass this bill. Click here to email your senators and demand they vote to extend ACA subsidies immediately.

EVENTS

Wednesday, January 14

January Banned Book Club: The Mermaid, the Witch and the Sea, 6:30 - 8:00pm CST
Virtual
Author Maggie Tokuda-Hall will join Red Wine & Blue to discuss her award-winning novel, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea. This is a fantasy novel about a pirate named Flora (disguised as Florian) and a highborn lady, Evelyn, who fall in love aboard a ship where the crew plans to sell the passengers into slavery. Evelyn and Florian form an unlikely bond while the novel weaves magic, betrayal, romance, and a daring escape that challenges oppressive power and rigid societal roles. The story explores themes of colonialism, gender identity, and survival. The book has been challenged (and in some cases removed) from school and library collections primarily because it contains graphic violence, sexual themes, and LGBTQ+ content. See you there! Sign up.

Meet Jessica Seawright, 7:00 - 8:00pm
Virtual
Every Wednesday, meet Jessica Seawright, candidate for Wisconsin State Assembly, District 21. Questions: [email protected]. Google Meet link provided upon RSVP.

Thursday, January 15

Democratic Party of Milwaukee County Monthly Meeting, 6:00 - 7:00pm CST
2718 N 33rd Street, Milwaukee
Our regular monthly meeting. Parking on Center St and 32nd St is available. ADA accessible parking spaces are available in small lot at the venue. Please be considerate and street park if you do not need an ADA space. See the agenda and SIGN UP for the meeting. If you are not already a member, you can become one here.

Red Wine & Blue Civics Salon: Voting 101 - How We Choose Who's in Charge, 6:30 - 7:30pm CST
Virtual
Ever wonder why some votes seem to count more than others or why certain districts look like squiggly snakes on a map? Join us for an informative look at how we vote in the U.S. and who decides the rules. Knowledge is power! We’ll break down the basics of how our voting systems work from the traditional “winner-take-all” elections to ranked choice, proportional voting, and what gerrymandering really means. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how these systems shape our democracy, who ends up in power, and what reforms could make elections fairer and more representative in our country. See you there! SIGN UP.

Waukesha Dems Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm CST
Southminster Presbyterian Church: 200 Richard St, Waukesha
This month we are BUSY! We will be presenting and voting on our 2026 budget, meeting our new Executive Director Gabi Suliga, hearing from and getting to question gubernatorial candidate David Crowley, and lastly, we will break out with our neighborhood action teams to set events to grow our power as we build toward the several elections we have in 2026. RSVP.

Saturday, January 17

Peaceful Nonpartisan Protest, 10:00 - 11:00am
Target at Port Washington Dr. and Highway 60, Grafton
We're nearing the one-year anniversary of protesting this administration. Let's keep up the numbers by forging through the winter weather. Saving Democracy doesn't wait for fair weather. Those passersby who are 'with us' feel buoyed seeing us out there. The uninformed, ambivalent, and undecided face our resolve, prompting some to think. So many in political strategy know that protest pressure works, coupled with other techniques. Park away from customer shopping. Optional: Bring a non-perishable food item to donate. See you on the line!

Launch of OzDems Food Drive, 7:00pm
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Grafton
Ozaukee County Democrats put people over politics. Help us collect new, unused and unexpired condiments to support local families in need. Starting Jan. 10, donations can be dropped off every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM as well as before our regular monthly meetings from 5 PM to 7 PM Jan. 21 and Feb. 18 .

East Castle Saturday Group Protest, 1:00 - 1:30pm
Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.
Meet on the east side of the street, Downer Ave, between Bradford Ave and Lake Drive.

Monday, January 19

LWVMC presents Dr. Martin Luther King Event, 2:00 - 4:00pm
Summit Place - Room 2135
6737 W Washington St., West Allis
Join us as we celebrate Dr. King's birthday! "Where Do We Go From Here? What's Next? Part 2"

Refreshments
Music
Original Poem
Dynamic Panel Discussion

Tuesday, January 20

Shorewood Free America Walkout, 1:00 - 3:30pm followed by a march
Shorewood Village Center, 3920 North Murray Avenue, Shorewood
Join Shorewood Resists for a poster making and community building event, followed by a peaceful march along Capitol Dr.

1:00pm-3:30pm: Poster/banner making and community building event
3:30pm: Approx start time of march

On January 20, we call on our communities to organize teams, call your neighbors and classmates, and turn your back and walk out on fascism. Host mutual aid planning meetings, organize public service, but walk out to block the normal routines of power, and make the stakes real. This is a protest and a promise. In the face of fascism, we will be ungovernable.
         ★ We walk away from fascism. ★
         ★ We walk towards a Free America. ★
         ★ We fight for a future that belongs to us all. ★
         ★ Everybody in, nobody out. ★
         ★ Welcome to the Free America Walkout ★
Sign up.

Wednesday, January 21

Main Street Governor Candidate Forum, 6:00pm
The Cooperage, 822 S Water St, Milwaukee
The 2026 Governor’s race in Wisconsin will shape policies that directly affect small businesses across the state—on issues like healthcare, childcare, paid family & medical leave and access to capital. With the U.S. economy showing signs of slowing, proactive state leadership will be critical to support the growth of small businesses and family farmers. Join Main Street Action and partners for a forum with Democratic candidates for Governor, including Rep. Francesca Hong, Sen. Kelda Roys, former WEDC Director Missy Hughes, Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, Former DOA Secretary Joel Brennan and Former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes. Hear directly from the candidates, ask your questions, and engage on the issues that matter most to Main Street. The Recombobulation Area’s Dan Shafer will be the moderator for this special event. The event is free to attend and you can register online here. There is a 200-person capacity at the venue, so if you want to attend, be sure to register ASAP. Don’t miss this opportunity—we’ll see you there!

Ozaukee Democrats Monthly Meeting, 7:00pm
Oz Dems Office, 1245 Cheyenne Ave., #103, Grafton
Join us for our monthly meeting to get the latest updates on our fight to turn Ozaukee County blue and find out how you can help. You can drop off donations for the OzDems food drive from 5:00 - 7:00pm. The meeting begins at 7:00pm

Wednesday, January 28

Thursday, January 29

Dana Glasstein Campaign Launch, 5:00 - 7:00pm
Inventor's Brewpub — Edison Room, 305 East Washington Street, Port Washington
Please join us for a campaign launch event to support Dana Glasstein for State Assembly! Dana is fighting for strong families, safe communities, and a brighter future for Wisconsin. With a Democratic majority, we can ensure that the voices and values of ALL residents in our district are heard. All donations graciously accepted! RSVP to [email protected] or 262-394-7020, or sign up here.

Saturday, January 31

65 Days to Victory Canvass, 9:00 - 3:00pm
Canvass headquarters to be announced, Oz County
Join the Ozaukee County Democrats for the 65 Days to Victory canvass. Sign up for slots at 9 or Noon:

Waukesha Dems: 65 Days to Victory Canvass, 9:00 - 3:00pm
See specific place for addresses
We are coming together for a big day of canvassing as we gear up for the Spring Elections, and we would love for you to be part of it. Whether you have knocked a hundred doors or zero, you belong here. We will provide training, materials, and support. Pick an area below to RSVP and join us on January 31st!

Brookfield & Elm Grove, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Menomonee Falls, 9:00am and 12:00pm
Lake Country, 9:00am and 12:00pm
Pewaukee, 9:00am and 12:00pm
City of Waukesha, 9:00am and 12:00pm
Muskego, 12:00 - 3:00pm
New Berlin, 12:00 - 3:00pm

Coffee, Tea & Democracy, 10:00 - 11:00am
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Ste 103, Grafton
Stop by the Dem office on the last Saturday of every month from 10 - 11am for this new event!
Q: What is it?
A: A fun and safe space where ideas will percolate and tea is spilt.
We provide refreshments. You bring yourself, and a friend. See you there!

Launch of OzDems Food Drive, 11:00am - 1:00pm
1245 Cheyenne Avenue, Grafton
Ozaukee County Democrats put people over politics. Help us collect new, unused and unexpired condiments to support local families in need. Starting Jan. 10, donations can be dropped off every Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Sunday, February 1

Protecting This Wall of Democracy, 4:30 - 6:00pm
Zoom
Our Courts in Chaos, Our Country in Crisis. We cannot look away now! At Grassroots North Shore annual fundraiser, our expert speakers examine the evolving roles of state and federal courts. As our Supreme Court casts aside precedent and voter protections, as legislatures redraw electoral districts, and as unwelcome national guard deployments march into multiple states, the courts now define and protect the country’s norms. Come hear our speakers:

Attorney Jeff Mandel, President and Founder of Law Forward;
Dr. Mary McCord, Executive Director of Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection;
Attorney Paul Kiesel, founder of Speak Up for Justice.

RSVP and DONATE.