These roots

 

A cold day at Lake Tomahawk...and so I look at details of the tree that stands by the lake. Such gnarled roots it has!

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Americans of Conscience Checklist offers this good news:

Even if you're hiding out from the headlines, you'll be glad to know that democracy and decency are still persevering in our nation and our communities. Join us in pausing to enjoy this week's list of good news to revel in what's going well. 

• A court temporarily banned implementing the executive order banning birthright citizenship, pending the outcome of five state AG's lawsuits challenging its unconstitutionality.
• A federal judge temporarily blocks a Trump administration directive that froze federal grants to non-profits, and a separate judge signaled plans to issue a second pause, citing concerns that only Congress has exclusive "power of the purse".
• Two unions--National Treasury Employees Union and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility--are suing the president for his "Schedule F" executive order that would allow him to fire civil servants without due process.
• Chicago communities provide "know your rights" information, legal support, and basic needs in response to ICE harassment in the city.
• Faith leaders from churches and mosques offer support, legal aid, and even grocery runs for their members.
• NV’s Medicaid program covers abortion services in order to comply with the state's constitution.
• WA pharmacists can now prescribe abortion medications to patients.
• The city of Honolulu, HI can continue their lawsuit against oil companies for misleading the public about the dangers of fossil fuels.
• All buildings owned by the city of Chicago will be powered by 100 percent renewable energy.
• Residents vote to continue using ranked-choice voting for municipal elections in Bloomington, MN.
• Costco’s board of directors supports the company’s diversity and inclusion initiatives in the face of pressure to eliminate them.
• CVS pharmacies in MA begin offering birth control consultations and prescriptions.
• Companies Ideal Living, Medify, and Carrier donate bulk supplies of air purifiers to the Los Angeles area following recent wildfires.
• A South Texas coal plant converts to a solar and battery power plant.
• Global Refuge shares five ways to help aspiring Americans in the year ahead.
• Six congregations work together to welcome and resettle a family in immediate need.
• The Forestry and Fire Recruitment program empowers formerly incarcerated individuals and others from marginalized communities to become firefighters.
• During the post-inaugural interfaith ceremony, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, the Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, urges the new presidential administration to treat the LGBTQ+ community and immigrant communities with respect.
• The Peabody, MA event space Olio offers free wedding services for LGBTQ+ couples in the face of uncertain legal rights.
• College tuition costs fall significantly at schools across the U.S.
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences uses ranked-choice for voting on Oscars nominations.
• To involve the Portland, OR community in naming their new snow plows, the Bureau of Transportation employs ranked-choice voting.

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Today's quote: 

If you are feeling anxious, sad, or drained, try hugging a tree and allow her vast amount of grounding energy to assist you.

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Today's art:

Maxfield Parrish "The Mill Pond," 1945