News - January 3, 2026
Editor's Note: The disability community is increasingly preferring to use identity-first language (disabled person) in place of person-first language (person with a disability). This is because many in the community view disability as being a core component of identity, much like race and gender. Some members of the community, such as people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, still prefer person-first language. Both should be considered valid. Articles shared in this newsletter may contain one or the other (or both) depending on the author's preference, and if they themselves have a disability.
U.S. hit Venezuela with 'large-scale strike,' captured Nicolás Maduro, Trump says by Carrie Kahn on January 3, 2026 at NPR News
"The Venezuelan government swiftly accused the United States of launching what it called a "grave military aggression" against the country. In a statement posted on Telegram, the government said U.S. forces targeted civilian and military locations in Caracas as well as in the nearby states of Miranda, Aragua, and La Guaira, calling the alleged attack a "flagrant violation" of the United Nations Charter."
‘Scorched-Earth Attack’: Trump Admin Cuts Off Childcare Funds to All States by Jake Johnson on January 1, 2026 at Common Dreams
"The Trump administration’s decision to cut off childcare funds to all states—not just Minnesota—on the dubious grounds of fighting fraud came after Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accused President Donald Trump of politicizing the issue to advance a broader assault on the social safety net."
Powered by Community: How AAPD Showed Up, Built Together, and Looks Aheadby Maria Town on December 19, 2025 at AAPD
"In 2025, the disability community faced extraordinary challenges. We saw renewed threats to services disabled people rely on for our safety, dignity, and survival. Inclusive education, accessible employment, affordable housing, and health care were all under attack. Through it all, AAPD not only worked to mitigate these threats, but we also brought partners together to coordinate across community priorities, supported the development of disability organizing infrastructure, and lift up advocates engaged in the fight for disability rights."
Hey Jon Stewart, Jokes About Wearing Masks Aren’t Funny by Julia Métraux on December 29, 2025 at Mother Jones
"Over the weekend, Covid-cautious individuals shared clips on social media of Jon Stewart punching down on people who are masking, who are presumably doing so to protect themselves from Covid, the flu, and other infectious diseases that are spreading across the United States."
Record Flu Hospitalizations Reported In New York As Cases Surge Nationwide by Conor Murray on January 2, 2026 at Forbes
"The CDC flagged New York, New Jersey, South Carolina, Louisiana and Colorado as having the highest level of flu activity, while other states with “very high” levels of flu cases include Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Michigan and Maryland. "
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