With Today at Ms.—a daily newsletter from the team here at Ms. magazine—our top stories are delivered straight to your Inbox every afternoon, so you’ll be informed and ready to fight back.

BY NANCY L. COHEN | Nine new Democratic women have joined the 117th Congress. Two defeated male incumbents in their Democratic primary races. Four are women of color. Many see long-standing feminist economic empowerment policies, such as paid leave and universal child care, as pillars of a society that values care work and caregiving.

BY ELAINA PEVIDE | Although national politics may take the cake when it comes to glamour and prestige, some of the most rewarding and effective advocacy work can come from engaging on a meaningful, personal level with your state representatives and local officials.

BY SARA MAUSKOPF | At some point, all children will go back to school. The question is when. With vaccines rolling out, a president who has made in-person schooling a priority, and cases declining, we must look to the child care providers who have been caring for children safely over the past 10 months.