Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated Iran a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, invoking new authorities that could bring sanctions and travel curbs. Families and diplomats will be watching whether it produces results.

Sen. Mike Lee entered a GAO opinion into the Congressional Record this week, paving the way for a fast‑track challenge to the Grand Staircase–Escalante management plan. The move could nullify the 2025 plan without changing monument boundaries and promises a short, high‑stakes fight in Congress.

Judge James Boasberg ruled Feb. 4 that quarterly FBI payments to Twitter can be withheld under FOIA Exemption 7(E), keeping the totals redacted. The case stems from the "Twitter Files" and a Judicial Watch FOIA lawsuit.

Rep. Jill Tokuda introduced the Tariff Free Farming Act to strip tariffs from seeds, fertilizer and other farm inputs after hearing from Hawaiʻi growers. The move is backed by farm groups and a multi‑state group of cosponsors.

A new Joint Economic Committee report pegs data‑broker breach losses at about $20.8 billion and flags hidden opt‑out pages that shield consumer data. It calls for easier opt‑outs and stronger oversight.

President Trump suggested a "friendly takeover" of Cuba, saying talks led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio are underway as the island faces severe shortages.

The Justice Department says Hennepin County revised charging guidance it viewed as unconstitutional; county leaders called the federal probe a political stunt. The closure ends a high‑profile review but not the debate.

A 2-1 EEOC ruling allows federal agencies to bar transgender workers from using facilities that match their gender identity, overturning part of a 2015 ruling and prompting immediate pushback.

Senate Republicans released a TSCA discussion draft that would change EPA chemical reviews, fund the program through new fees and expand third‑party reviews. The proposal drew swift criticism and is slated for an EPW hearing on March 4.

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem put staff on "authorized departure" and urged quick departures as tensions with Iran rise; airlines and regional missions have adjusted operations.

Congress boosted the DC Tuition Assistance Grant to $15,000 a year and $75,000 lifetime, expanding aid for thousands of District students as the program marks 25 years.

Letitia James joined a 24-state coalition in an amicus brief urging the Supreme Court to reject President Trump’s executive order that would end birthright citizenship. The filing warns of chaos for families and state programs.

DHS is restoring service and back pay to 56 Coast Guard members discharged for refusing COVID-19 vaccines. The move follows a presidential order and requires applications by April 1.