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Mar 26, 2026

Thursday, March 26, 2026 · 8:00 a.m. ET

Federal Level

TSA Chief Warns Some Airports May Have to Close as Shutdown Reaches Day 40

The acting head of the Transportation Security Administration told lawmakers on Wednesday that the agency may be forced to shut down operations at some airports if the Department of Homeland Security funding standoff continues. Ha Nguyen McNeill testified that more than 480 TSA officers have resigned since the shutdown began in mid-February, while daily callout rates have climbed from 4 percent to 11 percent nationally, with some airports seeing rates above 40 percent. Wait times at several major airports have exceeded four hours. The Senate is scheduled to leave for a two-week recess later this week, adding urgency to the negotiations.^1,2,3

Republican Lawmakers Press Pentagon for Answers on Iran After Classified Briefing

Several Republican members of Congress expressed frustration on Wednesday after classified Pentagon briefings failed to provide details on the goals, cost, and potential scope of the military operation in Iran. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers said lawmakers were unable to get basic answers about the administration’s plan. Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina posted that she would not support ground troops in Iran, calling the gap between the administration’s public statements and its private briefings “troubling.” The Pentagon is preparing to deploy 7,000 additional troops to the region as the conflict enters its second month.^4,5,6

House Intelligence Committee Votes to Send Classified Brennan Records to DOJ

The House Intelligence Committee voted on Tuesday to turn over classified records related to former CIA Director John Brennan to federal prosecutors, a step that signals the Justice Department’s investigation may be moving toward potential charges. The records include a transcript of Brennan’s testimony before the committee. Prosecutors have been examining whether Brennan misled Congress about an intelligence assessment on Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Brennan has denied any wrongdoing. Career prosecutors in Miami have previously indicated they do not consider the case to be strong, though efforts to bring it in federal court in Washington continue.^7,8

Democrats Have Now Flipped 30 State Legislative Seats Since the 2024 Election

Following Tuesday’s special election results in Florida, Democrats have now flipped more than 30 state legislative seats across the country since the 2024 presidential election, while Republicans have not recaptured any Democratic-held seats. The streak has included wins in traditionally Republican areas such as Arkansas, New Hampshire, and most recently a Florida state House district that includes Mar-a-Lago. Republican strategists have pointed to the results as a warning sign heading into the November midterms.^9,10

State Level

Texas Orders Public Schools to Remove All References to Cesar Chavez From Lessons

The Texas Education Agency on Monday directed all public school districts to remove mentions of labor leader Cesar Chavez from their lesson plans and cancel events tied to Cesar Chavez Day on March 31, following the emergence of sexual abuse allegations against the late activist. The directive aligns with an order from Governor Greg Abbott and states that schools will not be considered out of compliance for skipping curriculum standards related to Chavez.^11,12

California Issues Final Warning to 15 Cities and Counties Over Housing Law Violations

Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday issued final notices of violation to 15 California cities and counties that have failed to comply with state housing law requirements. The communities are more than two years behind schedule in adopting housing plans that address the needs of residents at all income levels. They have 30 days to respond before the state refers the cases to the Attorney General for potential legal action. Newsom noted that 92 percent of California communities are now in compliance.^13,14

Virginia Legislature Adjourns Without a Budget, Plans Special Session for April

The Virginia General Assembly adjourned its regular session without reaching agreement on a two-year state budget, leaving one of the legislature’s most fundamental responsibilities unresolved. A special session has been scheduled for April 23 to finalize a spending plan. Lawmakers did pass legislation raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028, protecting contraception access, and prohibiting federal immigration enforcement at courthouses. Governor Abigail Spanberger has until April 13 to sign, veto, or amend the bills that were passed.^15,16

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