AG Rayfield, 20 States Sue Over Mercury Pollution Rule Rollback

Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, joined by 20 other states and local governments, filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's rollback of the 2024 Mercury and Air Toxics Standards (MATS) Rule. The coalition argues the EPA failed to provide a reasoned basis for reverting to outdated emissions standards for coal and oil-fired power plants. The lawsuit seeks judicial reversal of the rule allowing increased emissions of mercury, arsenic, lead, and other toxic pollutants.

Australia Civic Space Legal Framework Report

The Library of Congress Law Library published a comprehensive report on Australia's civic space legal framework, covering access to government information, freedom of expression, assembly, religion, and anti-discrimination laws. The report notes that while Australia lacks a federal bill of rights, rights are protected through common law, international human rights instruments, and detailed anti-discrimination legislation at federal and state levels.

Louisiana closes UnitedHealthcare contract, reassigns Medicaid members

The Louisiana Department of Health announced closure of its contract with UnitedHealthcare, completing the reassignment of approximately 280,000 Medicaid members to other participating managed care organizations. Over 36,000 members selected new plans during the Special Enrollment Period from January 15 to February 15, with remaining members auto-assigned using an algorithm that prioritized family unity and provider continuity. Receiving MCOs are required to honor all existing care authorizations for 60 days following the transition.

MAC Federal Credit Union Member Notice Supporting Merger

NCUA received a member notice from MAC Federal Credit Union in support of a merger docket (NCUA-2026-0694). The notice documents member sentiment regarding the proposed credit union merger. This submission is part of the regulatory record for the NCUA to consider when evaluating merger applications.

MAC Federal Credit Union Merger with Credit Union 1

NCUA received a merger application from MAC Federal Credit Union to merge with Credit Union 1. The filing is under review with a public comment deadline of May 28, 2026. This is a routine credit union merger notice subject to NCUA approval procedures.

Sunshine Act Meetings

The Election Assistance Commission published a Sunshine Act meeting notice announcing upcoming public meetings. The notice indicates that public comments are being accepted via Regulations.gov under docket EAC-2026-0101-0001. This is a routine administrative notice providing transparency into federal agency deliberations as required by the Government in the Sunshine Act.

Sunshine Act Meeting Notice

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission published a Sunshine Act meeting notice on March 31, 2026, announcing a public meeting and opening a comment period through docket EAC-2026-0100-0001. Comments may be submitted via Regulations.gov. No new obligations or compliance requirements are established by this notice.

Secretary Rubio's Call with Portuguese Foreign Minister Rangel

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel on March 31, 2026. The call highlighted the continued strength of U.S.-Portugal bilateral ties and emphasized Portugal's close economic and defense cooperation with the United States. Both leaders expressed their commitment to transatlantic security.

H-1B Registration Lottery Completed

USCIS announced completion of the FY 2027 H-1B registration lottery on March 31, 2026, having received sufficient registrations to meet fiscal year allocations including the advanced degree exemption. Selected petitioners may file H-1B cap-subject petitions beginning April 1, 2026, using the new Form I-129 edition (02/27/26), with a filing window of at least 90 days.

ASCEND Grant for Texas Employer Workforce Training

The Texas Workforce Commission announced the ASCEND grant program, a $5 million fund to help Texas employers train their workforce in high-demand industries. Employers can receive reimbursements up to $500,000 or $4,000 per trainee for approved training projects. The program dedicates $1 million specifically to domestic shipbuilding training. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.