This bulletin highlights several short but significant U.S. developments: the Supreme Court declined an emergency bid to block California’s new congressional map with no recorded dissents; The Washington Post announced layoffs expected to cut about 30% of staff; and the Trump administration ordered the immediate withdrawal of 700 federal officers from Minnesota. Other items: a DOJ attorney removed after a courtroom outburst, a lawsuit challenging the proposed "gold card" visa program, Illinois joining the WHO’s GOARN network, and Congress passing appropriations that included the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act.
Wednesday Mini-Report — Feb. 4, 2026: Supreme Court Ruling, Post Layoffs, Minnesota Pullback, Gold Card Lawsuit
Today’s quick roundup of notable U.S. developments.
Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court declined an emergency request from Republicans to block California’s congressional map, which was adopted after a Texas-led effort — urged by President Donald Trump — sought a Republican-friendly redistricting before last November’s midterms. The high court issued an unexplained order on Wednesday and recorded no public dissents.
Minnesota
Border czar Tom Homan said the Trump administration will immediately withdraw 700 federal law enforcement officers from Minnesota. About 2,000 federal officers will remain in the state following the reduction.
Media
The Washington Post began a widespread round of layoffs on Wednesday that sources say will significantly reduce its sports, local and international coverage. Two people with knowledge of the decision told reporters the company plans to cut roughly 30% of its workforce.
Justice Department Detail Removed
A Justice Department attorney who had been detailed to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Minnesota is no longer on that assignment after telling a judge in open court that her job "sucks" and asking to be held in contempt so she could get 24 hours of sleep.
San Diego, CA - November 01: Governor Gavin Newsom spoke with supporters during a rally with the United Domestic Workers of America (UDW) about the urgency of the Get Out the Vote Kick-Off on Saturday, Nov. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, in San Diego. (Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)(Nelvin C. Cepeda / The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Gold Card Lawsuit
A coalition of immigrants working with an academic labor union sued President Trump on Tuesday over a proposed "gold card" visa program. The plaintiffs contend the plan — which would offer visas in exchange for cash — would take slots away from scientists, doctors and other professionals whose presence benefits the United States.
WHO Network
Despite the White House decision to halt U.S. funding for the World Health Organization, some states are acting independently. The Illinois Department of Public Health this week joined the WHO’s Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), becoming the second state to enroll after California did so last month.
Congress And A New Pediatric Cancer Law
In an unusually straightforward day in Congress, the House passed several appropriations bills that had already cleared the Senate and sent them to the president, who signed them into law. Tucked inside one of the measures was the Mikaela Naylon Give Kids a Chance Act, landmark legislation aimed at supporting children with cancer.
See you tomorrow.
Originally published on MS NOW.
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