• The U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network proposed a Geographic Targeting Order to combat cartel-related money laundering. It requires money services businesses in ZIP codes near the California and Texas borders to report cash transactions over $200.

• In January, President Trump signed an executive order designating Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, enabling broader enforcement actions; eight organizations, including six major cartels, have since been listed.
• Critics argue the reduced reporting threshold, from $10,000 to $200, infringes on privacy, with concerns that the order affects counties housing over 1 million Americans.

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The U.S. Treasury is proposing an expansion of financial surveillance in select areas of the country it says targets Mexican cartel operations. 

The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) proposed a Geographic Targeting Order (GTO). The department said it would “combat the illicit activities and money laundering of Mexico-based cartels and other criminal actors along the southwest border of the United States.” 

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The order will take effect April 14. It will require all money services businesses (MSBs), such as check cashing businesses or wire services in 30 ZIP codes across California and Texas near the southern border, to report any cash transaction over $200 to the federal government. The proposal doesn’t affect any border counties in Arizona or New Mexico.

Trump administration on decision

“Today’s issuance of this GTO underscores our deep concern with the significant risk to the U.S. financial system of the cartels, drug traffickers, and other criminal actors along the Southwest border,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. “As part of a whole-of-government approach to combatting the threat, Treasury remains focused on leveraging all our available tools and authorities to better identify and counter these criminal activities.”

President Donald Trump in January signed an executive order to classify Mexican cartels as foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs), which allows broader enforcement actions. The State Department announced in February that it would list eight organizations, including six major Mexico-based drug cartels, as FTOs and Specially Designated Global Terrorists. 

Lower threshold

Currently, MSBs must report transactions higher than $10,000 to the federal government. Some worry that the change, which applies to counties housing more than 1 million Americans, amounts to an invasion of privacy. 

“Whether it’s the mob or the cartel, organized crime is not an easy thing to deal with,” writes Nicholas Anthony, a policy analyst at the CATO Institute. “However, this challenge does not mean Americans should have their rights stripped away in the pursuit of justice.”

• A North Dakota court ordered Greenpeace to pay $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer and its subsidiary, Dakota Access. The lawsuit focused on allegations of defamation, conspiracy, and unlawful actions during the 2016 Standing Rock protests.

• Greenpeace defended its actions as protected under the First Amendment and criticized the charges as baseless, stating that the ruling could bankrupt its U.S.-based operations.
• Greenpeace announced its intention to appeal the judgment, asserting confidence in its legal defense and support for its role in the Standing Rock protests.

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A jury says multiple organizations under the Greenpeace banner need to pay the company responsible for laying the Dakota Access Pipeline hundreds of millions of dollars in damages stemming from a prolonged protest. The environmentalists say a final judgment would likely bankrupt the organization.

The North Dakota court ruled in favor of Dallas-based Energy Transfer and its subsidiary, Dakota Access, on Wednesday, March 19. The company alleged that Greenpeace masterminded the 2016 demonstrations at the Standing Rock Reservation opposing the project. The protests drew thousands of people critical of what they said was an invasion of sacred land. They claimed the pipeline would also put local water supplies at risk.

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The lawsuit accused the environmental group of defamation, conspiracy and other unlawful actions that it claims harmed its business during the pipeline’s development. The $7 billion company said Greenpeace conducted a misinformation campaign to incite violent protests in 2016 and 2017. 

The company originally filed a federal lawsuit against Greenpeace, but a judge dismissed those charges.

Greenpeace cites its First Amendment right

Representatives for Greenpeace told Straight Arrow News that the charges were “frankly ridiculous” but said that the company presented an “aggressive argument.” The organization’s defense centered around its free speech rights under the First Amendment.

Greenpeace had previously said that a judgment of $300 million against it would likely bankrupt the organization’s U.S.-based operations. The $660 million judgment handed down Wednesday against Greenpeace is more than 20 times its annual budget.

The environmental organization told reporters outside of the courthouse that it would appeal the ruling. 

“We absolutely believe in our legal defense,” Greenpeace said in a statement. “We believe the law is fully on our side. We believe in what we did at Standing Rock and that, ultimately, we will prevail against this meritless lawsuit.”

• A joint investigation in 2024 by CBS News, The Trace and The Center for Investigative Reporting revealed that over 52,000 police firearms were tied to crimes between 2006 and 2022. It prompted some law enforcement agencies to reevaluate or halt their firearm resale policies.
• Colorado State Patrol, Newark Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol are reviewing their policies on reselling firearms, according to CBS News. 
• The ATF stressed that when police agencies dispose of firearms, whether by selling them to retailers or officers, they must trace each weapon.

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A joint investigation in 2024 by CBS News, The Trace and The Center for Investigative Reporting uncovered more than 52,000 police firearms tied to crimes between 2006 and 2022. Now, some law enforcement agencies are changing their firearms reselling policies or stopping the practice altogether. 

CBS News, ATF reports show used police guns linked to crime

A January 2025 report by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reinforced the news networks’ investigation. The agency issued a warning to law enforcement groups nationwide, urging them to reconsider the practice of selling firearms.

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Data from the report showed that, between 2019 and 2023, law enforcement previously owned over 25,000 firearms involved in crimes. More than 14% of those guns were linked to homicides or violent crimes, while another 2,000 seized guns came from convicted felons. 

CBS News contacted 60 different agencies about ending used gun sales. At least seven agencies said they are reviewing their policy on reselling firearms, including Colorado State Patrol, Newark Police Department and the Wisconsin State Patrol.

The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office told The Trace they are checking with the county’s commissioners regarding a policy change. The agency relied on a discount for old firearms traded in to purchase new equipment. Without it, there’s a chance additional funding is needed. 

Police departments stop reselling guns

Police departments in Sacramento, Cincinnati and Columbus have committed to no longer reselling their firearms. CBS News said their investigation also led the Indianapolis and Minneapolis police departments to end all gun resales. 

According to a 2018 report, the ATF reported that state and local governments oversee 18,000 law enforcement agencies across the country, including federal and tribal agencies.

Gun reselling varies between law enforcement agencies and states

The law surrounding firearm disposal varies by state, giving many law enforcement agencies the discretion to decide how to handle weapons no longer needed. In many cases, they can sell these firearms. Law enforcement typically sell their current supply to help cover the costs of obtaining new firearms.

However, the ATF highlighted a 1998 policy resolution from the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which recommended that law enforcement agencies destroy firearms they no longer need as opposed to selling them. 

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The ATF urges agencies to trace each firearm when it is disposed of, whether by selling it to retailers or officers for private use. This includes tracking not just the gun but also the cartridge casings recovered from crime scenes. The ATF explained these efforts not only help solve crimes but also ensure authorities can track the ownership of firearms.

To purchase a firearm, whether through a trade-in from a police department or another dealer, individuals must pass a federal background check. Additionally, the firearm must be legal in the buyer’s state.

• The Rutherford County Library System Board voted 5-3 to remove books addressing transgender issues from its shelves, citing concerns about protecting children. Some attendees supported the decision, while others opposed it, questioning the use of the term “transgenderism.”
• Board member Cody York introduced the measure to address gender identity struggles among children, believing it’s the board’s responsibility to address these issues rather than promote them.
• The new resolution aligns with a state law requiring the removal of books with explicit content or violence.

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On Monday night, March 17, the Rutherford County Library System Board in Tennessee, voted to remove books containing transgender issues from its shelves. In a 5-3 vote before a packed audience, the board approved a resolution to eliminate material that encourages, promotes or normalizes “transgenderism” in children within the Tennessee community.

One member who voted against the resolution cited concerns about the possibility the decision is unconstitutional. 

Rutherford County Library System board meeting

While some attendees in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, applauded the decision, others voiced their opposition. Ten speakers addressed the board. Four of the speakers were in favor, while the six others were against.

One speaker criticized the use of the term “transgenderism,” calling it derogatory and inappropriate as a definition.

Cody York, a board member and the member who introduced the measure, claimed it is meant to protect children.

York explained that many kids in the community are struggling with gender identity and confusion. He said it’s the board’s responsibility to address the root cause rather than promote it.

The new resolution also established a policy for librarians across the county. When a book discussing transgender ideology is found, it must be submitted to the board for review to decide whether it should remain in the collection.

Board recently banned gender dysphoria book

In a previous meeting, the board also moved to remove “Me & My Dysphoria Monster,” a children’s book addressing gender dysphoria.

The story follows Nisha, whose dysphoria intensifies when misidentified as a boy or when she hides her true gender identity. However, after meeting Jack, a trans man, Nisha learns ways to manage and reduce her dysphoria.

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Tennessee book ban in school libraries

The Rutherford County Board’s new resolution mirrors a law passed by Tennessee lawmakers to ban books with sexually explicit content or violence. The law went into effect in July 2024. It requires libraries to remove these books from their collections and prevent access for students in grades K-12.

As of 2024, over 1,100 books have been banned, including “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison and “Wacky Wednesday” by Dr. Seuss.

• The U.S. Commerce Department reinstated employees after a Maryland federal judge blocked the termination of thousands of federal workers. This marked the second time a judge prevented agencies from cutting staff.
• The National Weather Service faced staffing shortages, leading to the temporary suspension of critical weather balloon launches in some states.
• The budget cuts raised concerns about the potential impact on public safety, especially in weather forecasting. 

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After less than a month, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) employees are back on the job. The U.S. Commerce Department informed a Maryland federal court on Monday, March 17 it reinstated 791 employees, including at NOAA, after a U.S. district judge blocked the termination of at least 24,000 federal workers on Thursday, March 13.

The decision marked the second time a judge issued a temporary restraining order to prevent numerous government agencies from terminating their workers.

Hundreds of NOAA employees laid off in February

In February, hundreds of NOAA employees, many in their first and second years, were laid off. NOAA was also tasked with identifying more than 1,000 additional roles that could be eliminated.

However, a court ruling forced the Trump administration to pause its efforts to reduce the federal workforce. The Office of Personnel Management and the Department of Government Efficiency spearheaded the effort to cut federal jobs. 

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While NOAA workers have been reinstated, they remain on administrative leave, similar to other employees laid off from different federal agencies. According to Axios, fired NOAA employees received letters stating that their long-term employment status will be determined once the court cases are resolved.

Layoffs ahead of severe weather

Straight Arrow News reported that the NOAA layoffs occurred before a severe weather system swept across the country. From the Midwest to the South, the system brought tornadoes, hail and high winds, claiming the lives of at least 40 people. Many of the affected employees played key roles in providing weather information to local National Weather Service forecast offices. The NWS issues critical weather alerts, including warnings for hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes and snowstorms. 

Scientists and former employees expressed concern about the budget cuts and the impact on timely weather reports that can be key to public safety.

Despite heightened concerns, NOAA’s public relations office told Straight Arrow News, “NOAA remains dedicated to its mission of providing timely information, research, and resources that serve the American public and ensure our nation’s environmental and economic resilience. We continue to provide weather information, forecasts and warnings pursuant to our public safety mission.” 

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When asked about how the cuts would impact the agency, NOAA said, “Our long-standing practice is not to discuss internal personnel and management matters.”

The staffing cuts led to shortages within the NWS. The agency announced they were temporarily suspending weather balloon launches in New York, Maine and Alaska. These launches, performed to measure temperature, humidity and winds, are used for weather forecasting, according to NOAA.

• The Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged after meeting in March. The deciding committee said uncertainty in economic outlook is growing.
• President Donald Trump and his administration are not ruling out the possibility of a recession as tariffs take hold. The president called it a “period of transition,” while his Commerce Secretary said any negative economic consequences would be “worth it.”
• Fed officials now project higher inflation, higher unemployment and lower economic growth for 2025 than they previously projected in December.

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The Federal Reserve opted not to cut its interest rate on Wednesday, March 19. The decision to extend the rate cut pause was widely expected, though cracks are starting to surface in the economy. 

The Fed’s decision leaves its benchmark interest rate between 4.25% and 4.5%, where it has been since the Fed’s last move to cut in December.

In its statement, the Federal Open Market Committee acknowledged uncertainty in economic outlook is growing.

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Why did the Fed start cutting rates, and why did it stop?

As inflation fell in 2024, the Federal Reserve cut rates at three separate meetings for a total of one percentage point. After reaching a recent consumer price inflation low of 2.4% in September 2024, inflation began rising every month after through January, reaching 3%.

With inflation rising along with a stabilizing labor market, the Federal Reserve opted to rein in rate cut expectations as they target 2% inflation. 

In February 2025, President Donald Trump’s first full month in office, consumer price inflation slowed to 2.8%. However, the Federal Reserve has previously cited uncertainty in trade and immigration policies as a reason to hold rates steady.

What are leaders saying about a recession?

While U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick insisted the U.S. would not enter a recession on March 9, two days later, he said if the Trump administration’s policies on tariffs lead to a short-term recession, it’s “worth it.”

“These policies are the most important thing America has ever had, so it is worth it,” Lutnick told CBS on March 11. “The only reason there could possibly be a recession is because of the Biden nonsense that we had to live with.”

Trump neglected to rule out the chance of a recession when asked multiple times about the possibility in March. 

“I hate to predict things like that,” Trump said to Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo in response to a question about whether there would be a recession. “There is a period of transition because what we’re doing is very big. We’re bringing wealth back to America. That’s a big thing. It takes a little time.”

How have the Federal Reserve’s economic projections changed?

The Federal Open Market Committee releases economic projections every three months. In Wednesday’s release, the Fed now expects lower economic growth, higher inflation and higher unemployment in 2025 than what they projected in December. 

• Real gross domestic product projections changed from 2.1% to 1.7%. 
• Unemployment rate projection changed from 4.3% to 4.4%.
• Core PCE inflation (Fed’s preferred gauge) projection changed from 2.5% to 2.8%.

Meanwhile, in the latest running estimate by the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s GDP tracker, the economy is headed for a 1.8% contraction in the first quarter of 2025. That’s a significant swing from the end of January when it was pacing for 2.9% growth. 

• Authorities arrested Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn on charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution following an undercover operation by the Bloomington Police Department. He remains in custody.

• Hours before his arrest, Eichorn and four other Republicans introduced a bill to classify “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness. The bill described it as paranoia triggered by Donald Trump’s policies and presidency.
• The Minnesota Republican Party chairman called for Eichorn’s resignation. They cited the seriousness of the charges and the need for public trust and accountability.

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On the same day that Minnesota state Sen. Justin Eichorn joined four other Republicans in announcing new legislation defining “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness, authorities arrested him on charges of soliciting a minor. The Bloomington Police Department (BPD) announced Tuesday, March 18, that they’d arrested Eichorn, 40, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on Monday.

He’s charged with soliciting a minor for prostitution.

BPD said in its news release that detectives communicated with a man who thought he was talking to a 17-year-old female. 

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The detective arranged to meet with the man in Bloomington, less than 30 miles from the Capitol in St. Paul.

Police arrested Eichorn without incident after spotting him in the area.

“As a 40-year-old man, if you come to the Orange Jumpsuit District looking to have sex with someone’s child, you can expect that we are going to lock you up,” Bloomington Police Chief Booker Hodges said. “I have always advocated stiffer penalties for these types of offenses.”

He said the state legislature, which Eichorn is a member of, should take this conduct more seriously.

Eichorn remains in custody, according to BPD.

Trump Derangement Syndrome

The arrest comes just hours after Eichorn and four other Republicans introduced SF 2589. The legislation, if enacted, would have identified “Trump Derangement Syndrome” as a mental illness in Minnesota. 

The bill described the affliction as “the acute onset of paranoia in otherwise normal persons that is in reaction to the policies and presidencies of President Donald J. Trump. Symptoms may include Trump-induced general hysteria, which produces an inability to distinguish between legitimate policy differences and signs of psychic pathology in President Donald J. Trump’s behavior.”

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The chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party released a statement Tuesday afternoon calling for Eichorn’s resignation.

“As Republicans, we hold elected officials to a higher standard,” said Chairman Alex Plechash. “While Sen. Eichorn is entitled to due process, the seriousness of these charges warrants his resignation. Public trust and accountability must come first.”

• A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that Elon Musk likely wielded unconstitutional influence in spearheading the Trump administration’s efforts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development. Bloomberg News reports that it is the most direct ruling when it comes to the legality of Musk’s role as an adviser to President Donald Trump since he took office on Jan. 20.
• District Judge Theodore Chuang said that USAID workers and contractors who sued the Trump administration were likely to be successful in arguing Musk “exercised significant authority” in the decision to shutter the agency’s headquarters.
• Chuang wrote Musk likely violated the Constitution’s appointments clause and separation of powers.

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A federal judge ruled on Tuesday, March 18, that Elon Musk likely wielded unconstitutional influence in conducting the Trump administration’s efforts to shut down the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).