Axios

Army paratroopers are heading to the Middle East as President Trump weighs options to quickly end the Iran war, now entering its fourth week.

Why it matters: Putting U.S. boots on the ground in Iran would escalate the conflict, but the Trump administration has made no secret that it desires to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore the flow of oil.

ICE officers arrived at more than a dozen airports this week to help TSA deal with the spring travel chaos — but the specifics of their role remains unclear.

Why it matters: Though both under DHS, ICE handles immigration enforcement and criminal investigations and TSA oversees aviation security. This raises questions about whether ICE can ease a TSA staffing shortfall during the partial government shutdown.

Organizers across the U.S. are planning more than 3,000 local events Saturday for No Kings Day of Nonviolent Action.

The big picture: Progressive political groups, labor unions and human and civil rights organizations expect Saturday's nationwide demonstrations to surpass last year's No Kings rallies in June and October.

Minneapolis City Council members will consider a $38 million training facility for police, firefighters and other first responders on Tuesday.

Why it matters: The proposal is shaping up to be the hardest lesson yet on what a court-enforceable MPD reform plan — meant to reshape the department in the wake of George Floyd's murder — will cost Minneapolis.

• Opponents are digging in. They're calling the proposal "Cop City 2.0," echoing a moniker for a similar facility in Atlanta that sparked years of lawsuits, protests and violent clashes that drew national attention.

HOUSTON — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum shared a stage Monday with the CEO of a French oil giant to take aim at offshore wind — a rare alignment between a government and a private company.

Why it matters: The moment, at one of the world's largest energy conferences, offered a stark snapshot of U.S. energy policy under President Trump.

The Department of Defense announced a new media policy on Monday, three days after a federal judge ruled Trump administration restrictions on Pentagon journalists were a First Amendment violation.

The big picture: The Pentagon said in a memorandum announcing the changes that it's complying with the ruling in the New York Times lawsuit, but press groups accused the administration of placing fresh restrictions on journalists with the new policy.

Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) was confirmed to succeed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a 54-45 vote mostly along party lines on Monday evening.

Why it matters: The vote comes as Homeland Security is at the center of funding impasse that has caused hours-long lines at airports nationwide with Democrats demanding new curbs on ICE before they'll agree to more funding.

HOUSTON — Former Defense Secretary James Mattis offered a sobering take Monday on the Strait of Hormuz, criticizing the Trump administration for what he saw as a failure to think strategically about Iran.

Why it matters: The CERAWeek conference here has been clouded by uncertainty over the future of a conflict that's bringing historic supply disruptions — and upending industry planning in the process.

House Budget Chair Jodey Arrington is in informal talks with Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham about a second reconciliation bill to fund the Pentagon — and potentially DHS.

Why it matters: With DHS talks stalled and a defense supplemental in limbo, reconciliation may be Republicans' only path forward.

The race to replace retiring former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has turned ugly over immigration.

Why it matters: The seat is safely Republican, but the primary is shaping up to be one of the cycle's most bruising intra-party battles.