By Tevon Blair ·Updated March 2, 2026 Getting your Trinity Audio player ready…

Across the country, citizens are paying close attention to these top stories that are impacting travel plans, public safety and how accountability is determined from a university professor to United States Postal Service employees. The latest decision made by the Supreme Court confirms that even if your packages are intentionally not being delivered, there’s no legal standing for an individual to take action against the federal government. Accountability is also being tested with a college professor after sharing racist remarks during a school board meeting. We have also seen how both domestic and international issues can impact travel plans with the threats in Mexico and the recent pause of the Global Entry program. And in Selma Alabama, community members honor the life and legacy of one of the youngest to march during the Civil Rights Movement. 

Together these stories shape this week in news – from a Supreme Court decision to airlines pausing travel and hopefully people learning to mute themselves on zoom when they don’t have nice things to say– especially about Black people. 

Supreme Court Rules Against Texas Landlord In Postal Office Dispute 

A dispute between a Texas landlord and the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has resulted in the Supreme Court ruling that American citizens do not have the legal standing to sue when mail is deliberately not delivered. 

The 5-4 decision ruled against Lebene Konan, the landlord pursuing the lawsuit, after reporting that for nearly two years mail was intentionally withheld from their property. Konan is a Black Texas resident and claims that the actions by USPS staff was due to racial discrimination. 

Konan filed several complaints with postal officials and later decided to pursue a lawsuit under the 1946 Federal Tort Claims Act, a >The New York Times that she was “trying to explain the concept of systemic racism.” 

“Regardless of whether it was said under the assumption of being muted, the sentiment itself is rooted in violent and painful history of racial segregation and dehumanization,” says Hunter College’s Black Student Union and four other student groups in a joint statement. “This rhetoric is incompatible with the responsibilities of an educator entrusted with molding young minds.”

U.S. Lifts Shelter-In-Place Order After Travelers Impacted By Safety Concerns In Mexico

This week began with shelter-in-place orders from the United States and massive flight cancellations after violence spread across Mexico in response to Cartel leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, was killed by the Mexican army. 

Video footage and images spread across social media of travelers at a Mexican airport running, frightened by the threat of danger and warnings from local and foreign governments seeking immediate shelter. Although travel advisory remains, the U.S. lifted the shelter-in-place order.  

Delta, Southwest and other major airlines all canceled flights on Sunday and Monday departing to cities in Mexico due to the safety concerns of their passengers. These alerts came as American travelers prepare for spring break and warm weather vacation destinations to Mexico. 

The Department of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) says that the Jalisco cartel is one of the largest distributors of drugs across the U.S. Now, since President Trump started his second term, he has been critical of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to gain control of cartel operations between the two countries. 

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico continue to share updates for those continuing with travel plans to Mexico. 

Partial Government Shutdown Impacts Global Entry Program, Leaving PreCheck Available For Travels 

Travels with access to TSA PreCheck and Global Entry were initially impacted by the suspension of the two programs due to the partial government shutdown. Hours later, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said that its PreCheck program would remain operational on a “case by case basis.” 

This reversed decision comes during the third government shutdown in less than six months under President Trump. The shutdown began on February 14 in response to Congress failing to approve funding toward the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

“This is Trump and Kristi Noem purposely punishing the American people and using them as pawns for their sadistic political games,” said Mississippi Congressman Bennie Thompson in a statement. “TSA PreCheck and Global Entry reduce airport lines and ease the burden on DHS staff who are working without pay because of Trump’s abuse of the Department and killing of American citizens.”

Although PreCheck was not impacted, DHS is considering to pause the program again to prioritize standard security lines if staffing TSA officers becomes an issue. 

‘Child Foot Soldier’ and Selma Civil Rights Activist Joanne Bland Passes at 72

Community members in Selma, Alabama mourn the passing of lifelong Civil Rights Activist Joanne Bland. She is one of the youngest children who participated in many of the Selma voting rights marches, including Bloody Sunday, known as a ‘child foot soldier.’ 

Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell honored Bland’s life as a freedom fighter on the House Floor. “I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by JoAnne Bland in the name of equality and justice,” said Sewell. “I know that I get to walk the halls of Congress as Alabama’s first Black congresswoman because of her courage, resilience, and determination.”

She became an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) at age 11. While being one of the youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, she was arrested at least 13 times for her involvement during the movement. 

Her life was dedicated to continuing the legacy of the Civil Rights Movement by sharing the history of Selma and inspiring generations of Alabama residents to lead through her organization’s Foot Soldiers Park, Journeys for the Soul, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. 

Bland’s family said that she “departed this life surrounded by love.” 

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