United States

GAO Report on Interior Department Oil and Gas Data Sharing

The GAO released a report highlighting significant inefficiencies in the Department of the Interior's oil and gas data sharing processes. The report found that despite efforts to modernize systems, manual data entry and a lack of automated sharing persist, hindering oversight of energy development on federal and Tribal lands. The GAO recommends setting specific time frames and measurable goals to address these issues.

Presidential Proclamation: 10% Import Surcharge

The President has issued a proclamation imposing a temporary 10% import surcharge to address fundamental international payments problems, including large balance-of-payments deficits. This action, authorized by the Trade Act of 1974, aims to protect the U.S. economy and national security. Specific product exceptions may apply.

Ending Certain Tariff Actions

President Biden has issued an executive order ending certain tariff actions previously imposed under various executive orders related to national emergencies. These tariffs, primarily *ad valorem* duties, will be removed as soon as practicable. The national emergencies themselves remain in effect.

President Continues Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment

The President has issued an Executive Order continuing the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. This action impacts shipments entering the United States through the international postal network and is based on national security and economic concerns.

First Lady Donates Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian

First Lady Melania Trump donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's First Ladies Collection. The donation adds to the museum's extensive collection of historical artifacts and is now on public display.

United States v. Castro Alavez - Conviction Affirmed in Part, Vacated in Part

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and vacated in part the conviction and sentence of Luis Miguel Castro Alavez. The court agreed that the jury instruction regarding knowledge of drug type and quantity was erroneous and not harmless for the attempted possession charge, vacating the sentence for that count.

BLM Wild Horse Management Plans Revision Ordered by D.C. Circuit

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must revise its ten-year wild horse management plans. The court found that the plans impermissibly allowed for indefinite removals without proper determination of excess horses or consultation, requiring BLM to clarify future gather processes.

US v. Yoon - Health Care Fraud Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the health care fraud conviction of Chang Goo Yoon, who submitted over a million dollars in false claims. The court upheld evidentiary rulings and sentencing enhancements, affirming his conviction for defrauding private insurers and his own car insurer.

US v. McBreairty - Criminal Contempt Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's criminal contempt order against Danielle McBreairty. McBreairty refused to testify in a federal trial, even after being granted statutory immunity under 18 U.S.C. §§ 6002-6003, invoking her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

SEC Charges C-Hear, Inc. and Former CEO with Fraud

The SEC charged C-Hear, Inc. and its former CEO, Adena Harmon, with securities fraud in connection with a $4.2 million stock offering. The complaint alleges misleading statements about the company's technology and concealment of Harmon's criminal convictions, as well as misappropriation of investor funds.