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STB Chairman Updates on Outstanding Proceedings

Surface Transportation Board Chairman Patrick Fuchs provided updates on several outstanding proceedings, including railroad abandonment applications, environmental regulations, and rulemaking petitions. Decisions on these matters are expected in February 2026.

STB Rejects Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern Merger Application as Incomplete

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has rejected the major merger application filed by Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern due to incompleteness. The application lacked required system impact analyses and the full merger agreement, leading to its rejection without prejudice for refiling.

STB Proposes Repealing Regulations to Boost Rail Competition

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has proposed repealing regulations governing reciprocal switching, through routes, and through rates (49 C.F.R. Part 1144). This action aims to reduce regulatory barriers and promote competition in the freight rail industry by allowing for a case-by-case approach to competitive access prescriptions.

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation: Manufacturer Participation in Third Cycle

CMS announced that 15 drug manufacturers have chosen to participate in the third cycle of Medicare drug price negotiations. These negotiations, part of the Inflation Reduction Act, will determine prices for selected high-expenditure drugs, with negotiated prices effective beginning in 2028.

In re A. N. Morshed Minor - Parental Rights Termination

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's order terminating parental rights for a minor child. The termination was based on the parent's conviction for criminal sexual conduct and child abuse, and the finding that termination was in the child's best interest.

In Re Klimp Minors - Michigan Court of Appeals Judgment Affirmed

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's order terminating parental rights for four children due to severe abuse and neglect. The decision involved allegations of physical injury, malnutrition, and confinement, citing specific state statutes.

People of Michigan v. Michael Terry Wright - Criminal Case Appeal

The Michigan Court of Appeals vacated and reversed the conviction of Michael Terry Wright, remanding the case. The court found that law enforcement's stop of the defendant was constitutionally infirm, leading to the suppression of evidence. This decision impacts the application of search and seizure laws in the state.

People of Michigan v. Edwin Maurice Jenkins - Criminal Sexual Conduct Appeal

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's judgment against Edwin Maurice Jenkins, who was convicted of four counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct. Jenkins was sentenced to 25 to 40 years imprisonment for each conviction. The appellate court found no basis to overturn the jury's verdict.

Michigan Court of Appeals Affirms Mortuary Science Licensing Ruling

The Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision, upholding the Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science's ruling that Paul E. Buchanan and Generations Funeral & Cremations Services, Inc. operated unlicensed facilities in violation of the Occupational Code. The ruling clarifies the scope of mortuary science practice within the state.

Rodney Devel Harris v. Anya Renee Grant-Malcolm - Court of Appeals of Georgia

The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed in part and vacated in part a trial court's order in the case of Rodney Devel Harris v. Anya Renee Grant-Malcolm. The appellate court found that the trial court erred in preventing the defendant from arguing that damages should be fair to both parties and in denying the defendant's request to charge the jury on this principle. The court also reversed the denial of the defendant's motion for summary judgment on the claim for bad-faith attorney fees.