Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse Listed for Disposition - $59.4M Savings

The GSA announced the planned disposition of the Strom Thurmond Federal Building and Courthouse in Columbia, SC. The buildings, vacant since 2003, will be sold to eliminate underutilized federal space. The disposition is projected to save approximately $59.4 million, including $56.3 million in deferred maintenance and $3.1 million in annual maintenance costs.

Sky Ranch Meat Undeclared Sesame Beef Pork Public Health Alert

Sky Ranch Meat Undeclared Sesame Beef Pork Alert

Smith, J. Dissent in Parental Rights Termination Case - Gibson County

Judge Smith filed a dissenting opinion in In Re Braxton M. (No. W2024-00762-COA-R3-PT), disagreeing with the majority's reversal of the trial court's determination that grounds did not exist for termination of parental rights. The dissent challenges the majority's rejection of the trial court's factual and credibility findings, arguing the court improperly bypassed appellate review standards. The case arose from a tragic incident involving a child's death in a vehicle with a carbon monoxide leak.

In Re Braxton M. - Parental Rights Termination Reversed

The Tennessee Court of Appeals reversed the Gibson County Chancery Court's denial of a petition to terminate a father's parental rights to his son Braxton. The appellate court found the lower court erred in its findings regarding abandonment by failure to support and severe child abuse grounds. The case has been remanded for further proceedings consistent with the appellate court's opinion.

Scott Keith Lannom v. Renee Alyce Lannom - Parenting Plan Modification Affirmed

The Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's dismissal of a mother's petition to modify the permanent parenting plan, ruling she failed to prove a material change of circumstance affecting the child's well-being. The court also awarded the father his reasonable attorney's fees on appeal pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated § 36-5-103(c).

Crain Law Group v. Amacher - Breach of Contract Summary Judgment Affirmed

The Tennessee Court of Appeals affirmed summary judgment in favor of Crain Law Group PLLC against client Jenna Renee Amacher for breach of contract. The trial court found no genuine issues of material fact after Appellant failed to respond to the motion or appear at the hearing. The Court rejected Appellant's attempt to overturn the judgment after her counsel's non-appearance.

American Workers, Farmers Support Section 301 Investigations

American Workers, Farmers Support Section 301 Investigations

ThyssenKrupp Mexico Labor Dispute Resolved Under USMCA

USTR announced successful resolution of a Rapid Response Labor Mechanism matter under USMCA at ThyssenKrupp Springs & Stabilizers de México, S. de R.L. de C.V. The labor rights complaint, filed under the USMCA's enforcement mechanism, has been resolved, marking another successful application of the trade agreement's labor provisions.

US and Mexico Announce Next Steps for USMCA Joint Review

USTR and Mexico announced next steps for bilateral discussions in advance of the USMCA joint review. The announcement outlines preparations for the mandatory 6-year review process of the trade agreement. Businesses engaged in US-Mexico trade should monitor for potential changes to trade terms and compliance requirements.

US-Japan Action Plan on Critical Minerals Announced

USTR announced the U.S.-Japan Action Plan on Critical Minerals in March 2026. The plan establishes a framework for bilateral cooperation on critical mineral supply chains between the United States and Japan. This diplomatic initiative affects companies involved in mining, processing, and trading of critical minerals used in clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.