Velazquez-Olais v. Blanche - Immigration Removal Review

The Seventh Circuit dismissed petition No. 25-1244 filed by Asucena Velazquez-Olais challenging a 2018 Final Administrative Removal Order. The court held that an email from a Chicago Field Office Deportation Officer declining to reopen the removal order does not constitute a final agency action subject to judicial review. The petitioner must exhaust administrative remedies before seeking appellate review.

Walls v. Posey - Collateral Attack Appeal

The Seventh Circuit dismissed William Walls' appeal challenging his Illinois sexually violent person commitment, affirming the district court's procedural dismissal. The court held that Walls defaulted his constitutional claims by failing to file a state appellate brief and by not seeking review in the Illinois Supreme Court. This decision reinforces federal exhaustion requirements for habeas corpus petitions challenging civil commitment.

Groundbreaking for New Visitor Center at Wakulla Springs State Park

Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the groundbreaking for a new visitor center at Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park on April 6, 2026. The facility will feature expanded meeting spaces, interpretive exhibits, and educational programming complementing the park's Spanish Mediterranean Revival architecture. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2027.

South Dakota Contractor Sued for Firing Injury-Reporting Whistleblower

The U.S. Department of Labor filed suit against Stone Hill Excavation LLC and its successor Split Rock Sand & Gravel in U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota. OSHA found the companies violated whistleblower provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act by firing an employee two days after the worker reported second- and third-degree burns from a pressurized pipe incident. The department seeks reinstatement, back wages, and $100,000 in punitive damages.

SB2207 extends Tennessee school board wait 30-45 days

SB2207 extends Tennessee school board wait 30-45 days

Restrictions on Land Purchases by Foreign Entities

Tennessee Governor signed SB2233 on April 6, 2026, amending TCA Title 66, Chapter 2, Part 3 to restrict land purchases by sanctioned aliens and foreign entities. The bill passed the Senate 24-4 and the House 88-6 after adopting Amendment HA0794. This legislation affects real property transactions involving foreign entities in Tennessee.

Establishes July 1 Pre-K Reporting Deadline

Tennessee SB2426 was signed into law by the Governor on March 30, 2026. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49 to establish an annual July 1 deadline by which the Office of Early Learning within the Department must submit a pre-kindergarten program status report to the Governor and General Assembly.

Honors Veterans Month

Tennessee Senate Joint Resolution SJR1051 designates November 2026 as Veterans Month in the state of Tennessee. The resolution was passed by the Senate on April 2, 2026, and is sponsored by Senator Jack Johnson. This is a ceremonial recognition resolution honoring veterans for their service and sacrifice.

Therapist Terminology Updates - Marital to Marriage

The Tennessee General Assembly enacted SB2585, amending Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 4, 8, 33, 36, 52, 56, 63, and 68 to change references from 'marital and family therapists' to 'marriage and family therapists' throughout state law. The bill was signed by Governor on April 2, 2026, with Senate Speaker signature on April 6, 2026. The legislation passed with strong bipartisan support (Senate 32-0, House 94-1).

Reduces Wildlife Injury Reporting to 24 Hours

Tennessee SB2354 amends Tennessee Code Annotated Titles 39, 44, and 70 to reduce the mandatory reporting window for captive wildlife injuries requiring medical attention from 48 hours to 24 hours. The bill was passed by the Tennessee Senate on March 23, 2026, and by the House on April 6, 2026. Entities possessing captive wildlife must report injuries to the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency within the new compressed timeframe.