USTR Launches Section 301 Investigations on Manufacturing Excess Capacity

The USTR has initiated investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 concerning manufacturing excess capacity in 16 partner economies. These investigations could lead to additional U.S. tariff actions aimed at addressing trade imbalances and protecting domestic manufacturing.

IEEPA Tariffs Struck Down; Importers Seek Refunds via CIT

The U.S. Supreme Court struck down tariffs imposed under IEEPA in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, affirming that IEEPA does not authorize presidential tariffs. Challenges are within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Court of International Trade (CIT), where over 2000 refund cases are currently stayed.

Trump Tariff Tracker: Section 122 Tariffs and Section 301 Investigations

This update tracks the Reclaim Trade Powers Act, challenges to Section 122 tariffs, and new Section 301 investigations by the USTR into excess manufacturing capacity and forced labor. Public comments are invited for these investigations.

Education Department Proposed Rule on Payment Estimation Collection

The Education Department has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval of a new agency information collection activity concerning annual improper payment estimation. This notice seeks public comment on the proposed collection of required information.

Nkemnji v. Nelnet, Inc. and United States Dept. of Education - Student Loan Dispute

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ruled on a case involving student loan debt. The court found that the plaintiff's attempt to pay off over $90,000 in student loans using a bill of exchange was not a valid method of payment.

Simply Delivered LLC v. The Bazaar Inc - Court Opinion

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois issued an opinion in Simply Delivered LLC v. The Bazaar Inc. The court found that the record was insufficiently developed to rule on the merits of the negligence and breach-of-contract claims concerning a $97,000 electronic funds transfer. The case involves a dispute over a fraudulent payment instruction.

Bradley Ard v. Commonwealth of Kentucky - Criminal Appeal

The Kentucky Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision denying a motion to suppress evidence in the case of Bradley Ard v. Commonwealth of Kentucky. The court found that the arresting officer had probable cause to arrest Ard for public intoxication, leading to the discovery of illegal drugs.

Ellen Sullivan v. Broadening Horizons, Inc. - Opinion Affirming

The Court of Appeals of Kentucky affirmed a lower court's summary judgment in favor of Broadening Horizons, Inc. and its officers in a case brought by Ellen Sullivan, a family home provider. The dispute arose from a medication error that occurred in 2022.

Lexington Planning Commission v. Wilkerson - Zoning Ordinance Appeal

The Kentucky Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision reversing the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Planning Commission's conditional approval of a retail coffee shop development plan. The circuit court found the Commission's action exceeded its authority and violated local zoning ordinances.

Paul Constante v. Bernice King - Divorce and Spousal Maintenance Appeal

The Court of Appeals of Kentucky affirmed a lower court's decision regarding spousal maintenance in the divorce case of Paul Constante v. Bernice King. The appeal focused on the trial court's findings regarding income, needs, and the open-ended nature of the maintenance award.