STB Proposes Permitting Reform for Rail Infrastructure

The Surface Transportation Board (STB) has proposed a comprehensive rule to modernize its permitting process for rail infrastructure projects. The reform aims to streamline approvals, reduce costs, and improve environmental review efficiency, aligning with current laws and practices. This proposal seeks to accelerate project development and lower overall transportation network costs.

State v. Roberts, III - Appeal Affirmed

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals affirmed a district court judgment against Charles Fredrick Roberts III, upholding a $40 fine. The court noted that the record lacked sufficient transcripts to review the alleged errors raised by the appellant.

Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals Denies Tax Classification Challenge

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals has denied a tax classification challenge brought by multiple appellants. The court's decision upholds the original tax classifications, impacting the named individuals and entities involved in the appeal.

West Physicians Associates, LLC v. Quiane - Order Granting Motion to Dismiss Appeal

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals granted a motion to dismiss an appeal filed by Agrifina Quiane against West Physicians Associates, LLC. The court found that the appealed order was not an appealable collateral order and lacked jurisdiction for an interlocutory appeal.

State v. Dandurand - Criminal Conviction Affirmation

The Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Hailey Dandurand in State v. Dandurand. The court addressed multiple counts including Murder in the Second Degree, Kidnapping, Burglary, and Unauthorized Entry into a Motor Vehicle. The appeal focused on alleged ineffective assistance of counsel.

State of Alaska v. National Marine Fisheries Service - Environmental Law

The Ninth Circuit reversed in part and affirmed in part a district court ruling concerning critical habitat designations for Arctic seals. The court reinstated the designations, finding them consistent with the Endangered Species Act, and rejected arguments to exclude certain coastal areas or consider foreign conservation efforts.

Alaska v. National Marine Fisheries Service - Critical Habitat Designations

The Ninth Circuit ruled on Alaska's challenge to the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) critical habitat designations for two Arctic seal species. The court reversed the district court's decision, reinstating the designations and finding NMFS acted consistently with the Endangered Species Act.

Class Action for Student Loan Borrowers Seeking Forgiveness

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed a district court's decision regarding a settlement agreement for student loan borrowers seeking forgiveness under the Higher Education Act. The court modified the deadline for the Department of Education to adjudicate borrower defense applications, extending it for some applicants.

United States v. Chavez-Echeverria - Affirming Sentence for Attempted Assault

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a district court's decision to increase a defendant's base offense level based on a prior conviction for attempted first-degree assault. The court held that this conviction qualifies as a crime of violence under the Sentencing Guidelines, specifically the 'force clause.' This ruling impacts how similar prior convictions are treated in federal sentencing.

USA v. DePape - Affirming Criminal Sentence

The Ninth Circuit affirmed David Wayne DePape's criminal sentence, holding that a sentencing court can correct an error in failing to afford a defendant the right to allocute under Fed. R. Crim. P. 32 by re-sentencing under Fed. R. Crim. P. 35(a). The court found this correction to be an "other clear error" under Rule 35(a).