Enhanced Tools for Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Reporting

SCDES Bureau of Coastal Management announced new and improved tools to address abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) along South Carolina's coast. The tools, hosted on MyCoast.org/SC/boat and des.sc.gov/adv, streamline public reporting and interagency coordination among SCDES, SCDNR Law Enforcement, and local partners across eight coastal counties.

Public Hearing on China's Commodities Derivative Markets Ambitions

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission announced a public hearing on April 16, 2026, examining China's efforts to establish domestic futures exchanges for agricultural goods, energy, base metals, and critical minerals to enhance its pricing power in global commodities trade. The hearing will assess implications for the United States.

Revised Food and Grocery Code of Conduct Now in Force

The ACCC announces that the revised Food and Grocery Code of Conduct is now in force for major Australian supermarkets ALDI, Coles, Metcash, and Woolworths. Large grocery businesses must now include specific disclosures in their supply agreements about circumstances allowing agreement changes, supplier payments, and set-off arrangements. Suppliers may negotiate terms at any time and opt-out provisions must include transparency statements explaining why they are reasonable.

Qantas, American Airlines interim authorization for trans-Pacific routes

On 1 April 2026, the ACCC granted interim authorisation to Qantas Airways Limited and American Airlines Inc to continue cooperating on trans-Pacific routes between Australia/New Zealand and the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This interim authorisation allows the ACCC to continue assessing substantive application AA1000709 for revocation and substitution. No compliance deadlines or penalties are associated with this interim step.

East Coast Gas Supply Tight - Storage Critical for Winter 2026

ACCC released its March 2026 interim gas inquiry report finding east coast gas supply is expected to be tight in Q3 2026, with a potential 12-16 PJ shortfall in southern states. Storage facilities must reach maximum capacity ahead of winter, with Iona Underground Gas Storage on track to be full by early May. Contracted gas prices for 2026 remain steady at $13-15 per gigajoule.

Forest Service Moves Headquarters to Salt Lake City

The USDA Forest Service announced it will relocate its headquarters from Washington, D.C. to Salt Lake City, Utah, and implement a sweeping organizational restructuring to position leadership closer to western forests and communities. The move aims to improve mission delivery for an agency whose lands and operational challenges are concentrated in the West, while supporting timber production and fire management.

USDA-DOI MOU to Support Ranchers and Lower Beef Prices

USDA and DOI signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 31, 2026, formalizing collaboration between the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management to improve grazing management on federal lands. The MOU aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, streamline permitting processes, and strengthen coordination with ranchers who hold grazing permits on public lands.

Secretary Rollins Op-ed Praising American Farmers and Rural America

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins published an op-ed in Agri-Pulse emphasizing the essential role of farmers, ranchers, and rural communities in powering the nation. The piece highlights that American agriculture supports nearly 49 million jobs and generates over $10.4 trillion in economic activity. The op-ed references the administration's support for rural America, including increased reference prices and $12 billion in farmer bridge payments.

Shareholder Representative Services LLC v. Sphera Solutions, Inc. - Motion to Dismiss Ruling

The Delaware Court of Chancery denied Sphera Solutions' motion to dismiss the fraud count in Shareholder Representative Services' complaint arising from a $50 million merger, allowing fraud claims based on alleged misrepresentations during merger negotiations to proceed. The Court granted the motion on the breach of contract count related to fee-shifting provisions.

Young Women's Christian Association of Rochester and Monroe County v. Hatteras Funds, LP - Rule 23.1 Motion

The Delaware Court of Chancery issued an opinion denying a Rule 23.1 motion in the derivative action brought by the Young Women's Christian Association of Rochester and Monroe County against Hatteras Funds, LP and related defendants. The case involves a master-feeder fund structure where the plaintiff alleged breaches of fiduciary duty by investment managers, including claims related to a 25% diversification policy. The opinion addresses the sufficiency of the demand futility allegations under Delaware's heightened pleading standard for derivative claims.