Vidal v. Venettozzi - Prisoner Due Process

The Second Circuit vacated the Southern District of New York's grant of summary judgment for DOCCS officials in a prisoner's due process challenge. The court held that Joseph Vidal's 270-day disciplinary segregation in the Special Housing Unit (serving 180 days) constitutes an atypical and significant hardship based on duration alone, triggering Fourteenth Amendment procedural due process protections. The case was remanded for further proceedings.

In re: Kwok Ho Wan Kwok - Chapter 11 Alter Ego Determination

The Second Circuit affirmed that the Chapter 11 Trustee had standing to assert alter-ego claims on behalf of the bankruptcy estate's creditors and that HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited was the debtor Ho Wan Kwok's alter ego. The court held that HK's assets therefore belong to the bankruptcy estate. The decision resolves a dispute involving a mega-yacht and international fund investments.

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.