California AG Bonta Wins Ruling Against Tulare Zoning Update for CEQA Violation
California Attorney General Rob Bonta secured a court ruling against the City of Tulare's Zoning Ordinance Update, finding it violated the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The court ordered the City to void its approval and comply with CEQA before any future actions.
State AGs Win Supreme Court Challenge Against Trump Tariffs
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of 12 State Attorneys General, including New York's AG Letitia James, declaring the Trump administration's "emergency" tariffs imposed under IEEPA unlawful. This decision overturns tariffs that had disrupted the economy for businesses and workers.
Temporary 10% Import Duty Imposed
President Trump has imposed a temporary 10% ad valorem import duty on articles imported into the United States for 150 days, effective February 24, 2026. This action aims to address international payment problems and rebalance trade relationships, with specific exemptions for certain critical goods and trade partners.
Environmental Health Advocates v. Pancho Villa's - Proposition 65 Notice Requirements
The California Court of Appeal reversed a trial court's dismissal of a Proposition 65 enforcement action. The appellate court found that a plaintiff's failure to strictly comply with certain procedural notice requirements under the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 did not necessarily invalidate the action.
GAO Report on Interior Department Oil and Gas Data Sharing
The GAO released a report highlighting significant inefficiencies in the Department of the Interior's oil and gas data sharing processes. The report found that despite efforts to modernize systems, manual data entry and a lack of automated sharing persist, hindering oversight of energy development on federal and Tribal lands. The GAO recommends setting specific time frames and measurable goals to address these issues.
GAO Report: Improve Disability Access to DOL Job Programs
The GAO released a report highlighting issues with disability access to Department of Labor (DOL) job programs. The report found that job seekers with disabilities may not receive necessary accommodations and that DOL does not routinely analyze its monitoring results or evaluate the use of its guidance. The GAO recommended DOL address these systemic issues.
President Continues Suspension of Duty-Free De Minimis Treatment
The President has issued an Executive Order continuing the suspension of duty-free de minimis treatment for all countries. This action impacts shipments entering the United States through the international postal network and is based on national security and economic concerns.
Ending Certain Tariff Actions
President Biden has issued an executive order ending certain tariff actions previously imposed under various executive orders related to national emergencies. These tariffs, primarily *ad valorem* duties, will be removed as soon as practicable. The national emergencies themselves remain in effect.
Presidential Proclamation: 10% Import Surcharge
The President has issued a proclamation imposing a temporary 10% import surcharge to address fundamental international payments problems, including large balance-of-payments deficits. This action, authorized by the Trade Act of 1974, aims to protect the U.S. economy and national security. Specific product exceptions may apply.
First Lady Donates Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian
First Lady Melania Trump donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's First Ladies Collection. The donation adds to the museum's extensive collection of historical artifacts and is now on public display.
United States v. Castro Alavez - Conviction Affirmed in Part, Vacated in Part
The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and vacated in part the conviction and sentence of Luis Miguel Castro Alavez. The court agreed that the jury instruction regarding knowledge of drug type and quantity was erroneous and not harmless for the attempted possession charge, vacating the sentence for that count.
BLM Wild Horse Management Plans Revision Ordered by D.C. Circuit
The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must revise its ten-year wild horse management plans. The court found that the plans impermissibly allowed for indefinite removals without proper determination of excess horses or consultation, requiring BLM to clarify future gather processes.
US v. Yoon - Health Care Fraud Conviction Appeal
The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the health care fraud conviction of Chang Goo Yoon, who submitted over a million dollars in false claims. The court upheld evidentiary rulings and sentencing enhancements, affirming his conviction for defrauding private insurers and his own car insurer.
US v. McBreairty - Criminal Contempt Appeal
The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's criminal contempt order against Danielle McBreairty. McBreairty refused to testify in a federal trial, even after being granted statutory immunity under 18 U.S.C. §§ 6002-6003, invoking her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.
SEC Charges C-Hear, Inc. and Former CEO with Fraud
The SEC charged C-Hear, Inc. and its former CEO, Adena Harmon, with securities fraud in connection with a $4.2 million stock offering. The complaint alleges misleading statements about the company's technology and concealment of Harmon's criminal convictions, as well as misappropriation of investor funds.
Winchell v. Social Security Commissioner - Social Security Review
The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California filed a new civil case, Winchell v. Social Security Commissioner, on February 20, 2026. The case involves a complaint for judicial review of a decision by the Commissioner of Social Security regarding disability benefits.
Tsering v. ByteDance, Inc. et al - Civil Suit
Lisa Tsering has filed a civil suit against ByteDance, Inc., TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, and TikTok, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 4:26-cv-01536, was filed on February 20, 2026, with a filing fee of $405.
Babbini v. Reddit, Inc. - Civil Complaint
Paul Babbini has filed a civil complaint against Reddit, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 3:26-cv-01532, was filed on February 20, 2026, with a filing fee of $405.
A. v. Salesforce, Inc. - Civil Complaint Filed
A civil complaint was filed against Salesforce, Inc. on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, identified by docket number 3:26-cv-01531, alleges unspecified damages. The filing includes a complaint, proposed summons, and a motion to proceed by pseudonym.
Global Ampersand LLC v. Bank of America - Civil Case
Global Ampersand LLC has filed a civil lawsuit against Bank of America, N.A., in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, identified by docket number 3:26-cv-01534, was filed on February 20, 2026, and involves a notice of removal from a state court case. TD Bank, N.A. also filed a notice of removal and a certificate of interested entities.
Yee v. Snap, Inc. - Civil Case Filing
A new civil case, Yee v. Snap, Inc., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 4:26-cv-01528, was filed under diversity jurisdiction with a nature of suit described as P.I.: Other.
Last Brand Inc. v. Deckers Outdoor Corporation - Antitrust Case Filing
Last Brand, Inc. has filed an antitrust case against Deckers Outdoor Corporation in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 3:26-cv-01540, was filed on February 20, 2026, with the initial complaint and related documents submitted.
Corbett v. Meta Platforms, Inc. - Personal Injury Product Liability
A civil case, Corbett v. Meta Platforms, Inc., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves personal injury and product liability claims. The filing includes a complaint and a demand for a jury trial.
Hemstalk v. Skywest Airlines, Inc - Civil Case Filing
A new civil case, Hemstalk v. Skywest Airlines, Inc., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint seeks damages against Skywest Airlines, Inc. The filing fee was $405.
Sigurdson v. Curbsure, LLC - TCPA Complaint Filed
A complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California by Karen Sigurdson against Curbsure, LLC, alleging violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The case, Case Number 5:26-cv-01537, was filed on February 20, 2026, initiating litigation under federal question jurisdiction.
Marichalar v. SSA Commissioner - Social Security Case
A civil case, Marichalar v. SSA Commissioner, was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a claim related to Social Security benefits (DIWC/DIWW).
Brannon v. Mountain View Police Department - Civil Rights Case
A civil rights case, Brannon v. Mountain View Police Department, was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a complaint against the Mountain View Police Department. A case management conference is scheduled for May 19, 2026.
Fresno et al v. Noem et al - Civil Rights Case
The City of Fresno and other municipalities have filed a civil rights case against Governor Kristi Noem. The complaint seeks declaratory and injunctive relief against the US government, citing violations of the Administrative Procedure Act.
JLG 263 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. - Civil Case Filing
A new civil case, JLG 263 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 3:26-cv-01526, involves a complaint against Uber Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries Rasier, LLC and Rasier-CA, LLC.
Ramos Bernabe v. Noem et al - Immigration Case Filing
A new civil case, Ramos Bernabe v. Noem et al, was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves 'Other Immigration Actions' and includes a petition for a Writ of Mandamus and/or Complaint Under the APA.
Machado v. Mental Health Association - Civil Rights Case
A civil rights case, Machado v. Mental Health Association of San Mateo County et al., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a complaint filed by Jordan Machado against the County of San Mateo, the Housing Authority of The County of San Mateo, and the Mental Health Association of San Mateo County.
JLG 262 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. - Civil Suit
JLG 262 has filed a civil suit against Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and Rasier-CA, LLC. The case, filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is based on diversity jurisdiction and concerns personal injury. The filing fee was $405.
Zhaolu v. Transportation Security Administration - Civil Rights Case
A civil rights case has been filed by Zhang Zhaolu against the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, based on federal question jurisdiction, was filed on February 20, 2026.
J.C.01 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al - Product Liability
J.C.01 has filed a product liability lawsuit against Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and Rasier-CA, LLC in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, Case Number 3:26-cv-01520, was filed on February 20, 2026. The complaint alleges product liability related to personal injury.
Sanchez et al v. Union Pacific Railroad Company et al - Civil Case Filing
A new civil case, Sanchez et al v. Union Pacific Railroad Company et al, was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from a state court action, with National Railroad Passenger Corporation dba Amtrak as a filing party.
T. v. United States of America - Civil Rights Case
A civil rights case has been filed against the United States of America, specifically naming the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a defendant. The case, bearing number 4:26-cv-01516, was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
Allegheny County Employees Retirement System v Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated - Securities Case
A securities class action lawsuit has been filed by Allegheny County Employees Retirement System against Corcept Therapeutics Incorporated and its executives. The case, filed on February 20, 2026, alleges violations related to securities trading.
Zhu v. Pinterest, Inc. - Civil Case Filing
A new civil case, Zhu v. Pinterest, Inc., was filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 3:26-cv-01529, was filed by Ken Zhu against Pinterest, Inc. and involves a complaint and proposed summons.
JLG 261 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al - Civil Suit
JLG 261 has filed a civil suit against Uber Technologies, Inc., Rasier, LLC, and Rasier-CA, LLC. The case, filed on February 20, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is based on diversity jurisdiction and concerns personal injury. The initial filings include a complaint, certificate of interested entities, notice of filing, and proposed summons.
Essintial Enterprise Solutions LLC v. SBA - PPP Loan Forgiveness
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's decision, ruling that payments to independent contractors do not qualify as "payroll costs" for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan forgiveness. This decision impacts how businesses that utilized PPP loans can claim forgiveness.
Abramowski v. Nuvei Corp - Court rejects tendered shares
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision dismissing a lawsuit by shareholders who claimed Nuvei Corp. violated the SEC's Best Price Rule by rejecting their tendered shares. The court found the Best Price Rule is silent on whether tender offerors can enforce restrictions on tendered shares.
Knieling v. Fook - Maritime Injury Appeal
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision in Knieling v. Fook, ruling that an injured seaman cannot recover future medical expenses if it is unclear what future treatments she may receive. The court upheld the award for past medical expenses and pain and suffering but denied future claims pending further clarity.
Defense Distributed v. NJ Attorney General - 3D-Printed Ghost Guns & First Amendment
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that purely functional computer code, such as that used to 3D-print firearms, may not be protected by the First Amendment. The court affirmed the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging New Jersey's prohibition on distributing such digital files to unlicensed individuals.
DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. v. Stevens - Foreclosure Appeal
The Third Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision in a foreclosure case involving DLJ Mortgage Capital, Inc. and the heirs of Carlton Stevens. The court found that the heirs forfeited their affirmative defenses by failing to raise them in response to a summary judgment motion.
Parker v. Spanberger - Appeal Dismissed for Lack of Jurisdiction
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals dismissed an appeal filed by Ray Elbert Parker against state and federal officials. The court found it lacked jurisdiction because the order Parker sought to appeal was neither a final nor an appealable interlocutory or collateral order, and Parker consented to the dismissal of his claims.
Kyeem King v. State of Maryland - Affirmation of District Court Order
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in part and dismissed in part the appeal of Kyeem King. The court affirmed the district court's denial of King's motion for bail or release and dismissed the remainder of the appeal for lack of jurisdiction. This unpublished opinion does not set precedent.
Winslow v. Commonwealth of Virginia - Civil Action Appeal
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's order dismissing a civil action for lack of subject matter jurisdiction and denying a motion for injunctive relief. The unpublished opinion noted that such opinions are not binding precedent.
Nawal Ali v. BC Architects Engineers, PLC - Employment Discrimination Appeal
The Fourth Circuit reversed a district court's decision to sanction Nawal Ali's counsel for approximately $57,000 in an employment discrimination lawsuit. The appellate court found that the district court abused its discretion in imposing sanctions, concluding that the counsel did not unreasonably multiply proceedings.
US v. Michael Brandon - Criminal Appeal
The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a conviction for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The court found that the good-faith exception to the exclusionary rule applied, even if the initial traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion.
State AGs and State Attorney Sign Agreement to Combat Human Trafficking
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier and State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to combat human trafficking in South Florida. The agreement establishes a partnership between the Office of Statewide Prosecution and the State Attorney's Human Trafficking Task Force, allocating $1.5 million in operational funds.
Romanian national pleads guilty to selling network access, $250k loss
Romanian national pleads guilty to selling network access, $250k loss
Former NFL player convicted in $328M genetic testing fraud
Former NFL player convicted in $328M genetic testing fraud
Coal executive convicted of bribery, money laundering, wire fraud
Coal executive convicted of bribery, money laundering, wire fraud
Six defendants charged in international ATM jackpotting scheme
Six defendants charged in international ATM jackpotting scheme
Eleven gang members indicted on racketeering, murder, drug charges
Eleven gang members indicted on racketeering, murder, drug charges
Engineer sentenced for 15-year kickback scheme, fraud
Engineer sentenced for 15-year kickback scheme, fraud
California DFPI Enforcement Actions Summary - January 2026
The California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) issued a summary of enforcement and non-enforcement actions taken in January 2026. These actions include citations, desist and refrain orders, consent orders, and accusations related to violations of financial laws, including mortgage lending and securities regulations.
New York Encourages RSV Vaccination Amidst High Cases
The New York State Department of Health is strongly encouraging eligible residents to get vaccinated against RSV due to persistently high case numbers and hospitalizations. The notice highlights the availability of vaccines and monoclonal antibodies for various age groups and risk factors, emphasizing their effectiveness in preventing severe illness.
Florida Tornado Emergency Declaration Renewal
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has renewed the state of emergency for North Florida due to tornado damage. Executive Order 26-34 extends Executive Order 24-94 for sixty days, continuing state support for recovery efforts in affected counties.
Delaware Supreme Court Reverses Breach of Contract Dismissal
The Delaware Supreme Court reversed a lower court's dismissal of breach of contract claims filed by insurers against Blackbaud, Inc. The insurers, acting as subrogees and assignees, alleged Blackbaud failed to protect client data after a ransomware attack. The court found the amended complaints adequately pled a breach of contract claim.
Bardy Diagnostics v. iRhythm Technologies - Patent Infringement Lawsuit
The District Court of Delaware issued a memorandum resolving disputed claim constructions in a patent infringement lawsuit between Bardy Diagnostics and iRhythm Technologies. The court held a Markman hearing on January 15, 2026, to interpret claim terms across eight asserted patents involved in the dispute.
SpecialtyCare v. Cigna Healthcare - Motion to Dismiss Recommendation
A US District Court has recommended granting Cigna Healthcare's motion to dismiss a complaint filed by SpecialtyCare, Inc. and affiliated physician groups. The lawsuit concerned Cigna's alleged failure to pay over $1.3 million in arbitration awards related to the No Surprises Act. The court found the plaintiffs' claims were not properly before it.
Rojas-Espinoza v. Bondi - Rehearing En Banc Ordered
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered a rehearing en banc for the case Rojas-Espinoza v. Bondi. This action vacates the previous panel's order and indicates a significant reconsideration of the case's legal issues. The court's decision to rehear the case en banc suggests potential implications for immigration law and appellate procedure.
USA v. Alex Ruiz - Criminal Conviction Affirmed
The Ninth Circuit affirmed Alex Ruiz's conviction for transporting illegal aliens. The court held that the district court did not abuse its discretion in admitting evidence of a prior conviction for the same crime under Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b) and that Ruiz's constitutional arguments were forfeited.
Ratha v. Rubicon Resources LLC - Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act Retroactivity
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a district court's denial of a motion for relief from summary judgment in a human trafficking case. The court held that an amendment to the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, clarifying civil liability for attempted benefit from human trafficking, has retroactive effect.