United States

Kellogg v. Nichols - Concealed Carry License Case

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals amended its opinion in Kellogg v. Nichols, affirming the dismissal of a lawsuit challenging New York's concealed carry license laws. The court held that state judges have absolute judicial immunity for decisions on license applications and that federal courts lack jurisdiction for injunctive or declaratory relief against such judges in their official capacities.

GEICO v. Patel - RICO Act Case

The Second Circuit affirmed a preliminary injunction against Dr. Bhargav Patel and associated entities in a RICO Act case brought by GEICO. The court found that the preliminary injunction was necessary to prevent irreparable harm to GEICO from potential inconsistent judgments and the obscuring of an alleged fraudulent scheme by numerous state collection proceedings.

Peña Garcia v. Department of Labor - Disability Claim

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review in a disability claim case involving Luis Peña Garcia. The court affirmed the Department of Labor's decision that medical cannabis is not a covered treatment under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act due to its Schedule I classification under federal law.

Stevenson v. Employment Security Dept. - Order of Remand

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington issued an order remanding the case of Stevenson v. Employment Security Dept. to Spokane County Superior Court. The court found that the plaintiff, Sharon L. Stevenson, improperly removed the case from state court to federal court, as the right to remove is limited to defendants.

Rafael Martinez v. Wal-Mart Inc - Discovery Dispute

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington issued an order addressing discovery disputes in Rafael Martinez v. Wal-Mart Inc. The court ruled on motions to compel and a motion for a protective order related to document production and deposition notices.

Elizabth B. v. Frank Bisignano - Social Security Benefits Appeal

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington affirmed the Commissioner of Social Security's decision to deny disability income benefits. The court found no harmful legal error in the Administrative Law Judge's evaluation of medical opinions or the claimant's testimony. The appeal was denied, and the Commissioner's decision was granted.

US Measles Cases Exceed 1,100; Washington Reports 26

The Washington State Department of Health reported 26 measles cases in early 2026, with national cases surpassing 1,100. This represents a significant increase from previous years, with nearly 80% of Washington cases occurring in unvaccinated children. The DOH emphasizes the MMR vaccine as the primary prevention method.

Colorado Bill on Colorimetric Drug Tests for Possession

Colorado Bill HB26-1020 modifies procedures for colorimetric drug tests in drug possession cases. It restricts arrests for certain misdemeanor possession charges and requires advisements in felony cases regarding test accuracy and defendant rights.

Colorado Bill Increases Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure Access

Colorado Bill HB26-1228 proposes changes to the licensure requirements for marriage and family therapists. The bill aims to increase access to licensure by allowing individuals whose master's or doctoral programs did not include an internship or practicum to still become licensed, with additional supervised clinical hours required.

Colorado Bill Continues Vessel Registration Program Until 2036

Colorado House Bill HB26-1197 proposes to continue the state's vessel registration program until September 1, 2036. The bill has been introduced and is currently under consideration by the House Agriculture, Water, and Natural Resources Committee.