ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against Pentraeth Council

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information complaint against Pentraeth Council for failing to respond to a request within the statutory 20 working days. The Council has been ordered to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against NHS Trust

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for a delayed response. The Trust is required to provide a substantive response to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision on Isle of Wight Council Planning Complaints

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding Isle of Wight Council's handling of planning complaint information requests. The ICO found the council was entitled to withhold some information but had breached regulations in its initial handling of the request under FOIA.

ICO Decision Notice: Cabinet Office FOI Exemptions for Saudi Visit

The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding the Cabinet Office's use of FOI exemptions for information related to a visit to Saudi Arabia. The ICO found that while some exemptions were valid, others were not, and ordered the disclosure of specified information.

ICO Decision: University entitled to withhold student data

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision finding that Ulster University was entitled to withhold student enrolment data under commercial interests provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The complainant's request was not upheld, and no further steps are required.

Ayestas v. Harris County District Attorney's Office - Habeas Corpus

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a discovery order in a habeas corpus case involving a capital murder conviction. The court found that the district court lacked jurisdiction over the selective-prosecution claims, vacating the order that compelled the Harris County District Attorney's Office to produce internal memoranda.

Fifth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Employment Discrimination Case

The Fifth Circuit affirmed a district court's decision to dismiss a plaintiff's employment discrimination and retaliation claims with prejudice. The dismissal was based on the plaintiff's counsel's repeated failure to comply with discovery orders and court deadlines over four years of litigation. The court found the dismissal to be a proper exercise of discretion.

Teacher v. Principal - First Amendment Prayer Rights

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a principal's claim of qualified immunity in a lawsuit filed by a teacher who alleges her prayer on school grounds was prohibited. The court will determine if the principal's actions violated the teacher's First Amendment rights.

US Government Mobilizes War Risk Insurance for Middle East Commerce

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will offer political risk insurance and guaranty products to stabilize international commerce and support businesses operating in the Middle East. This initiative aims to mitigate disruptions caused by conflict with the Iranian regime and stabilize the war risk insurance market.

OFAC 50 Percent Rule: Ownership Aggregation and Sanctions Compliance

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued guidance clarifying its 50 Percent Rule. This rule treats entities owned 50 percent or more in aggregate by blocked persons as themselves blocked, regardless of whether they are individually listed. The guidance emphasizes the need for sophisticated beneficial ownership tracing beyond simple list screening.

EU Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act for Public Procurement and Funding

The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which would introduce EU origin and low-carbon content requirements for public procurement and public funding. The proposal aims to boost the EU's manufacturing share and includes conditions for foreign direct investments in key sectors.

Omnibus I Directive Amends EU Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence

The EU's Omnibus I Directive, amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), has been published in the Official Journal. This directive aims to streamline sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations for businesses operating within the EU.

SEC Exempts FPI Directors/Officers from Section 16 Reporting

The SEC issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16 reporting obligations. This exemption applies to FPIs from qualifying jurisdictions with substantially similar regulations and provides relief ahead of the March 18, 2026, reporting deadline.

SEC Exempts FPI Directors and Officers from Section 16 Reporting

The SEC has issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16(a) reporting requirements. This exemption is effective immediately and applies to FPIs incorporated in qualifying jurisdictions with qualifying regulations, ahead of the March 18, 2026 compliance deadline.

Export Control Complexity Grows with Technology and Geopolitics

This article discusses the increasing complexity of export control and sanctions regimes due to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts, using the UK as an example. It highlights that failure to comply with UK export controls can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Importers Eye IEEPA Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

Following a Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's IEEPA tariffs were unlawful, importers are seeking refunds. The administration plans to complicate the refund process, leaving the Court of International Trade to handle thousands of cases. The CIT has issued an initial order confirming importers' entitlement to refunds.

Court Orders Refund of Invalidated IEEPA Tariffs

The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to halt liquidation of invalidated IEEPA tariffs and begin unwinding assessed duties. This broad order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States aims to provide relief to all importers of record, including those who did not file their own refund actions.

Force Majeure in Gulf Construction Contracts Amid Iran Conflict

This client alert from King & Spalding discusses force majeure clauses in Gulf construction contracts in response to the Iran conflict. It outlines typical contractual regimes, legal implications, and provides practical advice for employers and contractors facing supply chain and logistical disruptions.

EU Commission Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act

The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to bolster the EU's industrial base, aiming to increase manufacturing's GDP share to 20% by 2035. The act targets challenges like high energy costs and regulatory hurdles, seeking to enhance resilience and strategic autonomy.

SEC Adopts Section 16 Reporting Rules for Foreign Private Issuers

The SEC adopted final amendments requiring directors, officers, and 10% owners of foreign private issuers (FPIs) to file beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, effective March 18, 2026. The SEC also issued an order granting conditional exemptive relief for certain FPIs subject to substantially similar local reporting rules.

BIS Fines Teledyne FLIR $1 Million for Export Violations

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has fined Teledyne FLIR $1 million for 19 violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including miscalculating de minimis rules for exports to China and unauthorized exports to an Entity List address. The company must pay the fine within 30 days or risk losing export privileges.

OECD Releases AI Due Diligence Guidance for Multinationals

The OECD has published new Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI, aimed at multinational enterprises involved in the AI value chain. This guidance complements existing OECD guidelines and aims to assist companies in implementing responsible AI practices and human rights policies.

DITC Enforcement Guide for Cayman Islands Entities

The Cayman Islands Department for International Tax Cooperation (DITC) has increased its supervisory oversight and enforcement activities. This guide explains DITC enforcement notices, common triggers for non-compliance, and strategies for responding to mitigate penalties and reputational risk for Cayman Islands entities.

Cross-Border ESI Transfers: Regulatory Challenges and AI Impact

This notice discusses the evolving regulatory challenges surrounding cross-border transfers of electronically stored information (ESI) for litigation. It highlights the complexities arising from data privacy laws, discovery obligations, and the impact of AI and cloud computing, with a panel discussion scheduled for March 11, 2026.

US and Mexico Coordinate Sanctions on Cartel Timeshare Fraud

The US Treasury's OFAC and Mexico's SHCP have coordinated sanctions against five individuals and 19 entities involved in timeshare fraud linked to the CJNG cartel. This action builds on previous designations and aims to combat cartel-linked financial crimes.

US Directs Dismantling of Criminal Cartels in Western Hemisphere

The US government has issued an executive order directing federal agencies to dismantle criminal cartels and transnational gangs operating in the Western Hemisphere. The order mandates coordination with allied governments, military training for partner nations, and the use of all legal authorities to counter cartel-driven violence and corruption.

CIT Ruling on IEEPA Duties Impacts Importer Refunds

The U.S. Court of International Trade (CIT) issued an order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States directing CBP to liquidate entries without regard to IEEPA duties. This ruling impacts importers seeking refunds of tariffs previously imposed under IEEPA, following a Supreme Court decision.

Trade Court Orders $166 Billion Refund of IEEPA Duties

The U.S. Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to refund approximately $166 billion in duties paid by over 330,000 importers under unlawful tariffs imposed via IEEPA. This follows a Supreme Court ruling invalidating the tariffs.

Commonwealth v. Sprows-Watson - Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential summary decision affirming a lower court's order denying the Commonwealth's motion for a continuance and allowing the defendants' motions to dismiss charges without prejudice. The decision addresses discovery disputes related to traffic stops and enforcement patterns.

Sophia Terry v. William Powley - Contempt of Court

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a Probate and Family Court judgment finding a mother not in contempt for alleged violations of a parenting time order. The court found insufficient evidence of clear and convincing disobedience of the court's command regarding supervised parenting time.

Thomas B. Francis, Third v. Suffolk County Sheriff's Department - Employment Discrimination Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a lower court's decision regarding employment discrimination claims. The plaintiff appealed after a jury found in favor of the employer on retaliation claims, following summary judgment on sexual harassment and age discrimination claims.

Guy Maddalone v. Board of Appeals of Nantucket - Zoning Special Permit Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a Land Court judgment that upheld the Nantucket Board of Appeals' decision to grant a special permit. The permit allows for the renovation and enlargement of existing structures on a property, despite objections from an abutter.

Commonwealth v. Scott K. Tavares - Probation Violation Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming an order revoking Scott K. Tavares' probation. The defendant appealed, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel and due process violations related to new criminal offenses alleged as probation violations.

Trifecta v. CT Investments - Arizona Court of Appeals Opinion

The Arizona Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a lower court's decision, finding that a judgment was satisfied in full. The court determined that the plaintiff accepted payments from a third party that fully covered the judgment amount, contrary to the lower court's ruling.

Arizona Court of Appeals - Parental Rights Termination

The Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of parental rights for a mother due to ongoing substance abuse and neglect. The decision, docketed as 1 CA-JV 25-0144, is non-precedential and applies only to the specific case.

US v. Tekola - Sentence Affirmed for Drug Distribution

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Isaac Tekola's sentence for drug distribution charges. The court upheld the district court's decision to apply a sentencing enhancement for maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, finding it was a primary use of his residence.

Defence Aviation Confliction Awareness Planning Tool Contract Award

The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract valued at £3,794,454 (including VAT) to BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED for the Provision of Defence Aviation Confliction Awareness Planning Tool. The award notice was published on March 9, 2026.

London Borough of Enfield IT Service Days and Penetration Testing Contract

The London Borough of Enfield has awarded a contract for IT Service Days and Penetration Testing Services to Worknest. The contract is valued at £14,000 including VAT and will run for one year from January 17, 2026, to January 16, 2027.

UK Gov Contract Award: Community Audiology Services

The NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board has awarded a contract for Community Audiology Services across the London Boroughs of Barnet, Camden, and Enfield. The contract is valued at £10 million and has a duration of three years, with options to extend for up to two additional years.

De Montfort University Awards Psychological Assessment Contract

De Montfort University has awarded a contract valued at £600,000 for educational psychological assessments. The contract, established as a framework agreement, will run for four years and involves up to four suppliers.

De Montfort University Awards Psychology Test Contract

De Montfort University has awarded a contract valued at £120,000 for clinical psychological assessments for its students. The contract will be established as a framework agreement for up to four years, commencing April 1, 2026.

Blofield Park Community Hub Preliminary Market Engagement Notice

Blofield Parish Council has issued a preliminary market engagement notice for the Blofield Park Community Hub project, estimated at £1.2 million. This notice seeks input from potential contractors regarding the construction of a new community hub and renovation of an existing classroom.

Child Mainstream Contract Award Notice

Surrey County Council has awarded a contract for 'Child Mainstream' services with a total value of £6,894.64. The contract was awarded on March 9, 2026, following an open procedure where 36 tenders were received.

Rochford District Council Awards Car Park Resurfacing Contract

Rochford District Council has awarded a contract valued at £216,000 (including VAT) to O'HARA BROS. SURFACING LIMITED for the resurfacing of The Approach Car Park in Rayleigh. The notice was published on March 9, 2026.

London Borough of Enfield Recruitment Services Contract Award

The London Borough of Enfield has awarded a contract for recruitment services to Penna PLC. The contract value is £50,000 and will run for one year from April 25, 2025, to April 24, 2026. This notice was published on March 9, 2026.

Network Rail Software Renewal for Email Archiving Solution

Network Rail Infrastructure Limited has awarded a direct contract to Zantaz Data Resources Ltd for the renewal of support and maintenance services for its Email Archiving Solution (EAS). The contract is valued at approximately £1.13 million including VAT and will run for an initial term of two years, with an option to extend.

Balham Library Children's and Teens Refurbishment Contract Award

The London Borough of Wandsworth has awarded a contract for the refurbishment of Balham Library's Children's and Teens areas to HA Marks Limited for £313,093.20. The contract is for works including internal refurbishment and M&E upgrades.

East Grinstead Diagnostic Centre Construction Contract Awarded

The Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has awarded a contract for the design and construction of the East Grinstead Community Diagnostic Centre. The contract value is £5,951,010.51, and the award was made via the SBS PS-Works Framework.

FARO Tender Notice - Fund Analysis, Reporting & Order System

UK Government published a tender notice for the FARO system, a software solution for pension fund analysis, reporting, and order management. The contract, valued at £198,000, was directly awarded to MIRADOR SOLUTIONS CONSULTANCY LTD.

Gedling Borough Council Leisure Business Development Tender

Gedling Borough Council has issued a tender for a Leisure Business Development Consultant. The estimated contract value is £72,000 including VAT, with a submission deadline of March 30, 2026. This notice is published under the Procurement Act 2023.