Traffic Management Contract Awarded to Premier Traffic Management and Sunbelt Rentals

Northern Gas Networks has awarded a traffic management contract valued at £7,000,000 to Premier Traffic Management Limited and Sunbelt Rentals Limited. The contract is for a period of 3 years with potential extensions, covering services such as site surveys, design, delivery, installation, and removal of traffic management systems.

Contract Awarded for HOLMES Application to Unisys

The Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime has awarded a contract to Unisys for the HOLMES Investigation application for an initial term of 36 months, with an option to extend for 12 months. The total value of the contract, excluding VAT, is £2,042,826.

Contract Awarded for Bicester Recycling Centre Advisor

Oxfordshire County Council has awarded a contract valued at £585,840.79 (including VAT) to Tetra Tech Consulting Ltd. for technical advisory services for a new Household Waste Recycling Centre in Bicester. The contract was published on March 9, 2026.

City of London GSMD Contractor Framework Tender

The City of London Corporation has published a tender notice for a principal contractor framework for the Guildhall School of Music & Drama (GSMD) cyclical works programme. The estimated value of the framework is £12M, with contract dates from June 2026 to May 2030.

Automatic Doors Maintenance Contract Tender

London Luton Airport Operations Limited has published a contract notice for a service, maintenance, and call-out contract for automatic doors, roller shutters, and automatic barriers. The estimated value of the contract is £250,000, with a deadline for tenders on March 20, 2026.

Tender for Solar Carports, EV Charging, and Battery Storage

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority has issued a tender for feasibility studies, designs, and proposals for solar carports, EV charging, and battery storage systems. The estimated total value of the contract is £220,000, with a contract duration of approximately 7 months.

Andrés Ritter Confirmed as European Chief Prosecutor

The Council of the EU has confirmed the appointment of Andrés Ritter as the new European Chief Prosecutor for the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO). His term begins on November 1, 2026, succeeding Laura Codruța Kövesi. The EPPO investigates crimes against the financial interests of the EU.

Council Calls for Greater Efforts to Combat Child Poverty

The Council of the EU has adopted conclusions calling for increased support to combat child poverty and enhance child well-being. The conclusions emphasize the economic benefits of investing in children and urge member states and the Commission to ensure adequate funding and targeted policies, aiming for five million fewer children at risk of poverty or social exclusion by 2030.

Council Recommendation on Tackling Skills Shortages

The Council of the EU has adopted a recommendation to help member states tackle labour and skills shortages in strategic sectors. This non-binding guidance aims to boost competitiveness and resilience by investing in people's knowledge and skills, addressing challenges in areas like digital technologies, health, and farming.

Macroeconomic Dialogue with Social Partners on AI and Labour Market

The Council of the EU, European Central Bank, European Commission, and Eurogroup met with European social partners on March 9, 2026, to discuss the economic situation and the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the EU labour market. The dialogue focused on safeguarding EU competitiveness and social cohesion amidst geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties.

Eurogroup Meeting Remarks on Macroeconomic Developments and Middle East Crisis

Remarks following the Eurogroup meeting on March 9, 2026, addressed macroeconomic developments, the impact of the Middle East crisis on energy markets and inflation, and the need to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy. The meeting also endorsed Belgium's draft budgetary plan for 2026.

Eurogroup Statement on Belgian Draft Budgetary Plan for 2026

The Eurogroup has welcomed Belgium's draft budgetary plan for 2026, noting its compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact. The group will continue to monitor economic and fiscal developments in Belgium and across the EU.

EU Leaders Discuss Iran War, Regional Attacks, and Energy Security

EU leaders discussed the war in Iran, regional attacks, and energy security with Middle Eastern countries. The statement condemned attacks, expressed solidarity, and announced humanitarian aid for Lebanon, while reaffirming commitment to regional stability and maritime operations.

Cultural Property Grants 2026 Program Cycle Announced

The Bureau Of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced the 2026 program cycle for Cultural Property Agreement Implementation Grants (CPAIG). U.S. embassies in countries with cultural property agreements can submit applications for projects to protect cultural property. The application deadline is April 15, 2026, though specific embassy deadlines may vary.

State AGs Continue Live Nation Antitrust Lawsuit

Massachusetts and 26 other states, led by Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, will continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster. This action proceeds despite the US Department of Justice's separate settlement with the companies, aiming to address alleged monopolistic practices in the live entertainment industry.

State AG Recovers $214,842 for Payroll Violations

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has secured $214,842 from Excel Nursing Services, Inc. and its president for wage theft violations. The agency unlawfully delayed payroll payments to 107 employees, violating state wage laws.

Snyder v. Cohen - SLAPP Motion Ruling

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's decision to strike a complaint filed by Stephen Snyder against Les Cohen and his attorneys. The court found the complaint to be a Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation (SLAPP) arising from protected petitioning activity.

Zeng v. Wang - Sanctions and Custody Appeal

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion in Zeng v. Wang concerning an appeal of sanctions and custody orders. The court affirmed orders denying a request for minor's counsel and a child custody evaluator, while also affirming the denial of a request for sanctions, finding the minute order imposing sanctions not appealable.

Cruz v. Superior Court CA4/2 - Domestic Violence Restraining Order

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, granted a petition for writ of mandate in Cruz v. Superior Court. The court ordered the Superior Court to vacate its order continuing a Domestic Violence Restraining Order hearing and to set a hearing within the timeframe required by Family Code section 242(a). The opinion was filed on March 9, 2026.

People v. Rodriguez - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion in the case of People v. Rodriguez on March 9, 2026. This appeal concerns the resentencing of defendant Angel Michael Rodriguez following a prior habeas corpus petition that led to the striking of certain enhancements based on a prior conviction. The court affirmed the resulting judgment after directing a mathematical correction to the calculation of credits.

People v. Cooper - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, affirmed an order and judgment in the case of People v. Cooper. The defendant appealed his conviction for second-degree murder, arguing the trial court erred in revoking his pro. per. status after he refused to appear for a pretrial hearing. The appellate court found no abuse of discretion.

People v. Johnson - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a lower court's decision in People v. Johnson, regarding a criminal defendant's right to self-representation and counsel during sentencing. The court found no error in denying the defendant's request to reappoint counsel after he had initially waived it.

People v. Duyon - Attempted Robbery Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment against James Duyon, who appealed after pleading guilty to attempted robbery. The court found no arguable issues in the appeal, upholding the trial court's decision to suspend sentence and place the defendant on probation.

People v. Green - Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reviewed an order recalling a defendant's sentence and holding a resentencing hearing. The court affirmed the trial court's decision to dismiss a prior prison term enhancement but otherwise decline further sentence reduction, addressing the defendant's request to represent himself.

People v. Paez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal modified a criminal judgment, striking a condition that allowed warrantless searches of electronic devices as invalid under People v. Lent. The court upheld other probation conditions, including mandatory participation in a sex offender treatment program.

People v. Rufo - Murder Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Rufo. The defendant was convicted of second-degree murder and a firearm enhancement, but the enhancement was dismissed in the interest of justice. The appellate court affirmed the judgment.

People v. Reed - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a trial court's denial of a defendant's petition for recall and resentencing. The appellate court agreed with the People that the trial court erred in applying the doctrine of the law of the case to deny the petition.

People v. Bolduc - Criminal Threats Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Bolduc on March 9, 2026. The court affirmed the conviction for making criminal threats, finding the trial court adequately ensured a factual basis for the defendant's plea.

White v. Pixley - Civil Harassment Restraining Order Appeal Dismissal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in White v. Pixley on March 9, 2026, dismissing the defendant's second attempt to appeal a civil harassment restraining order. The court found the appeal barred due to a prior dismissal with prejudice.

Tan v. Chan - Modification of Opinion and Denial of Rehearing

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, has issued an order modifying a previously filed opinion in Tan v. Chan and denying the appellants' petition for rehearing. The modification involves adding a footnote to clarify the basis for a demand for records under a specific statute. The judgment remains unchanged.

In re L.C. - Parental Rights Termination Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case In re L.C. on March 6, 2026. The court affirmed the juvenile court's order terminating mother K.M.'s parental rights, finding no abuse of discretion in denying her petition to reinstate reunification services.

Alameda County Taxpayers' Assn. v. City of Oakland - Initiative Measure Validity

The California Court of Appeal ruled on an initiative measure (Measure Y) funding the Oakland Zoo. The court found certain provisions violated the state constitution but were severable, upholding the measure with modifications. The ruling clarifies initiative validity and funding mechanisms for public facilities.

States v. Mackrell - Civil Harassment Restraining Order Attorney Fees

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's award of $8,397.43 in attorney fees to Jessica States in a civil harassment restraining order case against Jeanie MacKrell. The court found no abuse of discretion in awarding fees to the prevailing party.

Center for Biological Diversity v. Public Utilities Commission - Net Energy Metering Tariff

The California Court of Appeal filed an opinion regarding the net energy metering (NEM) tariff, affirming the Public Utilities Commission's successor tariff. The case, Center for Biological Diversity, Inc. v. Public Utilities Com., addresses whether the successor tariff is consistent with state law directing the commission to prevent cost shifts to non-NEM customers.

People v. Perez - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Perez on March 9, 2026. The court affirmed the trial court's judgment after the defendant pleaded no contest to attempted murder and admitted sentencing enhancements. This is a non-precedential opinion.

Zeng v. Wang - Domestic Violence Restraining Order Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed an order granting a new trial on a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) renewal but reversed the DVRO renewal order as it applied to the parties' daughter. The court found the father did not receive adequate notice regarding the daughter's inclusion.

State AGs Continue Antitrust Lawsuit Against Live Nation/Ticketmaster

California Attorney General Rob Bonta and 26 other state attorneys general announced they will continue their antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation/Ticketmaster, rejecting the U.S. DOJ's settlement. The states aim to hold the company accountable for anticompetitive conduct harming consumers and the live music industry.

CPUC Program to Help Californians Rebuild All-Electric Homes

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has launched the Rebuilding Incentives for Sustainable Electric (RISE) Homes program, a $50 million initiative to assist Californians who lost homes to natural disasters since 2017. The program offers financial incentives for rebuilding fully electric homes and begins accepting applications on April 6, 2026.

California PUC New Filings and Proposed Decisions

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has published its weekly update of new filings and proposed decisions for the week of March 2-6, 2026. These filings include proposed decisions on utility leasing, energy recovery applications, and renewable gas standards, as well as new complaints and applications from Pacific Gas and Electric Company.

Texas AG Stops Sale of Chest Binders to Minors

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured a Temporary Restraining Order against Lola Olivia, Inc., a New York-based online retailer. The order immediately halts the sale and shipment of chest binders to individuals in Texas, particularly targeting sales to young girls.

Federal Court Strikes Down HUD/USDA Energy Rule

A federal court has struck down a Biden-era rule from HUD and USDA that imposed stricter energy efficiency requirements on new home construction financed by federal programs. The court ruled the agencies lacked statutory authority and that the rule would negatively impact affordable housing availability.

Finance Bill 2025-26 Report Stage Explanatory Notes

HM Revenue & Customs has published explanatory notes and tax information for government amendments to the Finance Bill 2025-26 at its report stage. These notes detail changes related to the abolition of the Lifetime Allowance and tax implications for certain pension interests and umbrella companies.

Tax Note: Power to Permit Regulations for 2024-2025 Tax Year

HM Revenue & Customs has updated the power to permit regulations for the 2024-2025 tax year. This measure allows new regulations made under the Finance Act 2024 to take effect retroactively and extends the expiration of the power to June 30, 2026. Regulations made will be subject to affirmative parliamentary procedure.

Child Trust Funds: cETNs Banned from April 2026

HM Revenue & Customs has issued the Child Trust Funds (Amendment) Regulations 2026, which will ban cryptoasset exchange traded notes (cETNs) from being held in Child Trust Funds effective April 6, 2026. Existing holdings can remain in the account.

ISA Regulations Amended for Long Term Asset Funds and cETNs

HM Revenue & Customs has amended the Individual Savings Account Regulations 2026 to allow investments in Long Term Asset Funds and cryptoasset exchange traded notes (cETNs) within ISAs. These changes aim to extend investor choice while managing risks associated with digital finance.

Daphne Veal v. Joseph A. Campo and XYZ Insurance - Louisiana Court of Appeal

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ application from Daphne Veal against Joseph A. Campo and XYZ Insurance Company. The court cited failure to include necessary documentation, such as court minutes and hearing transcripts, as the reason for denial.

State Of Louisiana v. Claudius Timotheus Davis - Criminal Case

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ application filed by Claudius Timotheus Davis. The court found that the relator had not been convicted and sentenced, and therefore was not entitled to an appeal at this stage, with jurisdiction remaining with the district court.

State v. Matthew Eekiel Pier - Criminal Appeal

The Louisiana Court of Appeal, First Circuit, denied a writ application in the case of State of Louisiana v. Matthew Ezekiel Pier. The docket number for this case is 2025 KW 1129. The court's decision was issued on March 9, 2026.

Ashley Sanchez v. The Office of Debt Recovery - Legal Opinion

The Louisiana Court of Appeal denied a writ in the case of Ashley Sanchez v. The Office of Debt Recovery. The court's decision, dated March 9, 2026, pertains to docket number 2025 CW 1342.

Louisiana v. Todd Schliem Police Chief - Court Opinion

The Louisiana Court of Appeal granted in part and denied in part a writ application concerning a district court's dismissal of claims against a police chief and sheriff. The court remanded the matter to the district court with instructions to grant an appeal to the plaintiff.