SEC Obtains Final Consent Judgment Against Ian G. Bell

The SEC announced it obtained a final consent judgment against Ian G. Bell, a Denver day-trader charged with defrauding investors. Bell raised over $1.3 million from 29 investors by lying about trading performance and misappropriating funds. He is permanently enjoined from securities violations and ordered to pay disgorgement.

SEC Obtains Final Judgments in Insider Trading Case

The SEC announced the entry of final consent judgments against Joseph C. Lewis, Carolyn W. Carter, Patrick J. O’Connor, and Bryan L. Waugh in an insider trading case. The judgments include penalties, disgorgement, and prejudgment interest totaling over $2.3 million.

SEC Settles Joel Castellanos Ponzi Scheme Action

The SEC has settled an action against Joel Castellanos for his role in an alleged $196 million Ponzi scheme. Castellanos is charged with selling unregistered securities and operating without proper registration, resulting in a $150,000 civil penalty and disgorgement.

Court Opinion Errata Sheet Amends Case Details

The United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued an errata sheet to amend a previously issued opinion. The amendment corrects the name of the Postmaster General on the cover sheet and renumbers footnotes. This action is procedural and does not alter the substantive outcome of the case.

United States v. Yoon - Errata Sheet for Court Opinion

The First Circuit Court of Appeals has issued an errata sheet to amend a court opinion originally issued on February 20, 2026. The amendment corrects a minor typographical error on page 9 of the opinion.

AI Act: Code of Practice on AI-Generated Content

The EU AI Office convened working groups and workshops to gather stakeholder feedback on a draft Code of Practice for marking and labelling AI-generated content under the AI Act. Discussions focused on disclosure obligations, marking techniques, and responsibilities across the AI value chain.

US v. Konan - Sovereign Immunity for Mail Nondelivery

The Supreme Court ruled that the United States retains sovereign immunity for claims arising from the intentional nondelivery of mail. The decision clarifies the scope of the Federal Tort Claims Act's postal exception, impacting how individuals can sue the Postal Service for mail delivery issues.

Supreme Court Vacates Judgment Due to Jurisdictional Defect

The Supreme Court vacated a judgment in Hain Celestial Group, Inc. v. Palmquist, ruling that the District Court lacked diversity jurisdiction when the case was removed from state court. The Fifth Circuit correctly reversed the lower court's decision, requiring the case to be remanded to state court.

DOJ OIG Audit of National Security Division Information Security Program

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report (26-029) concerning the National Security Division's information security management program for Fiscal Year 2025. The audit was conducted pursuant to the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014. The report includes 5 recommendations.

DOJ Audit of FARA System Controls FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report on the National Security Division's security controls and its Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) system for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, dated February 24, 2026, identifies one recommendation.

State AGs Sue to Block Vaccine Schedule Overhaul

Attorney General William Tong, joined by 15 other states, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's overhaul of the nation's childhood immunization schedule. The suit targets a CDC decision memo that removed seven childhood vaccines from the universally recommended list and challenges the replacement of the ACIP expert panel.

Florida AG Arrests Criminal, Reviews Biden Commutations

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced the arrest of Oscar Fowler, whose federal sentence was commuted by the Biden administration's autopen. The AG's office is reviewing all Biden autopen commutations affecting Florida to determine if state-level charges can be filed.

SEC Enforcement Manual Updates

The SEC's Division of Enforcement has updated its Enforcement Manual to enhance fairness, transparency, and efficiency in its investigative processes. Key changes include a uniform Wells process with a four-week submission period and guidance on simultaneous settlement and waiver consideration.

Spanish DPA Resolution on Voluntary Payment

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has issued a resolution initiating a sanctioning procedure against EMPRESA.1 for alleged data protection violations. The case involves a complaint regarding the improper acquisition and use of personal data for a contract. The resolution details the initial findings and the company's response.

CT Dept of Banking Administrative Orders and Settlements Updates

The Connecticut Department of Banking has added new administrative orders for Zions Debt Holdings, LLC, Carter, Christopher Thayne, Fuller, Brian Scott, and Omnipoint Management Solutions LLC, all dated February 10. An existing order's date was also updated.

State AGs Sue Trump Admin Over Vaccine Schedule Changes

California and 13 other state Attorneys General, led by AG Bonta, have filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's recent overhaul of the childhood immunization schedule. The suit also targets changes to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) appointments, seeking to declare both unlawful.

California AG Sues Amazon for Price Fixing and Anticompetitive Conduct

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a request for a preliminary injunction against Amazon, alleging price fixing and anticompetitive conduct. The lawsuit claims Amazon bullied vendors to increase prices on competitor websites, harming consumers. A trial is scheduled for January 2027.

ICO Fines Reddit £14.47m for Children's Privacy Failures

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has fined Reddit £14.47 million for failing to protect the personal information of children. The investigation found serious failures in age assurance, meaning Reddit unlawfully processed the data of children under 13.

Texas AG Sues Network Shipping Abortion Drugs

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Aid Access, an international network accused of illegally shipping abortion-inducing drugs into Texas. The lawsuit alleges defiance of state law and highlights a previous incident where such drugs were allegedly used in a fatal poisoning. The AG vows to hold the network accountable for ending innocent life.

Consumer Alert: Hiring Snow Removal Contractors and Price Gouging

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a consumer alert providing tips for homeowners on hiring snow removal contractors following heavy snowfall. The alert also reminds New Yorkers to report potential price gouging to the Attorney General's office.

NY AG Reminds Tenants of Winter Weather Rights

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued a notice reminding tenants of their rights regarding essential services like heat and hot water, and property maintenance during winter storms. The notice details landlord responsibilities for maintaining indoor temperatures, providing hot water, and clearing snow and ice, along with tenant recourse for violations.

NY AG Announces Sentencings for Car Theft Scheme

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the sentencing of a tow truck operator and a used car dealer for a car theft scheme. The operator received 2-6 years in prison, and the dealer received 5 years of probation for stealing and illegally selling vehicles.

Ashirwad LLC v Bradbury - Court Opinion

The California Courts of Appeal, 4th Appellate District, Division 1 has made available its opinion in the case of Ashirwad LLC v. Bradbury et al. The filing date for this opinion was October 15, 2024. This document provides the court's decision and reasoning in this specific legal matter.

HHS OIG Audit of Utah Capitation Payments

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) has issued an audit report, in partnership with the Utah Inspector General, concerning capitation payments made concurrently with another state. The report, dated February 20, 2026, details findings related to Medicaid payments.

HHS OIG: 14 Providers Improperly Claimed $70.6M in PRF Payments

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) reported that 14 out of 30 selected Indian Health Service and rural providers did not comply with terms and conditions for expending $70.6 million in Provider Relief Fund (PRF) payments. The OIG recommended that HRSA require these providers to return unallowable expenditures.

GAO Report on CPSC Oversight of Toxic Substances in Children's Products

A GAO report highlights deficiencies in the Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC) oversight of toxic substances in children's products. The report notes challenges in enforcing compliance with lead and phthalate standards and recommends improvements to the CPSC's data management and lab oversight processes.

GAO Report: DOD Natural Disaster Tracking and Resilience Planning Needs Improvement

The GAO released a report finding that the Department of Defense (DOD) needs to improve its tracking of natural disaster costs and resilience planning. The report highlights gaps in data collection for various natural disasters and potential inaccuracies in cost reporting, recommending DOD expand its scope and ensure data completeness.

GAO Recommends Strengthening NOAA Weather Modification Oversight

The GAO has recommended that NOAA strengthen its oversight of weather modification reporting, finding that the agency is not fully meeting its responsibilities. The report highlights significant errors in submitted reports and suggests improvements to data collection and public transparency.

GAO Report: HHS Emergency Preparedness Programs Lack Coordination

The GAO has released a report highlighting a lack of coordination between the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) and Hospital Preparedness Program (HPP). The report notes that HHS awarded nearly $900 million in FY2024 to states and localities for these programs but lacks formal mechanisms for coordination, potentially leading to inefficiencies and reduced preparedness.

National Angel Family Day Proclamation

The President proclaimed February 23, 2026, as National Angel Family Day to honor victims of illegal immigration and recommit to mass deportation efforts. The proclamation highlights specific cases and reiterates the administration's stance on border security and immigration enforcement.

ESMA Consultation on CCP Collateral and Investment Policy

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a consultation paper regarding guarantees as collateral for Central Counterparties (CCPs) and certain aspects of their investment policies. The consultation seeks feedback on proposed changes to the regulatory framework governing CCPs.

State Disciplines Health Care Providers for Misconduct

The Washington State Department of Health has disciplined six healthcare providers for misconduct and substance use. Actions include denial of applications, charges of unprofessional conduct, and agreed orders to cease practice, with one provider fined $500.

SEC Files Settled Action Against Former CEO and Consultant for False Press Release

The SEC filed a settled action against former Edison Nation CEO Christopher B. Ferguson and consultant Brian P. McFadden for allegedly disseminating a false press release regarding PPE purchase orders. Ferguson and McFadden consented to permanent injunctions, civil penalties of $50,000 each, and officer/director bars.

Shea v. United States - Appeal of Criminal Rulings

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed two lower court rulings concerning Anthony M. Shea's criminal convictions. Shea challenged the denial of his motion to vacate convictions for violating 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and an amended judgment resentencing him. The court affirmed both judgments.

H&M Fined for GDPR Marketing Violations

The Swedish Agency for Privacy Protection (IMY) has fined H&M SEK 350,000 for violating GDPR. The company failed to properly handle requests from individuals wishing to opt out of direct marketing, making it unnecessarily difficult for them to exercise their rights.

GDPR Fines Issued for Google Analytics Use

The Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection (IMY) has fined two companies and ordered three others to stop using Google Analytics due to non-compliance with GDPR regarding personal data transfers to the US. Fines total 12.3 million SEK.

USA v. Covarrubias - Criminal Case Filing

The United States District Court for the Northern District of California has filed a new criminal case, USA v. Covarrubias, with case number 4:26-cr-00078-HSG. The case was filed on February 23, 2026, and assigned to Judge Haywood S. Gilliam, Jr.

Wang v. Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC - Civil Case Filing

A civil case, Wang v. Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case was removed from San Francisco Superior Court, with Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC listed as the filing party.

Viggiano v. Tesla, Inc. - Motor Vehicle Product Liability

A civil case, Viggiano v. Tesla, Inc., was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from San Francisco County Superior Court concerning motor vehicle product liability.

Pacific Life Insurance Company v. Estate of Douglas W. Delaney - Civil Filing

Pacific Life Insurance Company has filed a civil case against the Estate of Douglas W. Delaney and Mina Suzuki. The case, filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is based on diversity jurisdiction and concerns an insurance matter. The filing fee was $405.

Gastelum v. 82 SJ Hotel Holding LLC - Civil Rights Lawsuit

A new civil case, Gastelum v. 82 SJ Hotel Holding LLC, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case is based on Federal Question jurisdiction and concerns alleged violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The filing fee was $405.

Williams v. Truthfinder LLC - Civil Case Filing

A civil case, Williams v. Truthfinder LLC, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a federal question and is based on other statutes, with a recent filing of a motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

USA v. Ibrahim - Criminal Case Filing

The United States filed a criminal case against Ibrahim in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on February 23, 2026. The case number is 4:26-cr-00079-AMO. No public documents are currently available.

Ore v. U.S. Marshal Wise et al - Civil Rights

Christopher P. Ore filed a civil rights complaint against U.S. Marshal Alex, U.S. Marshal Wise, and the Attorney General of the United States. The case, filed on February 23, 2026, seeks declaratory and injunctive relief, damages, and a jury trial. An initial case management scheduling order has been issued.

Wood v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Wood v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves personal injury and product liability claims against several technology companies, including Meta Platforms, Inc. and ByteDance Inc.

Murphy et al v. Coinbase, Inc. et al - Civil Case

A civil case, Murphy et al v. Coinbase, Inc. et al, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a notice of removal from San Francisco County Superior Court, with Coinbase, Inc. and Coinbase Global, Inc. as defendants. The nature of the suit is listed as 'Other Statutory Actions' under Federal Question basis.

Robertson v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al - Personal Injury Product Liability

A new civil case, Robertson v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al, has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges personal injury and product liability against Meta Platforms, Inc., ByteDance Inc., Google LLC, Snap Inc., and others. The case was filed on February 23, 2026.

Khouri v. Trans Union LLC - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Khouri v. Trans Union LLC, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a complaint against Trans Union LLC and other defendants, with a filing fee of $405. The nature of the suit is listed as 'Consumer Credit' under Federal Question basis.

Taylor v. Local Union 510 et al - Labor Dispute

A new civil case, Taylor v. Local Union 510 et al, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a labor dispute and includes a motion for preliminary injunction. The filing fee was $405.

Heinz v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al - Product Liability Lawsuit

A product liability lawsuit, Heinz v. Meta Platforms, Inc. et al, was filed on February 23, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint names Meta Platforms, Inc., ByteDance Inc., Google LLC, and Snap Inc. among other defendants, alleging personal injury related to their products.