AG Bondi announces DOJ plan to combat animal welfare crimes

AG Bondi announces DOJ plan to combat animal welfare crimes

US and Indonesia workshop combats illegal timber and wildlife trafficking

US and Indonesia workshop combats illegal timber and wildlife trafficking

Justice Department investigates three Michigan school districts on SOGI instruction

Justice Department investigates three Michigan school districts on SOGI instruction

Two executives sentenced to 20 years for $233M ACA fraud

Two executives sentenced to 20 years for $233M ACA fraud

ATF seized 36,277 illegal guns, 2.3M rounds

ATF seized 36,277 illegal guns, 2.3M rounds

Virginia landlord sentenced to three years prison for tax fraud

Virginia landlord sentenced to three years prison for tax fraud

GAO Identifies 5 Open Recommendations for NSF CIO

The GAO identified five open recommendations for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Chief Information Officer (CIO) related to IT acquisitions and management. These recommendations stem from previously issued work and aim to improve IT operations, secure systems, and ensure compliance.

GAO Report on NIST IP Guidance and Drug Pricing

A GAO report analyzes draft guidance from NIST on exercising march-in rights under the Bayh-Dole Act, specifically considering product price as a factor. The guidance, still in draft as of December 2025, received significant public support for potentially lowering drug prices, though concerns exist about its impact on innovation.

GAO Report: ICBM Modernization Faces Critical Risks and Opportunities

A GAO report highlights critical risks and opportunities in the Air Force's Sentinel ICBM modernization program. The report notes delays in the missile's first flight, software development challenges, and the need for improved risk management, while also identifying opportunities for cost reduction and schedule mitigation.

GAO Report on Alaska Tribes' Jurisdiction and Funding Clarity

The GAO released a report highlighting confusion among Alaska Tribes regarding concurrent criminal jurisdiction and eligibility for federal public safety funding. The report recommends the Bureau of Indian Affairs clarify its positions on jurisdiction and establish criteria for new funding agreements to improve transparency.

Executive Order on Elemental Phosphorus and Glyphosate Supply

President Biden issued an Executive Order to ensure an adequate domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides, citing their critical importance to national defense and agricultural productivity. The order aims to address limited domestic production and reliance on imports.

ESMA Consultation on MAR Guidelines for Delayed Inside Information Disclosure

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on draft guidelines concerning the delay of disclosure of inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR). The consultation aims to provide further clarity and consistent application of MAR provisions across the EU.

ESMA Consultation on MAR Guidelines for Delaying Inside Information Disclosure

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on draft guidelines concerning the conditions under which companies can delay the disclosure of inside information under the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR). The consultation seeks feedback on the interpretation and application of MAR provisions related to delaying disclosure.

ESMA Compliance Table for Sustainability Information Enforcement Guidelines

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a compliance table for its Guidelines on Enforcement of Sustainability Information. This document serves as a reference for entities to understand compliance requirements related to sustainability disclosures.

ESMA Statement on Prospectus Regulation Changes from Listing Act

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a statement clarifying the implementation of certain changes to the Prospectus Regulation introduced by the Listing Act. This guidance aims to provide clarity for market participants on the application of these amendments.

President Signs H.J.Res. 142 and S. 3705 into Law

The President signed H.J.Res. 142 and S. 3705 into law on February 18, 2026. H.J.Res. 142 nullifies a D.C. tax law, while S. 3705 establishes a congressional time capsule for the U.S. Semiquincentennial.

Presidential Message on Ash Wednesday

The White House issued a presidential message observing Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season. The message highlights the significance of the day for Christians in the United States and globally, emphasizing themes of prayer, repentance, and faith.

Illinois Executive Order Accelerates New Nuclear Power Generation

Illinois Governor issued Executive Order 2026-01 to accelerate the development of new safe nuclear power generation in the state. This order aims to support clean energy goals by lifting restrictions on new nuclear plants and facilitating their development to meet projected capacity shortfalls.

State of Washington v. Charles Eli Stapleton - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has filed an opinion in the case of State of Washington v. Charles Eli Stapleton. The opinion is unpublished and should not be cited per GR 14.1(a). The case originated from the Cowlitz Superior Court.

State v. Lavallie - Criminal Appeal Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II issued an unpublished opinion in the case of State v. Lavallie. The opinion was filed on February 18, 2026, and concerns a criminal appeal from Pierce County Superior Court.

State of Washington v. Jelani Akaeli Dewayne Perry - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals filed an opinion in the case State of Washington v. Jelani Akaeli Dewayne Perry on February 18, 2026. This is an unpublished opinion and should not be cited.

Nixon v. State of Washington - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington State Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case of Jamie Nixon, Appellant v. State of Washington, Et Al., Respondent. The opinion was filed on February 18, 2026, under docket number 60265-2.

Sidney Hicklin v. State of Washington - Personal Restraint Petition

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion regarding a personal restraint petition filed by Sidney Hicklin. The case, with docket number 60267-9, concerns a judgment from the Clallam Superior Court dated August 5, 2021.

State v Butler - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case of State of Washington v. Kenneth Lee Butler. The opinion was filed on February 18, 2026, and pertains to an appeal from the Lewis County Superior Court.

Mcmahon v. State of Washington - Personal Restraint Petition

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II issued an unpublished opinion regarding a personal restraint petition filed by Michael Mcmahon. The case, with docket number 60387-0, originated from the Clark Superior Court. The opinion was authored by Judge Meng Li Che.

Webley v Seney - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals has issued an unpublished opinion in the case of Webley v. Seney. The opinion was authored by Judge Erik Price and filed on February 18, 2026. This document provides the details of the appellate court's decision.

Hoffner v. Hoffner - Marriage Dissolution Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has filed an opinion in the case of In Re The Marriage Of: Jenae Hoffner, Appellant And Dylan Hoffner, Respondent. The opinion was filed on February 18, 2026, and pertains to an appeal from Pierce County Superior Court.

Alex Lopez Leon v. State of Washington - Personal Restraint Petition

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an unpublished opinion regarding a personal restraint petition filed by Alex Lopez Leon. The case, docketed as 60505-8, was filed on February 18, 2026, and originated from a Pierce County Superior Court judgment filed on November 19, 2021.

MHRA: UK Medical Device Testing Hits Record High, Backs AI

The UK's MHRA reported a 17% increase in approved medical device clinical investigations in 2025. The agency is implementing measures to support innovation, including a fee waiver pilot for small firms and enhanced support for AI and neurotechnology.

Ninth Circuit Vacates Submission, Orders Supplemental Briefs on Rule Consistency

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated its submission in Garcia Morales v. Bondi, ordering parties to file supplemental briefs by March 13, 2026. The briefs must address the consistency of the Circumvention of Lawful Pathways rule with the Immigration and Nationality Act. Amici curiae are also invited to submit briefs.

US Department of Labor Probes California UI Program for Fraud

The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will probe California's Unemployment Insurance program due to concerns over fraud and improper payments. A specialized strike team will investigate potential fraud and abuse, aiming to restore the program's integrity and financial health.

OSHA Cites US Steel and MPW for Safety Violations After Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited United States Steel Corp. and MPW Industrial Services Inc. following an investigation into an August 2025 explosion that killed two workers and injured 12. OSHA proposed penalties totaling $179,687 for serious safety violations related to explosion and hazardous energy control hazards.

USA v. Ho-Romero - Criminal Case Sentencing Vacated

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the sentence of David Ho-Romero and remanded for resentencing. The court found that the district court erred by applying an obstruction of justice enhancement without making a finding of intent. The case involved a guilty plea to methamphetamine importation.

Illinois Reports First Measles Case of 2026

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has reported the state's first confirmed measles case of 2026 in an adult in the Metro East area. IDPH is urging residents to ensure they are up-to-date on their MMR vaccinations, as measles is preventable.

Khanal v. Bondi - Immigration Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated an order from the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) that dismissed a petition for asylum, withholding of removal, and protection under the Convention Against Torture. The court found that the BIA failed to consider crucial documentary and testimonial evidence and applied an incorrect legal standard.

United States v. Rowell - Sex Trafficking Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Keion Rowell for sex trafficking of a minor. Rowell appealed his conviction, challenging the denial of his motion to suppress evidence, a claim of structural error regarding courtroom sealing, the admission of certain statements, and procedural issues with alternate jurors. The court rejected all of Rowell's arguments.

Cante Mijangos v. Bondi - Immigration Asylum Petition Review

The First Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review in Cante Mijangos v. Bondi. The court found that the petitioner failed to establish the required nexus between her abuse and her protected status for asylum, affirming the Board of Immigration Appeals' denial.

Roe CL 280 v. Uber Technologies - Personal Injury Product Liability

A new civil case, Roe CL 280 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves personal injury and product liability claims.

Sanchez v. Government - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Sanchez v. Government, has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 5:26-cv-01413-SVK, was filed on February 18, 2026, under Federal Question jurisdiction. Recent filings include notices regarding petition and affidavit due dates.

Guo et al v. Bondi et al - Other Immigration Actions

A new civil case, Guo et al v. Bondi et al, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves 'Other Immigration Actions' and names Pam Bondi, Kristi Noem, Joseph B. Edlow, and Thomas (Tom) Schuurmans as defendants. The filing fee was $405.00.

Pete v. Angeion Group LLC - Civil Rights Case

A civil case, Pete v. Angeion Group LLC, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves civil rights and was filed on a diversity basis. Recent filings include a complaint and an application to proceed in forma pauperis.

Gularte v. Wright National Flood Insurance - Civil Case Filing

A civil case, Gularte et al v. Wright National Flood Insurance Company, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on February 18, 2026. The case was removed from Monterey County Superior Court. The filing includes a Notice of Removal, Civil Cover Sheet, and Certificate of Interested Entities.

Russo v. Livingston et al - Civil Rights Complaint

A civil rights complaint was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, case number 3:26-cv-01405-AMO. The complaint alleges violations under the Civil Rights Act, 42 U.S.C. § 1983, concerning prison conditions.

Yoon et al v. United States of America - Tax Suit

A tax suit, Yoon et al v. United States of America, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, identified by case number 3:26-cv-01423, involves a petition to quash summonses against the United States, with the IRS listed as the defendant.

Wise v. Aramark et al - Prisoner Condition Suit

A civil case titled Wise v. Aramark et al was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The suit concerns prisoner conditions and names Aramark, San Francisco City and County, and other entities as defendants. The plaintiff, Steven Michael Wise, is seeking to proceed in forma pauperis and have counsel appointed.

Freund v. Thomson Reuters - TCPA Case Filing

A TCPA case, Freund v. Thomson Reuters Corporation, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges violations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. This filing initiates a new legal action against Thomson Reuters.

Snodgrass v. Monsanto Company - Personal Injury Product Liability

A new civil case, Snodgrass v. Monsanto Company, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a personal injury product liability claim. The initial filings include the complaint, proposed summons, and a certificate of interested entities.

Tucey v. Roto Rooter - Consumer Credit Case

A new federal question consumer credit case, Tucey v. Roto Rooter Services Company et al, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The filing includes a complaint and proposed summons.

Martinez v. Unknown - Prisoner Civil Rights

A new civil case, Martinez v. Unknown, was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California on February 18, 2026. The case, bearing docket number 5:26-cv-01412-EKL, is categorized as a prisoner condition case based on federal question jurisdiction.

Sherif v. an Illinois Corporation - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Sherif v. an Illinois Corporation, was filed on February 18, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a personal injury claim and names Walgreen Co. as a defendant. The initial filings include the complaint and proposed summons.