EU Official Journal L Series Daily View - February 20, 2026

The EU Official Journal L series published several regulations on February 20, 2026. These include amendments to regulations concerning statistical information collection by the European Central Bank, emissions type-approval for heavy-duty vehicles, and import registration for sodium benzoate from China.

Trump Administration Finalizes Trade Deal with Indonesia

The Trump Administration has finalized a trade agreement with Indonesia, eliminating over 99% of tariff barriers on U.S. products and addressing non-tariff barriers. The deal includes approximately $33 billion in commercial deals for U.S. agriculture, aerospace, and energy sectors.

Florida Bar Rule Amendments - Chapter 3

The Florida Supreme Court has adopted amendments to Chapter 3 of the Rules Regulating The Florida Bar, as proposed by The Florida Bar. These amendments, effective February 16, 2026, modify rules concerning the Board of Governors, general procedures, and grievance committee actions.

Heath v. State - Appeal of Post-Conviction Relief Denial

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed the denial of Ronald Palmer Heath's post-conviction relief and habeas corpus petition. His execution is scheduled for February 10, 2026.

Florida Bar Rules Amendment Correction

The Florida Supreme Court has issued a notice of correction for an opinion filed on December 18, 2025, regarding amendments to the Rules Regulating the Florida Bar. The correction involves a minor wording change on page 11, subsection (b) Notice to Clients.

Florida Supreme Court Vacates Death Sentence, Upholds Murder Conviction

The Florida Supreme Court vacated Leo Louis Kaczmar, III's death sentence while upholding his murder conviction. The court reversed the grant of penalty-phase relief but affirmed other aspects of the circuit court's order and denied Kaczmar's petition for habeas corpus relief.

In re Lynex Habeas Corpus - Criminal

The California Court of Appeal, 2nd Appellate District, has issued an opinion in the habeas corpus case In re Tommie Lawson Lynex. The case filing date was March 10, 2025, and the opinion is now available.

US-Indonesia Trade Agreement Implementation

The US and Indonesia have confirmed their commitment to implementing a reciprocal trade agreement signed by Presidents Trump and Subianto. This agreement aims to strengthen economic security, promote growth, and foster global prosperity between the two nations.

White House Statement on 81st Anniversary of Battle of Iwo Jima

The White House issued a statement commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. The statement reflects on the historical significance of the battle, the sacrifices made by American servicemen, and the enduring legacy of courage and resolve.

Court of Appeal orders counsel for Racial Justice Act claim

The California Court of Appeal has ordered a trial court to vacate its denial of a habeas corpus petition filed under the Racial Justice Act. The appellate court found the trial court erred in its application of standards for appointing counsel and addressing successive petitions, directing the lower court to reconsider the case.

In re Parental Rights to M.A.P. & M.M.B.-P. - Washington Court of Appeals

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III has issued an opinion in the case In the Matter of the Parental Rights to M.A.P. & M.M.B.-P. The opinion was filed on February 19, 2026, under docket number 40808-6. This is an informational update on a court proceeding.

Scott v. Amazon.com, Inc. - Washington Supreme Court Opinion

The Washington Supreme Court has issued its opinion in Scott v. Amazon.com, Inc., filed on February 19, 2026. This case concerns legal issues related to consumer transactions and online retail platforms.

MHRA Approves Zanidatamab for HER2+ Biliary Tract Cancer

The MHRA has approved zanidatamab (Ziihera) for adult patients with HER2-positive biliary tract cancer that has progressed after previous treatment. This approval provides a new treatment option for a specific patient population with an unmet clinical need.

SEC v. Cutter Financial Group, LLC and Jeffrey Cutter - Investment Adviser Fiduciary Duty Breaches

The SEC announced a final judgment against investment adviser Jeffrey Cutter and Cutter Financial Group, LLC for breaches of fiduciary duties. The judgment orders civil penalties totaling $150,000 and requires client notification and injunctions against future violations.

SEC charges North Texas brothers in real estate fraud

The SEC has charged two brothers and their companies in North Texas for allegedly conducting a real estate offering fraud, raising over $12 million through misrepresentations. The SEC seeks permanent injunctions, disgorgement, and civil penalties.

SEC Obtains Default Judgment Against Bluesky Eagle Capital Management Ltd

The SEC has obtained a final default judgment against Bluesky Eagle Capital Management Ltd. for making misrepresentations in its Form ADV filing. The judgment includes a permanent injunction and a civil penalty of $1,182,254.

EU Investigates Shein Under Digital Services Act

The European Commission has opened formal proceedings against Shein under the Digital Services Act. The investigation will focus on the sale of illegal products, addictive design features, and the transparency of recommender systems. This action follows concerns about potential violations of EU digital regulations.

SEC v. Gasarch - Securities Fraud Enforcement Appeal

The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit largely affirmed a district court's decision in an SEC civil enforcement action against Zhiying Yvonne Gasarch and others for securities fraud. The appellants participated in a scheme to inflate stock prices through misleading hype and artificial inflation, leading to significant penalties.

Audit of Federal Prison Industries Financial Statements FY 2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report for the Federal Prison Industries, Inc. (FPI) financial statements for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-028, was posted on February 19, 2026, and includes two recommendations.

State AG Launches Public Integrity Unit for Misuse of Public Funds

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has launched a new Public Integrity Unit to investigate and prosecute corruption involving public funds and legislative appropriations. The unit will review funds distributed to nonprofits and NGOs from the past two fiscal years, focusing on potential bribery, embezzlement, and misuse of public money.

Willey v. Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services - Summary Judgment Order

The Delaware Superior Court granted summary judgment for both parties in Willey v. Phoenix Rehabilitation and Health Services, Inc. The court granted Phoenix Rehabilitation's motion regarding punitive damages and granted Willey's motion concerning three of Phoenix Rehabilitation's affirmative defenses.

Virginia Health Officials Investigating Measles Cases

Virginia health officials are investigating two confirmed measles cases in Northern Virginia. The department has identified potential exposure sites and is advising individuals who may have been exposed to report their exposure and check their vaccination status.

Jamie Smith Environmental Permit Application Advertisement

The Environment Agency has published a notice regarding an environmental permit application submitted by Jamie Smith for a site in Henley, England. This notice serves as an advertisement for the application, informing the public about the details and the process for submitting comments.

Companies House Low Value Contract Terms and Conditions

Companies House has published guidance on its low-value contract terms and conditions, applicable to contracts valued below £12,000 including VAT. This guidance outlines the standard terms for such agreements.

ESMA Consultation on MAR Guidelines for Inside Information Disclosure Delay

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) is consulting on proposed amendments to its Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) guidelines concerning the delay of inside information disclosure. The changes aim to align with the Listing Act, reduce administrative burdens for issuers, and clarify requirements. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback by April 29, 2026.

ESMA Fines Regis-TR €1.37M for EMIR/SFTR Breaches

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has fined Regis-TR €1.37 million for seven breaches of EMIR and SFTR regulations. This is ESMA's first enforcement action for SFTR breaches and the highest fine imposed on a trade repository, requiring Regis-TR to cease ongoing infringements.

ESMA Publishes Sovereign Bond Deferrals List

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a list of supplementary deferrals for sovereign bonds under MiFIR, effective May 4, 2026. These deferrals allow for the omission of trade volume publication for medium-sized trades on liquid bonds until the end of the trading day.

A Ventura fined €20M for GDPR infringement

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has initiated a sanctioning procedure against A VENTURA EN TRAMPOLINES S.L. for alleged infringements of the GDPR. The company has been fined €20 million and previously ordered to adapt its user consent form within one month, a deadline it failed to meet.

Non-profit Director Arraigned for Rental Assistance Fraud

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced the arraignment of Pipheak Sun, former Director of Housing and Consumer Education for Lowell non-profit Community Teamwork, Inc. Sun is accused of misappropriating over $280,000 in rental assistance funds intended for families facing housing crises. A scheduling conference is set for March 10.

State AGs Sue Trump Admin Over Energy Funding Termination

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, joined by 12 other state AGs, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump Administration. The suit challenges the termination of billions of dollars in congressionally mandated energy and infrastructure funding, impacting projects nationwide.

Ofcom Telecoms and Pay-TV Complaints Q3 2025

Ofcom has published its latest figures for complaints received about major UK landline, mobile, broadband, and pay-TV providers for Q3 2025. The report indicates that complaint levels remained similar to the previous quarter across all service types, with specific providers identified as generating the most and fewest complaints.

California AG Promotes Data Deletion Tool for Consumers

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is promoting the state's new online tool, DROP, which allows consumers to request data deletion from over 500 data brokers. Over 225,000 Californians have already signed up for the tool, which becomes mandatory for data brokers to comply with by August 1, 2026.

Canadian Securities Regulators Amend Benchmark Assurance Report Rules

Canadian securities regulators have adopted final amendments to rules governing designated benchmarks and benchmark administrators, effective May 5, 2026. These changes clarify assurance report requirements for independent public accountants, specifying the level of assurance, report type, and submission timing, and introduce a new requirement for certain designated benchmarks.

Texas AG Sues Temu for Deceptive Marketing and Data Harvesting

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit against PDD Holdings, Inc. and WhaleCo Inc. (doing business as Temu) for deceptive marketing and illegal data harvesting. The suit alleges Temu engages in dangerous software functions that expose user data to the Chinese Communist Party, seeking up to $10,000 per violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.

ICO v. DSG Retail - Data Protection Security Ruling

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has won a Court of Appeal case against DSG Retail Limited, reinstating a £500,000 fine for a 2020 data breach. The ruling clarifies that organisations must secure all personal data, regardless of whether individuals can be identified from exfiltrated data.

EU Official Journal L Series Daily View - February 19, 2026

The EU Official Journal L series for February 19, 2026, has been published, containing various implementing regulations and decisions. These include measures against terrorism, renewals of active substance approvals for plant protection products, and authorizations for feed additives.

EU Legislation and Notices - February 18, 2026

The EU Official Journal L series published new legislation and notices on February 18, 2026. Key regulations include amendments to customs duty relief, restrictive measures for Zimbabwe, and new anti-dumping duties on imports from Thailand and China.

NY AG Investigates Civilian Death at Sing Sing

New York Attorney General Letitia James' Office of Special Investigation has opened a full investigation into the death of an incarcerated individual at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. The investigation is being conducted under Executive Law Section 70-b, which mandates review of incidents where a peace officer may have caused a civilian's death.

NY AG Secures Reforms and $2.5M Penalties for EmblemHealth

New York Attorney General Letitia James secured $2.5 million in penalties and reforms from EmblemHealth for maintaining inaccurate mental health provider directories. The settlement aims to improve access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment for approximately 1.5 million New Yorkers.

State AGs Sue to Block Energy Funding Cuts

New York Attorney General Letitia James, joined by 11 other state attorneys general, is suing the Trump administration to block the termination of approximately $8 billion in federal energy and infrastructure funding. The lawsuit alleges the administration unlawfully cut grants approved by Congress, disproportionately affecting states with Democratic leadership.

USITC Investigates USMCA Automotive Rules of Origin Impact

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has initiated a factfinding investigation into the impact of USMCA automotive rules of origin on the U.S. economy and competitiveness. This is the third in a series of required reports, with input being sought from interested parties.

Defense Production Act Mobilized for Phosphorus and Glyphosate

President Trump has mobilized the Defense Production Act to ensure the domestic supply of elemental phosphorus and glyphosate-based herbicides. The Executive Order delegates authority to the Secretary of Agriculture to require contract performance and allocate materials to protect national security and agricultural strength.

Colorado AG Sues Energy Secretary Over Energy Projects Termination

Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser, leading a coalition of 13 states, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Energy Secretary and other federal officials. The suit challenges the termination of $8 billion in energy and infrastructure awards nationwide, including over $600 million to Colorado projects. The lawsuit alleges the termination violates the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act.

California AG Bonta Announces $2.75M Disney CCPA Settlement

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a $2.75 million settlement with The Walt Disney Company for alleged violations of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). The settlement resolves claims that Disney failed to fully honor consumer requests to opt-out of the sale or sharing of their personal data across all devices and services.

FTC Requires Boeing to Divest Spirit AeroSystems Assets

The FTC has finalized a consent order requiring Boeing to divest certain Spirit AeroSystems assets as part of its $8.3 billion acquisition. This action resolves antitrust concerns raised by the FTC regarding the merger. The final order was issued on February 17, 2026.

People v. T.B. - Criminal Case Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division 2, has published its opinion in the criminal case People v. T.B. (Case E085256). The filing date for this opinion was December 23, 2024.

Haun v. Pagano - Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division 1 has issued an opinion in the case of Haun v. Pagano et al. The opinion was filed on May 30, 2024, under case number D084385. This document provides the court's decision and reasoning in this specific legal matter.

Bishop v. San Diego County Retirement Association - Case Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division 1, has issued an opinion in the case of Bishop v. San Diego County Employees Retirement Association. The filing date for this opinion was December 19, 2024. This document represents a judicial decision on a legal matter.

Flareau v. Superior Court - Criminal Case Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division 2 has issued an opinion in the case of Adam Flareau v. The Superior Court and The People. The opinion is available for review in PDF and DOCX formats.

Nichols v. Alghannam - Published Opinion

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, has published an opinion in the case of Nichols et al. v. Alghannam. The filing date for this opinion was February 5, 2024. This publication makes the court's decision officially available.