ESMA Supervisory Briefing on CCP AAR Representativeness Obligation

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a supervisory briefing clarifying the representativeness obligation for Central Counterparties (CCPs) regarding their Approved Alternative Arrangements (AARs). This guidance aims to ensure consistent application of the obligation across the EU.

First Lady Donates Inaugural Gown to Smithsonian

First Lady Melania Trump donated her 2025 inaugural gown to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's First Ladies Collection. The donation adds to the museum's extensive collection of historical artifacts and is now on public display.

MHRA Statement on PATHWAYS Puberty Blocker Trial Safety

The MHRA has issued a statement regarding the PATHWAYS puberty blocker trial, expressing concerns about participant wellbeing and initiating scientific dialogue with the trial sponsor, King's College London. The agency is applying high scrutiny to ensure the safety of potential child and young person participants.

United States v. Castro Alavez - Conviction Affirmed in Part, Vacated in Part

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and vacated in part the conviction and sentence of Luis Miguel Castro Alavez. The court agreed that the jury instruction regarding knowledge of drug type and quantity was erroneous and not harmless for the attempted possession charge, vacating the sentence for that count.

BLM Wild Horse Management Plans Revision Ordered by D.C. Circuit

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) must revise its ten-year wild horse management plans. The court found that the plans impermissibly allowed for indefinite removals without proper determination of excess horses or consultation, requiring BLM to clarify future gather processes.

US v. McBreairty - Criminal Contempt Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's criminal contempt order against Danielle McBreairty. McBreairty refused to testify in a federal trial, even after being granted statutory immunity under 18 U.S.C. §§ 6002-6003, invoking her Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination.

US v. Yoon - Health Care Fraud Conviction Appeal

The First Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the health care fraud conviction of Chang Goo Yoon, who submitted over a million dollars in false claims. The court upheld evidentiary rulings and sentencing enhancements, affirming his conviction for defrauding private insurers and his own car insurer.

SEC Charges C-Hear, Inc. and Former CEO with Fraud

The SEC charged C-Hear, Inc. and its former CEO, Adena Harmon, with securities fraud in connection with a $4.2 million stock offering. The complaint alleges misleading statements about the company's technology and concealment of Harmon's criminal convictions, as well as misappropriation of investor funds.

Winchell v. Social Security Commissioner - Social Security Review

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California filed a new civil case, Winchell v. Social Security Commissioner, on February 20, 2026. The case involves a complaint for judicial review of a decision by the Commissioner of Social Security regarding disability benefits.

Tsering v. ByteDance, Inc. et al - Civil Suit

Lisa Tsering has filed a civil suit against ByteDance, Inc., TikTok USDS Joint Venture LLC, and TikTok, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, bearing number 4:26-cv-01536, was filed on February 20, 2026, with a filing fee of $405.