ICO Decision on Wealden Council FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to Wealden District Council. The ICO found that the Council breached FOI time limits and partially upheld the Council's reliance on exemptions for personal information and prejudice to public affairs.

ICO Rules BFI Requests Vexatious, No Further Action

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ruled that the British Film Institute (BFI) was justified in deeming information requests vexatious under FOIA section 14(1). The ICO found no further action was required from the BFI.

ICO Decision: Lambeth Must Disclose School Redevelopment Emails

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ruled that the London Borough of Lambeth must disclose certain emails related to a school redevelopment project. The ICO found that the Council misapplied exemptions and breached data protection regulations, ordering disclosure within 30 days.

ICO Decision Notice: FOI 10 & 16 Upheld, FOI 12(1) Not Upheld

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC). FOI requests 10 and 16 were upheld, while request 12(1) was not upheld. The NMC is required to provide reasonable advice and assistance to the complainant.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against Hackney Council

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against Hackney Council. The Council failed to correctly interpret and respond to a request for historical business rates data, breaching FOI obligations.

ICO Decision Notice: Public Authority Failed FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice against the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within the statutory 20-day period. The ICO requires the department to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

Matadamas-Serrano v. State - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The Nevada Supreme Court affirmed the conviction of Ruben Matadamas-Serrano for first-degree murder and burglary. The court found no reversible error in the trial proceedings, including claims of Batson error, Confrontation Clause violations, and evidentiary errors.

Vegas Aqua LLC v. Jupitor Corp. - Nevada Supreme Court Civil Case

The Nevada Supreme Court vacated and remanded a district court judgment in the case of Vegas Aqua, LLC v. Jupitor Corp. The court held that a short trial judge exceeded their authority by adjudicating objections to proposed judgments and subsequent post-judgment motions.

Gill v. Gill - Child Custody Case

The Nevada Supreme Court reversed and remanded a lower court's decision that denied a father's motion for child custody and support due to a lack of jurisdiction. The court clarified the application of the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) in cases involving foreign proceedings.

Care and Protection of Latifa - Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion regarding the care and protection of two children, Latifa and Annette. The court affirmed a lower court's decision to terminate the mother's parental rights, finding her unfit to parent.

B-Dunz, Inc. v. Bilingual Montessori School - Business Dispute

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a lower court's judgment in the business dispute between B-Dunz, Inc. and Bilingual Montessori School of Sharon. The court upheld rulings on directed verdicts, JNOV, and a new trial, affirming the plaintiff's acceptance of a remittitur on damages.

Hull v. Ferrera - Real Property Ownership Dispute

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued an opinion in Hull v. Ferrera, concerning the ownership of a portion of Beach Avenue. The court reviewed a Land Court decision regarding real property ownership and deed construction, impacting the town's claim versus private landowners.

Commonwealth v. Levi L. - Juvenile Non-Precedential Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming the denial of a juvenile's motion to suppress evidence related to firearm and ammunition charges. The juvenile had conditionally pleaded guilty after the motion to suppress was denied.

Texas Court Requires US Domicile for Chapter 15 Recognition

The US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas ruled in In re Siu-Fung Ceramics Holdings that foreign debtors must have a US domicile, place of business, or property to qualify for Chapter 15 recognition. This decision aligns with the Second Circuit and diverges from the Eleventh Circuit's precedent.

CIT Orders Refunds of IEEPA Tariffs on Unliquidated Entries

The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refund tariffs collected under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) on unliquidated and not finally liquidated entries. This ruling benefits all importers who paid these tariffs.

COINS Act Codifies Outbound Investment Security Program

The 2025 COINS Act, signed into law on December 18, 2025, codifies the Outbound Investment Security Program (OISP). While it does not immediately alter existing regulations, it mandates substantive changes to the OISP's scope, with new Treasury Department regulations due by March 2027.

Ninth Circuit Expands Personal Jurisdiction Over Foreign Tech Platforms

The Ninth Circuit expanded personal jurisdiction over foreign tech companies in data breach cases in Freeman v. 3Commas Technologies OÜ. The ruling allows foreign companies with significant digital activities and knowledge of California customers to be sued in California courts, reversing a lower court's dismissal.

Importers Can Preserve Rights for IEEPA Tariff Refunds

Following a Supreme Court ruling that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize presidential tariffs, importers can take steps to preserve their rights for refunds of paid duties. The US Court of International Trade is expected to address remedies soon, and importers have options including post summary corrections, protests, or lawsuits.

Supreme Court Invalidates Tariffs Imposed Under IEEPA

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not authorize the President to impose tariffs, invalidating recent "reciprocal" tariffs and fentanyl-related country measures. The decision will reshape the tariff landscape, with the Court of International Trade and U.S. Customs and Border Protection expected to establish refund procedures for duties paid.

Horizon Sustainability Law News Bulletin - February 2026

DLA Piper's February 2026 sustainability law bulletin covers legislative and policy developments. Key updates include California's CARB hearing on SB 253 and SB 261 regulations, discussing proposed fees, penalties, and potential exemptions for insurers.

ESMA Final Draft RTS on Clearing Thresholds Under EMIR 3

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published its final report with draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) amending the clearing threshold regime under EMIR 3. The changes shift the focus from ETD vs OTC to uncleared OTC transactions, with revised thresholds for various derivative classes.

Mideast War Disrupts LNG Contracts and Raises Supply Security Questions

The escalating conflict in the Middle East has disrupted LNG contracts, particularly due to the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Qatari facilities. This has led to record-high spot prices and is raising urgent questions about supply security and contractual performance for energy companies.

Supreme Court Rules IEEPA Lacks Authority for Reciprocal Tariffs

The Supreme Court ruled in Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the President authority to impose reciprocal tariffs. This decision impacts an estimated $175 billion in collected tariff revenues, raising questions about potential refunds.

OFAC Fines Executive $3.77M for Syria Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has settled with a real estate executive for $3.77 million for violating U.S. sanctions against Syria. The executive provided managerial services to Syrian real estate companies, which OFAC deemed an 'egregious' violation.

Court Orders Customs to Refund IEEPA Duties to Importers

The Court of International Trade has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to refund International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) duties to all importers. CBP must liquidate unliquidated entries and reliquidate final entries without these duties.

OCC GENIUS Act Proposal on Stablecoins

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPR) to implement the GENIUS Act concerning stablecoins. The proposal seeks public comment on regulatory frameworks for permitted payment stablecoin issuers, including rules on yield-bearing features and opt-out provisions for state-approved issuers. Comments are due May 1, 2026.

Germany NIS2 Cybersecurity Law Implementation Deadline

Germany's implementation law for the NIS2 Directive, effective December 2025, expands cybersecurity requirements to new sectors including digital services and manufacturing. Covered entities must register with the BSI by March 6, 2026, and comply with new security and incident reporting obligations.

USITC Investigates Chinese Biotech State Support and Pricing

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation into Chinese state support and pricing practices within the biotechnology sector. The investigation aims to assess the impact on U.S. industry competitiveness and market share, with a report due by January 2027.

USITC Launches Investigations into China Trade Relations and Biotech Support

The US International Trade Commission (ITC) has launched two Section 332 investigations: one examining the economic effects of revoking China's permanent normal trade relations status, and another reviewing China's state support and pricing practices in the biotechnology sector. These investigations will provide an analytical record for Congress and the administration regarding future trade and industrial policy measures targeting China.

OFAC Fines IMG Academy for Sanctions Violations

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has fined IMG Academy $XXX,XXX for accepting tuition payments from parents designated under sanctions. The enforcement action highlights the pervasive nature of sanctions risk across various sectors, including educational institutions.

CRD VI Consequences for M&A Transactions

CRD VI introduces a new harmonized regime for M&A transactions in the banking sector across the EU, requiring prior notification and, in some cases, approval from competent authorities. While national transposition is incomplete, the M&A provisions are set to apply from January 11, 2026.

EU-UK Competition Cooperation Agreement Signed

The European Commission and the UK have signed a competition cooperation agreement establishing a formal post-Brexit framework for antitrust and merger enforcement coordination. The agreement institutionalizes notification, coordination, and information-sharing mechanisms but requires ratification by both parties and is not yet in force.

UK ICO Guidance on Agentic AI and UK GDPR Compliance

The UK ICO has released a Tech Futures report analyzing agentic AI systems and their compliance with UK GDPR. The report emphasizes that developers and deployers of these systems must adhere to existing UK GDPR requirements, including those related to automated decision-making, data minimization, and accuracy.

In re: Shilo Dion Sanders, Big 21, LLC, and Headache Gang, LLC - Bankruptcy Court Order

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado issued an order denying a motion to dismiss filed by Shilo Dion Sanders, Big 21, LLC, and Headache Gang, LLC. The motion sought to dismiss seven of eight claims brought by the Chapter 7 Trustee.

In re Gabriela Gonzalez-Arceo - Bankruptcy Court Opinion

The US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado denied an application to employ the Johnson Law Firm as attorneys for the Trustee in the bankruptcy case of Gabriela Gonzalez-Arceo. The court cited the need for further review of the contingent fee agreement and related statutory provisions.

Colorado Bankruptcy Court Overrules Debtor's Objection to Claim

The Colorado Bankruptcy Court, in the case of In re Logan Beck (Case No. 25-11438 MER), has overruled the debtor's objection to a claim filed by the State of Colorado for $3,307,557.00. The court found the debtor lacked standing to object to the claim.

Pacito v. Trump - Ninth Circuit Court Opinion on Refugee Admissions

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part a district court's preliminary injunction against Executive Order No. 14163, which suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program. The court found plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on their claims that the executive order exceeded the President's statutory authority.

Pacito v. Trump - Immigration Refugee Admissions Program

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part a district court's preliminary injunctions against Executive Order No. 14163, which suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP). The court found plaintiffs failed to show a likelihood of success on their claims that the executive order exceeded the President's statutory authority or violated the APA.

Chairez v. Mayorkas - Immigration Waiver of Inadmissibility

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the dismissal of a challenge to USCIS's denial of a waiver of inadmissibility for a U visa. The court held that such discretionary agency decisions are precluded from judicial review under the Administrative Procedure Act.

Fifth Circuit Affirms Conviction for Firearm Possession After Felony

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a conviction for firearm possession by a convicted felon under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1). The court found the statute constitutional and rejected the defendant's vagueness challenge, citing precedent.

State AGs Sue Trump Administration Over Tariffs

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, joined by 23 other states, has filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's latest round of tariffs. The coalition argues these tariffs were imposed without congressional approval and unlawfully increase costs for American consumers and businesses.

Contract Award: Air Conditioning Installation for British Embassy Mexico City

The UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has awarded a contract for the installation of air conditioning units at the British Embassy in Mexico City. The contract, valued at £90,309.87 including VAT, was awarded to Hugo Soberanis and is effective from March 1, 2026, to June 1, 2026.

Student Loans Company Contract Award: Workforce Solutions

The Student Loans Company has awarded a contract for Workforce Solutions valued at £5,000,000. This notice was published on March 5, 2026, and pertains to the supply of personnel services.

Northumberland County Council - Medical Checks for Foster Carers Procurement

Northumberland County Council has published a prior information notice regarding the procurement of medical checks for foster carers, valued at £120,000. The contract will be awarded under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

UK2 Preliminary Market Engagement Contract Award Notice

The UK's Defence Equipment and Support agency has awarded a contract for the supply and repair of Unit Load Devices for the Voyager Delivery Team. The contract, valued at £235,000 excluding VAT, was awarded to UNILODE AVIATION SOLUTIONS UK LIMITED.

St Helens Council Awards Advocacy Services Contract

St Helens Council has awarded a contract for Adults and Children's advocacy services to N-COMPASS TOWARDS A BRIGHTER FUTURE LIMITED. The contract is valued at £1,023,016 excluding VAT and will commence on April 1, 2026.

Contract Award: West Kentish Town Estate Phase 1 Works

The London Borough of Camden has awarded a contract for the West Kentish Town Estate Phase 1 Works to HIGGINS PARTNERSHIPS 1961 PLC for £31,411,566.86. This notice serves as a contract award announcement under the Procurement Act 2023.

London Borough of Richmond Contract Award Notice

The London Borough of Richmond has published a contract award notice for transport services. The contract, valued at £2,922.86 excluding VAT, was awarded on March 5, 2026, after receiving 10 tenders.

Totton & Eling Town Council Grounds Maintenance Contract Award

Totton & Eling Town Council has awarded a grounds maintenance contract following a procurement process. The notice details the scope of services, which include grass cutting, hedge maintenance, and re-wilding programs across five lots. Several suppliers have been awarded contracts for these services.

UK Government Contract Award: Housing Fire Safety Systems

Nottingham City Council has awarded a contract valued at £3.6 million for Housing Fire Safety Systems to MIDLAND FIRE SECURITY SERVICES LIMITED. The contract covers maintenance, repair, and installation of fire alarms, dry/wet risers, sprinkler systems, automatic opening vents, and fire extinguishers.