ICO Upholds Complaint Against DCMS for Vexatious FOI Requests

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a complaint against the Department for Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS). The ICO found that DCMS failed to demonstrate that seven Freedom of Information requests were vexatious, overturning the department's refusal.

ICO Decision: DfC breached FOIA for Universal Credit info

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) found the Department for Communities (DfC) breached the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by failing to confirm it held requested Universal Credit information within 20 working days and by not issuing a timely refusal notice. No further steps are required.

ICO Decision Notice: DFE FOI and Data Protection

The ICO issued a decision notice regarding the Department for Education's (DFE) handling of an FOI request. The ICO upheld the DFE's decision to refuse to confirm or deny the existence of information, citing data protection principles.

ICO Decision Notice: FOI Partly Upheld

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information request made to the London Borough of Southwark. The ICO partly upheld the request, finding the Council holds some information and failed to demonstrate it does not hold information for another part. The Council must issue a fresh response within 30 days.

ICO Decision: Council entitled to withhold homelessness report

The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding Newport City Council's withholding of a homelessness report. The council was found entitled to withhold information under section 41 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) concerning information provided in confidence. No further action is required by the council.

ICO Decision Notice: NPCC FOI Complaint Not Upheld

The ICO has decided not to uphold a Freedom of Information complaint against the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). The NPCC confirmed it holds no further information beyond what was already provided regarding cross-force access, and the ICO agreed.

ICO Decision: FOI Complaint Against Council for Delayed Response Upheld

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham Council. The council failed to respond to an FOI request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO has ordered the council to respond within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision: NHS England FOI Response Time Failure

The ICO has issued a decision notice finding NHS England failed to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO requires NHS England to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO upholds Cabinet Office refusal of Trump-Starmer communication records

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld the Cabinet Office's refusal to release records of a communication between Donald Trump and Keir Starmer. The ICO found that the Cabinet Office was justified in citing section 27 (international relations) of the Freedom of Information Act as grounds for withholding the information.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against NHS Trust for Delayed Response

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a complaint against North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust for a delayed response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. While the Trust was found not to hold further information, a breach of FOI timelines was identified.

ICO Decision: DFE FOI Request on Student Finance Costs

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Department for Education (DfE) concerning student finance costs. The ICO upheld the DfE's decision to withhold projected cost information under FOIA section 35(1)(a).

EPA Hazardous Waste Facility Letter

The EPA has posted a letter concerning a hazardous waste facility. This notice provides information related to RCRA regulations for a specific facility in Region 5.

EPA Letter on Ohio Hazardous Waste Facility

The EPA has issued a letter concerning a hazardous waste facility in Ohio, identified by docket number EPA-R05-RCRA-2025-1675-0023. This notice provides information regarding the facility's operations and regulatory status.

EPA Letter to Edward McCabe

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a letter to Edward McCabe on May 5, 2025. This document is part of the EPA's regulatory filings and pertains to waste management regulations.

EPA Fungicide Use Consistency Determination for Wheat, Cotton, Rapeseed

The EPA has issued a consistency determination regarding the use of certain fungicides on wheat, cotton, and rapeseed. This notice outlines the agency's assessment of these uses and their alignment with federal pesticide regulations.

State v. Cook - Arizona Court of Appeals Non-Precedential Opinion

The Arizona Court of Appeals issued a non-precedential decision in State v. Cook, addressing petitions for post-conviction relief. The court granted review but denied relief, affirming the lower court's dismissal of the petitions.

Soto v. State - Prosecutor's Grand Jury Questioning

The Arizona Court of Appeals granted relief in Soto v. State, ordering a case remanded to the grand jury. The court found that the prosecutor's questioning methods and omission of exculpatory evidence warranted a new probable cause determination.

State v. Ward - Criminal Appeal

The New Mexico Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the case of State v. Ward. This appeal concerns a conviction for willful and deliberate first-degree murder. The court's decision will establish precedent regarding the legal standards and evidence presented in such cases.

Saias v. Kantor - Massachusetts Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential summary decision in Isaac Saias v. Marianna Kantor. The court affirmed a lower court's dismissal of the plaintiff's claims, which arose from the parties' 2005 divorce, due to lack of subject matter jurisdiction and pendency of a prior action.

M.E. v. A.E. - Domestic Violence Restraining Order Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court vacated a domestic violence restraining order (G. L. c. 209A) because the judge improperly continued the ex parte order without testimony or cross-examination, relying solely on evidence from a related criminal matter. The court found this violated due process for the defendant.

Commonwealth v. Wesly Aguilar-Valenzuela - OUI Conviction Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a conviction for operating under the influence (OUI). The defendant appealed the admission of impairment testimony and the lack of a limiting instruction. The court found no error in the trial.

USTR Section 301 Investigations on Digital Services Taxes

The USTR is investigating Digital Services Taxes (DSTs) imposed by France and other countries, including Austria, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. These investigations fall under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 and may lead to trade actions.

USTR Section 301 Investigation into Vietnam's Currency Valuation

The USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam's currency valuation practices. This action is part of the USTR's ongoing trade enforcement efforts and may lead to trade actions if unfair practices are found.

USTR Investigates Mexico's Agricultural Trade Practices

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into Mexico's agricultural trade practices, specifically concerning seasonal and perishable products. This action follows a petition alleging that these practices negatively impact U.S. producers.

USTR Section 301 Investigation into China's Fentanyl Practices

The USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into China's acts, policies, and practices related to illicit fentanyl. This action follows a petition and will examine China's role in the global fentanyl supply chain.

USTR Section 301 Investigation: China's Maritime, Logistics, and Shipbuilding Sectors

The USTR has initiated a Section 301 investigation into China's targeting of the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors. This action aims to address concerns about China's dominance and potential unfair trade practices in these critical industries.

USTR Initiates Section 301 Investigation on Manufacturing Excess Capacity

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into structural excess capacity and production in manufacturing sectors. This action aims to assess potential trade-distorting practices and their impact on U.S. industries.

USTR Section 301 Investigation: Forced Labor Goods Imports

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has initiated a Section 301 investigation into the failure to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labor. The USTR is seeking public comments on this matter, with a deadline of April 15.

5th Circuit Affirms Supervised Release Conditions

The Fifth Circuit affirmed a district court's imposition of supervised release conditions for Nestor Villafana-Mondragon, who appealed based on inadequate pronouncement. The court found the conditions were properly adopted from the Presentence Investigation Report, aligning with established procedures.

Ninth Circuit Affirms Sentence for Illegal Reentry Conviction

The Ninth Circuit affirmed a sentence for Cruz Torres-Gonzalez for illegal reentry into the United States. The court rejected the defendant's argument that the district court erred in applying sentencing enhancements based on prior convictions.

Cox v. Gritman Medical Center - Personal Jurisdiction Ruling

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals amended its opinion in Cox v. Gritman Medical Center, reversing a district court's dismissal for lack of personal jurisdiction. The court found that the medical providers had sufficient contacts with Washington residents to establish jurisdiction, allowing the wrongful-death lawsuit to proceed.

EU Council Decision Supporting African Mine Action Capacities

The Council of the EU has adopted a decision to support African capacities for mine action with a €3 million budget over 36 months. This initiative aims to strengthen national mine-action programs in several African countries, contributing to a mine-free continent.

Media Advisory: EU Environment Council Meeting

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for the Environment Council meeting scheduled for March 17, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programme, including discussions on CO2 emission standards, post-2030 decarbonisation efforts, and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.

EU Council Adopts Conclusions on Countering Hybrid Threats

The Council of the EU has adopted conclusions on advancing the EU's capacity to counter hybrid threats, reaffirming its commitment to use all available tools to prevent, deter, and respond to hybrid campaigns. The conclusions specifically condemn Russia's persistent hybrid activities and outline a strategic approach to counter these threats.

EU Council Sanctions Nine Individuals for Bucha Massacre

The EU Council has sanctioned nine individuals for their role in the Bucha massacre, imposing asset freezes and travel bans. These measures are part of broader sanctions against Russia due to its war of aggression against Ukraine.

EU Sanctions Four Individuals for Russian Information Manipulation

The Council of the EU has sanctioned four individuals for their involvement in Russia's hybrid activities and foreign information manipulation. These individuals are now subject to asset freezes and travel bans within the EU.

EU Council Sanctions Three Entities and Two Individuals for Cyber-Attacks

The Council of the EU has imposed sanctions on three entities and two individuals for their involvement in malicious cyber-attacks targeting EU member states and partners. The measures include asset freezes and travel bans, expanding the EU's horizontal cyber sanctions regime.

EU Council Sanctions 16 Persons, 3 Entities for Iran Human Rights Violations

The Council of the EU has sanctioned an additional 16 individuals and three entities for serious human rights violations in Iran. These measures include asset freezes and travel bans, bringing the total number of sanctioned individuals to 263 and entities to 53.

EU Council Media Advisory: General Affairs Council and Montenegro Accession Conference

The EU Council has issued a media advisory for a meeting of the General Affairs Council and an accession conference with Montenegro scheduled for March 17, 2026. The advisory outlines the indicative programme, including press conferences and working lunches, for journalists attending the event in Brussels.

Department of the Interior OIA Technical Assistance Program 2026 Grant Funding

The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is offering grant funding through its Technical Assistance Program (TAP) for 2026. The program aims to address immediate economic, financial, and government service challenges in U.S. territories and freely associated states, with proposals due May 18, 2026.

OIA Brown Treesnake Program Funding Proposals

The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is seeking funding proposals for its Brown Treesnake (BTS) Control Program. The program aims to prevent BTS migration, control populations on Guam, and support ecosystem restoration, with a total award of $4,000,000 available.

GSA Grant Opportunity: Promote U.S. Distilled Spirits Exports to Uzbekistan

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), through the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS), has announced a funding opportunity to design and deliver a training program promoting U.S. distilled spirits exports to Uzbekistan. The award is for $115,000, with applications due by May 14, 2026.

OIA Maintenance Assistance Program Grants for Infrastructure

The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is offering grants through its Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP) for infrastructure maintenance and critical repairs in U.S. territories and freely associated states. The program has an award maximum of $4,375,000 and a closing date for applications on May 18, 2026.

NOAA Seeks Proposals for Ocean and Coastal Mapping Center

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking proposals for a 5-year cooperative agreement to advance ocean and coastal mapping. Approximately $8.5 million is anticipated, with $1.6 million to be awarded annually starting in FY 2026. Institutions of higher education are eligible to apply.

Energizing Insular Communities Program Grant Funding Announced

The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs has announced the FY 2026 Energizing Insular Communities Program, offering grant funding for energy strategies in U.S. territories. The program aims to reduce reliance on foreign fuels and improve energy infrastructure. Applications are due by May 18, 2026.

USDA FAS Training Program for U.S. Soy Marketing in Uzbekistan

The USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service is seeking proposals for a training program to promote U.S. soy exports to Uzbekistan. The program will target mid- to senior-level private sector actors involved in importing and processing soy in Uzbekistan, aiming to enhance their understanding of U.S. soy products and trade practices.

SUDAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund FY26

The U.S. Department of State's Office of Sudan Affairs has announced the SUDAN Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) for FY26. This program invites teams of alumni from U.S. government-funded exchange programs to submit proposals for public service projects, with award amounts ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.

OIA Coral Reef Initiative Grant Proposals Sought

The Department of the Interior's Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) is seeking proposals for its Coral Reef & Natural Resources (CRNR) Initiative. The program aims to protect coral reefs and natural resources in insular areas, with a total award amount of $2,800,000. Proposals are due by May 18, 2026.

GSA: U.S. Food Safety Training Program for Armenian Officials

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), via the Foreign Agricultural Service, is seeking proposals to design and deliver a U.S. Food Safety training program for Armenian officials. The program aims to enhance understanding of U.S. food safety regulations and standards to facilitate bilateral trade.

S. v. United States of America et al - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case, S. v. United States of America et al, was filed on March 16, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint seeks damages against the United States of America and other defendants.