Companies House Appoints Dr Ros Rivaz as Chair

Ministers have confirmed the appointment of Dr Ros Rivaz as the new Chair of Companies House, effective March 1, 2026. She succeeds John Clarke and brings extensive leadership experience to guide the organization's transformation and support the government's transparency agenda.

SEC Bars Ricardi Celicourt for Unregistered Broker Activities

The SEC has barred Ricardi Celicourt from association with any broker or dealer and from participating in any penny stock offering. This action follows findings that Celicourt acted as an unregistered broker, facilitating the sale of unregistered securities for Royal Bengal Logistics, Inc. and receiving over $517,000 in compensation.

Raymond Bright v. State of Florida - Murder Conviction and Death Sentence Appeal

The Supreme Court of Florida affirmed a lower court's denial of Raymond Bright's motion to vacate his death sentence for two brutal murders. Bright appealed his conviction and sentence, also seeking a writ of habeas corpus, but the court denied relief.

ESMA Supervisory Briefing on Algorithmic Trading

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a supervisory briefing to support consistent supervision of algorithmic trading across the EU. The briefing provides National Competent Authorities with tools and clarified expectations for supervising firms engaged in algorithmic trading under MiFID II, including considerations for AI.

ESMA Consults on EMIR 3 Post-Trade Risk Reduction Services

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has launched a consultation on the requirements for post-trade risk reduction (PTRR) services under EMIR 3. The consultation seeks feedback on draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) that define conditions for PTRR services to benefit from a clearing obligation exemption.

FTC and States Secure $100M Judgment Against Walmart for Deceptive Earnings Claims

The FTC and 11 states have secured a $100 million judgment against Walmart to settle allegations of deceptive earnings claims made to delivery drivers in its Spark Driver program. The company allegedly misled drivers about base pay, incentives, and tips, causing drivers to lose tens of millions of dollars.

United States ex rel. Crutcher v. First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation - False Claims Act

The United States District Court for the District of Delaware is considering a False Claims Act case filed by relator Kari Crutcher against First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation and others. The court is addressing a motion for leave to file a revised complaint, which includes allegations against PIMCO and a former CEO, following FGMC's bankruptcy and reorganization.

Genesis CMG Holdings LLC v. Philip Yancey - Motion to Dismiss Contract Dispute

The Delaware Court of Chancery recommended dismissal of a contract dispute filed by Genesis CMG Holdings LLC against former executives Philip Yancey and Jennifer Miller-Baten. The court found that the restrictive covenants at issue had terminated by their own terms before the alleged breaches occurred, failing to state a viable claim.

Delaware Court of Chancery Opinion on Motion to Dismiss

The Delaware Court of Chancery issued an opinion regarding a motion to dismiss a corporate law case. The court found it lacked personal jurisdiction over one of the defendants, an affiliate of a controlling stockholder, due to insufficient Delaware-directed activity. This ruling impacts the scope of potential legal actions against controlling entities in Delaware.

AFGE v. Trump - Labor Law

The Ninth Circuit vacated a preliminary injunction in AFGE v. Trump, concerning labor relations for federal employees. The court found the injunction was improperly granted, impacting the application of executive orders related to federal worker unions.

Lopez v. United States - Appeal of Sentence for Child Pornography Offenses

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated and remanded David Lopez Jr.'s 360-month sentence for child pornography offenses. The court agreed that a five-level enhancement for engaging in a pattern of activity involving the sexual abuse or exploitation of a minor was incorrectly applied.

Kealani Distribution v. FDA - Tobacco Control Act Rule Challenge

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision upholding the FDA's Final PMTA Rule. The court found that the FDA complied with the Regulatory Flexibility Act when promulgating the rule, which regulates new tobacco products. The ruling impacts manufacturers and trade associations representing small businesses in the vapor product industry.

Dentist Sentenced for Fraud, Unlicensed Practice, and Illegal Prescribing

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office announced the sentencing of Fritz Gabriel to five years in jail for practicing dentistry without a license, illegally prescribing controlled substances, and defrauding MassHealth of over $245,000. Gabriel was convicted on multiple felony counts and ordered to pay restitution.

EDPB Opinion on ABN AMRO Binding Corporate Rules

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has issued Opinion 06/2026 regarding the Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs) of ABN AMRO. This opinion addresses the draft decision from the Dutch supervisory authority concerning these BCRs.

EDPB Opinion on Dutch Authority's Draft Decision for Arcadis Group

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) has issued an opinion on a draft decision by the Dutch Data Protection Authority concerning Arcadis Group's Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs). This opinion addresses the international transfer of data and the adequacy of the BCRs.

People v. Roeschen - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Two, has issued a non-precedential opinion in the case of People v. Roeschen. The court agreed with the parties to reverse one conviction and remand for resentencing.

People v. Medrano - Appeal of Order Denying Motion to Vacate Conviction

The California Court of Appeal affirmed the denial of a motion to vacate a conviction for transportation of a controlled substance. The defendant argued he did not understand the immigration consequences of his plea. The court found the defendant failed to establish prejudice from any error in understanding.

People v. Vanderford - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Vanderford. The court affirmed the defendant's convictions for murder, robbery, burglary, and arson, except to strike one of the two multiple-murder special circumstances found true.

People v. Fonseca - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District, filed an opinion in the case of People v. Fonseca. The defendant was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 75 years to life. The appeal addresses issues including jury instructions, prosecutorial misconduct, and evidentiary rulings.

People v. Sylvester - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a resentencing decision in People v. Sylvester, holding that trial courts retain discretion to strike multiple sentencing enhancements. The court found no abuse of discretion in the trial court's decision not to strike additional enhancements.

People v. Velazquezhuar - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Fourth Appellate District, Division Three, filed an opinion affirming a judgment against Omar Velazquezhuar, who was convicted of murdering his domestic partner. The court found no grounds for reversal regarding the admission of prior uncharged crimes evidence, jury instructions, or alleged jury coercion.

People v. Adams - Criminal Threat Conviction Affirmed

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a conviction for making a criminal threat against Christopher Larry Adams. The court found that Adams forfeited his argument for reducing the felony to a misdemeanor by failing to raise it at the sentencing hearing and that the argument also failed on its merits.

People v. Bogan - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal modified the sentence of Ladrill Bogan, vacating a $5,000 restitution fine pursuant to recent statutory amendments. The court affirmed the modified sentence of 50 years to life, finding no abuse of discretion in denying a motion to dismiss a prior strike conviction.

People v. Lopez - Child Molestation Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal reversed and remanded a judgment against Antonio Martinez Lopez, who was convicted of child molestation. The court found that the trial court erred by imposing an upper term sentence based on aggravating factors not stipulated to by the defendant or proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

Semaan v. Mosier - California Court of Appeal Opinion Modification

The California Court of Appeal filed an order modifying its opinion in Semaan v. Mosier, clarifying the scope of quasi-judicial immunity for court-appointed receivers. The modification addresses arguments related to statutory immunity and common law immunity, confirming there is no change in the judgment.

Fisher v. Fisher - Wrongful Death Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment in a wrongful death case. The court found that the defendants' tortious conduct was the legal cause of the decedent's relapse and subsequent death, upholding jury awards totaling approximately $9.4 million plus punitive damages.

S.O. v. Bonita Unified School District - Childhood Sexual Assault Claims

The California Court of Appeal reversed a lower court's decision, holding that Assembly Bill No. 218's retroactive waiver of the claim presentation requirement for childhood sexual assault claims does not violate the California Constitution. This ruling allows plaintiffs to bring claims that would otherwise be time-barred.

People v. Lopez - Criminal Robbery and Restitution Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed an order regarding victim restitution in the case of People v. Lopez. The defendant appealed the trial court's determination of restitution owed to Wells Fargo Bank and the handling of potential restitution to NCR. The court found no abuse of discretion.

Villa v. Modica - Appeal of Employment Discharge

The California Court of Appeal reversed a trial court's decision regarding the discharge of a police detective, Salvador Villa. The appellate court directed the trial court to order the Civil Service Commission to reconsider the penalty for Villa's employment discharge based on remaining charges.

People v. Snow - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The California Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District, has reversed and remanded a sentencing order for Ricky Alan Snow. The court reconsidered the case in light of a Supreme Court directive concerning the application of the Three Strikes Reform Act of 2012.

County of Sacramento v. NKS Real Estate Holdings CA3 - Real Estate Development

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's judgment against NKS Real Estate Holdings, Inc. and its attorney for creating a nuisance per se by constructing and leasing an accessory dwelling unit without obtaining a building permit from Sacramento County. The court found the defendants' arguments regarding standing, ordinance conflict, and nuisance per se lacked merit.

People v. Patterson - California Court of Appeal Opinion

The California Court of Appeal issued an opinion in People v. Patterson, concerning a murder conviction. The court reversed and remanded the case with directions, indicating a significant change in the legal status of the defendant's conviction.

People v. Acosta - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a judgment against Marlon Acosta, who was found guilty of multiple sexual offenses and kidnapping. Acosta appealed, raising issues of insufficient evidence, witness impeachment, admission of uncharged acts, and prosecutorial misconduct. The court found no merit in his contentions.

People v. Harvey - Criminal Appeal

The California Court of Appeal affirmed a trial court's denial of a petition for recall and resentencing filed by James Earl Harvey. Harvey argued that denying resentencing mechanisms to defendants who were 18 at the time of their offenses, while providing them to those under 18, violated equal protection. The court rejected this argument, affirming the original sentence.

People v. Sheed - Motion to Vacate Conviction

The California Court of Appeal reversed an order denying Donny Kay Sheed's motion to vacate his 1989 conviction based on newly discovered evidence of factual innocence. The court found Sheed was entitled to a hearing on his motion.

Housing for the 21st Century Act - H.R.6644

The House of Representatives passed the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R.6644), which revises federal housing programs. Key provisions include expanding financing for affordable housing, modifying HUD's HOME Investment Partnerships Program, and excluding veterans' disability benefits from VASH program income calculations. The bill has moved to the Senate for consideration.

S.2651 ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 Introduced

Senator Tim Scott introduced the ROAD to Housing Act of 2025 (S.2651) in the 119th Congress. The bill has been placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Further details on the bill's content and potential impact are pending.

Paxton Secures $29.5M Vanguard Settlement for Coal Industry

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced a $29.5 million settlement with The Vanguard Group, Inc. to resolve claims of coordinated ESG-driven market manipulation. Vanguard will implement strong passivity commitments and offer proxy voting to investors, a first for the industry. This action is part of a larger multistate lawsuit against asset managers.

Samsung Agrees to Data Privacy Deal with Texas AG

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has secured an agreement with Samsung Electronics America, Inc. requiring express consumer consent before collecting Automated Content Recognition (ACR) data from smart TVs. Samsung must update its smart TVs with clear disclosures and consent screens for Texans.

California AG Defends Birthright Citizenship at Supreme Court

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, leading a coalition of 24 state AGs, filed an amicus brief in Trump v. Barbara at the U.S. Supreme Court. The brief defends birthright citizenship against a Trump administration executive order that sought to end it for children born in the U.S. to immigrant parents.

California AG Settles with Property Manager for Tenant Protection Violations

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced a settlement with Redding property management company Property Upsurge for violating tenant protection laws. The company will pay $750,000 in tenant relief and debt relief, plus $50,000 in civil penalties, and must implement compliance measures.

NY AG Sues Valve for Illegal Gambling via Loot Boxes

New York Attorney General Letitia James has sued Valve Corporation, a video game developer, for allegedly promoting illegal gambling through its popular games like Counter-Strike 2. The lawsuit claims that Valve's in-game 'loot box' feature violates New York's gambling laws and seeks to stop the practice and impose fines.

USITC Investigates Chinese Biotech State Support and Pricing

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched a fact-finding investigation into Chinese state support and pricing practices in the biotechnology sector. The investigation aims to assess the impact on U.S. industry competitiveness and market share, with a report expected by January 22, 2027.

USITC Investigates Economic Impact of Revoking PNTR for China Products

The U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) has launched an investigation into the economic impact of revoking permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) for China. The investigation will examine effects on the U.S. economy and industry over a six-year period, with a report due by August 21, 2026.

Colorado Youth Mental Health Action Day Resolution

The Colorado Legislature is considering SJR26-013, a resolution to recognize Youth Mental Health Action Day. The resolution has passed the Senate and is moving through the legislative process. This action aims to raise awareness for youth mental health initiatives.

Colorado Department of Agriculture Supplemental Appropriation

The Colorado Department of Agriculture has received a supplemental appropriation through HB26-1150. This bill provides additional funding to the department for its operations during the 2026 regular session.

Colorado HB26-1151: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Corrections

Colorado HB26-1151 enacts a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Corrections for the 2026 Regular Session. The bill concerns state revenue and budget, specifically allocating additional funds to the corrections department.

Colorado Bill: Legal Privileges for State Auditor Disclosures

Colorado SB26-084, introduced for the 2026 Regular Session, aims to protect legal privileges for state entities when disclosing information to the state auditor related to the state's fraud hotline. The bill is currently under consideration.

Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026

Congress has enacted the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, providing funding for various government departments and agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. The act details appropriations across multiple divisions, including Defense, Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, Financial Services, and National Security.

Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025

The Bankruptcy Administration Improvement Act of 2025, enacted on February 6, 2026, amends titles 11 and 28 of the US Code. It modifies compensation for chapter 7 bankruptcy trustees and extends the term of temporary bankruptcy judge offices.