Labor Department Orders Texas Companies to Pay $200K+ for Asbestos Whistleblower Retaliation

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has ordered two Texas construction companies to pay over $200,000 in back wages and damages to two workers fired for raising asbestos concerns. The companies must also reinstate the employees.

State Revokes/Suspends Health Care Provider Licenses

The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of four health care providers due to findings of neglect or abuse of vulnerable adults. These actions prohibit the individuals from practicing or having unsupervised access to vulnerable populations.

AI Code of Practice Taskforce Established for Implementation

Signatories to the EU's General-Purpose AI Code of Practice held their first meeting on January 30, 2026, to establish a Taskforce for implementation exchanges. The Taskforce will facilitate discussions among signatories on implementing the code and can provide input on guidance documents.

DOJ OIG: FBI Assistant Section Chief Misconduct Findings

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an investigative summary detailing findings of misconduct against an FBI Assistant Section Chief. The report, number 26-022, addresses the exhibition of a firearm and a lack of candor by the individual. This report is part of the DOJ's ongoing oversight of its components.

Paul Schultz's Petition for Writ of Mandamus Denied

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Paul Schultz's petition for a writ of mandamus. The court found that mandamus relief is not appropriate as a substitute for appeal and that Schultz did not demonstrate a clear right to the relief sought. The petition and a related stay motion were denied.

Paul Schultz Petition for Writ of Mandamus Denied

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals denied Paul Schultz's petition for a writ of mandamus. The court found that mandamus relief was not appropriate as a substitute for appeal and that Schultz had not demonstrated a clear right to the relief sought. The petition and a motion for a stay were denied.

Florida AG Charges Six in $7.8M Cargo Theft Ring

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier announced charges against six individuals for their involvement in an organized cargo theft ring responsible for 33 incidents and approximately $7.8 million in losses across the state. The charges include Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft.

FTC Warns Apple CEO Over Alleged Bias in Apple News Content

The FTC has issued a warning letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook regarding alleged bias in Apple News content. The letter states that if Apple misrepresents its news service or violates its terms of service, it could be in violation of the FTC Act.

FTC Finalizes Order Against Adamas for No-Hire Agreements

The FTC has finalized a consent order against Adamas Amenity Services LLC, requiring the company to cease enforcing no-hire agreements. These agreements restricted building owners from hiring Adamas's employees without penalty, impacting wage and job growth for workers in New Jersey and New York City.

ICO Guidance: Data Protection Complaints Process

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published new guidance detailing requirements for organisations to establish a data protection complaints process. These requirements, stemming from the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, will become legally effective on June 19, 2026, but are presented as good practice in the interim.