EPSRC Materials Innovation Partnerships Funding Opportunity

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has announced a £7.5 million funding opportunity for Materials Innovation Partnerships. The program aims to foster collaboration between UK businesses and academic institutions to advance materials science, with applications opening on March 3, 2026, and closing on May 14, 2026.

Clark v. Blue Diamond Growers - Class Certification Denial

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois denied a motion for class certification in Margo Clark v. Blue Diamond Growers. The plaintiff alleged deceptive marketing practices related to "Smokehouse® Almonds."

Steve Podkulski v. Tom Dart, et al. - Civil Rights Case

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois granted in part and denied in part the defendants' motion for summary judgment in the civil rights case Steve Podkulski v. Tom Dart, et al. The court's decision addresses claims related to prisoner housing and medical care.

Mendoza, Mulero v. City of Chicago - Wrongful Conviction Case

This court document details a ruling on a motion for a protective order concerning the deposition of former Cook County State's Attorney Kimberly M. Foxx. The case involves plaintiffs alleging wrongful convictions due to actions by the City of Chicago and its officials. The court granted in part and denied in part the motion to limit the deposition scope.

Presidential Proclamation on Countering Cartel Criminal Activity

President Trump issued a proclamation declaring the United States' commitment to dismantling cartels and foreign terrorist organizations in the Western Hemisphere. The proclamation outlines a strategy involving coordinated efforts with allies to deny these organizations resources and territory, and to train partner nation militaries.

Taurus Bernard Dickerson v. Deputy Warden Stanford - Civil Rights Complaint

The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia issued an order and recommendation regarding a civil rights complaint filed by inmate Taurus Bernard Dickerson. The court will allow claims of deliberate indifference to safety and retaliation to proceed, while recommending dismissal of other claims.

Mar-Can Transport v. Local 854 Pension Fund - ERISA Withdrawal Liability

The Second Circuit affirmed a lower court's decision in Mar-Can Transport v. Local 854 Pension Fund, reducing Mar-Can's ERISA withdrawal liability by $1.8 million. The ruling clarifies the interpretation of "unfunded vested benefits" when an employer transitions between multiemployer pension plans due to union representation changes.

Broadcast Music, Inc. v. North American Concert Promoters Association - Antitrust

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's decision regarding music licensing fees set by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) for concert promoters. The court found the imposed rates and expanded definition of gross revenues to be unreasonable, remanding the case for further proceedings.

Care One LLC v NLRB - Court Opinion on Unfair Labor Practice Proceedings

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's denial of a preliminary injunction sought by Care One LLC and its affiliates. The healthcare companies challenged NLRB proceedings, arguing the ALJ was unlawfully appointed. The court found the plaintiffs could not demonstrate irreparable harm, thus denying the injunction.

SBK ART LLC v. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP - Discovery for Foreign Litigation

The Second Circuit affirmed a district court's order granting SBK ART LLC's petition for discovery under 28 U.S.C. §1782 in aid of foreign litigation. The court disagreed with Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP's argument that discovery should be denied if documents are not discoverable from the foreign client abroad.