MassDEP Awards $200,000 in Water Quality Monitoring Grants

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) announced $200,000 in grants to five watershed coalitions for water quality monitoring. The funding will support surface water monitoring efforts in various regions across the state, benefiting disadvantaged communities and aligning with federal Clean Water Act requirements.

AG Weiser Opposes HPE/Juniper Merger Settlement

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser led a coalition of state attorneys general in opposing the $14 billion merger settlement between Hewlett Packard Enterprises and Juniper Networks. The coalition argues the settlement was corrupted by improper influence at the Department of Justice and harms competition, urging the court to reject it under the Tunney Act.

HKMA Scam Alert Related to Banks

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) has issued a scam alert regarding fraudulent websites and phishing attempts targeting bank customers. The alert specifically mentions OCBC Bank (Hong Kong) Limited and advises the public on how to protect themselves and report suspicious activity.

PHMSA Supplement to P-1800 Guidance

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) has posted a supplement to its P-1800 document. This supplement provides additional information or clarification related to existing guidance for the transportation of hazardous materials.

DFARS Rule: Estonia Added as Qualifying Country

The Department of Defense has issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to add Estonia as a qualifying country. This change impacts acquisition regulations related to procurements from this country.

DFARS: Independent Research and Development Expenses

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System has issued a proposed rule concerning Independent Research and Development (IR&D) expenses under the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). This proposed rule aims to update regulations related to how IR&D costs are treated in defense contracts.

DFARS Proposed Rule on Solicitation Provisions and Contract Clauses

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System has issued a proposed rule regarding the review of DFARS solicitation provisions and contract clauses by the DoD Regulatory Reform Task Force. This action is part of a broader regulatory reform initiative within the Department of Defense.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement Technical Amendments

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System has published technical amendments to the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). These amendments update various sections of the DFARS to ensure consistency and accuracy in procurement regulations.

DFARS: Postaward Debriefings

The Defense Acquisition Regulations System has issued a final rule amending the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) regarding postaward debriefings. This rule, effective March 18, 2022, updates requirements for debriefings provided to unsuccessful offerors on contract awards.

FEC Offers Spring FECFile Webinars for Committees

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is offering spring webinars to assist committees using its FECFile e-filing software. These training sessions will cover filing information and demonstrate the software to help committees prepare for their April reports.

Banca d'Italia: January Bond Issues Total €4.4 Billion

The Banca d'Italia reported that net bond issues by resident sectors in January 2026 totaled €4.4 billion. General government net issues were positive at €3.0 billion, driven by BTPs and other central government securities, while BOTs contributed negatively. Other financial intermediaries, insurance corporations, and non-financial corporations also contributed positively to the remaining €1.3 billion in net issues.

Public Finances: Borrowing Requirement and Debt - January 2026

The Bank of Italy has published its report on public finances, detailing the borrowing requirement and debt for January 2026. The report includes statistical data on government debt holders and changes in debt levels.

CONSOB Consultation on Issuer and Market Regulations

CONSOB has launched a market consultation on proposed amendments to regulations concerning issuers, markets, and related parties. Key changes include raising the internal dealing communication threshold and simplifying prospectus and offering procedures to reduce burdens while protecting investors. The consultation period ends on April 7, 2026.

French Competition Authority Clears Joint Takeover of La Vie Claire

The French Competition Authority has unconditionally cleared the joint takeover of La Vie Claire by Crédit Mutuel Equity and Famille Pelen & Cie. The decision, dated March 16, 2026, found no risk to competition in the organic food retail sector.

EMA CHMP Agenda: Hetlioz for Smith-Magenis Syndrome

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published the agenda for an extraordinary CHMP meeting on March 16, 2026. The agenda includes discussions on the re-examination procedure for Hetlioz (Tasimelteon) for Smith-Magenis Syndrome, involving oral explanations and variations to marketing authorisations.

COVID-19 Vaccines: Safety Profile Confirmed

The French National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) has confirmed the safety profile of COVID-19 vaccines. The agency stated that no new safety signals have been identified, reinforcing the established safety of these vaccines.

BIS Appoints Hélène Rey as Economic Adviser and Department Head

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) announced the appointment of Hélène Rey as its new Economic Adviser and Head of the Monetary and Economic Department. Ms Rey will serve a five-year term starting September 2026, succeeding Hyun Song Shin.

CFTC Names Jessica Harris as Director of Data and Chief Data Officer

The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) announced the appointment of Jessica Harris as Director of the Division of Data and Chief Data Officer. This appointment aims to enhance the CFTC's data strategy amidst evolving derivatives markets.

UK Financial Ombudsman and FCA Modernise Redress System

The UK Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) are implementing measures to modernise the financial redress system. These changes aim to ensure consumers receive fair and timely compensation while providing businesses with greater certainty. Key reforms include a new registration stage for complaints.

FRC Guidance on Flexible Governance Reporting

The Financial Reporting Council (FRC) has published new guidance to help investors and advisors better understand flexible governance reporting. The guidance aims to encourage recognition of the value in companies thoughtfully departing from the UK Corporate Governance Code with clear explanations.

ICC Shares Water Conservation Tips for Fix-a-Leak Week

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is reminding Illinois residents to check for household plumbing leaks during national Fix-a-Leak Week, March 16-22, 2026. The ICC shared tips from the EPA WaterSense program to help detect and fix leaks, potentially reducing water bills by up to 10 percent.

UK Statutory Instrument: Flying restrictions in Manchester

The UK Parliament has issued a new Statutory Instrument imposing flying restrictions in Manchester. This rule, effective January 1, 2026, outlines specific limitations on aerial activities within the designated area.

UK statutory instrument changes Westmorland and Furness electoral arrangements

UK statutory instrument changes Westmorland and Furness electoral arrangements

Protection of Military Remains Act (Designation of Vessels and Controlled Sites) Order 2026

The UK Ministry of Defence has issued the Protection of Military Remains Act 1986 (Designation of Vessels and Controlled Sites) Order 2026. This order designates 113 vessels and 14 sites as controlled sites under the Act, revoking a previous designation order from 2019. The new designations come into force on March 30, 2026.

Designation of Bodies for Government Resources and Accounts Act

The Department of Finance in Northern Ireland has designated 44 bodies under the Government Resources and Accounts Act (Northern Ireland) 2001. This designation is for the financial year ending March 31, 2027, and specifies which bodies are subject to certain estimates and accounts provisions.

Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Department for Communities has issued the Social Security Revaluation of Earnings Factors Order (Northern Ireland) 2026, effective April 6, 2026. This order updates earnings factors for tax years 1978-2025, impacting the calculation of additional pension and guaranteed minimum pensions.

Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order (Northern Ireland) 2026

The Guaranteed Minimum Pensions Increase Order (Northern Ireland) 2026 specifies a 3% increase for guaranteed minimum pensions attributable to earnings factors for tax years 1988-1989 to 1996-1997. This order applies to contracted-out, defined benefit occupational pension schemes.

Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 Commencement Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued regulations bringing specific provisions of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 into force on April 6, 2026. These regulations cover alternative dispute resolution (ADR) for consumer contract disputes and related accreditation criteria, with transitional provisions for ADR providers.

Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026 Commencement

The UK Secretary of State has issued regulations to bring the Unauthorised Entry to Football Matches Act 2026 into force on March 22, 2026. This Act introduces a new offence for unauthorised entry into designated football matches.

UK Statutory Instrument: 20mph Speed Limit on A87 Uig

The UK government has issued a statutory instrument establishing a 20mph speed limit on the A87 road in Uig. This rule aims to enhance road safety in the specified area. The instrument is effective from January 27, 2026.

The Care Leaver Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026

The Scottish Ministers have issued the Care Leaver Payment (Scotland) Regulations 2026, establishing a new payment system for care leavers. These regulations, made under the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018, come into force on April 1, 2026.

Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026

The Scottish Ministers have issued the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exclusions and Exceptions) (Domestic Homicide and Suicide Reviews) (Scotland) Amendment Order 2026. This order amends the 2013 Order to incorporate definitions and exclusions related to domestic homicide and suicide reviews under the Criminal Justice Modernisation and Abusive Domestic Behaviour Reviews (Scotland) Act 2025.

Local Elections (Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2026

The Welsh Ministers have issued the Local Elections (Wales) (Amendment) Rules 2026, amending existing rules for local elections in Wales. These rules, made on March 11, 2026, and effective March 13, 2026, introduce changes to nomination papers, inspection of documents, and ballot paper content.

Scotland Offshore Wind Habitat Regulations Amendments

The Scottish Ministers have amended the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 to introduce specific provisions for compensatory measures related to offshore wind activity. These regulations, which come into force on May 25, 2026, outline requirements for securing compensatory measures that benefit the UK MPA network.

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Fees) Order 2026

The UK Home Office has issued the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (Fees) Order 2026, increasing licensing fees for scientific procedures. The fixed element of the fee increases from £1007 to £1168, and the variable element increases from £329 to £382, effective April 6, 2026. The 2024 Fees Order is revoked.

Digital Markets Act ADR Fees Regulations 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 (Alternative Dispute Resolution) (Fees) Regulations 2026. These regulations establish fees for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) providers seeking accreditation or variation of accreditation under the Act, and periodic fees for accredited providers.

Whole Life Center Church v. Dade County Tax Assessors - Tax Exemption Appeal

The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed the trial court's dismissal of Whole Life Center Church's appeal for tax exemption. The dismissal was based on the church's failure to retain legal counsel as instructed by the court, as an unincorporated organization cannot represent itself in superior court without an attorney. The court did not reach the merits of the tax exemption claim.

Stephen Michael Sullivan v. Trustgard Insurance Company - Insurance Coverage Dispute

The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's decision in a dispute between Stephen Michael Sullivan and Trustgard Insurance Company regarding uninsured motorist (UM) coverage limits. The court found that the UM policy limit should be $1 million, not $100,000 as determined by the trial court.

Robert Parker v. State - Criminal Appeal

The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed a trial court's decision to exclude evidence of prior rape allegations made by the alleged victim against other men in the case of Robert Parker v. State. The court found that the exclusion was proper based on the current record.

Cobb County v. Ray Murphy - Zoning Dispute

The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed in part and vacated in part the trial court's order denying Cobb County's motion to dismiss Ray Murphy's challenge to a zoning classification and special land use permit denial. The court remanded the case with direction, finding that the trial court erred in allowing review of a time-barred zoning classification and permitting discovery outside the statutory record review.

Court of Appeals of Georgia Opinion - Ellerbee v. Dotson

The Georgia Court of Appeals reversed in part a superior court's grant of summary judgment in favor of Tommy Dotson in a property ownership dispute. The court found genuine issues of material fact regarding an alleged agreement to sell the property, precluding summary judgment. The case involves the estate of Jacquelyn Ellerbee and Matthew Ellerbee.

Peter v. Howerton - Discretionary Application Dismissed

The Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed Peter Howerton's discretionary application for appeal as untimely. The application was filed one day after the extended deadline, and the court lacked jurisdiction to consider it.

Kingwood International Resort LLC v. McMurry - Fraud and RICO Claims

The Georgia Court of Appeals affirmed fraud and Georgia RICO Act verdicts against Kingwood International Resort LLC and its principals but vacated the punitive damages award, remanding for further proceedings. The court upheld findings that the resort developer lacked valid declarant rights to unilaterally amend subdivision covenants governing assessments and construction standards.

HHS OIG Audit of Gateway Health Plan Medicare Advantage Compliance

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) audited Gateway Health Plan, Inc.'s submission of diagnosis codes to CMS for Medicare Advantage risk adjustment. The audit found that most sampled diagnosis codes were not supported by medical records, leading to an estimated $4.3 million in net overpayments for 2018 and 2019.

Owners and CEO Sentenced for $92.8M Black-Market HIV Drug Scheme

The DOJ announced the sentencing of two owners and the CEO of a wholesale pharmaceutical company to a total of 38 years in prison for distributing over $92.8 million in black-market HIV drugs. The scheme involved purchasing diverted drugs and reintroducing them into the legitimate supply chain, endangering patients.

EDPB EDPS Joint Opinion on Digital Framework Simplification

The EDPB and EDPS have issued a joint opinion supporting simplification and competitiveness within the digital framework. The opinion addresses EU legislative proposals related to data privacy, artificial intelligence, and e-Privacy.

CNIL Consultation on Session Replay Draft Recommendation

The CNIL has launched a public consultation on its draft recommendation for session replay tools. The recommendation aims to guide tool developers and website operators on compliance with data protection rules, particularly concerning user behavior monitoring. The consultation period closes on April 22, 2026.

EDPB, EDPS Joint Opinion on European Biotech Act

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) have issued a joint opinion on the proposed European Biotech Act. They support harmonizing clinical trials but call for specific safeguards for sensitive health data.

FAA Petition Status Update Request

NextGen Drones LLC has submitted a request to the FAA for confirmation of receipt of their Section 44807 petition and guidance on how to track its status. The company also noted an issue with a provided contact phone number.

FAA Grants UAS Exemption to Vulgamore Land & Cattle Co Inc

The FAA has granted an exemption to Vulgamore Land & Cattle Co Inc for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations. This exemption allows for commercial agricultural services using UAS weighing 55 pounds or more, under specific conditions outlined in Title 49 U.S.C. § 44807 and 14 C.F.R. Part 11.