Lithium-ion Battery Fire Risk Analysis

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has published a technical note analyzing the risks associated with lithium-ion battery fires. The report provides data-driven estimates on the frequency of electric vehicle and structural fires involving these batteries, highlighting potential underestimations in current reporting.

NIST Publication on Inefficient Cryocooler Compression

NIST published a study on March 10, 2026, detailing inefficiencies in low-frequency cryocoolers used in scientific research. The publication highlights that the compression process is a major source of energy loss, suggesting potential for significant electricity savings with improved compressor technology.

KKR / PAG / SAPPORO REAL ESTATE Merger Decision

The European Commission has approved the proposed concentration by which KKR and PAG will acquire joint control of Sapporo Real Estate Co., Ltd. The decision was made under Article 6(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation and Article 57 of the EEA Agreement.

Centofante et al. v. Ferguson - Property Dispute Court Opinion

The Arkansas Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a lower court's dismissal of a property dispute case. The appellants, referred to as the 'Coalition,' argued the Pulaski County Circuit Court erred in finding it lacked subject-matter jurisdiction and in transferring the case. This is the second appeal in this ongoing litigation.

Karlowski v. Karlowski - Covenant Marriage Judicial Separation

The Arkansas Court of Appeals reviewed a covenant marriage judicial separation case, Patrick Karlowski v. Elizabeth Karlowski. The court affirmed in part and reversed and remanded in part the lower court's order concerning child custody, visitation, and a no-contact order.

Robert Hoffman, Jr. v. State of Arkansas - Criminal Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed a conviction for fleeing, reckless driving, and speeding. The appellant challenged the fleeing conviction, arguing insufficient evidence of intent. The court found sufficient evidence based on the totality of the circumstances presented.

Deno Dicamillo v. State of Arkansas - Criminal Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed a conviction for rape and sexual assault. The appellant argued that evidence of his failure to appear in court was improperly admitted. The court found the evidence relevant to show consciousness of guilt.

Billy Bagwell v. State of Arkansas - Rape Conviction Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the rape conviction of Billy Bagwell. Bagwell appealed his conviction, arguing insufficient evidence, but the court found the evidence sufficient to support the jury's verdict. The opinion was delivered on March 11, 2026.

Jearl Shane Griffin v. State of Arkansas - Theft Conviction Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Jearl Shane Griffin for theft by receiving property. Griffin was sentenced to five years' probation and fined $7,000. The appeal challenged the sufficiency of the evidence.

Bollinger Farms v. Farm Credit Midsouth - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Arkansas Court of Appeals issued an opinion in Bollinger Farms v. Farm Credit Midsouth, reversing and remanding a lower court's order regarding attorneys' fees. The case involves a long-standing dispute between agricultural entities and their creditor.

Christa Craig v. State of Arkansas - Probation Revocation Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision to revoke Christa Craig's probation. Craig had appealed the revocation, arguing insufficient evidence. The court found the evidence sufficient to support the revocation based on alleged violations including failure to report and pay fees.

Jasmine Henson v. Arkansas Department of Human Services - Parental Rights Termination

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed an order terminating Jasmine Henson's parental rights to her three children. The court granted the counsel's motion to withdraw, finding no arguable merit in an appeal. The termination followed an emergency hold initiated due to allegations of child sexual abuse by the children's father and the mother's permitting of child abuse.

Golden Kinsey v. Anitra Ford - Order of Protection Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed an order of protection against Golden Kinsey, prohibiting contact with Anitra Ford for ten years and their minor daughter for six months. Kinsey appealed the order, arguing it was based on conduct outside Arkansas and that the findings of domestic abuse were erroneous.

Talley v. Johnson - Tort Immunity Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's denial of a motion to dismiss filed by a police officer and the City of Jonesboro. The appeal concerned the officer's claim of tort immunity following a traffic accident. The court's decision impacts the scope of immunity for law enforcement actions.

Stanfield v. Arkansas Dept. Human Services - Parental Rights Termination

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of parental rights for Jeffery Stanfield. The court granted the motion to withdraw filed by Stanfield's counsel, who asserted there were no arguable issues on appeal. The case involved allegations of drug use and endangerment of minor children.

Earnest Maxwell v. Lavski Management, LLC - Unlawful Detainer

The Arkansas Court of Appeals has issued an opinion in the case of Earnest Maxwell v. Lavski Management, LLC. The court remanded the case to settle and supplement the record, specifically concerning a transcript of a hearing that encompassed Maxwell's motion to dismiss and Lavski's request for damages.

Cheyanna Spann v. State of Arkansas - Probation Revocation

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the revocation of Cheyanna Spann's probation for possession of methamphetamine, theft, and failure to pay court fees. Spann was originally placed on probation in May 2024 and subsequently violated its terms, leading to a four-year prison sentence.

Mask and Conner v. Arkansas Dept. of Human Services - Termination of Parental Rights

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of parental rights for Ashley Mask and Wyatt Conner to their daughter. The court found no arguable merit in the appeal and granted the motion to withdraw filed by Conner's counsel. This decision upholds the circuit court's ruling that termination was in the child's best interest.

Union Insurance Company v. Auto-Owners Insurance Company - Insurance Coverage Dispute

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's summary judgment in favor of Auto-Owners Insurance Company in a dispute between Union Insurance Company, Chuck Hamilton Construction, Inc., and Auto-Owners. The case involved an insurance coverage dispute stemming from construction defects alleged by homeowners.

Arkadelphia City Manager v. Beene - Court Opinion

The Arkansas Court of Appeals reviewed a lower court's denial of summary judgment for the City of Arkadelphia regarding governmental immunity. The court affirmed in part and reversed and remanded in part the decision concerning the City's claimed easement and trespass claims against the Beene family.

John Lang v. State of Arkansas - Criminal Appeal

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of John Lang for rape and sexual assault. Lang was sentenced to seventy years imprisonment. The court found sufficient evidence to support the convictions based on the victim's testimony.

Vicentic v. Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board - License Revocation

The Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed the revocation of Green Springs Medical LLC's dispensary license. The court found that the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board's decision was supported by substantial evidence and followed lawful procedure, upholding the revocation of the license.

Supreme Court of New Jersey Opinion on Vicarious Liability for Teacher Sexual Abuse

The Supreme Court of New Jersey issued an opinion in Russell Forde Hornor v. Upper Freehold Regional Board of Education, addressing vicarious liability for school districts concerning teacher sexual abuse. The Court considered whether N.J.S.A. 59:2-1.3(a)(1) allows for imposing liability on a school district for a teacher's sexual abuse of a student outside the scope of employment.

State of Iowa v. John Robert West - Child Sex Abuse Case Opinion

The Iowa Court of Appeals filed an opinion affirming the conviction of John Robert West for seven counts of second-degree sexual abuse and four counts of lascivious acts with a child. The court addressed West's claims regarding insufficient evidence, territorial jurisdiction, and sentencing.

State v. Owens - Stalking Conviction Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed Jereme Owens' stalking conviction, finding sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict. Owens had appealed his conviction, arguing insufficient evidence for key elements of the stalking charge.

State v. McKnight - Appeal Dismissed

The Iowa Court of Appeals dismissed the appeal of Jerell Theodore McKnight in State v. McKnight. The court found it lacked jurisdiction because McKnight failed to establish good cause to appeal following his guilty plea, specifically by not filing a motion in arrest of judgment. The dismissal upholds the original sentencing.

State of Iowa v. Jerell Theodore McKnight - Criminal Appeal Dismissal

The Iowa Court of Appeals dismissed Jerell McKnight's appeal regarding his guilty plea to willful injury. The dismissal was based on McKnight's failure to establish good cause to challenge his plea by not filing a motion in arrest of judgment, thus lacking jurisdiction.

State of Iowa v. Taurean Lee Murray Jr. - Criminal Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a conviction for violating a statute prohibiting persons ineligible to carry dangerous weapons. The defendant challenged the statute's constitutionality, but the court found it compliant with state and federal law, referencing a prior supreme court ruling.

State of Iowa v. Taurean Lee Murray Jr. - Criminal Conviction Affirmation

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Taurean Lee Murray Jr. for carrying a dangerous weapon while ineligible. The court rejected his arguments that the statute was unconstitutional and that the district court erred in denying his motion to dismiss.

State of Iowa v. Scott Chase Barnum - Criminal Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a criminal defendant's discretionary sentence following a guilty plea. The court found that the district court properly considered the defendant's statements regarding his knowledge of the victim's age and was not required to accept the defendant's expert testimony.

State of Iowa v. Ray Myron Rice Jr. - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed Ray Myron Rice Jr.'s conviction for domestic-abuse assault but vacated part of his sentence related to a no-contact order. The court remanded the case for correction of the no-contact order, specifically regarding findings of 'intimate partner' status and a firearm prohibition based on that finding.

Iowa Court of Appeals Dismisses Erik John Hanson's Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals dismissed Erik John Hanson's appeal challenging his guilty plea to assault causing bodily injury. The court found that Hanson waived his claims regarding the right to counsel by entering a guilty plea, and therefore, the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal.

State of Iowa v. Erik John Hanson - Criminal Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals dismissed Erik Hanson's appeal challenging his guilty plea for assault causing bodily injury. The court found it lacked jurisdiction because Hanson waived any conflict claim with his counsel.

State of Iowa v. Jerry Christopher Johnson - Criminal Sentencing Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision to revoke Jerry Johnson's deferred judgment and sentence him to prison. The court found no abuse of discretion in the sentencing, citing Johnson's repeated probation violations, including absconding for nearly four years.

State of Iowa v. Jereme Michael Owens - Stalking Conviction Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a conviction for stalking in violation of a protective order. The defendant appealed, arguing insufficient evidence, but the court found the evidence supported the conviction for a course of conduct intended to cause fear or intimidation. The appellate court's decision upholds the lower court's ruling and sentence.

State v. Ray Rice Jr. - Conviction Affirmed, Sentence Vacated

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed Ray Rice Jr.'s conviction for domestic-abuse assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. The court vacated a portion of his sentence related to a no-contact order finding him and his mother to be "intimate partners" and a firearm prohibition based on that finding, remanding for correction.

Drew Matthew Moir v. State of Iowa - Postconviction Relief Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of postconviction relief for Drew Matthew Moir. The court's decision was based on the postconviction court's credibility findings and the applicant's failure to demonstrate he would have demanded a trial with different counsel.

State of Iowa v. John Robert West - Affirmation of Convictions

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the convictions of John Robert West for sexual abuse and lascivious acts with a child. The court rejected West's claims regarding territorial jurisdiction, variance between charges and proof, insufficient evidence of age, and sentencing.

Court of Appeals Opinion on Postconviction Relief Denial

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of postconviction relief for Drew Matthew Moir. The court found that Moir failed to prove ineffective assistance of counsel regarding his waiver to adult court and that he would have demanded a trial, upholding the lower court's decision.

State of Iowa v. Scott Chase Barnum - Criminal Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a discretionary sentence for Scott Chase Barnum, who appealed his conviction for performing sex acts on a minor. The court addressed Barnum's challenges regarding the consideration of his statements about the victim's age and the weight given to expert testimony.

Charles White v. State of Iowa - Postconviction Relief Denied

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of Charles White's application for postconviction relief. The court found that White's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel were not preserved and would also fail on the merits. This decision upholds the original convictions.

White v. State of Iowa - Post-Conviction Relief Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of Charles White's application for post-conviction relief. The court found that White's claims of ineffective assistance of counsel were not preserved and would have been rejected on the merits even if preserved.

Dakota Poland v. State of Iowa - Ineffective Counsel Claim

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court's decision, dismissing Dakota Poland's second postconviction relief application. The court found the application time-barred by the three-year statute of limitations.

Dakota Poland v. State of Iowa - Postconviction Relief Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of Dakota Poland's second postconviction relief application. The court found that Poland's application was time-barred by the statute of limitations, despite the lower court's ruling on other grounds.

State of Iowa v. Jerry Christopher Johnson - Sentence Affirmation

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the sentence imposed on Jerry Christopher Johnson after the revocation of his deferred judgment. The court found no abuse of discretion in the sentencing decision.

Iowa Court of Appeals Opinion - L.S. v. A.A.

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision regarding a protective order and child custody. The court found no basis to grant the relief requested by the appellant, upholding the mediated agreement and subsequent decree.

L.S. v. A.A. - Custody and Protective Order Modification Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision regarding custody, physical care, and support, as well as a modification of a protective order. The appellate court found no basis to grant the appellant relief on her various claims, including issues related to mediation, recusal, and a motion for new trial.

Massachusetts Awards $8.7M for Energy Efficiency Projects

The Massachusetts Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $8.7 million in grant funding for 34 energy efficiency and clean energy projects. The funding, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, will support municipal water facilities, agricultural and food-producing non-profits, and small businesses.

Enterprise Act 2002 (Bodies Designated to make Super-complaints) (Amendment) Order 2026

The UK Secretary of State has issued the Enterprise Act 2002 (Bodies Designated to make Super-complaints) (Amendment) Order 2026, adding Consumer Scotland to the list of designated bodies that can make super-complaints to the Competition and Markets Authority. This amendment comes into force on April 6, 2026.

Social Security Order Modifies Acts for India Contributions Agreement

The UK Government has issued the Social Security (Contributions) (Republic of India) Order 2026, modifying relevant UK legislation to give effect to a new Social Security Agreement with India. This agreement aims to coordinate social security contributions between the two countries.