OFAC 50 Percent Rule: Ownership Aggregation and Sanctions Compliance

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued guidance clarifying its 50 Percent Rule. This rule treats entities owned 50 percent or more in aggregate by blocked persons as themselves blocked, regardless of whether they are individually listed. The guidance emphasizes the need for sophisticated beneficial ownership tracing beyond simple list screening.

US Government Mobilizes War Risk Insurance for Middle East Commerce

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will offer political risk insurance and guaranty products to stabilize international commerce and support businesses operating in the Middle East. This initiative aims to mitigate disruptions caused by conflict with the Iranian regime and stabilize the war risk insurance market.

Commonwealth v. Sprows-Watson - Appeals Court Opinion

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential summary decision affirming a lower court's order denying the Commonwealth's motion for a continuance and allowing the defendants' motions to dismiss charges without prejudice. The decision addresses discovery disputes related to traffic stops and enforcement patterns.

Sophia Terry v. William Powley - Contempt of Court

The Massachusetts Appeals Court affirmed a Probate and Family Court judgment finding a mother not in contempt for alleged violations of a parenting time order. The court found insufficient evidence of clear and convincing disobedience of the court's command regarding supervised parenting time.

Thomas B. Francis, Third v. Suffolk County Sheriff's Department - Employment Discrimination Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a lower court's decision regarding employment discrimination claims. The plaintiff appealed after a jury found in favor of the employer on retaliation claims, following summary judgment on sexual harassment and age discrimination claims.

Guy Maddalone v. Board of Appeals of Nantucket - Zoning Special Permit Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming a Land Court judgment that upheld the Nantucket Board of Appeals' decision to grant a special permit. The permit allows for the renovation and enlargement of existing structures on a property, despite objections from an abutter.

Commonwealth v. Scott K. Tavares - Probation Violation Appeal

The Massachusetts Appeals Court issued a non-precedential opinion affirming an order revoking Scott K. Tavares' probation. The defendant appealed, claiming ineffective assistance of counsel and due process violations related to new criminal offenses alleged as probation violations.

Trifecta v. CT Investments - Arizona Court of Appeals Opinion

The Arizona Court of Appeals reversed and remanded a lower court's decision, finding that a judgment was satisfied in full. The court determined that the plaintiff accepted payments from a third party that fully covered the judgment amount, contrary to the lower court's ruling.

Arizona Court of Appeals - Parental Rights Termination

The Arizona Court of Appeals affirmed the termination of parental rights for a mother due to ongoing substance abuse and neglect. The decision, docketed as 1 CA-JV 25-0144, is non-precedential and applies only to the specific case.

US v. Tekola - Sentence Affirmed for Drug Distribution

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed Isaac Tekola's sentence for drug distribution charges. The court upheld the district court's decision to apply a sentencing enhancement for maintaining a premises for drug trafficking, finding it was a primary use of his residence.