Global Regulation Diverging, Impacting Companies

A recent analysis suggests global regulation is moving towards divergence rather than convergence, creating new risks and strategic friction for multinational companies. This trend impacts areas like sustainability, AI, data protection, and antitrust, increasing compliance burdens and providing new leverage for activist investors.

Australia Inbound M&A Volume Highest in Decade

Australia experienced its highest inbound M&A volume in over a decade during 2025, with 445 deals announced by overseas bidders. The total inbound deal value reached US$45.8 billion, a 47 percent increase from the previous year, driven by strong activity in the energy, mining, and utilities sectors.

Steven Norris v. Jennifer Norris - Divorce Settlement Dispute

The Indiana Supreme Court affirmed a lower court's original order in Steven Norris v. Jennifer Norris, ruling that the trial court lacked jurisdiction to issue a revised order during an appeal. The court also held that the ex-husband's damages claim for unpaid joint loans was speculative and unproven.

Colorado Bankruptcy Court Denies Application to Employ Counsel

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado denied an application by a Chapter 7 Trustee to employ the Larson Law Firm, LLC, on a contingent fee basis. The court cited its independent duty to review attorney employment and compensation terms.

Colorado Bankruptcy Court Denies Trustee's Firm Contingent Fee Application

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado denied an application to employ a law firm on a contingent fee basis for the Chapter 7 Trustee. The court found the application deficient and denied it without prejudice, indicating that a revised application might be considered.

In re Jasmine Lashawn Crespo - Bankruptcy Court Opinion

The US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Colorado denied an application by the Chapter 7 Trustee to employ a law firm on a contingent fee basis. The court found the application did not meet the necessary standards for approval.

Netchoice LLC v. Bonta - California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed in part and vacated in part a preliminary injunction against California's Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (CAADCA). The court found NetChoice was unlikely to succeed on facial challenges to the CAADCA's coverage definition and age estimation requirement, vacating the injunction on those grounds. However, the injunction was affirmed regarding data use and dark patterns restrictions due to vagueness.

Combs v. Broomfield - Habeas Corpus Death Penalty Petition Denial Affirmed

The Ninth Circuit affirmed the denial of Michael Stephen Combs' habeas corpus petition challenging his death sentence. The court found that the California Supreme Court reasonably applied federal law in denying claims of ineffective assistance of counsel during the penalty phase.

Lanaute v. United States - Sentencing Enhancement Appeal

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a district court's decision to apply a career-offender enhancement to Jonathan Lanaute's sentence for bank robbery. The court found that Lanaute's prior Louisiana convictions for armed robbery and attempted armed robbery qualified as "crimes of violence" under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.

Department for Education: Regenerative Schools Pilot - Academic Advisor Procurement

The UK Department for Education has published a preliminary market engagement notice for an Academic Advisor for its Regenerative Schools Pilot. This notice outlines the department's plan to research and develop ultra-low-carbon school buildings and related interventions, seeking input on the project.

Somerset NHS Trust Contract Award for Community Investigation Hubs

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has awarded a contract for Community Investigation Hubs across 13 lots. This contract award notice was published on March 12, 2026, detailing the procurement identifier and the various geographical areas covered by the hubs.

Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority Contract Award: Vehicle Depollution Services

The Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority has awarded a contract for the supply, delivery, collection, and disposal of depolluted end-of-life vehicles. This contract is for training purposes across Devon and Somerset and has been published on the UK's Find a Tender service.

Space Technology Solutions Award Notice

The UK Crown Commercial Service has published an award notice for Space Technology Solutions, indicating a modification to supplier arrangements. Serco Limited has been added to and removed from specific service parts within the procurement framework.

Mentoring Service for Young People at Risk of Violence Contract Award

The London Borough of Barking and Dagenham has awarded a contract for a Mentoring Service for Young People at Risk of Serious Youth Violence. The contract, valued at £247,281.25 excluding VAT, will commence on April 1, 2026, and run for two years with a possible one-year extension.

Space Technology Solutions Procurement Award Notice

The UK Crown Commercial Service has published an award notice for Space Technology Solutions, adding IT DRONE AND SOFTWARE SERVICES LTD to various service categories. This notice is part of the procurement process under the Procurement Act 2023.

Barnsley Council Awards Revenue & Benefits Solution Contract

Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council has awarded a contract to MRI Software LLC for a Revenues and Benefits solution. This award is a direct award under the UK's Procurement Act 2023, citing technical incompatibility reasons for not conducting a wider market exercise.

FSCS Market Engagement for Microsoft Cloud Services

The UK's Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) has issued a preliminary market engagement notice regarding the procurement of a Microsoft Cloud Service Provider and support. The estimated contract value is £10,000,000 over four years, with engagement closing on March 31, 2026.

Space Technology Solutions Tender Awarded

The UK Crown Commercial Service has awarded a tender for Space Technology Solutions, adding SATSENSE LIMITED to several procurement parts. This modification notice was published on March 12, 2026, with the modification date of March 11, 2026.

Wrexham University Heating Mechanical Servicing Tender Notice

Wrexham University has published a tender notice for heating and mechanical servicing. The estimated contract value is £175,000 excluding VAT, with a duration of 5 years. The tender submission deadline is May 14, 2026.

Wrexham University Air Conditioning and Ventilation Servicing Tender

Wrexham University has published a tender notice for air conditioning and ventilation servicing. The contract is estimated at £84,000 excluding VAT and will cover planned preventative maintenance, reactive maintenance, and statutory inspections. The tender submission deadline is May 14, 2026.

Wrexham University Lift Servicing Tender

Wrexham University has published a tender notice for fully comprehensive lift servicing across its estate, estimated at £90,000 including VAT. The tender is being conducted under the Procurement Act 2023, with a submission deadline of May 14, 2026.

UKHSA Diagnostic and Research Framework Tender Notice

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has published a tender notice for a new Diagnostic and Research Framework (DRF). The framework, valued at up to £6.25 billion, will support UKHSA's diagnostic and research activities and is divided into two lots: diagnostic goods/services and research products.

Argenta House Main Contractor Tender Awarded to Midgard Ltd

Clarion Housing has awarded a £68.35 million contract to Midgard Ltd for the design and build of 180 affordable homes at Argenta House. The direct award was justified due to the insolvency of the previous contractor, Henry Construction, and the urgent need to ensure project continuity and meet funding deadlines.

Hull and East Yorkshire Authority Connect to Work Tender Notice

The Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority has published a tender notice for its Connect to Work (CtW) Programme, seeking to commission supported employment provision. The total estimated value for the contract is £9,010,000, with services to be delivered from June 2026 to May 2030.

Regenerative Schools Programme Technical Academic Advisors Tender Notice

The UK Department for Education has published a tender notice for Technical and Academic Advisors for its Regenerative Schools Programme. This initiative aims to develop ultra-low-carbon school buildings and related interventions, guided by the recent Education Estates Strategy.

Worcester City Council Tender for Horizon Community Centre Play Area

Worcester City Council has issued a tender notice for the design and implementation of improvements to the Horizon Community Centre Play Area. The estimated value of the contract is £100,000 excluding VAT, with a tender submission deadline of April 13, 2026.

WaterSMART: Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects Funding Opportunity

The Bureau of Reclamation has announced the WaterSMART Large-Scale Water Recycling Projects funding opportunity. This program invites eligible entities in the Western United States to apply for federal cost-sharing for water recycling projects with total costs of $500 million or more.

AI Innovation Adoption Program Funding Opportunity

The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy has announced the Fueling AI Innovation and Adoption (FAIIA) program, a funding opportunity for U.S.-based not-for-profit and for-profit organizations. The program aims to address obstacles in international AI deployment and adoption, counter foreign influence, and promote U.S. technological leadership. Applications are being accepted.

NEH Collections Stewardship Grant Opportunity

The National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced a new Collections Stewardship grant opportunity, offering up to $14,000,000 for projects focused on preserving and making accessible physical and digital humanities collections. Applications are due by May 11, 2026.

National Institute of Corrections New Jail Planning Initiative

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has announced the continuation of Cooperative Agreement award 23JD13GLP1 for the New Jail Planning Initiative. This notice is not a request for applications but provides information on the award, which includes revising jail and justice system materials and conducting technical assistance. The award amount is $350,000.

NIC Cooperative Agreement Continuation Notice

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has issued a notice regarding the continuation of Cooperative Agreement award 24CS07GLUO. This notice is not a request for applications but provides information on an existing award for implementing a structured decision-making framework tool in parole release decisions.

FY26 John McCain Study of U.S. Institute for Student Leaders Program

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the FY26 John McCain Study of the U.S. Institute for Student Leaders program. This program aims to provide foreign undergraduate students with a deeper understanding of American leadership and the rule of law. Proposals are due for this academic exchange program.

FY 2026 Study of U.S. Institutes for Scholars Proposals Invited

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) is inviting proposals from U.S. academic and cultural institutions for the FY 2026 Study of the U.S. Institutes for Scholars (SUSI for Scholars) program. Three programs will be funded, focusing on Critical Minerals, Digital Transformation, and Economics and Business, to be implemented in summer 2027.

EPA National Environmental Education and Training Program Funding Opportunity

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a funding opportunity for its National Environmental Education and Training Program. The program aims to provide environmental education training to professionals across the U.S. Applications are due by April 27, 2026, with a total award of $4,740,000 available.

NIC Continuation Notice for Cooperative Agreement 25CS06GLV5

The National Institute of Corrections (NIC) has issued a continuation notice for Cooperative Agreement award 25CS06GLV5, related to sustaining organizational resources for behavior change. This notice is not a request for applications and confirms the continuation of an existing award.

DOE FY2026 Research Opportunities in Accelerator Stewardship and Development

The Department of Energy's Office of Science is seeking applications for its FY2026 research opportunities in accelerator stewardship and development. This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) aims to advance accelerator science and technology and support domestic supplier development, with a total program funding of $15,000,000.

USGS Seeks Research on Snowmelt Timing and Avalanche Trends

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has issued a funding opportunity for research on snowmelt timing and avalanche trends. Eligible applicants are partners of the Rocky Mountain Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU). The application deadline is April 14, 2026.

FY 2026 Ocean Technology Transition Program Grant Opportunity

The U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS) is seeking applications for its FY 2026 Ocean Technology Transition Program. The program aims to fund projects that transition ocean observing technologies from research to operational status, with up to $7.5 million available over three years.

Nigeria Alumni Fund Supports Innovative Alumni Projects

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria has announced the Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF) for U.S. government-sponsored exchange program alumni. The fund supports innovative projects worldwide, with this year's cycle emphasizing the U.S.'s 250th anniversary.

2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund

The U.S. Mission to Morocco has announced the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund (AEIF 2026), offering grants from $5,000 to $35,000 for alumni-led initiatives. Applications are due April 24, 2026, with projects expected to start in September 2026.

FY 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program Competition Announced

The Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs has announced the FY 2027 Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program competition. This notice seeks proposals for cooperative agreements to manage the fellowship, which brings international professionals to the U.S. for academic study and professional experiences.

IIJA SPARK: Transmission Tech Upgrades for Grid Infrastructure Funding Opportunity

The National Energy Technology Laboratory has announced the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) SPARK funding opportunity, DE-FOA-0003580, for transmission technology upgrades. The program aims to enhance electric grid capacity and reliability, with awards ranging from $250,000,000 to $1,900,000,000.

AEPD Resolution on GDPR Rights Procedure

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has issued a resolution regarding a GDPR rights procedure. The resolution addresses a complaint where a data subject exercised their right of access, and the data controller failed to provide a legally established response within the stipulated timeframe. The AEPD admitted the claim for processing.

GDPR Rights Procedure Resolution Against CaixaBank Payments

The Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) has issued a resolution regarding a GDPR rights procedure against CaixaBank Payments & Consumer. The case involves a consumer's complaint about inclusion in a debt collection file without proper notification or justification of debt assignment.

Benton School District v. Brandi Greer - Supreme Court Opinion

The Supreme Court of Arkansas reversed a lower court's decision, finding that Brandi Greer's claims of unlawful retaliation by the Benton School District failed as a matter of law. The court reversed the jury's award of $7,000 in damages and a permanent injunction against the district.

Benton School District v. Brandi Greer - Attorneys' Fees Award Reversed

The Supreme Court of Arkansas reversed and dismissed an award of $106,959.79 in attorneys' fees and costs to Brandi Greer. This decision follows the reversal of the underlying judgment in a companion case, rendering Greer no longer the prevailing party.

Red Roof Inns v. Jane Doe - Pro Hac Vice Admission Ruling

The Supreme Court of Arkansas reversed a lower court's decision denying pro hac vice admission to out-of-state attorneys representing Red Roof Inns. The court found the lower court erred in denying the petitions and remanded the case for further proceedings.

EU Statement on Countries Aligning with Terrorist List Update

The EU has issued a statement noting that several non-EU countries have aligned with a recent Council Decision updating the EU's terrorist list. This alignment means these countries will conform their national policies to the updated list of individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures.

European Council Invitation: Middle East, Ukraine, Competitiveness, MFF

European Council President António Costa has invited members to a meeting on March 19-20, 2026, to discuss the Middle East escalation, Ukraine, strategic competitiveness, the Multiannual Financial Framework, defense readiness, and migration. The invitation outlines key agenda items and the urgency of coordinated responses.

Press Briefing for General Affairs Council

The Council of the EU has issued a media advisory for a press briefing concerning the General Affairs Council meeting on March 17, 2026. The briefing will take place on March 13, 2026, and is designated as 'off the record'. Journalists must register by March 13, 2025, to participate.