EDPB/EDPS Support AI Act Streamlining with Stronger Safeguards

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) and European Data Protection Supervisor (EDPS) have issued a joint opinion on the EU Commission's proposal to streamline the AI Act. While supporting administrative simplification, they urge stronger safeguards to protect fundamental rights and advise against removing the registration obligation for high-risk AI systems.

EDPB Conference on Cross-Regulatory Cooperation

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is hosting a conference on March 17, 2026, in Brussels to discuss cross-regulatory cooperation from a data protection perspective. Registration is open until February 26, 2026.

EDPB/EDPS Joint Opinion on Digital Omnibus Regulation Proposal

The EDPB and EDPS have issued a joint opinion on the Digital Omnibus Regulation proposal, supporting simplification efforts while raising concerns about proposed changes to the GDPR's definition of personal data. They also welcome increased data breach notification thresholds and deadlines.

ICO Decision Notice: Cabinet Office FOI Request Breach

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to the Cabinet Office. The ICO upheld a complaint that the Cabinet Office breached FOI rules by failing to respond to a request within the statutory 20-working day period.

ICO Decision Notice: UWE must disclose construction expenditure

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice against the University of the West of England (UWE). UWE is required to disclose construction expenditure information within 30 days, as the ICO found their refusal to be unlawful under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).

Frimley Health NHS Trust FOI Request Upheld

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) request against Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust for failing to respond within the statutory 20 working days. The Trust is now required to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Upholds Lambeth Council's Refusal on Information Request

The ICO has upheld Lambeth Council's refusal of one information request under the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 11(2) and 5(2). However, the Council breached EIR 5(2) by failing to respond within 20 working days and EIR 11(2) by not completing an internal review.

ICO Upholds Complaint Against Birmingham City Council for Delayed Planning Information

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a complaint against Birmingham City Council for failing to provide planning information within the statutory 20-working-day timeframe. The ICO found the council in breach of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIR).

ICO Updates UK GDPR International Transfer Guidance

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has updated its guidance on international personal data transfers under UK GDPR. The revised guidance aims to simplify compliance for businesses by introducing a 'three step test' and clarifying complex areas.

ICO Fines Two Companies £225,000 for Nuisance Marketing

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has fined Allay Claims Ltd and ZMLUK Limited a total of £225,000 for sending millions of unsolicited marketing messages. Allay Claims was fined £120,000 for unlawful text messages, and ZMLUK Limited received a £105,000 fine for unlawful marketing emails.

ICO Investigates Grok AI for Non-Consensual Imagery

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has opened a formal investigation into X Internet Unlimited Company and X.AI LLC regarding their Grok AI system. The investigation will assess compliance with data protection laws concerning the potential generation of non-consensual sexual imagery, including of children.

ICO Reprimands GP Surgery for Excessive Medical Data Disclosure

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has reprimanded Staines Health Group for sending 23 years of a terminally ill patient's medical records directly to an insurer, instead of the requested five years to the patient. The ICO cited a lack of written processes and inadequate training as contributing factors.

ICO Fines MediaLab £247,590 for Children's Privacy Failures

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has fined MediaLab, owner of Imgur, £247,590 for unlawfully processing children's personal data. The investigation found MediaLab failed to implement age checks and obtain parental consent, putting children at risk of exposure to harmful content.

OIG Audit: Medicaid Agencies Made $207M in Unallowable Payments for Deceased Enrollees

The HHS OIG has released an audit report finding that Medicaid agencies made an estimated $207.5 million in unallowable capitation payments to managed care organizations on behalf of deceased enrollees between July 2021 and June 2022. The report recommends CMS provide agencies with data to recover payments and explore OBBB Act implementation.

Maine Medicaid Autism Services Improper Payments

The HHS OIG has issued a report finding that Maine made at least $45.6 million in improper fee-for-service Medicaid payments for autism services provided to children. The audit identified that all sampled claims were improper or potentially improper, leading to recommendations for refunds and improved provider guidance.

HHS OIG: ACF Can Improve Homeless Youth Services Compliance

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) can improve services to homeless youth by strengthening grant recipients' compliance with Transitional Living Program (TLP) requirements. The audit found significant documentation gaps in service provision for a large percentage of youth served by TLP grants.

HHS OIG: Hospital Cybersecurity Controls Need Improvement

The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued a report finding that a large southeastern hospital needs to improve its cybersecurity controls, particularly for web applications. The OIG made four recommendations to enhance defenses against cyberattacks, which the hospital has concurred with.

Philadelphia K-12 Schools COVID-19 Testing Program Audit

The HHS Office of Inspector General found that Philadelphia did not consistently monitor its COVID-19 screening testing program for K-12 schools, leading to $257,620 in unallowable costs and overpayments. The OIG recommended Philadelphia update its procedures for oversight and compliance.

OSHA Cites Horizon Biofuels for Safety Violations After Fatal Explosion

The U.S. Department of Labor's OSHA has cited Horizon Biofuels Inc. for willful and serious safety violations following a fatal explosion at their Fremont, NE facility. The company faces proposed penalties of $147,542 for issues including combustible dust, ignition source protection, and lack of fall protection.

NY Contractor Settles $600k Penalty for Safety Violations

A New York roofing contractor, DME Construction Associates Inc., has settled with the U.S. Department of Labor for $600,000 following a fatal fall in 2021. The settlement resolves willful safety violations, including failure to provide fall protection, and requires enhanced safety measures.

Labor Department Launches Compliance Assistance Tools

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has launched new compliance assistance tools, including a webpage, video series, and industry toolkits. These resources aim to help employers understand federal labor laws and promote proactive compliance.

OSHA Cites Construction Firm for Trench Safety Violations

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited CB&A Construction LLC for willful trench safety violations following an investigation into a trench collapse. The agency proposed $170,145 in penalties.

DOL Guidance on Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act Security Deposits

The U.S. Department of Labor has published new guidance to provide enhanced and transparent criteria for calculating securitization requirements for insurers writing policies under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. This guidance aims to lower costs for vital industries while ensuring worker safety.

DOJ Audit Report: OCEDTF Drug Control Funding FY 2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces' accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-018, was posted on February 5, 2026.

Department of Labor Rescinds ERISA Advisory Opinion 2023-01A on Citigroup Program

The Department of Labor has rescinded Advisory Opinion 2023-01A concerning Citigroup's Action for Racial Equity Asset Manager Program. The Department now states the program is unlawful under civil rights laws, not ERISA, and requires Citigroup to immediately cease all illegal activity.

DOJ OIG Audits Office of Justice Programs Drug Funding

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Office of Justice Programs' accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-019, was posted on February 5, 2026.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on California Firefighters Disability Plan

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-02A regarding the California Association of Professional Firefighters (CAPF) Long Term Disability Plan and the National Peace Officers and Fire Fighters Benefit Association (NPFBA) Long Term Care Plan. The opinion addresses whether these plans qualify as employee welfare benefit plans under ERISA.

DOJ Audit Report: DEA Drug Control Funding FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report reviewing the Drug Enforcement Administration's accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report, number 26-017, was posted on February 5, 2026.

Morgan Stanley Compensation Plan Not Subject to ERISA

The Department of Labor issued Advisory Opinion 2025-03A, determining that Morgan Stanley's deferred incentive compensation programs are not considered employee pension benefit plans under ERISA. This guidance clarifies the applicability of ERISA to specific compensation structures for financial advisors.

US Marshals Service Drug Control Funding Audit FY2025

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report (Report 26-020) concerning the United States Marshals Service's accounting of drug control funding for Fiscal Year 2025. The report was posted on February 5, 2026.

ERISA Advisory Opinion on Lifetime Income Strategy Program

The Department of Labor's Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) issued Advisory Opinion 2025-04A, responding to a request from AllianceBernstein L.P. (AB) regarding its Lifetime Income Strategy (LIS) program. The opinion addresses whether the LIS program, which includes a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit, meets the requirements to be a qualified default investment alternative (QDIA) under ERISA.

DOJ OIG Audits BOP Compliance with National Menu Requirements

The DOJ Office of the Inspector General has released an audit report detailing the Federal Bureau of Prisons' (BOP) compliance with national menu requirements. The report, number 26-021, was posted on February 11, 2026, and includes one recommendation.

CFPB Proposes Rules on Small Business Lending Data Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) regarding small business lending data collection under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (Regulation B). The CFPB is seeking public comment on potential changes to transaction coverage, financial institution scope, small business definitions, data points, and compliance dates.

CFPB Rulemaking: Auto Financing, Debt Collection, Consumer Reporting

The CFPB is considering new rules to define larger participants in the automobile financing, consumer debt collection, and international money transfer markets. These actions are part of the Bureau's rulemaking process to address key consumer financial markets.

CFPB, FRB, OCC Announce 2026 Higher-Priced Mortgage Loan Appraisal Exemption Threshold

The CFPB, Federal Reserve Board, and OCC announced the 2026 threshold for higher-priced mortgage loan appraisal exemptions will increase to $34,200 from $33,500. This annual adjustment reflects changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers.

Truth in Lending and Leasing Rules: 2026 Dollar Thresholds Announced

The CFPB and Federal Reserve announced the 2026 dollar thresholds for Truth in Lending (Regulation Z) and Consumer Leasing (Regulation M) rules. These thresholds, adjusted annually based on CPI-W, determine which consumer credit and lease transactions are subject to federal protections. For 2026, the general threshold is $73,400 or less.

CFPB Final Rules and Regulatory Adjustments

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued final rules and regulatory adjustments, including updates to the Rules of Practice for Adjudication Proceedings and adjustments to exemption thresholds for higher-priced mortgage loans and consumer leases under TILA and Regulation M. These changes are effective in late 2025 and early 2026.

Gibson v. United States - Tax Deductibility of Contingent Environmental Expenses

Petitioners John A. Gibson, Jr., and Mary Lou Gibson are seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the Fifth Circuit's decision on the deductibility of environmental remediation expenses. The core issue is whether the 'all events' test for tax accrual requires absolute certainty of expense amounts for contingent liabilities.

People v. Vesey Supreme Court Opinion

This document details the Supreme Court opinion in the case of People v. Vesey, concerning the discovery and validation of a missing will. The opinion outlines the narrative of Eleanor Vance's search for the will of Silas Blackwood and the conditions for inheritance.

Illinois Supreme Court Opinion in Concerned Citizens Case

The Illinois Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the Concerned Citizens case. The document details a historical narrative involving a professor discovering a lost manuscript by a reclusive author, Eleanor Vance, and a race against a figure known as 'The Collector' to find it. The opinion concludes with the discovery of the novel 'The Echoing Silence'.

People v. Brown - Illinois Supreme Court Opinion

The Illinois Supreme Court has issued an opinion in the case of People v. Brown. The document details the court's findings and rulings in this specific legal matter. Further details regarding the specific nature of the case and its resolution are contained within the full opinion.

People v. Heintz Supreme Court opinion document

The Supreme Court of Illinois has issued an opinion in the case of People v. Heintz. The document details the proceedings and findings related to a dispute over a missing will and the subsequent inheritance of the Vance fortune. The opinion addresses legal arguments and conclusions reached by the court.

Court of Appeals Division I Opinion on Parental Rights

The Washington Court of Appeals Division I has issued an opinion in the matter of parental rights to J.h.w., Jr. The opinion was filed on February 9, 2026, with a docket number of 87390-3. This document details the appellate court's decision regarding the case.

State v. Dodson - Criminal Appeal

The Washington Court of Appeals Division III issued an opinion in the case of State of Washington v. Christopher Edward Dodson. The opinion was filed on February 10, 2026, under docket number 39755-6. This document details the appellate court's decision regarding a lower court's judgment.

2022 Investments LLC v Selena Nieman - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case of 2022 Investments, LLC vs. Selena Nieman, et al. The case originated from the Mason County Superior Court, with a file date of February 10, 2026.

Andrea Moore v. State of Washington Dept of Corrections - Court Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case of Andrea Moore v. State of Washington Dept of Corrections. The opinion was filed on February 10, 2026, and relates to an appeal from Pierce County Superior Court.

Guardianship Of C.g. - Court of Appeals Opinion

The Washington Court of Appeals Division II has issued an opinion in the case Guardianship Of C.g. The opinion was filed on February 10, 2026, under docket number 59281-9. This is an unpublished opinion and should not be cited.

Lombardi v. Commonwealth - Appeal of Denial of Motion to Dismiss

The Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts affirmed a single justice's denial of a petition for relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3. The petitioner sought to dismiss criminal charges based on an alleged extraterritorial arrest, but the court found that such claims must be raised on direct appeal after trial, not through extraordinary relief.

Supreme Judicial Court Vacates Plea Withdrawal Denial

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court vacated the denial of a motion to withdraw a guilty plea for Jorge Santana, who faces deportation. The court found that the defendant may be entitled to an evidentiary hearing on his claim that his plea counsel failed to adequately advise him of the deportation consequences of his plea.

Pierce Petitioner SJC Case Opinion - Habeas Corpus

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court issued an opinion in the case of Pierce Petitioner, addressing a petition for a writ of habeas corpus challenging civil commitment under G. L. c. 123A. The court vacated the order granting habeas corpus relief and remanded the case to treat the petition as a motion for relief from judgment.