US Budget for 2025-2034

The Senate agreed to Concurrent Resolution 7, establishing the US federal budget for fiscal year 2025 and setting budgetary levels through fiscal year 2034. The resolution includes reconciliation instructions for committees to report legislation affecting the deficit by specified amounts.

Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025

The Senate has passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 (S.524). This bill, introduced by Senator Ted Cruz, aims to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2025. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2026

Senate bill S.2256, the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, for Fiscal Year 2026, has been introduced and placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar. The bill outlines proposed appropriations for various USDA programs, the FDA, and related agencies.

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 has become Public Law No: 119-60. This act establishes policies and authorities for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy national security programs, Department of State, Coast Guard, and the Intelligence Community for FY2026. It covers a wide range of areas including procurement, personnel, acquisitions, cyber operations, and international relations.

ESMA Consultation: Regulatory Standards for Post-Trade Risk Reduction Services

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued a consultation paper on proposed regulatory technical standards (RTS) for post-trade risk reduction services. This consultation seeks feedback on requirements for services that aim to reduce risk for the purpose of clearing obligation exemptions under EMIR.

New York v. Valve Corporation - Loot Boxes and Gambling

The New York Attorney General has sued Valve Corporation, alleging that its video game loot boxes function as illegal gambling. The complaint argues that Valve's monetization of virtual items through loot boxes violates New York's gambling laws and seeks to hold the company accountable for these practices.

DVRO Reversed; Inmate's Right to Court Access Violated

The California Court of Appeal reversed a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) against an inmate, finding his right to court access was violated. The court failed to address the inmate's request for transportation or telephonic appearance, leading to a reversal and remand for proper proceedings.

FINRA proposes rule change for overnight transaction reporting exception

FINRA has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend rules governing transaction reporting. The proposal seeks to provide a limited, temporary exception for reporting specified overnight transactions before 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Executive Order Transfers Youth Services Program

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued Executive Order 2026-02, transferring the Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services Program (CCBYS) from the Department of Human Services to the Department of Children and Family Services. This transfer is effective July 1, 2026, and aims to streamline services for at-risk youth.

MHRA Raids Illegal Weight Loss Medicine Facility

The MHRA has raided two facilities suspected of manufacturing and selling illegal weight loss medicines, seizing nearly 2,000 doses and manufacturing equipment. This action is part of an ongoing investigation into a criminal network and aims to protect the public from dangerous, unregulated products.

US DOL: Restaurant Violated Child Labor and Overtime Laws

The US Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division found Mt. Fuji Hibachi Inc. violated child labor laws by allowing a minor to perform hazardous tasks and work excessive hours. The investigation also revealed the employer denied overtime pay to 19 workers, resulting in $20,213 in back wages. The company paid a $22,249 civil penalty.

US Department of Labor Recovers $409K Back Wages from Little Caesars Operator

The U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division has recovered $409,457 in back wages from MG Fast Food Inc., an operator of a Little Caesars restaurant. The settlement resolves violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act concerning minimum wage and overtime pay for 32 workers.

SEC Obtains Consent Judgment Against Defendant in Fraud Case

The SEC announced it obtained a final consent judgment against Charles T. Lawrence, Jr. in a civil enforcement action. Lawrence was charged with a multi-million dollar offering fraud, misappropriating at least $4.89 million of investor funds. The judgment permanently enjoins him from violating securities laws and orders disgorgement.

SEC Obtains Final Judgments Against Mining Company and Executives

The SEC announced final judgments by consent against Western Sierra Resource Corporation and its executives Roger Johnson and Dennis Atkins. The company and executives were charged with issuing false and misleading statements regarding the acquisition of gold mining claims. Johnson and Atkins each agreed to pay a $150,000 civil penalty, a three-year officer-and-director bar, and a five-year penny-stock bar.

GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal - Denial of Yearsley Protection Not Immediately Appealable

The Supreme Court ruled in GEO Group, Inc. v. Menocal that a pretrial order denying a federal contractor 'Yearsley protection' is not immediately appealable. The Court held that the denial of this defense is not an immunity from suit, and thus does not qualify for interlocutory review under the collateral-order doctrine.

Villarreal v. Texas - Qualified Testimony Discussion Ban Affirmed

The Supreme Court affirmed a conviction in Villarreal v. Texas, holding that a qualified order prohibiting a testifying defendant from discussing their testimony during an overnight recess does not violate the Sixth Amendment. This ruling clarifies the balance between a defendant's right to counsel and the integrity of trial testimony.

Roundtree v. SSA Commissioner - Social Security Case Filing

A new civil case, Roundtree v. SSA Commissioner, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case concerns Social Security disability benefits, and the plaintiff has been granted leave to proceed in forma pauperis.

Navarro v. Amerigas Propane, Inc. - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Navarro v. Amerigas Propane, Inc., was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from a state court action, with Amerigas Propane, Inc. as the defendant.

S.T. v. United States of America (Federal Bureau of Prisons) - Civil Case Filing

A civil case, Case Number 3:26-cv-01649, was filed against the United States of America, specifically the Federal Bureau of Prisons, on February 25, 2026. The filing includes a complaint, proposed summons, and a consent to proceed before a US Magistrate Judge.

Rodriguez v Thoratec Corp - Personal Injury Product Liability

A civil case, Rodriguez et al v. Thoratec Corporation et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from Alameda Superior Court and concerns personal injury product liability.

United African-Asian Abilities Club v. Matthews - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case, United African-Asian Abilities Club et al v. Matthews et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case alleges violations of civil rights related to accommodations.

Bagwell et al v. Edlow et al - Immigration

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has filed a new civil case, Bagwell et al v. Edlow et al, concerning immigration actions. The complaint was filed on February 25, 2026, with a filing fee of $405.

Mitchell v. Walmart Inc. - Civil Case

Walmart Inc. has filed a Notice of Removal in the case Mitchell v. Walmart Inc., case number 4:26-cv-01643, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case was originally filed in Contra Costa Superior Court and was removed to federal court based on diversity jurisdiction.

KNIGGE v. AMERAIL SYSTEMS INC et al - Labor Fair Standards Case

A civil case, KNIGGE v. AMERAIL SYSTEMS INC et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from Sonoma County Superior Court and is based on Federal Question jurisdiction, with a Nature of Suit related to Labor: Fair Standards.

Lyubelskiy v. Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC - Civil Case

A civil case, Lyubelskiy v. Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from San Francisco Superior Court, with Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC as the filing party.

A.G. v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al - Civil Suit

The Attorney General has filed a civil suit against Uber Technologies, Inc., Raiser, LLC, and Raiser-CA, LLC. The case, filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, is based on diversity jurisdiction and concerns personal injury claims.

LuxCreo Inc. v. Carbon, Inc. - Patent Lawsuit

LuxCreo Inc. has filed a patent lawsuit against Carbon, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, docketed as 3:26-cv-01635, was filed on February 25, 2026, with the initial complaint and supporting exhibits submitted.

Bakki et al v. Rubio et al - Immigration Habeas Corpus

A new case, Bakki et al v. Rubio et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Petition for Writ of Mandamus and Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief related to immigration actions.

Smith v. City of San Jose - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case, Smith v. City of San Jose, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint seeks damages against the City of San Jose.

Dawydiak v. Femasys Inc. - Labor Diversity Case Filing

A new diversity labor case, Dawydiak v. Femasys Inc. et al., was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from California State Court, with Femasys Inc. as the filing party.

Edwards v. Santa Cruz Courts - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Edwards v. Santa Cruz Courts et al., was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a complaint for Mandamus and Other relief, with a recent filing of a complaint and a motion to proceed in forma pauperis.

Healthcare Justice Coalition, LLC et al v. Blue Cross Blue Shield - Antitrust

The Healthcare Justice Coalition, LLC, et al. have filed an antitrust complaint against Blue Cross Blue Shield Association et al. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case, filed on February 25, 2026, alleges violations of federal law, with the nature of suit specified as Antitrust.

H.M. v. US Bureau of Prisons - Civil Case

A new civil case, H.M. v. US Bureau of Prisons, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a complaint against the Federal Bureau of Prisons and other defendants, with a filing fee of $405.

A.L. v. United States - Civil Complaint

A civil case, A.L. v. United States of America (Federal Bureau of Prisons), was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint alleges unspecified claims against the U.S. government, with a filing fee of $405.

Foster v. United Parcel Service - Civil Rights Jobs Case

A civil rights jobs case titled Foster v. United Parcel Service, Inc. et al. was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves a Notice of Removal from a state court action, with United Parcel Service, Inc. as the filing party.

Ramos v. Truist Bank - Civil Case Filing

A new civil case, Ramos v. Truist Bank, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The filing includes a complaint, a consent to proceed before a US Magistrate Judge, and an ex parte application for a Temporary Restraining Order.

Roe CL 283 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. - Personal Injury Product Liability

A new civil case, Roe CL 283 v. Uber Technologies, Inc. et al., was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves claims of personal injury and product liability. The filing includes a complaint and proposed summons.

Cooper v. State of California - Civil Rights Case

A new civil rights case, Cooper v. State of California, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The complaint names the State of California, the City and County of San Francisco, and various law enforcement officials as defendants. The case is based on a federal question.

Zhu et al v. Noem et al - Immigration Civil Case

A new civil case, Zhu et al v. Noem et al, was filed on February 25, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The case involves 'Other Immigration Actions' and names Kristi Noem and others as defendants. The filing fee was $405.

United African-Asian Abilities Club v. Comeragh Prospect, Llc - Civil Rights Case

A civil rights case was filed on February 25, 2026, by the United African-Asian Abilities Club against Comeragh Prospect, LLC. The case, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges violations of federal question and civil rights laws related to accommodations. The filing fee was $405.

DOJ v. OhioHealth Corporation - Antitrust

The Department of Justice's Antitrust Division has filed an antitrust case against OhioHealth Corporation. This action challenges alleged anticompetitive practices within the healthcare market. The filing initiates a legal process to address these concerns.

Metz v. McCarthy - Affirmation of District Court Ruling

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court's ruling in Metz v. McCarthy, dismissing the plaintiff's negligence claim related to a slip and fall injury. The court confirmed its jurisdiction after a stipulated dismissal of a breach of contract claim to allow for appeal.

Florida Supreme Court Opinion on Death Warrant Appeal

The Florida Supreme Court affirmed a circuit court's order denying post-conviction relief and denied a petition for a writ of habeas corpus and motions for a stay of execution for Billy Leon Kearse. Kearse, who is under a death sentence with an execution date set for March 3, 2026, appealed the denial of his sixth successive motion for post-conviction relief.

ESMA Draft RTS on EMIR 3 Clearing Thresholds

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published draft Regulatory Technical Standards (RTS) detailing new clearing thresholds under EMIR 3. These proposals aim to manage systemic risk in OTC derivative markets while minimizing compliance burdens for market participants.

FTC Policy Statement on COPPA and Age Verification Technologies

The FTC issued a policy statement clarifying that it will not bring enforcement actions under COPPA against operators using age verification technologies for the sole purpose of determining user age, provided certain conditions are met. This aims to incentivize the use of these technologies to protect children online.

FTC Workshop on Data Economy Injuries and Benefits

The Federal Trade Commission is hosting a workshop on February 26, 2026, to discuss measuring consumer injuries and benefits in the data-driven economy. The event will feature FTC officials and panel discussions on privacy preferences and data breach impacts.

Arbutus v. Moderna - Expert Testimony Challenges in Patent Litigation

The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware issued a memorandum in the patent litigation case Arbutus v. Moderna. The court ruled on challenges to expert testimony, excluding one expert's reasonable royalty opinions due to flawed methodology while allowing others to testify on specific issues.

Court Denies LVNV Funding's Motion to Transfer Venue

The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware denied LVNV Funding, LLC's motion to transfer venue in a civil case. The court found that the factors weighed against transfer, upholding the plaintiff's chosen forum.

Delaware Supreme Court Order on Depo-Provera Litigation

The Delaware Supreme Court issued an order addressing the Depo-Provera product liability litigation. The court considered an interlocutory appeal concerning case management and data administration orders, which aim to coordinate proceedings and manage discovery for over three hundred plaintiffs alleging injuries from Depo-Provera use.

Delaware Court Denies HOA TRO Request

The Delaware Court of Chancery denied a Petitioner's motion for a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction in a dispute over HOA governance. The court also granted the Respondents' request to continue acting as the Board of Directors.