Qeana Alfred v. Federal Express Corporation - Class Certification

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington granted Plaintiff Qeana Alfred's unopposed motion for appointment of interim class counsel in a putative class action against Federal Express Corporation. The order pertains to case number 2:25-cv-1769-JNW.

United States v. Aryeetey - Felon in Possession of Firearm Appeal

The Second Circuit affirmed a conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The court found no abuse of discretion in admitting DNA evidence despite a disclosure deadline miss and deemed the sentence substantively reasonable. The defendant was sentenced to 78 months imprisonment.

Kellogg v. Nichols - Amended Opinion on Concealed Carry Licenses

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals amended its opinion in Kellogg v. Nichols, reaffirming that New York state court judges have absolute judicial immunity for decisions on concealed carry license applications. The court also held that claims for injunctive and declaratory relief against these judges in their official capacities are barred by Article III's case-or-controversy requirement.

Peña Garcia v. Department of Labor - Disability Benefits Review

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals denied a petition for review filed by Luis Peña Garcia, who sought reimbursement for medical cannabis edibles under the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. The court affirmed the Department of Labor's decision, citing the Controlled Substances Act's classification of marijuana as a Schedule I substance.

Miller v. Lamanna - Appeal of Dismissal for Failure to State a Claim

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's dismissal of a former corrections officer's discrimination and retaliation claims. The appellate court found the district court erred by converting a summary judgment motion into a Rule 12(b)(6) motion to dismiss, improperly disregarding evidence.

Bondholders v. Republic of Argentina - Sovereign Bond Default Litigation

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals partially affirmed and partially vacated a district court's dismissal of a lawsuit by bondholders against the Republic of Argentina concerning defaulted sovereign bonds. The court found that some of the bondholders' claims are timely under New York law and that they now have the authority under Argentine law to sue on the bonds.

GEICO v. Mayzenberg - Insurance No-Fault Benefits Eligibility

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court judgment in favor of GEICO in GEICO v. Mayzenberg. The court's decision followed a certified question answered by the New York Court of Appeals, which held that an insurer cannot deny no-fault benefits based on alleged professional misconduct that does not involve ceding control of a professional services corporation to an unlicensed party.

Sacaza v. City of New York - Qualified Immunity Appeal

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's denial of summary judgment for Detective Michael Friedman in a case brought by Dennis Sacaza. The court found that arguable probable cause existed for Sacaza's arrest and prosecution, granting Friedman qualified immunity on the federal claims.

Jin v. City of New York - Qualified Immunity for False Arrest Claim

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a lower court's decision, holding that New York City Police Officers are entitled to qualified immunity on a false arrest claim. The court found that arguable probable cause existed for the arrest, and that domestic violence reports should be assessed similarly to other criminal activity.

Asylum, Removal, and CAT Case Opinion

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals granted in part and denied in part a petition for review concerning an immigration case. The court remanded the case to the Board of Immigration Appeals to determine eligibility for asylum and withholding of removal, excluding the material support bar. The petition regarding Convention Against Torture relief was denied.

Suarez v. Sullivan - Eighth Amendment Conditions of Confinement and Medical Needs

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated the District Court's grant of summary judgment in Suarez v. Sullivan. The court found genuine disputes of material fact regarding the defendants' knowledge of and disregard for serious risks to the plaintiff's health and well-being, remanding the case for further proceedings.

Second Circuit Court of Appeals Opinions on Rehearing Denials

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has denied petitions for rehearing en banc in cases 23-258 and 23-354. While the majority denied the petitions, several judges filed opinions concurring in or dissenting from the denial, indicating significant judicial debate on the underlying issues.

Russell v. Scott - Constitutional Rights Violation Claim

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of qualified immunity to a corrections officer accused of sexually abusing a pretrial detainee. The court clarified the distinct legal standards for Fourteenth Amendment claims by pretrial detainees versus Eighth Amendment claims by convicted prisoners, finding the officer's alleged conduct violated clearly established constitutional rights.

Leadenhall Capital Partners v Advantage Capital - Preliminary Injunction on Guarantor Assets

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's preliminary injunction that froze guarantor assets in a debt collection case. The court found that the lenders had not demonstrated a sufficient lien or equitable interest in the guarantors' assets, as required by Supreme Court precedent.

Parker v. Alexander - NY Law Preemption

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals has certified a question to the New York Court of Appeals regarding whether New York City's Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Law (VGMVPL) is preempted by New York State's Child Victims Act (CVA) and Adult Survivors Act (ASA). This decision stems from an appeal concerning claims brought under the VGMVPL's revival window.

Powell v. Ocwen Fin. Corp. - ERISA Fiduciary Duties in RMBS Investments

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals partially reversed a district court ruling in Powell v. Ocwen Fin. Corp., finding that mortgages underlying certain residential mortgage-backed securities (RMBS) trust certificates are plan assets under ERISA. The court affirmed that mortgages underlying RMBS notes issued via indenture agreements are not plan assets due to a lack of substantial equity features.

Rivera-Perez v. Stover - Habeas Corpus Petition on FSA Time Credits

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a district court's grant of a habeas corpus petition concerning the First Step Act (FSA) time credits. The court ruled that FSA time credits cannot be used to reduce a prisoner's term of supervised release, rendering the petitioner's case moot upon transfer to prerelease custody.

Petersen Energía v. Argentine Republic - Court Opinion

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a district court's $16.1 billion damages award against the Argentine Republic and YPF S.A. in favor of minority shareholders. The court found that the shareholders' breach of contract claims were not cognizable under Argentine law.

Ramsay v. Bondi - BIA Denial of Reopening

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals granted a petition challenging the Board of Immigration Appeals' (BIA) denial of a motion to reopen removal proceedings for John Marcus Ramsay. The court found the BIA misread Ramsay's arguments and remanded the case for further consideration.

Knapp v. Barclays - Securities Act of 1933 Claims

The Second Circuit affirmed a district court's dismissal of claims against Barclays under the Securities Act of 1933. The court found that a reverse stock split of exchange-traded notes did not constitute a 'sale' under Section 12, and investors failed to trace their notes to a specific registration statement for Section 11 claims.

United States v. Rafael Antonio Fabian - Drug Conviction Appeal

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a drug conviction and 15-year sentence for Rafael Antonio Fabian but vacated the imposition of standard conditions of supervised release. The court remanded the case for further proceedings to ensure the district court properly informed the defendant of these conditions.

FDIC Board Meeting Notice

The FDIC Board of Directors will hold a meeting on March 19, 2026, to consider two proposed rulemakings regarding regulatory capital rules for various banking organizations. The meeting will also address a final rule on deposit insurance for U.S. bank branches in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau, and the rescission of a statement of policy on failed bank acquisitions.

FDIC Board Meeting Discusses Capital Rule, Deposit Insurance

The FDIC Board of Directors met to discuss proposed rulemakings on regulatory capital rules for banking organizations and a final rule clarifying deposit insurance coverage for U.S. bank branches in the Federated States of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau. The board also rescinded a statement of policy on failed bank acquisitions.

FDIC Board of Directors Open Meeting and Actions

The FDIC Board of Directors held an open meeting on January 22, 2026, to consider and approve a Notice of Guidelines for Appeals of Material Supervisory Determinations and a Final Rule amending regulations on FDIC Official Signs, Advertisement of Membership, False Advertising, Misrepresentation of Insured Status, and Misuse of the FDIC’s Name or Logo.

FDIC Board of Directors Meeting - Closed Session

The FDIC Board of Directors held a closed session meeting on January 22, 2026. Details of the closed session are not publicly disclosed.

FDIC Board Meeting Summary

The FDIC Board of Directors held a closed session meeting on March 19, 2026. Details of the closed session discussions were not publicly disclosed.

Eric Ruark Appointed Assistant Secretary for Border Security and Immigration

The Department of Homeland Security announced the appointment of Eric Ruark as the Assistant Secretary for Border Security and Immigration (BSI). In this role, Mr. Ruark will manage and implement strategies and policies to maintain the integrity of the U.S. immigration system and promote cooperation on border security and immigration matters across DHS Components.

US Coast Guard Board for Correction of Military Records Ruling

The U.S. Coast Guard Board for Correction of Military Records has issued a ruling regarding the correction of military records. The ruling document is available for download, with the publication date listed as February 24, 2026.

Mike Fullerton - Assistant Secretary, Office for State and Local Law Enforcement

The Department of Homeland Security updated the leadership page for Mike Fullerton, Assistant Secretary for the Office for State and Local Law Enforcement. The page details his experience and role in advising the Secretary on state, local, tribal, territorial, and campus law enforcement matters.

ICE Letter to Representative Escobar on Detainee Interactions

ICE has issued a letter to Representative Escobar addressing interactions with ICE and ICE detainees. The letter, dated March 19, 2026, provides clarification on these interactions.

Markwayne Mullin Appointed Secretary of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced Markwayne Mullin as the 9th Secretary of Homeland Security. The notice provides a biographical overview of Secretary Mullin, highlighting his prior service in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, his business background, and his tribal affiliation.

USMCA Labor Dispute Win Over Rights Denial at Mexican Mine

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a victory in a USMCA labor dispute concerning the Camino Rojo Mine in Mexico. The panel found that the mine denied workers' labor rights through intimidation and violence, impacting critical mineral supply chains. This marks the second panel win under the USMCA's Rapid Response Labor Mechanism.

U.S.-Japan Relations: Security, Trade, and China

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) updated its report on U.S.-Japan relations, noting continued alliance cooperation under the Biden and Trump administrations, despite some concerns raised by U.S. tariff actions and perceived shifts in U.S. commitment. The report also details Japan's political landscape and military alliance upgrades.

Central Valley Project: Issues and Legislation

The Congressional Research Service has updated its report on the Central Valley Project (CVP), a major federal water supply project in California. The update, dated March 26, 2026, reflects recent developments and legislation concerning the CVP's operations, water allocations, and environmental considerations.

US v. Hasbajrami: FISA 702 query warrant requirement

The CRS report analyzes the district court's ruling in United States v. Hasbajrami, which held that the Fourth Amendment requires a warrant to search data collected under FISA Section 702 using a U.S. person identifier. This decision challenges current government practices and is relevant as Section 702 is set to expire on April 20, 2026.

The Philippines: Background and U.S. Relations

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) has updated its report on The Philippines: Background and U.S. Relations, with the latest version dated March 26, 2026. This report provides an overview of the complex relationship between the United States and the Philippines, covering political, economic, and security aspects.

U.S. Conflict with Iran

The Congressional Research Service has published a report detailing the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran initiated on February 28, 2026, and the subsequent wide-reaching regional conflict. The report outlines U.S. and Israeli objectives, Iranian responses including attacks on shipping and regional neighbors, and potential future scenarios.

FTC, DOJ Seek Public Comment on Business Collaboration Guidance

The FTC and DOJ have launched a joint public inquiry to gather input on developing updated guidance for collaborations among competitors. This initiative aims to provide clarity and predictability to businesses following the withdrawal of the 2000 Antitrust Guidelines for Collaborations Among Competitors.

FTC Stops Proposed Merger of Cataract Surgery Device Makers

The FTC announced that Alcon, Inc. has abandoned its efforts to purchase LENSAR, Inc. following substantial competitive concerns identified by the FTC. The proposed merger would have combined the two leading providers of laser systems for cataract surgery, potentially harming price competition and innovation.

FTC Chairman Launches Healthcare Task Force

FTC Chairman Andrew N. Ferguson has directed the formation of a new Healthcare Task Force to coordinate enforcement and advocacy efforts aimed at protecting patients, healthcare workers, and taxpayers. The task force will focus on targeted initiatives, coordinated investigations, and identifying emerging issues within the healthcare industry.

Air AI Owners Banned from Marketing Business Opportunities by FTC

The FTC has settled charges against Air AI and its owners, banning them from marketing business opportunities due to deceptive claims. The settlement includes an $18 million monetary judgment, largely suspended, with operators paying $50,000 for consumer relief.

FTC Testifies on Combating Fraud and Protecting Consumers

The Federal Trade Commission testified before the Joint Economic Committee regarding its efforts to combat fraud and protect consumers. In FY2025, the FTC brought 40 enforcement actions, obtaining over $1.8 billion in redress, and received 3 million fraud reports from consumers totaling $15.9 billion in reported losses.

FTC, DOJ Seek Public Comment on Merger Notification Form Effectiveness

The FTC and DOJ have initiated a joint public inquiry seeking comments on the effectiveness of the updated Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) premerger notification form. This follows a court vacating the updated form, leading agencies to revert to the prior version while considering future rulemaking.

FTC Chairman warns PayPal, Stripe, Visa, Mastercard CEOs on debanking

The FTC issued warning letters to the CEOs of PayPal, Stripe, Visa, and Mastercard regarding concerns about 'debanking' customers based on political or religious views. The letters remind companies of their obligations under the FTC Act and warn of potential investigations and enforcement actions for practices inconsistent with terms of service or customer expectations.

Draft NIST Cyber AI Profile for Cybersecurity Guidelines

NIST has released a draft Cybersecurity Framework Profile for Artificial Intelligence (Cyber AI Profile) to guide organizations in integrating AI while managing cybersecurity risks. The profile focuses on securing AI systems, using AI for cyber defense, and thwarting AI-enabled attacks.

NIST Guidelines for Securing Smart Speakers in Home Health Care

NIST has released new guidelines to mitigate cybersecurity and privacy risks associated with integrating smart speakers into home health care systems. The guidelines aim to protect patient confidentiality and provider data in telehealth applications utilizing voice-activated digital assistants.

NIST CAISI Seeks Input on Securing AI Agent Systems

NIST's Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI) has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather insights on securing AI agent systems. The RFI seeks input on unique security threats, methods for improvement, and measurement approaches for these autonomous systems.

NIST Sends Reference Materials to ISS for Health Study

NIST has sent seven reference materials, including house dust and human liver tissue, to the International Space Station (ISS) for a health study. These materials will help researchers understand the effects of the space environment on manufacturing and human health, supporting U.S. leadership in the commercial space sector.

NIST Launches AI Agent Standards Initiative

NIST announced the launch of its AI Agent Standards Initiative to foster industry-led standards and protocols for AI agents, focusing on security and interoperability. The initiative aims to build public trust and catalyze widespread adoption of autonomous AI systems.

Rising Employee Health Insurance Costs May Dampen Wage Growth

The Federal Reserve Bank of New York's Liberty Street Economics published an analysis on March 4, 2026, indicating that rising employee health insurance costs are dampening wage growth. Businesses reported that absent these cost increases, they would have raised wages by an additional percentage point on average.