Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals Rule Revision

The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has revised Rule 1.7 to update the correct and current mailing address for the Clerk of the Court. These amendments are effective immediately upon the date of the order.

Florida Renews Emergency Declaration for Hurricane Helene

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has renewed the state of emergency declaration for Hurricane Helene for an additional 60 days. This renewal extends Executive Order 24-208, which was initially issued in September 2024 and has been previously extended. The order aims to support ongoing recovery efforts in affected areas.

Florida Executive Order Extends State of Emergency for Tornadoes

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-57, extending the state of emergency declared for Holmes County due to tornadoes by an additional sixty (60) days. This extension continues support for recovery efforts following the May 2025 severe weather events.

Executive Order 26-56 Amending Rural Area of Opportunity Designation

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 26-56, amending Executive Order 23-132 to include Nassau County within the state's Rural Area of Opportunity. This amendment is effective immediately and applies all terms of the original designation to Nassau County.

Florida Extends Hurricane Debby Emergency Declaration

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has issued Executive Order 26-59, extending the state of emergency declared for Hurricane Debby by an additional 60 days. This extension continues the provisions of Executive Order 24-156, as amended, to support ongoing recovery efforts in the affected counties.

Shelton v. Patton - Motion to Dismiss Opinion

The District of Delaware issued an opinion in Shelton v. Patton, addressing defendants' motions to dismiss all five counts of the plaintiff's complaint. The court is considering whether the complaint states a claim upon which relief can be granted under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 12(b)(6).

Astellas Pharma Inc. v. Ascent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. - Patent Infringement

The US District Court for the District of Delaware issued a Memorandum and Order in a patent infringement case involving Astellas Pharma Inc. and Ascent Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The case concerns Ascent's Abbreviated New Drug Application (ANDA) for a generic version of Astellas's Myrbetriq® and alleges infringement of several patents under the Hatch-Waxman Act.

ICO Decision Notice: Manchester City Council FOI Breach

The ICO found Manchester City Council breached FOI laws by failing to disclose all requested information and conduct adequate searches. The Council must now conduct fresh searches and disclose specific emails related to the rescheduling of an event.

ICO Decision on Cabinet Office FOI Exemptions

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding the Cabinet Office's use of FOI exemptions. The ICO found that the Cabinet Office was entitled to rely on sections 36(2)(b)(i) and (c) of the FOIA to withhold certain information related to interactions with BlackRock.

Dartford Council Ordered to Reply to EIR Request

The ICO has ordered Dartford Borough Council to respond to an Environmental Information Request (EIR) that was not answered within the statutory 20-working-day period. The council must now provide the complainant with a response within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision Notice: FOI Complaint Against London Borough of Croydon

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against the London Borough of Croydon. The authority failed to respond to a request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO has ordered the council to respond within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision Notice: Lambeth Failed FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice upholding a complaint against the London Borough of Lambeth for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within the statutory 20-day period. The ICO requires Lambeth to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

Ofcom - Vexatious FOI Request Regarding Channel 4 Chairs

The ICO has decided that Ofcom was entitled to refuse a request for information about Channel 4's former and interim Chairs, deeming the request vexatious under FOI law. No further action is required by Ofcom.

ICO Decision: Royal Air Force Museum Failed to Respond to FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision notice against the Royal Air Force Museum for failing to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO requires the museum to respond within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision on Home Office FOI Request - EU Border Checks

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request made to the Home Office concerning the Entry/Exit System (EES). The ICO found that the Home Office was justified in withholding information related to potential queue lengths and delays under section 35(1)(a) of the FOI Act.

ICO Upholds EIR 5(2) Against London Borough of Bromley

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 5(2) decision against the London Borough of Bromley. The authority failed to respond to a request within the statutory 20 working days. The ICO has ordered Bromley to respond within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision Notice - Eastbourne Council FOI 40(2) Exemption

The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding Eastbourne Borough Council's withholding of information under FOI section 40(2). The Commissioner found that the Council was entitled to rely on the exemption for third-party personal information and did not uphold the complainant's challenge.

ICO Decision: NMC's refusal of nurse data under FOI upheld

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld the Nursing and Midwifery Council's (NMC) decision to refuse a Freedom of Information request for data on erased and suspended nurses. The ICO found the NMC was entitled to withhold the information as it constitutes personal data exempt under FOIA.

ICO Upholds EIR Breach by Powys Council

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a breach of Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) 11 against Powys County Council. The council failed to conduct an internal review within the mandated 40 working days. No further steps are required beyond reconsidering the original request.

ICO Decision Notice: BBC FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld the BBC's decision regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request for a 1978 broadcast. The ICO determined the information, if held, is for journalistic purposes and thus exempt from FOIA.

ICO Orders NHS Trust to Respond to FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ordered the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to take action on a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The Trust failed to respond within the statutory 20 working days.

ICO Decision Notice: Melton Borough Council FOI Complaint

The ICO upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against Melton Borough Council for failing to respond to a request within the statutory 20 working days. The Council has been ordered to provide a response to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision: London Borough of Islington FOI Request

The ICO has issued a decision regarding a Freedom of Information request made to the London Borough of Islington. The Commissioner found that the council had provided the relevant information it held, and no further steps are required.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against NHS Trust

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for a delayed response. The Trust is required to provide a substantive response to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Orders NHS Trust to Respond to FOI Request

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ordered the South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust to respond to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. The Trust failed to respond within the statutory 20 working days.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against NHS Trust

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for a delayed response. The Trust is required to provide a substantive response to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against NHS Trust

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for a delayed response. The Trust is now required to provide a substantive response to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against Pentraeth Council

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information complaint against Pentraeth Council for failing to respond to a request within the statutory 20 working days. The Council has been ordered to respond to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Upholds FOI Complaint Against NHS Trust

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information (FOI) complaint against South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust for a delayed response. The Trust is required to provide a substantive response to the complainant within 30 calendar days.

ICO Decision on Isle of Wight Council Planning Complaints

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision regarding Isle of Wight Council's handling of planning complaint information requests. The ICO found the council was entitled to withhold some information but had breached regulations in its initial handling of the request under FOIA.

ICO Decision Notice: Cabinet Office FOI Exemptions for Saudi Visit

The ICO has issued a decision notice regarding the Cabinet Office's use of FOI exemptions for information related to a visit to Saudi Arabia. The ICO found that while some exemptions were valid, others were not, and ordered the disclosure of specified information.

ICO Decision: University entitled to withhold student data

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued a decision finding that Ulster University was entitled to withhold student enrolment data under commercial interests provisions of the Freedom of Information Act. The complainant's request was not upheld, and no further steps are required.

Ayestas v. Harris County District Attorney's Office - Habeas Corpus

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a discovery order in a habeas corpus case involving a capital murder conviction. The court found that the district court lacked jurisdiction over the selective-prosecution claims, vacating the order that compelled the Harris County District Attorney's Office to produce internal memoranda.

Fifth Circuit Affirms Dismissal of Employment Discrimination Case

The Fifth Circuit affirmed a district court's decision to dismiss a plaintiff's employment discrimination and retaliation claims with prejudice. The dismissal was based on the plaintiff's counsel's repeated failure to comply with discovery orders and court deadlines over four years of litigation. The court found the dismissal to be a proper exercise of discretion.

Teacher v. Principal - First Amendment Prayer Rights

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a principal's claim of qualified immunity in a lawsuit filed by a teacher who alleges her prayer on school grounds was prohibited. The court will determine if the principal's actions violated the teacher's First Amendment rights.

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.

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.

EU Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act for Public Procurement and Funding

The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), which would introduce EU origin and low-carbon content requirements for public procurement and public funding. The proposal aims to boost the EU's manufacturing share and includes conditions for foreign direct investments in key sectors.

Omnibus I Directive Amends EU Sustainability Reporting and Due Diligence

The EU's Omnibus I Directive, amending the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), has been published in the Official Journal. This directive aims to streamline sustainability reporting and due diligence obligations for businesses operating within the EU.

SEC Exempts FPI Directors/Officers from Section 16 Reporting

The SEC issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16 reporting obligations. This exemption applies to FPIs from qualifying jurisdictions with substantially similar regulations and provides relief ahead of the March 18, 2026, reporting deadline.

SEC Exempts FPI Directors and Officers from Section 16 Reporting

The SEC has issued an order exempting directors and officers of certain foreign private issuers (FPIs) from Section 16(a) reporting requirements. This exemption is effective immediately and applies to FPIs incorporated in qualifying jurisdictions with qualifying regulations, ahead of the March 18, 2026 compliance deadline.

Export Control Complexity Grows with Technology and Geopolitics

This article discusses the increasing complexity of export control and sanctions regimes due to technological advancements and geopolitical shifts, using the UK as an example. It highlights that failure to comply with UK export controls can result in severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

Importers Eye IEEPA Tariff Refunds After Supreme Court Ruling

Following a Supreme Court ruling that President Trump's IEEPA tariffs were unlawful, importers are seeking refunds. The administration plans to complicate the refund process, leaving the Court of International Trade to handle thousands of cases. The CIT has issued an initial order confirming importers' entitlement to refunds.

Court Orders Refund of Invalidated IEEPA Tariffs

The Court of International Trade (CIT) has ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to halt liquidation of invalidated IEEPA tariffs and begin unwinding assessed duties. This broad order in Atmus Filtration, Inc. v. United States aims to provide relief to all importers of record, including those who did not file their own refund actions.

Force Majeure in Gulf Construction Contracts Amid Iran Conflict

This client alert from King & Spalding discusses force majeure clauses in Gulf construction contracts in response to the Iran conflict. It outlines typical contractual regimes, legal implications, and provides practical advice for employers and contractors facing supply chain and logistical disruptions.

EU Commission Proposes Industrial Accelerator Act

The European Commission has proposed the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA) to bolster the EU's industrial base, aiming to increase manufacturing's GDP share to 20% by 2035. The act targets challenges like high energy costs and regulatory hurdles, seeking to enhance resilience and strategic autonomy.

SEC Adopts Section 16 Reporting Rules for Foreign Private Issuers

The SEC adopted final amendments requiring directors, officers, and 10% owners of foreign private issuers (FPIs) to file beneficial ownership reports on Forms 3, 4, and 5, effective March 18, 2026. The SEC also issued an order granting conditional exemptive relief for certain FPIs subject to substantially similar local reporting rules.

BIS Fines Teledyne FLIR $1 Million for Export Violations

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) has fined Teledyne FLIR $1 million for 19 violations of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), including miscalculating de minimis rules for exports to China and unauthorized exports to an Entity List address. The company must pay the fine within 30 days or risk losing export privileges.

OECD Releases AI Due Diligence Guidance for Multinationals

The OECD has published new Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible AI, aimed at multinational enterprises involved in the AI value chain. This guidance complements existing OECD guidelines and aims to assist companies in implementing responsible AI practices and human rights policies.

DITC Enforcement Guide for Cayman Islands Entities

The Cayman Islands Department for International Tax Cooperation (DITC) has increased its supervisory oversight and enforcement activities. This guide explains DITC enforcement notices, common triggers for non-compliance, and strategies for responding to mitigate penalties and reputational risk for Cayman Islands entities.