Today's Legal Pulse
Biden sues DOJ to block release of interview audio
President Biden filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the Department of Justice from publishing an audio interview, arguing the release would be improper. The action has sparked political commentary, including remarks from former President Trump.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader clear final merger hurdles
Texas Takes Over Permitting for Carbon Storage Projects
The Texas Railroad Commission secured EPA approval to issue Class VI carbon‑storage permits, shifting authority from the federal level to the state. This primacy is intended to streamline applications, with a $50,000 filing fee, an annual $50,000 idle‑well charge, and a dedicated staff of technical reviewers and engineers funded by a $1.9 million federal grant. So far, 18 companies have applied, including Oxy’s project to store up to 8.5 million metric tons of CO₂ over 12 years. However, experts caution that without new incentive programs, the permit shift alone may not spark a rapid project boom.
Court Rules Reddit's Claims Distinct From Copyright Infringement
Reddit $RDDT gets significant win against Anthropic The Court tentatively agreed that Reddit’s claims are "qualitatively different" from copyright infringement. Specifically, the judge noted that the claims arise from alleged:Violations of contractual restrictions on how and why data is accessed.Technical...
39% Cap Waiver Set for Legal Battle
39% cap waiver is going to get litigated, I guess. Not sure what an Obama judge will say. Wait, actually I do know. Loper is a good point; MQD, probably not in play. IMO: Prof. Terry has a severe case...
Insurer Off Hook for Medical Costs for Worker’s Travel to Visit Family
A Florida appellate court ruled that a tetraplegic worker’s trip to New York to visit family does not qualify as medically necessary under workers’ compensation law, so the insurer is not required to cover travel costs. The insurer had already...
Court To Decide If Users Can Sue Facebook Over Fake Ads
A federal appellate court has agreed to review a lower‑court ruling that could force Meta Platforms to face user lawsuits over fraudulent Facebook ads. The dispute began with a 2021 class‑action claim that users, including Oregon resident Christopher Calise, lost...
FDIC Opens Door for Private Equity to Buy Failed Banks
The FDIC has rescinded its 2009 rule that barred private‑equity firms and other non‑bank entities from bidding on failed banks. The change, prompted by the rapid failures of Silicon Valley Bank, Signature Bank and First Republic in 2023, is intended...
If Rivers Had Legal Rights, Sewage Scandals Would Be Much Harder to Ignore
World Water Day has highlighted a mounting sewage crisis in England, where 450,000 raw sewage discharges were logged in 2024. The scandal is tied to the 1989 privatisation of water utilities, which treats water as a commodity and leaves pollution...
Federal Judge Says HHS Overreached on Transgender Care Declaration
U.S. District Judge Mustafa Kasubhai ruled that the Department of Health and Human Services exceeded its authority when it issued a December declaration deeming gender‑affirming treatments unsafe for youth. The decision, brought by a coalition of 19 states and the...
The Anti-Political Dynasty Bill: A Faustian Bargain? (Last Part)
The Philippines’ anti‑political dynasty bill aims to disperse family‑controlled seats, but empirical evidence shows such bans rarely boost programmatic parties or governance quality. Studies reveal dynasties simply substitute relatives—often women—to retain power, while interest groups re‑consolidate influence elsewhere. Experts argue...
Business Groups Back Term Limits for Broker-Directors
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of the Philippines has drafted a memorandum circular that would cap broker‑directors' service on exchange boards at a cumulative ten years, with a mandatory two‑year cooling‑off after five years. Major business groups—including the Management...
AI in Political Attack Ads – Watch State Laws on Deep Fakes and Synthetic Media in Political Content
The article highlights a recent AI‑generated political attack ad that used a deep‑fake voice and image of Democratic Senate candidate James Tallarico, underscoring the rise of synthetic media in elections. Since the author’s last review, more than 20 additional states...
Australian Mining Billionaire Sues Canada for $2 Billion – by Andrew Nikiforuk (The Tyee – March 20, 2026)
Australian mining magnate Gina Rinehart’s Northback Holdings has filed a $2 billion claim against the Canadian government under the CPTPP’s investor‑state dispute settlement mechanism. The claim arises from Canada’s refusal to approve the Grassy Mountain metallurgical‑coal project, which Rinehart says violates...
On the Move: Bennett Thrasher Adds Int'l Tax Partner
Bennett Thrasher announced the addition of Matt Pellegrom as an international tax partner in its Atlanta office, bolstering the firm’s cross‑border capabilities. The hire follows a wave of partner moves across the accounting sector, including new tax partners at Weaver and...
'Marriage Penalty' In Washington State's New Millionaire Tax Stirs Debate
Washington’s legislature approved the state’s first personal income tax, imposing a 9.9% rate on earnings above $1 million. The tax applies the same $1 million exemption to individuals, couples and domestic partners, creating the nation’s steepest marriage penalty. A married duo earning...
Employment Rights Act ‘Could Encourage Creation of Unions’
The UK Employment Rights Act is being updated, lowering the union recognition threshold and granting on‑site access. From 6 April 2026 unions need only 2‑10% membership to force statutory recognition, and a simple majority in ballots suffices. The reforms have already...
Equity Prime Mortgage, Ex-Workers at Odds over Settlement
Equity Prime Mortgage (EPM) has asked a judge to enforce a $660,000 settlement it says was agreed with three former employees over unpaid overtime claims. The workers’ attorneys dispute the existence of any settlement and have moved to sanction EPM...
FAQs About AI in Radiology: Legal Risks, Liability, and Malpractice
Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering radiology, yet U.S. malpractice law still places physicians at the center of liability, even when AI tools err. Recent studies show jurors are more likely to hold radiologists responsible if they contradict an AI system,...
Syrian Ex-Colonel Faces Crimes Against Humanity Charges in Landmark Case for UK – Expert Explains
Former Syrian Air Force Intelligence colonel Salem Michel Al‑Salem appeared in London facing murder and torture charges tied to the 2011 Damascus protests. The Westminster Magistrates Court sent the case to the Old Bailey, marking the UK’s first prosecution for...
Gill's Lawyers Demand Krafton Explain Potential Sanctions
UPDATE: At 1:13am ET this morning, Gill's lawyers submitted a heated motion to the court, saying Krafton must explain why it shouldn't be sanctioned. Peeved at Krafton confirming "May" to IGN, then PC Gamer and Kotaku Says Gill hadn't had a...
Rep. LaHood on Why Section 702 Reauthorization Will Take a ‘Little Political Muscle’
Section 702 of the FISA, which permits warrantless collection of foreign communications, is set to sunset on April 20 unless Congress acts. Rep. Darin LaHood, chair of the House Intelligence Committee’s NSA subcommittee, urged an 18‑month “clean” reauthorization aligned with...
After 170 Days, Activist Seeks Deal, Not Vengeance
A man spends 170 days in a high-security jail. When he finally walks out, he doesn't ask for revenge. He asks for a deal. Last weekend, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was suddenly released from prison. For nearly 6 months, he was locked up...
Wall Street Opposes Paramount‑Warner Deal Amid Lawsuit
Wall Street hates the Paramount-Warner deal. There's a shareholder derivative lawsuit here against the Ellisons, or maybe the deal doesn't even go through. https://t.co/ek5wSMzOXW https://t.co/fqN6mZnTz9
Unknown Worlds Co-Founders' Lawyers Accuse Krafton of "Intentionally Leaking" Subnautica 2 Release Date
The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) announced it will not adopt the sweeping age‑rating changes introduced by Pan‑European Games Information (PEGI), citing potential confusion for consumers. PEGI’s new framework, effective June, expands ratings to cover paid random items, time‑limited offers,...
PR Firm Sues Polymarket over Trademarked Bar Name
“Public relations firm Global Situation Room on Thursday sent a cease and desist letter to Polymarket over the prediction market's planned bar pop-up in Washington. Polymarket has dubbed the bar "The Situation Room," which the consulting firm's attorney said infringes...
AGs and DirecTV Lawsuits Persist After Nexstar‑Tegna Merger Closed
The offices of the state AGs and DirecTV said their lawsuits seeking to block the Nexstar-Tegna merger will continue to move forward, notwithstanding Nexstar’s announcement that the deal has closed. https://t.co/2Y4mvyhfS4 via @variety
Divorce Doesn’t Care About Your Cap Table — It Cares About Value
Athletes First and Entrepreneur Media are launching The Summit, an invite‑only three‑day event in Park City, Utah, that brings NFL athletes together with founders and investors. The gathering, scheduled for June 15‑17, blends immersive experiences—such as a Navy SEAL‑led training...
BREAKING: New Jersey Sues to Block ICE Detention Facility in Roxbury
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, alongside Roxbury Township, filed a federal lawsuit on March 20 to block the conversion of a 470,000‑square‑foot warehouse into a 1,500‑person ICE detention center. The complaint alleges violations of the National Environmental Policy Act,...
SCC’s 2025 Year in Review Shows Slightly More Self-Represented Litigant Filings than in 2024
The Supreme Court of Canada released its 2025 Year in Review to mark its 150th anniversary, highlighting key decisions and statistical trends. Self‑represented litigant filings rose to 37 percent of leave applications, up from 31 percent in 2024. The Court received 517...
BaFin Changes Its Administrative Practice: The End of Uncertainty for ESG Collaborative Engagements?
BaFin announced immediate changes to its administrative practice for attributing and disclosing voting rights under the German Securities Trading Act, aligning the "acting in concert" definition with the EU Transparency Directive after the EU Court’s February 2026 ruling. The regulator...
Did EU ‘Right to Repair’ Law Force Apple to Finally Make a Repairable Macbook?
Apple’s new MacBook Neo, priced at €699, is the most repairable Mac in 15 years, featuring a glue‑free design and standard screws for easy battery removal. The model is a direct response to the EU Right‑to‑Repair Directive, which becomes fully...
New Income Tax Act 2025 to Prioritize Simplicity and Stakeholder Engagement, Says FM Nirmala Sitharaman
India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Income Tax Act 2025, which will replace the 1961 law on April 1 2026. The new act trims the text from 5.12 lakh words and 819 sections to 2.6 lakh words and 536 sections, aiming for clearer rules...
Vincent Bollore To Stand Trial On Political Corruption Charges
Vincent Bollor, controlling shareholder of Bollore Group, will stand trial on political corruption charges linked to election campaigns in Togo and Guinea between 2009 and 2011. Prosecutors allege he provided discounted communications services through Havas to two presidential candidates in...
FERC Rejects RWE Complaint over PJM Interconnection Practices
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) dismissed RWE Clean Energy's complaint that PJM Interconnection violated cost‑allocation rules after the project’s upgrade estimate ballooned from $1.25 million to nearly $72 million, prompting the developer to withdraw a 125‑MW solar‑battery project. At the same...
Luke Littler Face Trademark Is ‘Smart Move’ but ‘Not Silver Bullet’, Say Experts
Darts prodigy Luke Littler, now 19, has applied to trademark his facial likeness with the UK Intellectual Property Office to shield his £20 million endorsement portfolio from AI‑generated deepfakes. IP lawyers praise the proactive step as an expansion of traditional name...
Regulatory and Risk Outlook 2026: Controllers Playbook – Webinar Highlights
Finance leaders entering 2026 face expanding regulatory expectations and more intricate operational risks. A Controllers Council webinar highlighted that compliance now spans tax, data governance, AI‑driven processes, and industry‑specific rules. Panelists urged finance teams to shift from reactive checklists to...
Justices to Consider Arbitration Exemption for “Last-Mile” Drivers
The Supreme Court will hear Flowers Foods v. Brock, questioning whether “last‑mile” drivers who deliver goods within a single state but are part of an interstate shipment are exempt from the Federal Arbitration Act. The case pits Flowers Foods, which...
Erin Boone: Forging a New Frontier For Broadcast TV
On March 19, FCC Media Bureau Chief Erin Boone issued a 40‑page Memorandum Opinion and Order that effectively rewrote the 2004 local television ownership rules. The order granted Nexstar Media Group's merger with TEGNA, providing waivers and divestiture commitments that...
Evidence Sufficient to Demonstrate that Audio Recording Was Not a Deepfake
In Burnley v. Valentin, the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that an audio recording alleged to be a deepfake was authentic and admissible. The court relied on sworn declarations from Walburn and Roskam to satisfy Federal Rule of Evidence 901(a)...
America's Reluctance to Enforce Voter ID Requirements
Why is the US so hell bent on not enforcing voter id? Seems so backward to not require proof of citizenship for voting
UK Regulator Opens Enforcement Investigation Into Market Financial Solutions Limited
The UK Financial Conduct Authority has opened an enforcement investigation into Market Financial Solutions Limited (MFS), a firm registered under Annex 1 and supervised solely for compliance with the Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds (Information on the Payer)...
Understanding the Discovery Process in a Personal Injury Case
Personal injury plaintiffs in San Diego must navigate the discovery phase, a pre‑trial exchange of evidence that includes interrogatories, document production, requests for admission, and depositions. The article breaks down each component, emphasizing the need for thorough, honest responses and...
Evergrande Liquidators, PwC to Face Off in Court
China Evergrande’s liquidators have scheduled a court hearing with PwC in Hong Kong’s High Court for May 18, 2026, marking the first public session of a lawsuit filed in March 2024. The creditors’ representatives allege that PwC’s mainland affiliate was negligent and...
IRS Provides Guidance on Business Interest Limitation Elections
The IRS issued Revenue Procedure 2026‑17, allowing taxpayers to withdraw Sec. 163(j)(7) elections for excepted trades or businesses and to make a late Sec. 168(k)(7) election to forego bonus depreciation. The guidance implements changes from H.R. 1, which made 100 percent bonus depreciation permanent...
Congress Urged to Back Balanced AI Training on Copyrighted Works
“Congress should support a balanced approach that allows for advanced AI training on copyrighted materials” 👀
Administration Says AI Training on Copyrighted Works Is Legal
“the Administration believes that training of AI models on copyrighted material does not violate copyright laws” 👀
24 States and 10 Cities Sue EPA Over Repeal of Climate Endangerment Finding
A coalition of 24 Democratic‑led states, 10 major cities and five counties has filed a lawsuit in the D.C. Circuit to overturn the EPA's repeal of the 2009 endangerment finding. The filing seeks to restore the scientific basis for vehicle...
Former FDA Chief Warns Political Pressure Plagued Trump Era
Political influence ‘a serious problem’ for FDA under Trump, former commissioner says https://t.co/52IR3LfECD via @statnews
SAVE Act Threatens Millions Lacking Matching Birth Certificates
… “the SAVE America Act would pose a barrier for millions of women and others who have changed their legal names. An estimated 69 million American women and 4 million men do not have a birth certificate that matches their...
Independent Report: Report on the Report on the Proposed Subsidy to the British Business Bank
The Subsidy Advice Unit (SAU) has released an independent report responding to the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) request for advice on its proposed subsidy to the British Business Bank (BBB). The analysis evaluates whether the subsidy scheme complies...
ACEDS Announces ChronoTracer as New Affiliate Partner
ACEDS announced ChronoTracer as a new affiliate partner via its Emerging Partner Program. ChronoTracer provides technology that structures evidence into searchable, chronological timelines, handling cases with tens of millions of documents and complementing existing e‑discovery platforms. The partnership reflects a...