Today's Legal Pulse
Biden sues DOJ to block release of interview audio
President Joe Biden has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to prevent the Department of Justice from publishing an audio recording of his interview. The action, reported by Axios and TIME, aims to keep the interview confidential amid political controversy.
Also developing:
By the numbers: Hogan Lovells and Cadwalader clear final merger hurdles
$5.2 Million NYC Restitution Deal Signals Tougher Oversight of Delivery Platforms
New York City officials announced a $5.2 million settlement with Uber Eats, Fantuan, and HungryPanda for violating the city’s Minimum Pay Rate for delivery workers, compensating over 49,000 workers and requiring Uber to reinstate up to 10,000 deactivated couriers. Mayor Zohran Mamdani and DCWP Commissioner Sam Levine framed the deal as a clear signal that corporate exploitation of gig workers will not be tolerated, emphasizing the agency’s new compliance‑monitoring system that paired monthly reporting with direct worker outreach. The settlement also includes civil penalties and fees designed to deter future violations and underscores the broader rollout of Local Laws 107‑115 that raise pay transparency, tip protection, and minimum earnings for gig delivery workers. Advocates and city council members praised the action as a turning point for labor rights in the gig economy, highlighting the role of worker organizing and aggressive enforcement in achieving real restitution.
A Fun Way to Build AI Fluency
In a recent CLE session, a Texas lawyer highlighted how lawyers have progressed from no AI exposure to daily usage within three years. He urged attorneys to develop AI fluency by engaging with ChatGPT through spoken, hands‑free interactions while driving....
Relief Might Be Fleeting for the Healthcare Industry After Supreme Court Strikes Down Most Tariffs
The Supreme Court ruled 6‑3 that most Trump‑era tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act are invalid, wiping out 25% duties on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 20% hike on China. Sector‑specific duties on steel, aluminum and...
Optimizing GRC Platform
Optimizing a Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) platform requires a holistic strategy that blends integration, user‑centric design, automation, and continuous improvement. Organizations should start with a thorough current‑state assessment and stakeholder feedback to pinpoint gaps. Seamless API‑driven connectivity, centralized data...
Reptiles V. Plants & Dogs: Reptiles Lose
The episode dissects a recent Florida defamation case where New Moon Reptiles sued a Nevada resident for allegedly false social‑media claims that the company’s reptiles died due to unsafe shipping. The court denied the plaintiffs’ request for an ex parte...
SEC Charges Texas Startup and Former CEO In Connection With Alleged Fraud in $4.2 Million Stock Offering
The SEC has charged Texas‑based startup C‑Hear, Inc. and its former chief executive, Adena Harmon, with securities fraud over a $4.2 million private stock offering. Between 2019 and 2023, the company raised capital from at least 48 investors while allegedly misrepresenting...
Discord’s Age Verification Data Has a Frontend Leak — Now What?
Discord’s new age‑verification system, powered by identity vendor Persona, has a critical frontend exposure. Security researchers discovered that verification components are reachable on the public web, potentially revealing users’ age‑related data. The flaw adds urgency to Discord’s 2026 compliance roadmap,...
California Tried to Protect Students’ Data. Tech Companies Found Loopholes
California is drafting Assembly Bill 1159 to tighten student data privacy after tech companies have exploited loopholes in the state’s 2014 education privacy law. The bill would expand the definition of education‑technology products, restrict AI use of student data, and...
US Supreme Court Reasserts Its Power, Strikes Down Trump Global Tarrifs
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6‑3 ruling that invalidated President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariff regime, finding the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not grant the president authority to impose tariffs. Authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, the...
Can Microsoft Teams Chat Be Monitored?
Microsoft Teams chat can be monitored using native Microsoft 365 compliance features and third‑party solutions. Monitoring requires an E5 license or an E3 plan with the E5 Compliance add‑on, after which admins enable communication‑compliance, assign roles, and create policies. Tools such...
Is Pay Transparency the New Standard? | Fast Five Shorts
The episode discusses Co‑op’s new gender‑pay‑gap toolkit, launched with YHTL and Diversity in Retail, which will guide businesses from 2027 on identifying gap drivers, creating action plans, and improving recruitment, mentorship, and flexible working. Guest Jen explains that while UK...
Crypto's Code‑Based Order Preserves Rights Amid Failing Systems
The purpose of crypto is to build a code-based order, because the rules-based order is unfortunately collapsing. That code-based order covers some of what international law once protected. It guarantees property rights, smart contracts, rule-of-code, privacy, secure voting, and user accounts...
4 Audit Triggers To Avoid For Entrepreneurs and High Income Individuals
High‑income entrepreneurs, especially Schedule C filers, face sharply higher IRS audit rates in 2024, with audit risk more than double that of previous cycles. The article outlines four primary triggers—aggressive expense deductions, persistent losses, mortgage‑interest miscalculations, and residency errors—that can flag...
Supreme Court Undermines Washington’s Geoeconomic Power Base
The legal foundation of Washington’s geoeconomic power plays is looking shaky after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling invalidated the use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) Source: Vizualytiks https://www.voronoiapp.com/trade/US-Tariff-Revenue-7693
Taliban New Penal Code Legalizes Domestic Violence Against Women
The Taliban’s newly issued Criminal Procedure Code for Courts legalizes limited domestic violence, allowing husbands to beat wives unless severe injury occurs. Signed by Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada on Jan. 7, the code limits criminal liability to cases causing wounds, imposes...
Available Now: The ICCA Yearbook Commercial Arbitration, Volume L (2025)
The International Council for Commercial Arbitration (ICCA) has released Volume L, the 2025 edition of its Yearbook of Commercial Arbitration, marking the publication’s 50th anniversary. The volume, available in print and via Kluwer Arbitration, expands global coverage to over 20 jurisdictions,...
Supreme Court Says IEEPA Can't Authorize Presidential Tariffs
The Supreme Court Ruling In a 6–3 decision (Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump), the Court ruled that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) of 1977 does not give the President the authority to impose tariffs.
Predicted AI Technophobia a Decade Ago; History Rhymes
i anticipated the technophobic pushback ai would receive nearly a decade ago and gave a talk at cliocon about it. history doesn't repeat, it rhymes. watch my comments here: https://t.co/CIm9q25mQ6
Hawaii Tackles Government Ethics in Slate of Bills Passing Initial Muster
The 2026 Hawaii legislative session cleared a slate of bills on ethics, gambling, education and Native Hawaiian land while many environmental measures stalled. Senate Bill 2824 makes failure to report bribery a misdemeanor, and SB2661 extends anti‑nepotism rules. House Bill...
Trump's Homebuying Ban Spares Build‑to‑rent and Fixer‑uppers
Trump's proposed institutional homebuying 'ban' includes 2 exemptions --> build-to-rent communities --> existing homes in need of significant repair https://t.co/iFD29f3UiD
Dutch Tax 36% on Bitcoin Gains, Others May Follow
Your #Bitcoin goes up 20%. You don't sell. The Dutch government says: "Pay us 36% of that gain." This is real. And your country could be next. @ArnoWellens explains 👇 https://t.co/410d81vKZv
From Courtroom to Capital Markets: Why US Tariff Instability Matters
The Supreme Court narrowed presidential tariff authority, prompting the administration to rely on alternative statutes and refusing refunds for collected duties. This creates a new layer of substitution and retroactivity risk that markets now price into trade‑policy expectations. For capital‑intensive...
Support for Data Rights Contradicted by Backing KOSA
Would LOVE a data bill of rights. But if that’s what you actually believe in then why do u support surveillance legislation like KOSA that strips anonymity from the internet and forces companies to collect far MORE data, making it...
Supreme Court Threatens Trump-Era Trade Deals Under IEEPA
Are Trumpian trade deals valid❓ ✍️ @nytimes”The fate of those deals is in doubt now with the Supreme Court decision, because many of the deals were premised on tariff rates under the IEEPA law” https://t.co/ltr9FW5Tl4
Authors, Illustrators Push for Copyright Owner Class in Case Against Google AI
A coalition of authors and illustrators has asked the court to certify a class that would include any copyright owner whose works were used to train Google’s Gemini AI. Judge Eumi Lee pressed both sides on the feasibility of such...
Economic Damages: Quantifiable Losses, Easier to Prove
Economic damages refer to quantifiable losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. These damages are typically easier to calculate and prove in legal cases. https://t.co/MaUjKRwfki
Journalists Shielded From Government Searches, Except When Investigated
“The Privacy Protection Act of 1980 is intended to protect journalists and newsrooms from government searches and seizures of a reporter’s work product materials unless the reporter is themself the subject of a criminal investigation or prosecution.”
US: Landmark Supreme Court Decision Holds IEEPA Tariffs Invalid
On February 20, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6‑3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give the President authority to impose tariffs, invalidating the IEEPA tariffs enacted by President Trump. The majority applied the major questions...
AdX Publishers Warned: No Action Needed Amid Google Probe
As we await Judge Brinkema's decision in US v Google whether to break up Google's adtech business, evidence continues to be unsealed in SDNY tonight. "NEVER USE THE WORD BERNANKE EXTERNALLY, EVER." "All AdX publisher will be impacted." "Publishers do not need to...
US Sanctions Sudanese Commanders Amid Massive Humanitarian Crisis
US Sanctions Sudanese Paramilitary Commanders For Atrocities In El-Fasher...The conflict has provoked the world’s worst ongoing humanitarian crisis with over 150,000 having been killed and more than 14 million displaced. https://t.co/b2rLtUN2Ob
Five Things Every Employer Needs to Know About the LWDA’s Proposed PAGA Regulations
On February 6, 2026 the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that would codify the first formal regulations for PAGA’s administrative procedures. The draft adds 34 sections covering notice specificity, a two‑tier filer‑designation system,...
Utah Supreme Court Dismisses GOP Legislature Appeal in Redistricting Fight
The Utah Supreme Court unanimously rejected the Republican‑led Legislature’s attempt to appeal a lower‑court ruling that its 2021 congressional redistricting map violated Proposition 4, the state’s voter‑approved anti‑gerrymandering amendment. The court said the Legislature missed the 30‑day window for certification, leaving...
“Trump Slams Justices After Supreme Court Strikes Down Most of His Tariffs; The Ruling Deals a Major Blow to the...
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6‑3 decision striking down the bulk of President Trump’s global tariff regime, ruling the administration exceeded its statutory authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ruling, framed around the major questions doctrine,...
IEEPA Tariff Invalidated Threatens Existing Trade Deal Framework
JPMORGAN: “.. many trade deals negotiated to date have relied on IEEPA tariffs and have not yet been formalized as trade agreements. With the legal basis for these tariffs now invalidated, the fate of these deals is in question. These...
Provincial Environmental Rules Can Trump Federal Pipelines
So, for example, a province acting within its jurisdiction over matters of a local and private nature (e.g. local environmental protection) would be given priority over federal laws (e.g. pipeline construction) in the event of a conflict? https://t.co/83rqboK7pR
Feds to Axe Multi-Language Testing for Truckers
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced a rulemaking that will require all commercial driver knowledge and skills tests to be administered exclusively in English, ending the current multi‑language options available in states like California. The change is part of a...
California Lawmakers Focus on Immigration This Session
California’s 2025 legislative session has seen a surge of bills, with immigration at the forefront. Key proposals include AB 1627, which would bar former ICE agents from law‑enforcement and teaching positions, and SB 1105, aimed at preventing local police from...
Bakersfield College Can’t Fire Professor for Anti-DEI Beliefs
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction preventing Bakersfield College from disciplining history professor Daymon Johnson for his anti‑DEI speech, while still allowing the college to require mandatory DEI training for faculty screening committee service. Johnson, who leads the right‑leaning...
Historic Supreme Court Decision Ends Trump’s Tariffs
The U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6‑3 ruling on February 20, 2026, striking down President Trump’s sweeping global tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The decision, authored by Chief Justice John Roberts, holds that the Constitution reserves...
Building an Effective Surveillance Lexicon Policy
Bloomberg’s February 2026 article outlines how compliance teams can build effective surveillance lexicon policies amid evolving AI and regulatory scrutiny. It defines lexicons, explains their precision and transparency, and highlights challenges such as language drift and false positives. The piece recommends...
State Bill to Standardize Nursing Home Admission Contracts, Limit Role of ‘Assistors’
New Jersey lawmakers introduced a bill requiring the Department of Health to create uniform admission contracts for nursing homes and assisted‑living facilities and to restrict Medicaid "assistors" from providing legal or financial guidance. The legislation also mandates clear notification of...
SCOTUS Blocks Trump's Emergency Tariffs, Curbing Executive Overreach
SCOTUS just ruled Trump can’t use emergency powers to impose sweeping tariffs. Why? The Constitution gives tariff power to Congress, and IEEPA never authorized a president to tax imports. The Court rejected the power grab and the economic overreach. It’s...
Supreme Court Tariff Ruling in Learning Resources, Inc. V. Trump: What Corporate Tax and Trade Teams Need to Know
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6‑3 that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act does not give the President authority to impose tariffs, invalidating both the targeted fentanyl duties and broader reciprocal tariffs. The decision could unlock up to $175 billion in...
Ex-Google Employees Charged for ‘Stealing Trade Secrets’ Around Pixel’s Tensor Chip
U.S. federal prosecutors have indicted three individuals, including two former Google hardware engineers, on 14 felony counts for allegedly stealing trade secrets tied to Google’s Tensor AI chips used in Pixel devices. The charges encompass conspiracy, theft of trade secrets,...
Ashes of Creation IP's New Owner Gets Restraining Order Compelling Return of Company Assets & Account Info From Steven Sharif
The current owner of the Ashes of Creation intellectual property, TFE Holdings, filed a countersuit that resulted in a judge granting a temporary restraining order against former Intrepid CEO Steven Sharif. The order bars Sharif from destroying any records and...
Supreme Court Trump Tariff Decision Impact: What to Expect as Fight for Billions in Refunds Begins
The U.S. Supreme Court declared President Trump’s IEEPA‑based tariffs illegal, opening the door to massive refund claims. Estimates suggest importers could seek as much as $175 billion in reimbursements, though the Court did not specify how refunds will be administered. Treasury,...
Learning From FDA’s Moderna U-Turn
The FDA abruptly reversed its decision to approve Moderna’s mRNA‑based flu vaccine after the White House intervened, sparking intense discussion in biotech boardrooms. The reversal was driven by political considerations rather than new scientific data, underscoring the agency’s vulnerability to...
Registrations Now Open: “Digitalisation of Justice: Perspectives From Germany and the Netherlands”
A symposium on the digitalisation of justice will be held in Groningen on 29 May 2026, hosted by Dr. Benedikt Schmitz. The event features a keynote by Germany’s Justice Minister Benjamin Grimm and expert panels covering private international, civil, criminal, and administrative law. Emerging...
Resource: Privacy Law Directory — Codamail
Codamail has launched a Privacy Law Directory that maps data‑protection, surveillance and intelligence frameworks across 21 jurisdictions, including the United States, the European Union and key international partners. The resource is organized around the Five, Nine and Fourteen Eyes intelligence...
From Prof. Jack Goldsmith (Harvard) on the Tariff Decision
In this episode, Professor Jack Goldsmith discusses the Supreme Court's recent tariff decision, focusing on how the justices applied the Major Questions Doctrine (MQD) to limit presidential authority over broad statutory delegations. He highlights the significance of three conservative justices...