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
Delhi HC Upholds Compulsory Retirement of IAF Civilian Employee in Forgery Case
The Delhi High Court upheld the compulsory retirement of a civilian carpenter employed by the Indian Air Force after he was found guilty of forging union receipt books and collecting subscription fees without authorization. The bench rejected the employee’s claim that the misconduct was linked to union activities and affirmed that integrity violations fall under the CCS Conduct Rules. The court also found no procedural flaws in the inquiry, confirming the disciplinary authority’s decision. This ruling reinforces strict accountability for government servants involved in financial fraud.
Reddit's Copyright Bans Surge 90% Amid DMCA Flood
Reddit and takedown requests -> Reddit Reports Resurgence in User Bans over Copyright Infringement First, the volume of content published on Reddit: "Overall, the transparency report reveals the massive volume of content that’s added to the site. In just six months, Redditors...
Russian Lawmakers Unveil $0 Package to Boost Responsible Fatherhood Nationwide
Russia's Committee on Family, Women, Children and Youth introduced a comprehensive support package for responsible fatherhood, guaranteeing equal parental‑leave rights, a one‑time birth allowance and new cultural programs. Lawmakers say the plan could raise the share of fathers taking leave...
UK High Court Dismisses Facial-Recognition Judicial Review Case
The UK High Court dismissed a judicial review brought by anti‑knife activist Shaun Thompson and privacy advocate Silkie Carlo, finding that the Metropolitan Police’s live facial‑recognition (LFR) policy contains sufficient legal constraints. The court rejected claims that the policy is...
To Tax or Not to Tax Mineral Rights in India? SC to Hear Pleas on May 20
The Indian Supreme Court scheduled a hearing for May 20 to decide whether Parliament can tax mineral rights, after the Centre filed a pending curative petition. A nine‑judge bench in July 2024 had ruled 8‑1 that such taxing power resides with the...
Securitize Secures FINRA Approval, Advancing Tokenized Securities Into Regulated Broker-Dealer Operations
Securitize announced that its subsidiary Securitize Markets received expanded FINRA approval, becoming the first traditional broker‑dealer authorized to custody tokenized securities. The approval lets the firm handle custody, clearing and settlement in‑house, enabling atomic on‑chain settlement and stablecoin payments. It...
Coinbase Faces Lawsuit over Frozen Funds From $55M Crypto Theft
Coinbase is being sued in a San Francisco federal court over $55 million in DAI that it froze after the funds were traced to a retail user account. The plaintiff, a Puerto Rico resident, alleges the crypto originated from an August 2024 phishing theft...
FAA Releases Long-Awaited NPRM for Drone Restrictions Around Critical Infrastructure
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to create a petition‑based framework for restricting unmanned aircraft around critical infrastructure. The 181‑page proposal adds a new 14 CFR Part 74, introducing Standard and Special Unmanned Aircraft Flight Restrictions (UAFRs) with...
Huntington Park Medical Practice and Doctor to Pay More Than $6.7 Million to Settle Allegations of Billing Medicare for Unnecessary...
Dr. Feliciano Serrano and his Huntington Park vascular practice agreed to pay more than $6.73 million to resolve False Claims Act allegations that they billed Medicare for medically unnecessary dialysis‑access and peripheral artery procedures. The settlement includes roughly $6.51 million to the federal...
‘GothFerrari’ Sentenced to 78 Months in Prison for Role in Massive Cryptocurrency Heist
Marlon Ferro, a 20‑year‑old from Santa Ana, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for his role in a nationwide cryptocurrency burglary ring that stole more than $250 million in digital assets. The scheme combined online social‑engineering fraud with physical...
Baltimore Man Sentenced for Role in Multi-State Firearm Trafficking Operation in Connection With HSTF Case
A Baltimore man, Rodney Allen Farrar, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for his role in a multi‑state firearm trafficking conspiracy. Prosecutors said Farrar and co‑conspirator Brian Keith Adams moved more than 100 guns from North and South...
Pennsylvania Sues Chatbot for Faking Psychiatrist Credentials
Oh boy, it even gave a bogus license number -> Pennsylvania sues https://t.co/Xso93XhOzA, alleging that one of its characters posed as a psychiatrist, as the state seeks to prevent chatbots from impersonating doctors "One character, "Emilie," allegedly told a...
Athletes Must Get NIL Contracts Reviewed by Lawyers
Same issues we talk about in my NIL classes at UF all the time. Athletes, you absolutely have get these reviewed by an attorney when nis experienced in this area.
Part 3, the Trump Admin INVITES Destruction of MAHA IN COURT
A federal judge ordered a freeze and reversal of every vaccine policy change made by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra (referred to as Kennedy) since taking office. The Justice Department filed a consent filing rather than a traditional appeal, effectively endorsing...
Wealthy Money In Politics Preceded Citizens United
very good NYT piece pointing out that it was not Citizens United that opened the door to rich people's money flooding politics https://t.co/NSrcZsh0zD
Disney Flags FCC License Renewal Risk in 10‑Q
Disney has updated the "risk factors" section of its 10-Q to include the FCC's move to call in its broadcast licenses for renewal. https://t.co/pUePgeqz9P
Tarn Brown | Meet the Speakers: Med-Tech Expo 2026
At Med‑Tech Expo 2026, Columbus Global’s Tarn Brown will discuss turning regulatory compliance into a competitive edge. She argues that regulations are intended to support safety and can be leveraged through digital technologies to streamline the compliance process. Brown highlights...
Techlash Mislabels Legit Legal Action, Not Anti‑tech
💯 agree, Adam. “Techlash” was always a term I disputed that attempted to frame regulators’ lawsuits (still active) against your clients Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta as “anti-tech” rather than just good law enforcement. If anything it was a “Facebook-lash” at...
The Fincen NPRM Gets the Big Picture Right. Now Fix the Forms.
FinCEN’s April 7 notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) seeks to overhaul AML/CFT program requirements, moving the focus from sheer filing volume to demonstrable risk‑based outcomes and encouraging the use of AI, machine learning and blockchain analytics. While the proposal is widely...
States Are Requiring Lawyers to Verify AI Outputs. Will It Help?: Artificial Intelligence Trends
State bars in California and Connecticut are moving to embed AI‑ethics rules into professional conduct codes, with California proposing that every AI‑generated output used in client work be independently verified by the lawyer. Connecticut’s proposal goes further, requiring both lawyers...
Harvey Deploys 500+ Purpose‑Built Legal AI Agents and Low‑Code Builder
Harvey announced the live launch of more than 500 pre‑built legal AI agents and early‑access to its low‑code Agent Builder on May 5, 2026. The rollout targets firms of all sizes, adding to a platform already used by over 100,000...
New National Origin Discrimination Settlement: $1.25M Payout Linked to Ugly Email
The EEOC secured a $1.25 million settlement from R&R Janitorial, a federal contractor, after finding that Hispanic workers were terminated because of their Central American national origin. The case stemmed from derogatory remarks and an email likening immigrants to raccoons, which...
‘It’s Pretty Brutal’: Why UK Landlords Have Been Rushing to Evict Renters
The UK’s Renters’ Rights Act, effective May 1 2026, outlawed Section 21 no‑fault evictions, forcing landlords to use Section 8 notices with legal grounds. In the days leading up to the change, many landlords rushed to serve a flood of Section 21 notices, creating a...
But Wait, There’s More! SEC Submits Climate Disclosure Rulemaking to OIRA
The SEC has formally submitted a notice‑and‑comment rulemaking titled “Rescission of Climate‑Related Disclosure Rules,” which OIRA posted to its regulatory dashboard on Monday. The filing follows the agency’s March 2024 adoption of climate‑related disclosure requirements that were placed on stay...
AI Roundup: Udio Used YouTube Music; Meta/Zuckerberg Sued for Infringement; ElevenLabs Raises $500m
Udio disclosed that it scraped YouTube audio to train its generative‑music AI, prompting Sony to remain the sole major label still suing the platform over copyright infringement. Meta and Mark Zuckerberg are now facing a lawsuit from leading book publishers...
Q&A: State AGs Increasingly Taking the Lead on Antitrust Enforcement
State attorneys general are emerging as primary antitrust enforcers, exemplified by a bipartisan coalition of 34 AGs that won a landmark verdict against Live Nation after the DOJ settled its case. Recent multistate actions, such as blocking the Nexstar‑Tegna merger,...
The Case for and Against Co-Authoring With AI
The article debates whether lawyers should co‑author documents with generative AI. It contrasts Zack Shapiro’s view that AI can amplify human thinking with the author’s skepticism that AI‑generated briefs are flat, verbose, and risk competence issues. The piece highlights the...
Schools Tighten Rules on Athlete Use of Brand Assets
Schools are being more deliberate about how their brand assets are used by athletes. Can student-athletes include school logos, uniforms, or facilities in NIL content? I break this down in my book NIL 101: The House Settlement 40% off https://t.co/yBVisUkFCL https://t.co/SvJT7XJzb1
$375M Meta Verdict Shows States Don’t Need to Make a Federal Case to Have an Impact
A Santa Fe jury handed Meta a $375 million civil penalty for violating New Mexico’s consumer‑protection statutes by misleading users about platform safety and endangering children. The verdict underscores the expansive authority state attorneys general wield to pursue consumer‑fraud claims, even...
Sorsby Hires Kessler: Breaking Down QB’s NCAA Eligibility Push
Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby has retained renowned sports litigator Jeffrey Kessler as he confronts an NCAA gambling investigation and a breach‑of‑contract lawsuit over a reported $5 million NIL deal with Cincinnati. The allegations include more than 10,000 wagers placed through...
Over One Third of Small Businesses to “Reduce or Stop” Trading with EU
The Federation of Small Businesses reports that more than one‑third of UK SMEs are set to reduce or stop trading with the EU, citing divergent regulations, mounting red tape and rising compliance costs. Only 10% see growth opportunities in the...
Nuro Secures California Permit to Test Driverless Uber‑Backed Lucid Gravity Robotaxis
Nuro has been granted a California DMV permit to test its driverless Lucid Gravity robotaxis without a safety driver, allowing operations up to 45 mph in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The approval clears a major regulatory hurdle for Uber’s...
Malaysia Seeks to Charge 2 over US$278 Million Arm Semiconductor Deal
Malaysia’s anti‑corruption commission is preparing charges against two unnamed individuals over a 1.1 billion ringgit (approximately $278 million) deal with British chip designer Arm Holdings. The investigation, now in its final stages, has gathered statements from 22 witnesses, including former economy minister...
Correspondence: CMA Advice to Defra on Reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued formal advice to the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on its proposed overhaul of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966. The advice draws on the CMA’s recent veterinary services market...
InsurTech Startups Set to Compete for £50k Insurathon Prize 2026
Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has launched the ninth Insurathon competition, offering InsurTech startups up to £50,000 (≈ $62,500) in combined legal support and potential equity investment. Finalists receive £25,000 (≈ $31,250) in regulatory advisory services and a possible £25,000 equity...
Africa’s Peace-Building Faces Reality Check as Leaders Call for Active Prudence
The Johannesburg Arbitration Week 2026 opened with former African heads of state warning that technical peace‑building tools are outpaced by complex, entrenched conflicts. Leaders including Joaquim Chissano, Goodluck Jonathan, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Uhuru Kenyatta stressed the need for wisdom, inclusivity and sustained political will....
FIS Teams with Anthropic to Deploy AI Agents for Financial‑Crime Detection
FIS Global and AI firm Anthropic announced a joint effort to roll out a Financial Crimes AI Agent that accelerates anti‑money‑laundering investigations from hours to minutes. The first deployments will be at BMO and Amalgamated Bank, with broader availability slated...
CFTC Targets Minnesota in Prediction Markets Crackdown
"Selig, who has so far filed lawsuits against five states that tried to crack down..." CFTC eyes Minnesota as next front for prediction markets fight https://t.co/FJy7zAGifo
UMG Tells Appeals Court Salt-N-Pepa Termination Bid Lacks Legal Foundation
Universal Music Group asked the U.S. Second Circuit to uphold a January ruling that dismissed Salt‑N‑Pepa’s lawsuit seeking to reclaim ownership of their master recordings. The label argues the duo never owned the copyrights because the 1986 agreements transferred rights...
How DORA Redefines ICT Exit Planning for Financial Firms
The EU’s Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) now obliges financial institutions to maintain a documented, testable ICT exit plan for any service supporting a critical or important function. Simply having a termination clause is insufficient; firms must prove they can...
Murder Trial Hears Couple 'Looked Madly in Love' Before Violent Death
A Northern Territory Supreme Court trial is examining the murder of 22‑year‑old Ms Ashley, whose partner Braden Jentian has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors allege Jentian subjected Ashley to a prolonged, violent assault that ended in her death, citing nine documented...
Would Illinois's New Insurance Law Help or Hurt Your Wallet?
Illinois Senate Bill 1486, championed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, seeks to tighten consumer protections for auto and home insurers. The bill would require insurers to give 60‑day notice of any rate increase above 10%, ban cost‑shifting from out‑of‑state...
Unfit to Print: DC CRIME AND UNJUST PUNISHMENT
Washington, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department is terminating several officers after an investigation uncovered systematic manipulation of violent‑crime statistics. Assistant Chief LaShay Makal and Second District Commander Tatjana Savoy were placed on administrative leave, while former Third District commander Michael Pulliam...
LTO Suspends, Eyes More Penalties vs Drivers in Calamba Road Rage
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) placed the drivers of a Yamaha Mio motorcycle and an L300 van under a 90‑day preventive suspension after a viral road‑rage fistfight in Calamba, Laguna, issuing show‑cause orders and requiring license surrender. Simultaneously, the Tourism...
Before You Fire Someone for FMLA Paperwork Problems, Make Sure Your System Worked
A Wisconsin federal court denied the employer’s motion for summary judgment on both FMLA interference and retaliation claims after a production employee was fired despite a broken third‑party administrator (TPA) system that repeatedly hung up on his calls. The employee,...
Stablecoin Yield Debate Central in GENIUS Rule Comments
Comment letters to the OCC’s proposed rule implementing the GENIUS Act reveal a stark clash between banks and crypto firms over whether consumers may earn yield on stablecoins. Banks argue any economic benefit tied to custody should be treated as...
RFK Jr. Clears Path for Minors' Use of Tanning Beds, Much to the Dismay of Dermatologists
Future Health and Human Services Secretary‑designate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. withdrew the FDA’s proposed rule that would have barred minors from indoor tanning salons and required all users to sign a cancer‑risk acknowledgment. The rule, first drafted in 2015, aimed to curb exposure...
Is Your Grammar Too Good? A New Way to Repel Clients and Prospects
Sinceerly.com launched an "anti‑Grammarly" service that deliberately inserts typos and informal phrasing into lawyers' emails to hide AI‑generated cues. The free‑trial app claims the tweaks make messages appear more human, countering the perception that overly polished language signals machine output....
Referees Score Key Ruling Against HMRC
A UK tribunal has ruled that around 60 lower‑league football referees are self‑employed, not employees of Professional Game Match Officials Limited. The decision means HM Revenue and Customs will forfeit roughly $742,000 in unpaid employment taxes for the 2014‑2016 period....
Why Europe Must Refuse the Data-Sharing Deal with the US
The European Commission is weighing a deal that would let U.S. authorities access personal data of 450 million Europeans in exchange for preserving the visa‑waiver program. Critics, led by the European Data Protection Supervisor, argue the arrangement lacks reciprocity and undermines...