Government & Policy
DOJ leadership, attorney general actions, executive orders, legislation, and public policy directly affecting the legal system
D.C. Circuit Rules Sept. 22 Against Protest Sponsor Limits on Capitol Steps
The D.C. Circuit struck down congressional sponsorship limits on protests at the Capitol steps.
US Air Force F-16 Crashes at Germany’s Spangdahlem Base; Pilot Hurt
A U.S. Air Force F-16 crashed at Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, on Sept. 22, 2026. The pilot was injured. Legal teams should monitor liability and compliance risks.
USCIS Denies Many Nurse Visa Applications Over License Issues
USCIS is denying numerous nurse visa applications citing state license issues amid a nursing shortage and visa processing freezes.
DOJ Updates False Claims Act Guidance for Government Contractors
The DOJ revises its Justice Manual to clarify False Claims Act enforcement, focusing on meritless qui tam suits and guidance limits for contractors.
Treasury, IRS Propose Rules Ending Tax Breaks for Discriminatory Private Schools
Treasury and IRS propose new regulations targeting racial discrimination in private schools' tax-exempt status, affecting up to 18,000 institutions.
US Proposes AI Crisis Hotline With China to Prevent Conflicts
The US proposes a direct emergency AI hotline with China to manage AI-related national security risks and enhance transparency.
Eighth Circuit Revives Missouri GOP Map, Pauses for Supreme Court Review
The Eighth Circuit reinstated Missouri's GOP gerrymandered congressional map with a stay, setting up Supreme Court review amid election confusion.
Advocates Sue DHS Over Colorado ICE Facility’s Alleged NEPA Violations
Advocates file lawsuit against DHS, alleging the new Colorado ICE detention center violates National Environmental Policy Act, raising compliance risks.
ICE Agent Shoots Austin Detainee; Legal Demands for Medical Release Grow
Austin ICE agents shot detainee Wilber Rafael Garcés Pérez; legal groups demand proper care and review, highlighting enforcement risks.
Glock and Gun Groups Sue Over Connecticut's Ban on Convertible Handguns
Glock Inc. and gun rights groups challenge Connecticut's July 2026 ban on semiautomatic pistols convertible to fully automatic firearms, raising key Second Amendment issues.
D.C. Circuit Voids FAA Ban on Drones Recording Immigration Agents
The D.C. Circuit struck down FAA drone restrictions over DHS assets, affecting First Amendment and surveillance law.
CNN, MSNBC, and Politico Sue White House Over Reporter Ban
CNN, MSNBC, and Politico filed a First Amendment lawsuit against the White House over banned reporters, raising key issues about press freedom and government transparency.
Federal Judge Vacates DOE Policy Canceling Diversity and Training Grants
US judge vacates DOE directive that canceled $600M in educator training and DEI grants, impacting federal education funding policies.
South Korea to Gain Regulatory Approval for Abortion Pill by Early 2027
South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety plans to approve abortion pills by Q1 2027, filling a regulatory gap since the 2019 decriminalization ruling.
ICE Continues Warrantless Arrests in Oregon Despite Federal Court Ban
Federal court blocked warrantless ICE arrests in Oregon, but evidence shows continued violations increasing legal risks.
Ninth Circuit Invalidates Idaho Stock Water Rules for Overriding Federal Rights
A Ninth Circuit panel struck down Idaho's stock water regulations as unconstitutional, impacting water rights disputes in western states.
House Committee Advances Bill to Clarify DIDMCA Opt-Out Provisions
The House Financial Services Committee approved H.R. 7866 to clarify state opt-out rules under DIDMCA, impacting digital identity and lending compliance.
Hundreds of Thousands Rally in Tehran with Anti-US, Israeli Chants
Iran's largest government rally since Feb 2026 war shows strong anti-US/Israeli sentiment and military mobilization.
Suicide Bombing Hits Police Mosque in Kohat, Killing 21
A suicide bombing struck a mosque within a police compound in Kohat, Pakistan, killing 21 and escalating counterterrorism challenges near Afghanistan.
Judge Dismisses Deportation Suit, Allows Free Speech Claim to Proceed
Judge Preska dismisses deportation case on jurisdiction grounds but lets free speech claim against U.S. immigration actions move forward.