Worldwide: Government, Public Sector

President Trump's Executive Order 14415 mandates stricter controls on defense contractors acquiring critical materials from foreign adversaries, requiring comprehensive supply chain mapping and mitigation plans. The order curtails waiver authority and directs the Pentagon to develop new regulatory frameworks for tracking components from raw materials to finished products. How will these enhanced requirements reshape defense contracting and supply chain management for companies at all tiers?

The Federal Communications Commission has initiated unprecedented enforcement actions targeting false U.S. production claims and fraudulent test reports in equipment authorization processes. A drone manufacturer faces potential revocation of its authorizations after allegedly misrepresenting its products as domestically manufactured, while a Chinese test lab may lose FCC recognition for submitting duplicated test data across dozens of unrelated products.

Massachusetts is advancing groundbreaking legislation to regulate robotic devices, establishing a framework that prohibits weaponization while permitting defined government and research applications. The Responsible Robotics Act addresses a critical regulatory gap as commercially available robots become increasingly capable and widely deployed in communities. With strong House support and industry backing, the bill could become one of the nation's first comprehensive state laws governing the responsible use

President Trump's July 2026 proclamation introduces a groundbreaking incentive program that cuts Section 232 aluminum tariffs in half for companies committing to build, expand, or refurbish U.S. primary aluminum smelters. The program ties tariff relief to projected facility output and requires construction to begin by January 2029, while leaving open questions about foreign investment participation and benefit-sharing arrangements.

US M&A activity surged 49% in the first half of 2026, driven by megadeals and AI infrastructure buildout. How are artificial intelligence investments reshaping cross-border dealmaking between the United States, Canada, Japan, and other global markets? What sectors are leading this unprecedented wave of consolidation?

Europe's defense sector is experiencing a major transformation as nations commit to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP, creating unprecedented investment opportunities across manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology. This analysis examines the key trends reshaping the market, from AI and autonomous systems to evolving regulatory frameworks and foreign investment screening. Understanding how competition law, export controls, and compliance requirements intersect will be critical for investors seek

After decades of advocacy, Leonard Peltier was granted clemency on the final day of the Biden administration. The effort required an extraordinary coalition spanning Native American communities, civil rights organizations, a rock legend from the E Street Band, and even a phone call to the Vatican at three o'clock in the morning. Kevin Sharp, who served as Peltier's attorney, takes you inside this remarkable journey.

The Food and Agriculture Organization's Development Law Service is hosting a webinar to explore the emerging legal concept of Rights of Nature and its intersection with critical areas including water resources, Indigenous Peoples' rights, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. Legal experts will provide analytical insights through case studies and examine how this evolving framework connects to FAO's mandate for environmental protection and land tenure.

A controversial legislative effort to grant coral reefs and watersheds “legal personhood” in Hawaii has been voted down by the state legislature.

Washington faces unprecedented challenges as the Senate grapples with the loss of influential Senator Lindsey Graham, ongoing leadership vacancies, and stalled appropriations negotiations. With Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticizing partisan budgeting approaches and Republicans struggling to advance spending bills, the path forward for FY27 funding remains uncertain. House leadership's announcement of a clean continuing resolution and advancement of a narrow $95 billion budget resolution add furth

Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent outlined the Trump administration's approach to economic statecraft in a recent speech, emphasizing the strategic use of American economic power to advance national security objectives. His remarks signal continued focus on sanctions enforcement, financial system integrity, and combating illicit finance networks while promoting reciprocity in international economic relationships.

The Trump administration's executive order on drug pricing introduces Most Favored Nation (MFN) provisions that may render existing pharmaceutical contracts inadequate or counterproductive. Early assessment of international agreements under this new regime can create opportunities, while delayed action risks significant consequences for companies with pre-MFN contract terms.