In the News
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Idaho’s New Starter Home Law (SB1352): What Developers, Landowners, and Cities Need to Know
Idaho’s housing shortage has been a persistent challenge for years. In response, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1352, creating a new framework for starter home subdivisions. The law took effect on July 1, 2026, and represents one of the most significant changes to Idaho land use law in recent years. (SENATE BILL 1352 – Idaho State…
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California Supreme Court Clarifies Coastal Commission’s Appellate Jurisdiction
The California Supreme Court reviewed the denial of a coastal development permit to construct single family homes in a developed part of Los Osos, an unincorporated community in San Luis Obispo County in Shear Development Co., LLC v. California Coastal Commission (Cal. April 23, 2026; modified, May 14, 2026), No. S284378, 2026 WL 1102317. Backgroun…
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First District Court Upholds San Ramon Infill Housing Approval and Clarifies Limits of General Plan Consistency Challenges
In Citizens Against Marketplace Apartment/Condo Development v. City of San Ramon, Marketplace at San Ramon, LLC, Real Party in Interest, Nos. A170988/A172221 (Contra Costa County Superior Court Nos. N22-1955, N23-0770), decided April 24, 2026, the California Court of Appeal, First Appellate District, Division Five, affirmed the denial of writ petit…
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Laid-Off H-1B Workers: New Scrutiny of B-2 and H-4 “Bridge” Filings
H-1B workers who lose their jobs often have a short window to find a new employer, change status, or leave the United States. The basic 60-day grace-period rule has not changed. What has changed is the practical risk around some “bridge” filings, especially B-2 visitor or H-4 dependent change-of-status applications filed after a layoff while th…
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World Cup Watch Parties and Workplace Happy Hours: Steps to Keep the Fun Low-Risk
The FIFA World Cup is a widely celebrated and watched sporting event, and therefore a natural impetus for employers to bring employees together. A lunchtime watch party, afternoon social hour, or after-work happy hour can be great opportunities to boost morale and build camaraderie. When workplace events involve a combination of alcohol, sports, na…
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The New Reality of Consular Visa Processing: More Data, More Screening, and the Need for Better Preparationx
U.S. nonimmigrant visa applicants have always faced careful review at U.S. consulates abroad. What is changing now is not necessarily the law, but the environment in which consular officers apply it. Recent guidance and public statements indicate that the U.S. Department of State is expanding its use of artificial intelligence, enhanced vetting, an…
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