Government & Legislation

Governor Shapiro Announces Mondi Bags USA Expansion, 170 Jobs, Allegheny County

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Mondi Bags USA will expand its manufacturing operations in Findlay Township, Allegheny County, creating approximately 170 new jobs over three years. The Shapiro Administration provided a $1,036,000 Pennsylvania First grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development to secure the project against competing offers from Ohio and West Virginia. The company will relocate existing operations from Oakdale, PA and Wellsburg, WV into a new 200,000-square-foot facility.

Shapiro Administration Seeks Court Approval of Consent Decree Extending Keystone and Conemaugh Plants Through 2032

The Shapiro Administration filed a motion with the Indiana County Court of Common Pleas seeking final approval of a consent decree with Keystone-Conemaugh Projects, LLC (Key-Con), operator of the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations. The consent decree would allow both plants to continue operating through 2032 rather than ceasing operations on December 31, 2028. Both plants must complete required Bottom Ash System wastewater treatment upgrades under an enforceable schedule with financial penalties for missed milestones.

Daily Federal Register Documents Index, 22nd Apr

The Federal Register published its daily index for April 22, 2026, cataloguing 87 documents from 36 federal agencies across 339 pages. The issue comprises 74 notices, 3 proposed rules, 9 final rules, and 1 presidential document.

PRC Notices USPS Competitive Product List Filings for Comment

The Postal Regulatory Commission published a notice on April 22, 2026, informing the public of USPS filings to add competitive negotiated service agreements to the Competitive product list. Two dockets are noticed: MC2026-209/K2026-208 (Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Contract 111) and MC2026-216/K2026-214 (Fulfillment Standardized Distinct Product PM-GA Contract 966). Comments on the public proceeding are due April 27, 2026.

ASIC Corporations (Share and Interest Purchase Plans) Instrument 2019/547

ASIC has issued a legislative instrument providing exemptions from certain requirements under the Corporations Act 2001 for share purchase plans and interest purchase plans. The instrument sets out conditions under which issuers and other regulated persons are exempt from disclosure, licencing, and other obligations when participating in these plans. The latest version F2026C00325 updates the 2019/547 Instrument effective 1 April 2026.

ASIC Corporations (Wholesale Equity Scheme Trustees) Instrument 2017/849

The Australian Treasury has remade ASIC Corporations (Wholesale Equity Scheme Trustees) Instrument 2017/849 under the Corporations Act 2001, providing licensing relief for eligible trustees of wholesale equity schemes. The instrument exempts qualifying trustees from holding an Australian Financial Services Licence for certain financial services relating to wholesale equity schemes, subject to conditions including the $10 million minimum threshold and scheme registration requirements. The prior ASIC Class Order [CO 07/74] transitional arrangement is carried forward under this instrument.

Australia Lists Threatened Ecological Community EC186

The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has made the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Amendment (List of Threatened Ecological Communities (EC186)) Instrument 2026, adding a new ecological community to the list of threatened ecological communities under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. This listing creates new compliance obligations for actions that may significantly impact the newly listed community.

Minnesota Launches Candidate Resources, Filing Opens May 19

Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon announced new candidate resources for the 2026 filing period, including updated webpages, four versions of candidate affidavits (federal, state/judicial, county/special districts, and city/town/school district), and the 2026 Campaign Manual. The candidate filing period for federal, state, and county offices opens May 19 and closes June 2, 2026.

H.R. 5366 Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act Deficit Estimate $408M

The Congressional Budget Office estimates H.R. 5366, the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act, would increase the federal deficit by $408 million over the 2026-2031 period. The cost estimate was published on April 21, 2026, as reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on April 9, 2026. This is a procedural budget estimate for a bill that has not yet been enacted into law.

H.R. 7675, Securing Partner Supply Chains Act, $39M Cost Estimate

The Congressional Budget Office has published a $39 million cost estimate for H.R. 7675, the Securing Partner Supply Chains Act. The estimate was ordered reported by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 26, 2026, and the CBO published its estimate on April 21, 2026. This document provides budgetary analysis to inform congressional consideration of the legislation.

BARCODE Efficiency Act CBO Cost Estimate, April 21

The Congressional Budget Office published a cost estimate for H.R. 6956, the BARCODE Efficiency Act. The estimate was prepared in response to the bill as reported by the House Committee on Ways and Means on February 20, 2026. The CBO has assessed the costs associated with implementing proposed barcode-related efficiency measures affecting federal contracting.

H.R. 7642 Cost Estimate $56M Outlays 2026-2031

The Congressional Budget Office published a cost estimate for H.R. 7642, the Generating Utility through International Disaster Expertise Act, projecting $56 million in federal outlays over the 2026-2031 period. The bill was ordered reported by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs on March 26, 2026.

Five New NI Executive Publications 21 April 2026

Five new publications were posted to the Northern Ireland Executive website on 21 April 2026. New items include civil servant postcode FOI data from the Department of Finance, Quarterly Education Research Volume 3 from the Department for Education, a Support Framework for Independent Advice and Debt Services consultation response from the Department for Communities, NIEA incident documentation for Drumadagarve Road Maguinesbridge from DAERA, and mail opening and scanning services outsourcing screening guidance also from the Department for Communities.

Italy MEF Issues 3.80% Treasury Bond First Tranche, Extends Emergency, Modifies Pharma Authorizations

The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) published a consolidated Official Gazette (Gazzetta Ufficiale Serie Generale n. 92) on 21 April 2026 containing multiple binding instruments. The principal financial item is the first tranche of 3.80% ten-year Treasury bonds (BTP) with settlement on 22 April 2026 and maturity on 1 July 2036. Also published: an extension of the state of emergency for February 2025 weather events in Tuscan and Pistoia provinces; a Jubilee 2025 road-safety ordinance for SP 493 Via Braccianese in Rome; CIPE allocations for disability policy and the 800th anniversary of St. Francis of Assisi; and several AIFA communications modifying marketing authorizations for fingolimod (Fingolimod Towa), triamcinolone (Pharmacort), sertraline (Sertralina Zentiva), apixaban (Apixaban Pharmacare), and bisoprololo (Bisoprololo Sandoz), plus lapse of parallel-import authorizations for Tobral and Tobradex.

Official Gazette of Italy, Serie Generale No. 92

The Italian Official Gazette (Serie Generale No. 92) publishes the summary index of government actions dated 21 April 2026. Items listed include bond issuances (BTP€i 2.25% and BTP 3.80%), extension of state of emergency for February 2025 weather events in Tuscany, Jubilee 2025 road infrastructure approvals, multiple AIFA drug authorization modifications and revocations, and environmental association deregistration.

Food Supplements Purity Criteria (Magnesium L-threonate Monohydrate) England Regulations 2026

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has proposed the Food Supplements Purity Criteria (Magnesium L-threonate monohydrate) (England) Regulations 2026, laying draft regulations before Parliament for approval. The instrument establishes chemical specifications, assay requirements, and heavy metal limits (arsenic not more than 1 ppm, lead not more than 0.5 ppm, cadmium not more than 0.2 ppm, mercury not more than 0.1 ppm) for magnesium L-threonate monohydrate as a permitted source of magnesium in food supplements.

Spain Official Gazette Daily Summary - April 22, 2026

The Spanish Official Gazette (BOE) published its daily summary for April 22, 2026 (Issue No. 98), listing official notices across multiple government departments including Cortes Generales, Consejo General del Poder Judicial, Banco de España, Comisión Nacional del Mercado de Valores, and various ministries. Individual entries include diplomatic appointments, judicial assignments, and public procurement notices.

National Council on Disability Virtual Meeting, May 7th

The National Council on Disability (NCD) will hold a virtual quarterly Council meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 12:30–3:00 p.m. EDT via Zoom for Government. The agenda includes Acting Chairman report-outs, Council Member reports, Executive Committee updates, policy and legislative briefings, a 2026 Progress Report discussion, and a vote on FY27 policy project proposals.

Anti-Dumping Measures Expiry Notice, Grain-Oriented Silicon-Electrical Steel

The European Commission has published a notice in the Official Journal informing Union producers that anti-dumping measures on grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel originating in China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States will expire on January 18, 2027. The measures were originally imposed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/58. Union producers may submit a written request for an expiry review to the Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, provided such requests contain sufficient evidence that expiry would likely result in continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury.

EU Moldova Sanctions: Notice to Listed Persons and Entities on Continuation of Restrictive Measures

The Council of the European Union has published a notice in the Official Journal informing listed persons and entities that restrictive measures under Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 and Council Regulation (EU) 2023/888 concerning Moldova remain in effect following review. The measures were amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/897 and implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/898. Affected parties are notified of their right to apply for authorisation to access frozen funds and to submit reconsideration requests to the Council by 3 November 2026.

Proxy Voting for MEPs During Pregnancy and After Birth

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on 13 November 2025 amending the European Electoral Act to allow Members to vote by proxy during pregnancy and after giving birth. The amendment grants proxy voting rights for the period of three months before and six months after birth, addressing work-life balance and promoting gender equality in political participation. The resolution was published in the Official Journal C series on 22 April 2026.

Ofcom Investigates Telegram and Teen Chat Sites Under Online Safety Act

Ofcom has launched formal investigations into Telegram, Teen Chat, and Chat Avenue under the UK's Online Safety Act 2023. The investigations examine whether these platforms comply with duties to prevent child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and protect children from grooming. Ofcom received evidence from the Canadian Centre for Child Protection regarding alleged CSAM on Telegram and has engaged with Teen Chat and Chat Avenue providers without satisfactory response.

Governor Moore Awards $1.5M to ENOUGH Communities for Education, Child Care

Governor Wes Moore announced $1.5 million in philanthropic funding awards to strengthen education and child care access in nine ENOUGH communities—Maryland jurisdictions with high concentrations of childhood poverty. The awards are distributed through private philanthropy and do not establish new regulatory obligations.

Mike Braun Signs SEA 285, Bans Street Camping Statewide

Governor Mike Braun signed SEA 285, enacting a statewide ban on unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long-term shelter on public land owned by the state or a political subdivision. The law requires law enforcement to assess mental health needs before enforcement and provide a 48-hour warning with shelter and service information before criminal charges can be filed if the person remains within 300 feet of the warned location. The legislation preempts local policies that discourage enforcement and mandates annual reporting from law enforcement agencies and Continuum of Care funding recipients.

Braun Appoints Jennifer Dorfmeyer as DCS Director

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the appointment of Jennifer Dorfmeyer as the new director of the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), effective immediately. Adam Krupp, the outgoing director, will transition to the role of special advisor to the Governor on child welfare matters.

HEA1200 Revokes CDLs from Illegal Immigrants, Penalizes Employing Companies

Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed HEA1200 into law, revoking all Commercial Drivers' Licenses (CDLs) from illegal immigrants and creating new penalties for companies that employ them. The bill strengthens Indiana's CDL licensing process and enables the state to remove illegally licensed commercial drivers from roads. The action follows multiple fatal crashes involving illegal aliens with CDLs and a prior state audit that removed hundreds of illegally licensed drivers.

Gov. Mike Braun Highlights Indiana Small Businesses and 400+ High-Wage Jobs

Indiana Governor Mike Braun traveled across nine Indiana communities during the week of April 21, 2026, to highlight small businesses, economic development, and workforce initiatives. At a Huntington groundbreaking, the Governor announced Hanjung America's new manufacturing facility, projected to create more than 440 Hoosier jobs at an average wage exceeding $28 per hour. The remaining stops featured tours, community roundtables, and site visits focused on local economic strengths and job creation.

UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research Announced

Governor Greg Abbott announced the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research, a new medical education and research facility in Austin, Texas, developed in partnership with UT and MD Anderson. The announcement emphasised Texas's ambition to lead the nation in healthcare innovation and expand access to personalised medical treatment. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements were created by this announcement.

380 MW Timmerman Power Plant Now Fully Operational

Governor Greg Abbott and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced that Unit 2 of the 380-megawatt Timmerman Peaker Power Plant in Maxwell, Texas is fully operational as of April 21, 2026, one month ahead of schedule. The natural gas-fired plant provides dispatchable power to the Texas grid, capable of powering over 100,000 homes during peak demand. This is the first Texas Energy Fund-supported project to come fully online.

Income Tax (Singapore — Republic of Kenya) (Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement) Order 2026

Singapore has enacted the Income Tax (Singapore — Republic of Kenya) (Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement) Order 2026, giving effect to arrangements made with the Government of the Republic of Kenya pursuant to section 49 of the Income Tax Act 1947. The Order declares that the arrangements specified in the Schedule shall have effect despite anything in any written law. The underlying Agreement and Protocol were both dated 23 September 2024.

Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference 2026) (Exemption) Order 2026

The Singapore Minister for Health has issued Order S 231/2026, granting limited exemptions from the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 to exhibitors and organisers at the Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference 2026. The exemptions, effective 21 April 2026 through 31 December 2027, permit tobacco advertising in the online exhibition directory, mobile application, and at the Sands Expo venue during the exhibition period (11-14 May 2026), subject to conditions including Authority approval, access restrictions to registered trade visitors only, and prohibition of prohibited tobacco products.

Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) (Singapore Maritime Week 2026 — Exemption) Order 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore has issued an exemption order under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, permitting the display of five foreign national flags at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre exclusively during Singapore Maritime Week 2026 (21–23 April 2026). The exempted flags are those of France, India, Norway, Republic of Korea, and the United States of America. The order was made on 14 April 2026.

USPS International Mail Services Product Change

The Postal Service gives notice of filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add International Priority Airmail, Commercial ePacket, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Contract 19 to the list of Negotiated Service Agreements in the Competitive Product List in the Mail Classification Schedule. The filing was made on April 14, 2026, under Docket Nos. MC2026-207 and CP2026-206.

Deep 7 Bottomfish ACL at 493,000 lb for 2025-2027

NMFS implements a final rule setting the annual catch limit (ACL) for Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands at 493,000 lb (223,621 kg) for fishing years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The rule maintains existing accountability measures requiring the fishery to close for the remainder of the fishing year if the ACL is reached, and a reduction in the following year's ACL if exceeded.

LTS Therapy Systems Importer Registration Application for Schedule I Controlled Substance

DEA published notice that LTS Therapy Systems, LLC (West Saint Paul, Minnesota) applied on March 6, 2026 to be registered as an importer of Dimethyltryptamine (Drug code 7435, Schedule I). The company plans to import the controlled substance as bulk API for internal research, development, and analytical purposes only. Registered bulk manufacturers and applicants may submit electronic comments or written hearing requests on or before May 18, 2026.

UK and France Lead Military Planning for Strait of Hormuz

The UK Ministry of Defence announced that UK and France will convene military planners from over 30 nations at Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood, North London, for a two-day conference to advance planning for reopening the Strait of Hormuz following a sustainable ceasefire. The planning sessions will develop detailed military plans including command and control, force deployment, and mine clearance operations to protect merchant vessels and commercial shipping.

5 New California Press Releases on Apr 21, 2026

Governor Gavin Newsom's office published five press releases on April 21, 2026. Topics include the proclamation of John Muir Day 2026, recognition of California as the nation's top agricultural state on California Agriculture Day, 56 Earth Day honors, heat protection measures at 215 schools, and the proclamation of Autism Acceptance Month.

Motion to Proceed to S.Con.Res. 33 Passes 52-46

The US Senate voted on April 21, 2026 on the Motion to Proceed to S.Con.Res. 33. The motion passed with 52 YEAs and 46 NAYs (2 not voting), requiring a simple majority for approval. This procedural vote advances the concurrent resolution in the Senate legislative process.

Rogers Communications Tariff Approvals TN 87, TN 87A

The CRTC approved tariff applications TN 87 and TN 87A from Rogers Communications Canada Inc., introducing new service speeds for Third Party Internet Access under its Access Services Tariff, effective 21 April 2026. The rates are approved on an interim basis and will be finalized upon the outcome of proceeding initiated by Telecom Notice of Consultation 2023-56. The Commission received an intervention from TekSavvy Solutions Inc.

Emergency Reporting Act Passes House 386-7

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Emergency Reporting Act on April 20, 2026, by a vote of 386-7, requiring a two-thirds majority under the motion to suspend the rules. The bill advances to the Senate for consideration as part of the 119th Congress, 2nd Session.

House Passes H.R. 2493 Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, 406-4

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2493, the Improving Care in Rural America Reauthorization Act, by a vote of 406-4 under a motion to suspend the rules. The bipartisan vote saw only 4 Republican members voting against the measure, with 20 members not voting. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

S. 1020 Vote 129, 394-14, Passed - FERC Hydropower Construction Deadline Extension

The House passed S. 1020 by a vote of 394-14 on April 21, 2026, under a motion to suspend the rules. The bill requires the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to extend the construction commencement deadlines for certain hydropower project licensees. The measure now proceeds for presidential action.

Kari's Law Reporting Act Passes House 405-5

The U.S. House of Representatives passed Kari's Law Reporting Act by a vote of 405-5, with 20 members not voting. The bill requires multiline telephone systems to be configured to allow direct 911 calls without requiring an access code. The legislation now moves to the Senate for consideration.

H.R. 1681 Broadband Bill Passes House, 384-9

The U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass H.R. 1681, the Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act, by a vote of 384-9. The bill was passed under a motion to suspend the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority threshold. The bill now proceeds to the Senate for consideration.

Official Journal L Series: 20 EU Regulations and Decisions

The EU Publications Office published 20 instruments in Official Journal L Series on 21 April 2026. The listing includes Council Implementing Regulations extending restrictive measures against Russia and Sudan, a Commission amendment to REACH restricting 2,4-dinitrotoluene in articles, and an Implementing Regulation opening Mercosur tariff quotas. Nine corrigenda were also published.

NYS Inspector General 2025 Workers Comp Fraud Report: $1.9M Fraud, Arrests Up 50%

The NYS Workers' Compensation Fraud Inspector General released its 2025 Annual Report documenting 22 arrests tied to workers' compensation fraud, a 50% increase over the prior year. Investigators identified more than $1.9 million in fraudulent activity across the system, with over $1.7 million recovered through restitution, fines, and court-ordered payments. The report also highlighted ongoing structural vulnerabilities enabling fraud among DOCCS employees, with six arrests in 2025 stemming from investigations into abuse of workers' compensation benefits.

EU Energy and Climate Diplomacy: Council Approves Conclusions

The Council of the European Union approved conclusions on EU energy and climate diplomacy, reaffirming the clean transition as essential for strategic autonomy amid geopolitical fragmentation. The conclusions call for EU foreign policy to support the European clean tech sector, deepen climate partnerships globally, and integrate climate and environmental considerations into security and defence policy.

EU Establishes New Civilian Partnership Mission in Armenia Under CSDP

The Council of the EU established the EU Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) under the Common Security and Defence Policy to enhance Armenia's democratic resilience. The mission will provide strategic advice, capacity building, and operational support to Armenian ministries and national institutions to address threats including foreign information manipulation and interference, cyber-attacks, and illicit financial flows. The mission has an initial mandate of two years with its Operational Headquarters in Armenia.

EU High Representative Statement on Three Years of Sudan War

The EU High Representative issued a statement marking three years of conflict in Sudan, reiterating the EU's commitment to Sudan's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The statement calls for an immediate ceasefire, condemns attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, and announces international donor pledges of €1.5 billion in humanitarian aid at the Berlin Conference, including €812 million from the EU and Member States.

Public Law 119-83 Extends SBIR and STTR

Public Law 119-83 extends the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. The SBIR and STTR programs require certain federal agencies with large extramural R&D budgets to allocate a percentage of their R&D funds to small businesses. This extension maintains the R&D funding set-aside requirements for participating federal agencies.