Search

FATF Ministers Reiterate Commitment to Tackling Illicit Finance

FATF Ministers at the April 2026 biennial Ministerial Meeting held in Washington D.C. reiterated their political commitment to tackling illicit finance through multilateral coordinated action. Ministers agreed to focus efforts on the growing threat of fraud and strengthening effective risk-based implementation of the FATF Standards. The declaration was issued in the margins of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

C.M. Appeal Fails, Parental Rights Terminated

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Kanawha County's order terminating mother C.M.'s parental rights to J.P.-1 and J.P.-2. The court rejected C.M.'s arguments that the circuit court erred in failing to determine whether she was a 'battered parent' at adjudication and in finding aggravated circumstances justifying termination of her rights. The petition arose after the children were hospitalized with severe non-accidental injuries in November 2023.

House FY27 Agriculture/FDA Bill Markup

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies is scheduled to markup the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill on April 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM in H-140 Capitol, Washington, D.C. The markup is a congressional committee session where legislators debate, amend, and vote on the appropriations bill before it advances to the full House.

Jason Johnson Named 2026 National High School Principal of the Year

The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction announces that Jason Johnson, principal of Orange High School and the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Principal of the Year, has been named the NASSP 2026 National High School Principal of the Year. Johnson received the recognition at the National Education Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C. on April 17, 2026. The award recognizes outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement, and educational leadership among secondary school principals across the nation.

Circuit Splits from March 2026: Appellate Court Disagreements on Qualified Immunity, ADA, First Step Act

The Congressional Research Service published a Legal Sidebar summarizing circuit splits that emerged from U.S. Courts of Appeals decisions in March 2026. Three circuit conflicts are discussed: the Eleventh Circuit's split with the Fifth and Tenth Circuits on qualified immunity and personal liability under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 and the FMLA; the Eleventh Circuit's split with the Fifth Circuit on Olmstead claims under Title II of the ADA for individuals at risk of institutionalization; and the Second Circuit's split with the Ninth Circuit on whether First Step Act time credits can reduce the period of supervised release under 18 U.S.C. § 3632(d)(4). The report does not create new obligations but tracks appellate disagreement on federal law interpretation.

President's 2026 Trade Policy Agenda Senate Hearing

The Senate Finance Committee will hold a hearing on April 23, 2026, to examine the President's 2026 Trade Policy Agenda. The hearing will take place at 10:00 AM in Room 215 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C. This is a congressional oversight event to review the executive branch's trade policy priorities.

House Rules Committee Schedules Hearing on Energy, Infrastructure Bills

The House Rules Committee has scheduled a hearing for April 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM local time in Room H-313 Capitol, Washington, D.C. to consider four legislative measures: H.R. 4690 (Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act), H.R. 5587 (Harnessing Energy At Thermal Sources Act of 2026), H.R. 1897 (ESA Amendments Act of 2025), and H. Res. 1182 (resolution supporting rural communities). The hearing will address federal building energy efficiency standards, geothermal permitting, and Endangered Species Act amendments.

Interior Department Budget Hearing Rescheduled to April 20, 2026

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies has rescheduled its budget hearing for the Department of the Interior to April 20, 2026 at 3:30 PM local time. The hearing will be held in Room 2008 of the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum is listed as a witness.

Online Scams, Crypto Fraud, and Digital Extortion: How Transnational Criminal Networks Target Americans

The House Homeland Security Committee announces a public hearing on April 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM in Washington, D.C. to examine how transnational criminal networks conduct online scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and digital extortion targeting Americans. Four expert witnesses from the Halcyon Ransomware Research Center, TRM Labs, USTelecom, and the Institute for Security and Technology will provide testimony.

Senate Judiciary Committee Business Meeting Considers S.1572, S.3062, S.3966 and Nominations

The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a business meeting for April 23, 2026 at 10:15 AM in Room 216 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. to consider S.1572 (Federal Carjacking Enforcement Act), S.3062 (GUARD Act, requiring AI chatbots to implement age verification measures), S.3966 (TREY'S Law, prohibiting certain contractual clauses restricting disclosure of sexual abuse of minors), and five nominations for federal judicial and executive branch positions.

Closed Briefing on Anomalous Health Incidents, Apr 23

The Senate Armed Services Committee has scheduled a closed briefing on anomalous health incidents for April 23, 2026 at 9:30 AM Local Time. The briefing will take place in Room 217 CVC on the Senate side in Washington, D.C. This is a routine committee business meeting as part of the 119th Congress (2025-2026).

Oversight Hearing on EXPLORE America250: Enhancing Accessibility at National Parks and Public Lands

The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands announced an oversight hearing titled 'EXPLORE America250: Enhancing Accessibility at our National Parks and Public Lands' scheduled for April 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM in 1324 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, D.C. The hearing is part of the 119th Congress (2025-2026) and will examine federal land management accessibility improvements for the America250 commemoration. Supporting documentation including a hearing notice and hearing memo are available as PDFs.

DOE Budget Hearing, Senate Energy Committee, 21st Apr

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources has scheduled a public hearing to examine the President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2027 for the Department of Energy. The hearing is set for April 21, 2026 at 9:30 AM in Room 366 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Senate Committee Examines DOE, DOD Nuclear Programs for FY2027

The Senate Armed Services Subcommittee on Strategic Forces has scheduled an oversight hearing for April 20, 2026 to examine the Department of Energy's atomic energy defense activities and Department of Defense nuclear weapons programs as part of the review of the Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2027 and the Future Years Defense Program. The hearing will take place at 3:30 PM local time at 222 Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Vermont Proposes 13.3% Top Income Tax Rate, Would Be Highest in US

The Tax Foundation submitted testimony to the Vermont House Ways and Means Committee analyzing the state's proposal to add a fifth income tax bracket at 13.3 percent for single filers earning above $481,825. The testimony argues the rate would make Vermont the highest top marginal income tax rate in the country, tied with California, while the kick-in threshold of $481,825 is below the $1 million threshold used by California, New York, New Jersey, and D.C. for their top-bracket taxes.

Latvia Signs Artemis Accords as 62nd Signatory

The Department of State announced that Latvia signed the Artemis Accords on April 20, 2026, becoming the 62nd country to join the international space exploration framework. Latvia's Minister of Education and Science Dace Melbārde signed the Accords at a ceremony at NASA Headquarters witnessed by Under Secretary Jacob Helberg and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman. The Artemis Accords, established by the United States and seven other nations in 2020, set practical principles for peaceful and responsible space exploration.

FINRA Strengthens External Relations Leadership with Two Senior Appointments

FINRA announced two senior leadership appointments effective April 2026. Chris Rosello joined as Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs, unifying the Office of Government Affairs and the Office of International Affairs under one leader. Chris Spina was appointed Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications, overseeing strategic communications, media relations and public engagement. Both leaders are based in Washington, D.C., and report to Marcia Asquith, Executive Vice President, Board and External Relations.

District of Columbia v. R.W. - Reasonable Suspicion

The Supreme Court reversed the D.C. Court of Appeals in District of Columbia v. R.W., holding that Officer Vanterpool had reasonable suspicion to stop R.W. based on the totality of circumstances: a late-night dispatch about a suspicious vehicle, two passengers fleeing upon seeing police, and the driver backing up without closing the open door. The Court found the D.C. Court of Appeals erred by 'excis[ing]' the radio dispatch and companions' flight from its analysis, which is incompatible with the totality-of-circumstances test required by Fourth Amendment precedent.

Principals of U.S., European Banking Union, and U.K. Financial Authorities To Meet for Regular Coordination Exercise on Cross-Border Resolution Planning

The FDIC will host the Trilateral Principal Level Exercise (TPLE) on April 18, 2026, bringing together principals and senior officials from U.S., European Banking Union, and U.K. financial authorities for a regular coordination exercise on cross-border resolution planning for global systemically important banks (G-SIBs).

District of Columbia v. R.W. — Certiorari Granted, Fourth Amendment Reasonable Suspicion Standard Clarified

The Supreme Court reversed the D.C. Court of Appeals in District of Columbia v. R.W., holding that Officer Vanterpool had reasonable suspicion to stop R.W. based on the totality of circumstances: a late-night dispatch about a suspicious vehicle, two passengers fleeing upon seeing police, and R.W.'s unusual conduct in backing up the car without closing the open door. The Court clarified that the totality-of-circumstances test precludes 'divide-and-conquer analysis' where courts excise individual factors before assessment. The case was remanded for further proceedings.

Governor Sejko Attends IMF World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington

Governor Gent Sejko of the Bank of Albania attended the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. from April 16-18, 2026, as part of a joint delegation with the Ministry of Finance. Discussions covered Albania's macroeconomic conditions, banking sector stability, technical assistance for new central bank legislation aligned with EU acquis, and progress on SEPA and TIPS Clone payment integration. IMF and World Bank representatives praised Albania's economic resilience and the banking sector's soundness.

NBG Governor and Finance Minister Participate in IMF Roundtable Caucasus Central Asia

Governor Natia Turnava of the National Bank of Georgia and Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili participated in an IMF roundtable for Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors of Caucasus and Central Asian countries during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The discussion covered risks of global economic growth slowdown, inflationary pressures, geopolitical factors, and regional cooperation. The IMF positively assessed Georgia's macroeconomic indicators and strong economic buffers.

Governor Narantsogt Leads Delegation at IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings

The Governor of the Bank of Mongolia, S. Narantsogt, led the Mongolian delegation at the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. from April 13-18, 2026. Discussions focused on geopolitical impacts on oil and energy prices, artificial intelligence in finance, cyber risks, digital financial solutions, banking sector reforms, and central bank independence. International partners noted Mongolia's relatively stronger capacity compared to peer countries to manage geopolitical challenges.

FATF Ministers Commit to Combating Illicit Finance and Fraud

FATF Ministers, meeting in Washington D.C. on 17 April 2026 at the biennial FATF Ministerial Meeting alongside the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings, reiterated their commitment to tackling illicit finance through multilateral coordinated action. Ministers agreed to focus efforts on the growing threat of fraud and strengthening risk-based implementation of the FATF Standards.

Queen Máxima Attends IMF, World Bank Spring Meetings

The Dutch Ministry of Finance announced Queen Máxima's participation at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington D.C. from April 15-18, 2026. As the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), she participated in fireside chats on insurance, resilience, and development, as well as a G20 fireside chat on global financial literacy alongside US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. She also held bilateral discussions with IMF Director Kristalina Georgieva, ECB President Christine Lagarde, and central bank governors on financial health topics.

State Superintendent Celebrates Two FCCLA National Finalists

State Superintendent Dr. Jill Underly made a surprise visit to Dodgeville High School to celebrate student Addy Hoyer and Adviser Sarah James, who are among 10 national finalists selected by Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Hoyer was selected as one of five 2026 Member of the Year Award National Finalists from over 260,000 members nationwide. James was selected as one of five finalists out of more than 7,300 chapter advisers nationwide for 2026 Adviser of the Year. Both received $1,000 prizes and will be honored at the National Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C.

Secretary of Labor v. KC Transport - MSHA Jurisdiction Over Mining Truck Maintenance Facility

The DC Circuit affirmed MSHA's authority over KC Transport's maintenance facility, holding that haul trucks used in mining activity constitute 'mines' under the Mine Act even when located off extraction sites. The court reversed the Federal Mine Safety and Health Review Commission's narrower ruling, which had required location on extraction land or appurtenant roads. The decision clarifies that independent contractors providing services to mines fall within MSHA jurisdiction.

Minister Champagne Concludes Washington Meetings Advancing Canada Strategic Interests

Finance Minister Champagne concluded meetings in Washington D.C. with G7 and G20 Finance Ministers, IMF, and World Bank counterparts. As co-chair of the Group of Creditors of Ukraine, he signed an MoU on Ukraine debt service suspension. Bilateral meetings included discussion of AI technologies with U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent and new trade and investment partnerships with allied nations.

Governor Turnava, Finance Minister Meet International Investors, Washington D.C.

The National Bank of Georgia (NBG) Governor Natia Turnava and Finance Minister Lasha Khutsishvili met with representatives of more than 20 global investment groups from the United States, Europe, and Asia during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. The Georgian delegation presented an overview of the country's macroeconomic environment, highlighting stable inflation dynamics and prudent fiscal and monetary policies. Particular emphasis was placed on investment opportunities in real estate, information technology, transport and logistics, and the financial sector.

Deputy Secretary Landau Meets Belizean Prime Minister Briceño

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with Belize Prime Minister John Briceño and delegation in Washington, D.C. The officials reaffirmed the U.S.-Belize partnership and discussed enhanced cooperation on narcotics trafficking, illegal migration, energy opportunities, and regional challenges. This readout contains no binding commitments, compliance obligations, or regulatory requirements.

H.R. 5525, Stop DC Camera Act — CBO Cost Estimate: Zero Spending Impact

The Congressional Budget Office published a cost estimate for H.R. 5525, the Stop DC Camera Act, as ordered reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 18, 2026. CBO projects the bill would have no significant effect on the federal budget, with zero estimated costs to government agencies. The bill restricts automated traffic enforcement cameras in Washington, D.C.

Minister Champagne Media Callback Following G7 G20 IMF World Bank Meetings

The Department of Finance Canada issued a media advisory announcing that Minister François-Philippe Champagne will hold a media callback on Friday, April 17, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. ET. The callback follows the Minister's participation in meetings of the G7 and G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors, as well as the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. Media representatives wishing to participate are asked to pre-register by emailing mediare@fin.gc.ca.

Landau Meets Equatoguinean President Obiang Nguema

Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau met with President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea in Washington, D.C. The two leaders discussed opportunities to further deepen bilateral commercial engagement and bolster border and maritime security partnerships. Landau recognized growing opportunities for U.S. private sector investment, including recent major agreements with U.S. oil companies.

Dr. Deborah Dennie Named National Principal Award Finalist

The Maryland State Department of Education announced Dr. Deborah Dennie, principal of Leonardtown Middle School in St. Mary's County Public Schools, as one of three national finalists for the NASSP National Principal of the Year Award. Dr. Dennie has led Leonardtown Middle School for 10 years. The award winner will be announced on April 17, 2026.

Small Business Advisory Committee to Explore Ways to Encourage More IPOs

The SEC's Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee announced a public meeting on April 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. to explore ways to encourage more companies to go public. The meeting will be held at SEC headquarters in Washington D.C. and streamed live on SEC.gov. The morning session will feature member perspectives on IPO market conditions and the regulatory framework, with Edwin O'Connor of Goodwin Procter LLP discussing market trends. The afternoon session will continue with Beau Bohm of Cantor Fitzgerald presenting the underwriter perspective on equity capital markets.

Commissioner Schram Appointed to USAC Board of Directors

Nebraska PSC Chair Tim Schram has been appointed to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) Board of Directors by FCC Chairman Brendan Carr. The three-year term began January 1, 2026 and runs through 2028. USAC administers the federal Universal Service Fund, a multi-billion-dollar program supporting affordable phone and broadband access through High Cost, E-Rate, Rural Health Care, and Lifeline programs.

Investigative Hearing on November 2025 UPS Cargo Airplane Crash in Kentucky

The NTSB announced a two-day investigative hearing on May 19–20, 2026, as part of its ongoing investigation into the Nov. 4, 2025, crash of UPS Flight 2976, a Boeing MD-11F cargo airplane, shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky. The accident destroyed the aircraft and killed 3 crewmembers and 12 people on the ground (one ground victim died 51 days after the accident). The hearing will be held at the NTSB boardroom in Washington and livestreamed.

Europe's Successes and the Path Forward - Isabel Schnabel Speech at Peterson Institute

ECB Executive Board Member Isabel Schnabel delivered a speech at the Peterson Institute in Washington, D.C. outlining Europe's economic achievements since the global financial and sovereign debt crises. The speech highlighted that inflation has returned to target without recession or financial instability, financial markets have become more integrated, and euro area banks maintain solid capital ratios and improved profitability. Schnabel also addressed future challenges including reviving growth, reducing trade barriers, increasing AI adoption and R&D spending, and strengthening sovereignty through reduced dependencies.

Schneiderman v. American Chemical Society - Diversity Jurisdiction and Disability Discrimination Appeal

The Second Circuit affirmed dismissal of plaintiff Arnold Schneiderman's disability discrimination suit against the American Chemical Society (ACS), holding that federal diversity jurisdiction under 28 U.S.C. § 1332(c)(1) does not extend to federally chartered corporations. The court held that ACS, as a federally chartered corporation with principal place of business in Washington D.C., is not a citizen of any state for diversity purposes, and the plaintiff, a New York citizen, failed to establish complete diversity. Judge Menashi dissented.

2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Training Series: Guidelines 101

The District of Columbia Sentencing Commission released a new YouTube training video for the 2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Training Series: Guidelines 101. The video provides foundational training on applying the voluntary sentencing guidelines. The guidelines apply to criminal sentencing proceedings in the District of Columbia Superior Court.

2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Training Series: Adult Felony Sentencing 101 Recording

The District of Columbia Sentencing Commission released a new YouTube training video as part of the 2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Training Series. The video covers Adult Felony Sentencing 101 and is now available for viewing by legal professionals and other stakeholders in the criminal justice system.

2026 D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual Released

The DC Sentencing Commission released the 2026 edition of the D.C. Voluntary Sentencing Guidelines Manual featuring substantive and non-substantive changes. Substantive changes include rankings for three previously unranked felony offenses and reranking of three Title 48 offenses from the Main Grid to the Drug Grid. The 2026 guidelines take effect for all pleas and verdicts entered on or after January 1, 2026.

March 2026 Monthly Meeting Location Change

The D.C. Sentencing Commission announces a location change for its March 17, 2026 monthly meeting. The in-person meeting will now be held at 441 4th St., NW, Old Council Chambers, Washington, DC 20001. Attendees unable to attend in person may listen via Zoom using the link available on the Commission's website.

Mary Daly Speech: Fed Regionalism, Independence, and Accountability Structure

Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco President Mary C. Daly delivered a speech in St. George, Utah on April 8, 2026, explaining the Federal Reserve's regional structure, independence, and accountability framework established by Congress in 1913. The speech addressed public trust in the Fed, describing how the 12 regional Reserve Banks, Board of Governors, and private-sector boards of directors were designed to represent diverse national and regional interests.

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia Appoints Two New Members to Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia announced the appointment of Marie Beggin, CEO of Penn East Federal Credit Union, and Lauren Ranalli, president and CEO of First Resource Bank and First Resource Bancorp, Inc., to its Community Depository Institutions Advisory Council. The 12-member council advises the Philadelphia Fed on economic and business trends facing community depository institutions. Beggin brings over 30 years of financial industry experience, including commercial and consumer lending expertise.

Minister Champagne to Attend G7 G20 IMF World Bank Meetings in Washington

Finance Minister Champagne will participate in G7, G20, IMF, and World Bank Group meetings held in Washington, D.C. The meetings bring together finance ministers and central bank governors from major economies to discuss global economic issues, development financing, and international financial stability.

OCC Ends CFPB Headquarters Lease Six Years Early

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) has terminated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) headquarters lease six years ahead of its scheduled expiration. The administrative action affects federal real estate holdings in Washington, D.C. No compliance obligations or regulatory requirements for financial institutions are associated with this real estate transaction.

Saad bin Khalid v. TSA - No Fly List Challenges Dismissed

The D.C. Circuit dismissed Saad bin Khalid's RFRA standing challenge and denied his remaining statutory and constitutional challenges to his No Fly List placement. The court upheld TSA's administrative redress process and the Administrator's authority to maintain individuals on the No Fly List based on classified information from the FBI's Threat Screening Center.

Google Returns as Gold Cosponsor for National Small Business Week 2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced Google's return as Gold Cosponsor for National Small Business Week 2026. Google will participate in events from May 3-9, 2026, including the National Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C., the Virtual Summit, and stops in Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia. SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler highlighted technology and innovation supporting small business growth.

T-Mobile Returns as Gold Cosponsor for National Small Business Week 2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration announced that T-Mobile has returned as a Gold Cosponsor for National Small Business Week 2026. T-Mobile will participate in events from May 3-9, 2026, including the National Awards Ceremony in Washington, D.C. and a nationwide tour to Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and Georgia.