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USPTO Requests Comments on PTAB Appeals Information Collection Extension

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has published a notice under the Paperwork Reduction Act requesting public comments on the extension and revision of OMB Control Number 0651-0063, covering Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) Appeals information collection. The notice allows 60 days for public comment before submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 2026. The collection covers approximately 16,905 annual respondents with an estimated total annual respondent cost burden of $150,934,914 and non-hourly cost burden of $24,085,946.

Security Zone, NFL Draft, Pittsburgh Rivers, April 23–25, 2026

The U.S. Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone on the Ohio, Allegheny, and Monongahela Rivers near Pittsburgh, PA from April 23–25, 2026 during the NFL Draft. The zone covers the Ohio River from Mile Marker 0 to 0.5, the Allegheny River from Mile Marker 0 to 0.6, and the Monongahela River from Mile Marker 0 to 0.3. Entry is prohibited without authorization from the Captain of the Port Pittsburgh or a designated representative.

SEC Charges Voyager Pacific Capital, Hardcastle, Giarmarco, and Medlock with Securities Fraud

The SEC charged Voyager Pacific Capital Management LLC, CEO Roger David Hardcastle, former CFO John Giarmarco, and then-COO Vanessa Lung-Medlock with conducting a multi-year fraudulent scheme from September 2020 through March 2024 involving a real-estate investment fund. The complaint alleges that more than $15 million in new investor money was used to pay existing investors in Ponzi-like fashion, while millions more were diverted through undisclosed transactions to entities owned or controlled by Hardcastle and Giarmarco. Hardcastle and Giarmarco have agreed to bifurcated settlements subject to court approval, including permanent injunctions and monetary relief to be determined.

ONRR 30-Day PRA Comment Period Bonding Surety Collection Ends May 21

ONRR has published a 30-day Federal Register notice seeking public comment on the renewal of an information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection covers paperwork requirements to post a surety or bond or demonstrate financial solvency for Federal and Indian oil and gas leases under 30 CFR part 1243. The comment period closes May 21, 2026. ONRR is specifically requesting comments on necessity, accuracy of burden estimates, and ways to minimize paperwork burden.

APHIS Authorizes Fresh Glasswort Import from Israel

APHIS has authorized the importation of fresh leaves and stems of glasswort (Salicornia europaea L.) for consumption from Israel into the United States, effective April 21, 2026. The decision follows a pest risk analysis and 60-day public comment period that concluded June 10, 2025. Imports must comply with phytosanitary measures specified in the APHIS Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements (ACIR) database and general requirements under 7 CFR 319.56-3.

Dierberg Entities Seek FB Corporation Bank Control Under Change in Bank Control Act

The Federal Reserve published a notice of applications under the Change in Bank Control Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and 12 CFR 225.41. The Dierberg Milne Foundation, Ellen D. Milne, the Dierberg Family Foundation, and Michael J. and JiaMin L. Dierberg seek to join the Dierberg Family Control Group to acquire voting shares of FB Corporation, indirectly acquiring voting shares of The San Francisco Company and First Bank, all based in Creve Coeur, Missouri. The public may submit comments on the applications through the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis or the Board of Governors by May 6, 2026.

DreamFunded Marketplace FINRA Extension Order

The SEC granted FINRA's motion to extend the deadline for filing responses in an administrative review proceeding. FINRA must now file its responses to six filings by April 29, 2026, and Applicants may file replies by May 5, 2026. The extension was granted over Applicants' opposition, citing Rule of Practice 161(a).

ITC Schedules Expedited Review, Tires China, Apr 7

The U.S. International Trade Commission has scheduled expedited five-year (sunset) reviews of antidumping duty and countervailing duty orders on passenger vehicle and light truck (PVLT) tires from China. The Commission determined to conduct expedited reviews pursuant to section 751(c)(3) of the Tariff Act of 1930, having found the domestic interested party group response adequate but overall participation insufficient for a full review. Written comments on the Commission's determination are due June 9, 2026.

Oregon Major Disaster Declaration for Public Assistance Only

The SBA announces Presidential disaster declaration FEMA-4907-DR for Oregon due to Severe Storms, Straight-line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides occurring December 15-21, 2025. Nine Oregon counties are designated as primary disaster areas. Physical disaster loan applications are due June 10, 2026; Economic Injury (EIDL) loans are due January 7, 2027. Private non-profit organizations may apply at MySBA Loan Portal.

Presidential Declaration of Major Disaster for Public Assistance Only, Alaska

The SBA published notice of Presidential disaster declaration FEMA-4904-DR for the State of Alaska following a severe storm incident occurring December 6-9, 2025. The declaration, designated Disaster Numbers 21509B (physical damage) and 215100 (economic injury), applies to Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Private non-profit organizations may apply for SBA disaster loans through the MySBA Loan Portal.

Petition for Rulemaking of Andrew Gonzalez

The Federal Trade Commission has received a petition for rulemaking (File No. R607002) from Andrew Gonzalez requesting that the Commission promulgate a new rule or amend existing regulations to mandate disclosures regarding indirect auto lending. The petition has been placed on the public record for a 30-day comment period. The Commission will not consider the petition's merits until after the comment period closes and may grant or deny the petition in whole or in part.

Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company

The Federal Reserve published a notice inviting public comments on applications under the Change in Bank Control Act. The Dierberg Milne Foundation and Dierberg Family Foundation seek to join the Dierberg Family Control Group to acquire voting shares of FB Corporation, which would indirectly acquire voting shares of The San Francisco Company and First Bank in Missouri. Comments are due by May 6, 2026.

Inbound Parcel Post Rate Changes at UPU Rates for CY 2027

The Postal Regulatory Commission (PRC) is informing the public of the Postal Service's filing of changes in rates not of general applicability for Inbound Parcel Post (at Universal Postal Union rates) and Inbound International Proof of Delivery, effective January 1, 2027, along with related proposed changes to the Mail Classification Schedule (MCS). The filing reflects amendments to Article 33 of the Universal Postal Convention adopted by the UPU Dubai Congress in September 2025, which allow designated operators to establish self-declared 'Inward Land Rates' beginning in calendar year 2027. The Commission invites public comments on whether the filing is consistent with applicable statutes and policies.

EPA Opens 60-Day NPDES Program ICR Renewal Comment Period

The EPA is soliciting public comments on the renewal of its Information Collection Request (ICR) for the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program (OMB Control No. 2040-0004). The ICR calculates the information collection burden on approximately 853,912 respondents—including POTWs, industrial and commercial facilities, construction sites, municipalities, and other point source discharge operators—with an estimated annual burden of 33,221,897 hours and $2,256,697,795 in total annual costs. Comments must be submitted on or before June 22, 2026.

Constellation Energy Nuclear Decommissioning Trust Exemptions, EA, FONSI

The NRC has issued an Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) regarding proposed exemptions for Constellation Energy Generation, LLC at Braidwood Station, Byron Station, and LaSalle County Station in Illinois. The exemptions would permit transfers of certain earnings from nuclear decommissioning trusts (NDTs) to subaccounts for use during operations and for the larger decommissioning process. The NRC determined the proposed exemptions, which are financial in nature, would not decrease safety or environmental protection.

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.

OSHA Revokes House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard

OSHA has finalized the revocation of 29 CFR 1917.41, the House Falls in Marine Terminals Standard, effective April 17, 2026. The standard, originally adopted in 1983 to protect workers from hazards associated with house falls equipment used in cargo loading and unloading, is being removed because OSHA has no record of any citations for violations and the marine terminals industry no longer employs house falls as cargo has become largely containerized. This is a deregulatory action under Executive Order 14192.

FAA Establishes Summer 2026 Scheduling Limits at Chicago O'Hare International Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration has issued Order FAA-2013-0259 establishing a temporary scheduling limit of 2,708 operations per day at Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) for Summer 2026 (March 29 through October 24, 2026). The limit takes effect May 17, 2026, and is intended to manage airfield capacity constraints from ongoing construction and competitive scheduling dynamics between major carriers. The FAA acted under 49 U.S.C. 41722 authority following delay reduction meetings, determining that this level will maximize capacity without worsening delays beyond Summer 2025 performance.

Exempted Fishing Permit Application: Cultimar Technologies 200 Red Snapper Collection

NMFS announces receipt of an application from Cultimar Technologies, Inc. for an Exempted Fishing Permit (EFP) to collect 200 sexually mature American red snapper from South Atlantic Federal waters off Florida. If granted, the EFP would authorize transport of the fish to the applicant's aquaculture hatchery in Arecibo, Puerto Rico to establish a broodstock population for research and fingerling production. Public comments are requested by May 21, 2026.

Infant and Cradle Swings Safety Standard Update Incorporating ASTM F2088-25

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has published a direct final rule updating the mandatory consumer product safety standard for infant and cradle swings. The rule incorporates by reference ASTM F2088-25, the 2025 revision of the voluntary standard ASTM F2088-24, which is currently the mandatory standard under 16 CFR part 1223. The rule is effective July 25, 2026, unless CPSC receives a significant adverse comment by May 20, 2026.

NCUA Proposes Tenth Deregulation Round for Credit Union Conversions and Mergers

NCUA announced the tenth round of proposed regulatory changes under its Deregulation Project, seeking comments on amendments to 12 CFR Part 708a Subpart C governing credit union-to-bank conversions and mergers. The proposal would remove six prescriptive requirements including the definition of 'clear and conspicuous,' newspaper publishing mandates, specific due diligence reporting formats, and plain language determining factors. These changes aim to allow credit union boards greater flexibility in exercising fiduciary duties and business judgment.

Final Rule Removes Outdated 15 CFR Part 1300 Export Technology Reporting Regulation

The Department of Commerce removes 15 CFR Part 1300 (Subtitle B, Chapter XIII) from the Code of Federal Regulations, eliminating an obsolete export technology reporting requirement. The regulation was originally promulgated by the defunct East-West Foreign Trade Board in 1975 under section 411 of the Trade Act of 1974, whose statutory authority was repealed in 1998 and 1999. The rule is effective April 17, 2026.

MSPB Issues Interim Final Rule Clarifying Discovery Rights in Enforcement Proceedings

The Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) issued an interim final rule amending 5 CFR Part 1201 to clarify that parties have a right to discovery in compliance and enforcement proceedings under the Board's existing discovery procedures. The rule adds new section 1201.183(a)(9), which makes clear that discovery may be undertaken in enforcement matters and establishes a deadline for initial discovery requests. The rule responds to the Federal Circuit's decision in Bernard v. Department of Agriculture, which held that MSPB's regulations did not provide a clear guarantee of discovery rights in enforcement proceedings.

Emergency Ambulance Transports, Beneficiary Signature, and Foreign Hospital Services Information Collection

CMS published a 30-day PRA notice seeking public comment on two information collection requests: (1) an extension of Form CMS-10242 for emergency ambulance transport beneficiary signatures under 42 CFR 424.36, with 10,278 respondents and 771,852 annual burden hours; and (2) a reinstatement of Form CMS-1771 for emergency foreign hospital services under 42 CFR 424.103, with 100 respondents and 50 annual burden hours. Comments must be submitted to OMB by May 20, 2026.

University of Illinois Nuclear Construction Permit Application

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission published notice of receipt of a construction permit application from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a single-unit research reactor designated the KRONOS Micro Modular Reactor. The application includes a preliminary safety analysis report and environmental report pursuant to 10 CFR Part 50 and Part 51. The NRC staff is conducting its acceptance review; if the application is accepted for docketing, subsequent Federal Register notices will address public participation in the permitting process.

NRC Proposes NSHC Determinations for Four Nuclear Plants

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is considering three license amendment requests for Catawba Nuclear Station (Units 1 and 2), McGuire Nuclear Station (Units 1 and 2), Salem Nuclear Generating Station (Unit Nos. 1 and 2), and Callaway Plant (Unit No. 1). For each amendment, the NRC proposes a no significant hazards consideration determination under 10 CFR 50.92. The notice invites public comments by May 21, 2026, and hearing requests by June 22, 2026.

FDIC Seeks Comment on Bank Info Collection Renewal

The FDIC, under the Paperwork Renewal Act of 1995, seeks public comment on the renewal of two existing information collections (OMB Control Nos. 3064-0029 and 3064-0177). Collection 1 covers Notification of Performance of Bank Services (Form 6120/06) for insured state nonmember banks and state savings associations. Collection 2 covers securitization disclosures required under 12 CFR 360.6 for insured depository institutions. Estimated annual burden hours total 313 and 7,008 respectively. Comment deadline is June 22, 2026.

FMCSA Exemption Request, Covenant Logistics, Comments May 21, 2026

FMCSA requests public comment on Covenant Logistics' application for a 5-year renewal of its exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1), which requires CLP holders to be accompanied by a CDL holder in the front seat. The exemption would allow CLP holders who have passed CDL skills tests to drive without a CDL holder present. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.

Enrolled Agent Exam User Fee Reduced from $99 to $66

The Treasury Department and IRS have issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to reduce the user fee for each part of the Special Enrollment Examination for Enrolled Agents (EA SEE) from $99 per part to $66 per part. The proposed amendments would modify 26 CFR Part 300. Comments and requests for a public hearing must be received by May 20, 2026.

UI Urbana-Champaign Construction Permit Application Notice

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is providing public notice of receipt and availability of a construction permit application from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for a single-unit research reactor designated the U. of I. KRONOS™ Micro Modular Reactor. The application, filed March 27, 2026 pursuant to Section 104c. of the Atomic Energy Act of 1954 and 10 CFR Part 50, proposes a high-temperature gas-cooled design utilizing solid tri-structural isotropic fuel to be located on the UI campus in Champaign, Illinois. The NRC staff is currently conducting its acceptance review; if accepted for docketing, subsequent Federal Register notices will address public participation provisions.

License Amendment Requests – Catawba, McGuire, Salem, Callaway Nuclear Stations – No Significant Hazards Consideration Determination

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission received and is considering three amendment requests for license modifications at Catawba Nuclear Station (Units 1 and 2), McGuire Nuclear Station (Units 1 and 2), Salem Nuclear Generating Station (Unit Nos. 1 and 2), and Callaway Plant (Unit No. 1). For each request, the NRC proposes to determine that the amendment involves no significant hazards consideration (NSHC) under 10 CFR 50.92. The notice invites public comment and requests for hearings within specified deadlines.

EG26-216-000 Crockett Cogeneration EWG Self-Certification; ER26-2215-000 Duke Energy Rate Filing

FERC received two filings on April 15, 2026. Crockett Cogeneration, LLC submitted a Notice of Self-Certification of Exempt Wholesale Generator Status under Docket EG26-216-000. Separately, Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC and Duke Energy Florida, LLC submitted a §205(d) rate filing (DEF—Real Power Loss Filing 2026) under Docket ER26-2215-000, requesting a May 1, 2026 effective date. The Commission invites intervention, protests, or answers in accordance with 18 CFR 385.211, 385.214, or 385.206.

Special Conditions Skyryse Robinson R66 Helicopter Fly-by-Wire Flight Control System Annunciation

The FAA proposes special conditions for the Robinson Model R66 helicopter as modified by Skyryse with a digital fly-by-wire flight control system, replacing mechanical flight controls. The existing airworthiness standards under 14 CFR Part 27 do not adequately address this novel design feature, requiring additional safety standards including an annunciation requirement for pilot awareness. Comments are due by June 5, 2026.

Blue Vigil AL1000 Exemption Petition Under 14 CFR Part 11

Blue Vigil has petitioned the FAA for an exemption under 14 C.F.R. Part 11 to permit operation of its AL1000 Autonomous Aerial Light system without a certificated remote pilot in command, seeking relief from 14 C.F.R. §§ 107.12 and 107.19. The petition is supported by letters from Roanoke Cement Co., Extreme Aerial Productions, and CW Matthews Construction Co.

Skyways UAS Seeks Aircraft Dealer Registration Exemption

Skyways Air Transportation Inc. filed a petition with the FAA seeking an exemption under 14 CFR 47.65 to apply for Dealer's Aircraft Registration Certificates. The company is a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System) manufacturer based in the United States. The petition has been submitted for agency review and potential comment.

FFY 2027 IPPS and LTCH Proposed Rules

CMS published its annual proposed rule for FFY 2027 covering the Inpatient Prospective Payment System and Long-Term Care Hospital PPS on April 14, 2026. The proposed rule includes a 2.4% operating payment increase for acute care hospitals meeting quality reporting standards, representing a projected $1.9 billion rise in total IPPS payments. Major proposals address graduate medical education criteria, provider-based department policies, low wage index hospital transition rules, organ acquisition costs, uncompensated care payments, new technology add-on payments, and modifications to multiple quality reporting programs including the Hospital IQR, VBP, and HRRP programs.

Medline Industries LP - Quality System Regulation Violations Warning Letter

FDA issued a Warning Letter to Medline Industries, LP (NAMIC Division) citing Quality System Regulation violations under 21 CFR Part 820. The inspection conducted December 1-12, 2025 identified CAPA procedure failures involving NAMIC Angiographic Control Syringes that generated 221 complaints and 177 MDRs, including documented cases of air embolism patient harm and biohazard exposure to clinicians.

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) - 29 CFR 1910.147

OSHA's lockout/tagout standard (29 CFR 1910.147) establishes minimum performance requirements for controlling hazardous energy during servicing and maintenance of machines and equipment. The standard protects employees from unexpected energization, startup, or release of stored energy that could cause injury. The regulation applies to general industry employers whose employees perform servicing or maintenance on machines with hazardous energy sources.

Anti-TMPRSS6 Monoclonal Antibodies and Therapeutic Uses

USPTO published patent application US20260098084A1 disclosing fully human anti-TMPRSS6 monoclonal antibodies for treating diseases associated with TMPRSS6. Inventors include Harvey Chin, Sarah J. Hatsell, Heinrich Emil Lob, Andrew J. Murphy, William Olson, Kei Saotome, and Bojie Zhang, with application number 19323318 filed September 9, 2025.

Airworthiness Directive for Bombardier Challenger Jets

The FAA issued Airworthiness Directive FAA-2025-1732 for all Bombardier Challenger CL-600 series aircraft models (600, 601, 601-3A, 601-3R, and 604 variants) requiring replacement of nosewheel steering rudder pedal potentiometer universal coupling setscrews. The AD also mandates revising existing maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate new life limits for these setscrews. This AD is effective May 8, 2026.