Search

TV5/UNIS TV Wholesale Rate Increase Approved by CRTC

The CRTC has approved TV5 Québec Canada's application to increase mandatory per subscriber monthly wholesale rates for TV5/UNIS TV by $0.02 across both market types: from $0.24 to $0.26 in English-language markets and from $0.28 to $0.30 in French-language markets. The decision, citing TV5's critical deteriorating financial situation that threatened its ability to fulfill programming obligations, modifies the existing mandatory distribution order issued under paragraph 9.1(1)(h) of the Broadcasting Act. The new rates take effect immediately upon publication of this decision (22 April 2026), and the modified distribution order will expire 31 August 2026.

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

The SEC filed a civil enforcement action in the Eastern District of California charging Voyager Pacific Capital Management LLC, CEO Roger David Hardcastle, former CFO John Giarmarco, and then-COO Vanessa Lung-Medlock with securities fraud. The complaint alleges that from September 2020 through March 2024, over $15 million in new investor money was misappropriated through Ponzi-like payments to existing investors, while millions more were diverted to entities controlled by Hardcastle and Giarmarco through undisclosed prohibited transactions. Hardcastle and Giarmarco have agreed to bifurcated settlements subject to court approval, while Medlock and the relief defendants continue to face the full complaint. A parallel criminal proceeding shows Hardcastle pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to commit wire fraud.

Media Bureau Seeks Comment on TV Parental Guidelines Modernization

The FCC's Media Bureau is seeking public comment on whether and how the TV Parental Guidelines age ratings system should be modernized to remain responsive to contemporary parental concerns. The consultation, under Docket No. 19-41, requests input by May 22, 2026, with reply comments accepted through June 22, 2026 (DA-26-392). The Bureau specifically asks whether the existing ratings framework adequately addresses the issues parents face today when choosing television content for their children.

Texas AG Paxton Sues California Kratom Retailers Over 96% 7-OH Levels

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Pure Leaf Kratom, LLC and Outcast Distribution, LLC (both California-based online retailers) for deceptively marketing and selling synthetic and adulterated Kratom products containing up to 96% 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is nearly fifty times the 2% legal limit under the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act (2023). Laboratory testing confirmed multiple products shipped to Texans contained 7-OH levels ranging from 86% to 96% of total alkaloid content, despite the defendants' website claims that they do not ship products exceeding 2% 7-OH to Texas. The lawsuit follows a prior Temporary Injunction against North Texas retailer Smokey's Paradise in Midlothian, Texas.

Hiprex 1g Class 4 Defect: Braille Error States 1mg Instead of 1g

Doncaster Pharma Limited has notified the MHRA of a Braille embossing error on outer packaging for certain parallel imported batches of Hiprex 1g tablets (methenamine hippurate). The embossed Braille incorrectly states the strength as 1mg rather than 1g, though all printed text correctly shows 1g. Five batches are affected, distributed between October 2025 and March 2026, all expiring April 2028. The MHRA has classified this as a Class 4 defect and is not recalling the affected products as they remain within specification with no quality issues. Healthcare professionals are advised to explain the error to patients who rely solely on Braille when reading medicine cartons.

Alabama SB5 Requires K-12 Public Schools Broadcast Star-Spangled Banner Weekly

Alabama SB5 was enacted on April 13, 2026, establishing a statewide constitutional amendment that requires all public K-12 schools to broadcast the Star-Spangled Banner on a weekly basis. The bill cleared both chambers with final House passage on a 75-27 roll call vote and was signed into law after being delivered to the Governor on April 9, 2026. Educational institutions subject to this mandate should ensure their facilities are equipped and scheduled to comply with the weekly anthem broadcast requirement.

Paxton Sues Kratom Retailers Over 50x Legal 7-OH Limit

Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a civil lawsuit against Pure Leaf Kratom, LLC and Outcast Distribution, LLC, two California-based online retailers, for deceptively marketing and selling synthetic and adulterated Kratom products containing up to 96% 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is nearly fifty times the legal 2% limit under the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act. Laboratory testing confirmed multiple products shipped into Texas contained 7-OH levels ranging from 86% to 96% of total alkaloid content, despite the defendants' website claims that they did not ship synthetic products or products exceeding 2% 7-OH to Texas. This lawsuit is part of a broader initiative to enforce the 2023 Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act.

Puckett-Morrissette v. Durrani – Future Medical Expenses Reversed, 2026 Ohio 1444

The Ohio First District Court of Appeals affirmed in part, reversed in part, vacated in part, and remanded consolidated medical malpractice judgments involving three plaintiffs (Puckett-Morrissette, Reynolds, and Wyatt) against Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani and the Center for Advanced Spine Technologies, Inc. The court upheld the trial court's joinder of plaintiffs' claims and its admission of expert testimony under Evid.R. 601 and Evid.R. 702. The court reversed the trial court's award of future medical expenses for each plaintiff due to insufficient expert testimony establishing anticipated treatment course, likelihood of treatment, and projected costs. The court also reversed the denial of defendants' setoff request, holding that intentional tortfeasors are entitled to a setoff under R.C. 2307.28(A). The trial court's prejudgment interest award was affirmed. Defendants face recalculation of damages on remand.

Three Arrested for Allegedly Running St. Thomas Strip Club as Prostitution Ring and Harboring Illegal Aliens

U.S. law enforcement arrested three individuals in St. Thomas, USVI, for allegedly operating Tootsys Gentleman's Club as a prostitution ring while harboring illegal aliens. Hussein Jamil, Magda Castro Santos, and Julio Hidalgo De Pena were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to transport for purpose of prostitution, conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and conspiracy to harbor aliens for financial gain. If convicted, each defendant faces up to 5 years in prison for the first two charges and up to 10 years for harboring aliens. The arrests were part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative established by Executive Order 14159.

Alabama SB5 Requires Weekly Star-Spangled Banner Broadcast in Public K-12 Schools

Alabama's SB5, a statewide constitutional amendment, was enacted on April 13, 2026, requiring all public K-12 schools in the state to broadcast the Star-Spangled Banner at least once weekly. The bill passed the House 75-27 after earlier Senate passage on March 3, 2026. School districts in Alabama must now incorporate the weekly anthem broadcast into their school operations.

SF4776 DHS Child Services Forecast Modifications Passed

The Minnesota Senate passed SF4776 on March 25, 2026, implementing forecast adjustments for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The bill was introduced by Sen. Melissa Wiklund (D) and referred through the Health and Human Services Committee before advancing to the Finance Committee for passage. As a technical state budget and forecasting modification, this bill affects administrative processes within Minnesota's child welfare and social services departments.

Kansas Revises State General Fund Revenue Estimates for FY 2026-2027

The Consensus Estimating Group met on April 20, 2026 to revise the November 13, 2025 State General Fund (SGF) estimates for FY 2026 and FY 2027. The revisions include the estimated impact of all 2026 legislation signed into law thus far. Any legislation affecting the SGF enacted after April 20, 2026 will be quantified in a separate legislative adjustments report. Consensus revenue estimates are based on current federal and state laws and their current interpretation.

SF4889 Noncommercial Radio Station Grants Eligibility Modifications

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4889 passed committee referral, modifying eligibility requirements for noncommercial radio station grants and establishing an appropriation. The bill was introduced by Sen. Heather Gustafson (D) and referred to the Finance Committee after passing the State and Local Government Committee.

BBCL Opposition, British Broadcasting Corp vs Fans First

The British Broadcasting Corporation filed TTAB Opposition No. 91306729 against Fans First Entertainment, LLC, seeking to prevent registration of the trademark BBCL. The opposition was filed and accepted with the required fee on April 20, 2026. This proceeding initiates a formal challenge before the USPTO Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to block the defendant's mark from proceeding to registration.

NCLAT Court-III Daily Cause List, 23rd Apr 2026

NCLAT Principal Bench, New Delhi published the Court-III Daily Cause List for 23 April 2026 (Thursday), scheduled at 10:30 AM in hybrid mode. The list covers admission and hearing matters under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and the Companies Act, 2013, before a bench comprising Justice Mohammad Faiz Alam Khan, Mr. Arun Baroka (Member, Technical), and Mr. Indevar Pandey (Member, Technical). Technical instructions for video conferencing participation are provided.

CBKR-FM Regina Power Upgrade Approved by CRTC

The CRTC approved Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's application to amend the technical parameters of CBKR-FM Regina, Saskatchewan, a rebroadcasting transmitter of CBK-FM Regina. The transmitter class changes from A to C1, effective radiated power increases from 1,365 to 88,320 watts, and the transmitter is replaced. The licensee must implement these amendments by April 15, 2028. No public interventions were received.

Washington State DOH Lists Food Recalls Oysters Clams Adjika Beef Jerky

The Washington State Department of Health published a food recalls and safety alerts page on April 14, 2026, listing 14 separate recall events spanning December 2025 through April 2026. Recalls involve oysters and clams from Hammersley Inlet and Drayton Harbor (norovirus), canned Country-Style Adjika (botulism risk), various beef jerky products (undeclared soy lecithin), Honey BBQ Sauce (undeclared wheat and soy), Juniper Granola Junebars (undeclared milk and soy), select oysters from British Columbia (norovirus), Fu Zhou Fish Ball products (undeclared sesame and wheat), Live it Up Super Greens supplement powder (Salmonella), Bread Crumbs (undeclared egg and milk), fully cooked breaded chicken (undeclared soy), Fran's Pure Bar Almondmilk Chocolate (undeclared hazelnuts), Bengal King Jhal Chanachur (undeclared peanuts), and White Castle Original Sliders (undeclared milk and soy).

Windblown Dust Advisory Extended for San Gorgonio Pass, Banning and Coachella Valley

South Coast AQMD has extended a windblown dust advisory for San Gorgonio Pass, Banning, and the Coachella Valley through Wednesday April 22 at 11:59 PM due to high winds with gusts up to 50-60 mph expected in the Northern Coachella Valley. Unhealthy or higher AQI categories are forecast at times through Wednesday night in the Northern Coachella Valley, while Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups or higher AQI is expected in other areas. The advisory includes public health recommendations including remaining indoors with windows closed and running air conditioning or air purifiers.

Three Cases on CADE Agenda Thursday Diogo Thomson

CADE Brazil published the agenda for its 264th Ordinary Judgment Session in the Diário Oficial da União on April 16, 2026. The session is scheduled for Thursday April 23 at 10h, broadcast live on YouTube, and will be the first presided over by interim president Diogo Thomson who took office on April 12. Three cases are listed: Administrative Inquiry 08700.003498/2019-03 against Google Inc. and Google Brasil Internet Ltda. (relator Gustavo Augusto, vote-vista Camila Cabral); Administrative Proceeding 08700.002545/2023-70 from the Paraná state prosecutor against six respondents including Augustinho Stang and several fuel and commerce companies (relator José Levi); and Administrative Proceeding 08700.002556/2026-01 for incidental procedural sanctions against WhatsApp LLC and Facebook Serviços Online do Brasil (relator Carlos Jacques).

Maldives GDP Grows 8.6% in Q3 2025, Tourist Arrivals Up 16%

According to advance estimates from the Maldives Bureau of Statistics, real GDP grew by 8.6% in Q3-2025 compared to the same quarter in 2024, driven primarily by expansion in tourism and fisheries. Tourism arrivals in February 2026 stood at 247,722, an increase of 16% year-on-year, with guesthouse bednights rising 42%. Annual GDP growth for 2025 is projected at 5.4%, revised downwards from prior forecasts, following estimated growth of 3.5% in 2024.

Drive-Thru Hiring Event, Yankton, Apr 28

Yankton Job Service will host a Drive-Thru Hiring Event on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, from 4-5:30 p.m. CDT at the Riverfront Broadcasting parking lot, 1019 Broadway Ave. in Yankton, S.D. Job seekers can drive through to pick up packets featuring local employers, job openings, and additional resources. Businesses interested in participating can register by emailing Laura Marshall at workforce@yanktonsd.com or by calling 605-665-3636, ext. 103.

FMA Joins Global Initiative Against Unlawful Finfluencers

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) joined 17 regulatory authorities across the globe in a coordinated Global Week of Action Against Unlawful Finfluencers from 20 April 2026, focusing on enforcement actions, regulatory measures, and consumer awareness campaigns targeting unlawful financial promotions on social media. The FMA contacted 14 finfluencers active across a range of social media platforms to outline relevant legal obligations, resulting in the removal of misleading or harmful content and some finfluencers reducing their services or ceasing to offer services to New Zealanders. The FMA also released updated guidance for both consumers and finfluencers on online money advice, along with a podcast exploring the growth of finfluencers and associated risks.

California Architects Board Enforcement Citations - Last Name F

The California Architects Board issued multiple enforcement citations against architects and unlicensed individuals for violations including practicing without a license, failing to execute written contracts, and certifying false information on license renewal applications. Fines ranged from $250 to $2,500, with violations spanning Business and Professions Code sections 5536(a), 5536.22(a), 141(a), 5586, 5600.05(a)(1), and California Code of Regulations title 16 sections 134 and 160. Citations became final between 2015 and 2025.

Namibia Economy Projected to Grow 2.6% in 2026

The Bank of Namibia released its March 2026 Economic Outlook update, projecting Namibia's domestic economy to grow 2.6 percent in 2026 and 2.9 percent in 2027, compared to an estimated 1.7 percent growth in 2025. The 2026 and 2027 projections reflect downward revisions of 1.2 percentage points and 1.4 percentage points respectively, from the December 2025 Economic Outlook update, driven primarily by weaker performance in primary industries including metal ores and diamond mining. Growth is expected to be supported by expansion in construction, electricity and water, wholesale and retail trade, financial services, and public administration and defence, as well as uranium mining operations.

Gabriel Arturo Castillo Pleads Guilty to Trade-Based Money Laundering

Gabriel Arturo Castillo, 52, of Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, pleaded guilty on April 7, 2026, to conspiracy to commit money laundering in the Southern District of Texas. Castillo participated in a two-year, multimillion-dollar black-market peso exchange scheme that moved drug trafficking proceeds from U.S. cities through Laredo, Texas, to Mexico without physically transporting cash across the border. He is scheduled for sentencing on July 7, 2026, facing a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

ECB President Lagarde Outlines Energy Shock Impact on Euro Area

Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, delivered a keynote speech at the Association of German Banks' 75th anniversary reception in Berlin on 20 April 2026, outlining the economic impact of energy disruptions on the euro area. The ECB published baseline, adverse, and severe scenarios in March driven by progressively higher energy prices, all showing higher inflation and lower growth than December projections. The speech highlights that the supply disruption is enormous, with net oil losses estimated at around 13 million barrels per day—roughly 13% of global consumption—even before accounting for additional disruptions.

ICE Arrests Three Convicted Child Sex Offenders in Minnesota

DHS announced that ICE Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested three criminal illegal aliens convicted of child sex crimes in Minnesota on April 14, 2026. The arrests targeted Rene Rosario-Miranda from Guatemala (convicted of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor), Axel Javier Martinez-Castillo from Honduras (sexual assault of a 7-year-old), and Rene Flores-Lue from El Salvador (convicted rapist of a 5-year-old), all in Worthington and Luverne, Minnesota. The action was attributed to the Trump administration and Secretary Mullin, with Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis publicly framing the arrests as a child-safety priority.

ICE Arrests Child Abusers Gang Members Domestic Abusers and Public Safety Threats

ICE arrested five criminal illegal aliens on April 16, 2026, each convicted for serious crimes including child cruelty with possible injury or death, battery against spouse, kidnapping, robbery with threatening bodily injury, and aggravated robbery. The arrests occurred across California, Idaho, Pennsylvania, and Texas, targeting individuals including a Fullerton Tokers Town gang member. DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis noted that nearly 70% of ICE arrests involve illegal aliens charged or convicted of crimes in the United States.

Bhutan GDP Growth 6.1%, Inflation 4.5% Outlook

Bhutan's provisional GDP growth for 2024 was 6.1 percent, slightly below earlier projections due to delays in commissioning major hydropower projects (notably PHPA-II) and lower-than-expected tourist arrivals. Domestic headline inflation averaged a moderate 2.8 percent in 2024, the lowest since the COVID-19 pandemic, rising to 3.5 percent as of March 2025. Looking ahead, inflation is projected to rise to 4.5 percent in 2025 and 5 percent in 2026, fueled by persistent food inflation from adverse weather and stronger demand-side push factors due to increased public investment.

Second Circuit: Reverse Splits Not Securities Sales

The Second Circuit affirmed the district court's dismissal of Securities Act claims in Knapp v. Barclays PLC, holding that a 4:1 reverse split of exchange-traded notes did not constitute a statutory "sale" under Section 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, and that a supplemental pricing statement was not sufficiently traceable to establish Section 11 liability. The court found that garden-variety reverse splits merely recast the number of securities held and do not bring about the significant changes in investment nature or risk required to qualify as a sale.

FDA Proposes First New Sunscreen Active Ingredient in 25 Years

Wiley Rein LLP's inaugural Rules and Reactions podcast episode discusses the FDA's proposal to approve the first new active sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years. Hosted by Lauren Petrin and Dr. Alex Stanton, the episode examines how sunscreens are regulated as OTC drugs in the United States and explores what this historic regulatory shift could mean for future product innovation in the industry.

Chairman Atkins Launches 'Material Matters' SEC Podcast

SEC Chairman Paul Atkins announced the launch of 'Material Matters With SEC Chairman Paul Atkins,' a new SEC podcast providing stakeholders and the investing public with interviews and insights on the agency's policy and rulemaking agenda. The inaugural episode features interviews with Commissioners Mark T. Uyeda and Hester M. Peirce discussing their careers and 2026 priorities. The podcast will be available on SEC.gov, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

Estonia Energy Prices Lower, Inflation Forecast 3.8% Peak

Eesti Pank economist Sulev Pert reports that Estonia was the only euro area country where energy prices fell in March 2026 (down 1.4%), while euro area energy prices rose 6.8% on average. Electricity exchange prices dropped 40% in March following high winter prices in the Baltic states. Motor fuels surged due to Middle East conflict tensions, with diesel up 27% and petrol up 14% month-over-month. The forecast projects consumer prices will rise 3.8% for 2026, with inflation peaking at year-end.

Rob Nichols, Paul Benda discuss ABA fraud strategy

The ABA Banking Journal Podcast released a crossover episode with the ABA Fraudcast on April 22, 2026, featuring ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols and ABA EVP Paul Benda discussing the ABA's ecosystem approach to fraud prevention. The episode covers participation in the UN/Interpol Global Fraud Summit, growing bipartisan co-sponsorship of the SCAM Act, collaboration with the International Banking Federation on global anti-fraud practices, and increasing state-level legislative activity on fraud issues.

FSCS November 2025 Outlook: Compensation at £315m, 2026/27 Levy Forecast £342m

FSCS published its November 2025 Outlook providing updated compensation and levy forecasts for the 2025/26 and 2026/27 financial years. The 2025/26 levy remains at £356m with compensation expected at £315m (5% below May forecast), driven by more lower-value advice claims and fewer high-value SIPP operator claims. Early 2026/27 levy forecast is £342m based on £294m in projected compensation costs. Recovery efforts are anticipated to generate close to £40m by year-end 2025/26. The PRA and FCA jointly consult on FSCS management expenses, with a full Budget update due in early 2026.

Import XML Grant Data Into MS Excel

Grants.gov published a step-by-step tutorial explaining how to extract and import XML data from its database into Microsoft Excel as a workaround while the "Export Detailed Data" functionality remains temporarily unavailable following the October release. The guide covers downloading the daily XML ZIP file from the website footer, extracting the XML file, importing it into Excel using the Get Data function, and using Power Query Editor to properly load Opportunity Forecasts and Synopsis data without losing data integrity. Users can access a decade of funding opportunity data through this method.

Liontrust AuMA £19.6bn, Net Outflows £0.8bn

Liontrust Asset Management PLC reported assets under management and advice (AuMA) of £19,554 million as at 31 March 2026, down from £21,457 million at the start of the year, reflecting net outflows of £836 million (2025: £1,284 million) and negative market performance of £1,067 million. The firm secured two institutional mandates exceeding £500 million in aggregate, expected to fund before end of May 2026. Liontrust also announced the approval of its proposed acquisition of River Global Holdings Limited, which held £2,600 million in AuMA as at 31 March 2026, with 99.97% of votes cast in favour at the General Meeting on 14 April 2026.

TRIG Reports UK CfD Extension for Operational Renewables, EGL Rise to 55%

The Renewables Infrastructure Group Limited (TRIG) notified investors of three UK Government energy policy announcements: the potential extension of Contracts for Difference (CfDs) to operational renewables assets, an increase in the Electricity Generator Levy (EGL) tax rate from 45% to 55% effective 1 July 2026, and the Reformed National Pricing Delivery Plan. TRIG's Managers expect the Company's operational projects to participate in the proposed Wholesale CfD (WCfD) allocation process in 2027, with 75% of projected revenues over the next five years already at fixed prices per unit generated. The EGL change is not expected to impact TRIG's Q1 2026 NAV as power price forecasts remain below the £82.61/MWh threshold in all future periods.

Colorado Awards $100,000 Grant to Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation

Colorado's Office of Just Transition (OJT) within CDLE, in partnership with the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), has awarded a $100,000 grant to the Hartman Castle Preservation Corporation. The funds will support the organization's acquisition of the historic Hartman Castle property in Gunnison, Colorado, which was recently listed among Colorado's 'Most Endangered Places.' The project aims to transform the late-1800s castle into a community gathering space, event venue, and heritage tourism destination, as part of broader state efforts to support coal-transition communities.

Lagarde Warns of Euro Area Economic Risks at IMF Meeting

ECB President Christine Lagarde delivered remarks at the IMF International Monetary and Financial Committee meeting in Washington DC on April 17, 2026, outlining the economic outlook for the euro area amid heightened uncertainty from the war in the Middle East. ECB staff projections baseline forecasts real GDP growth of 0.9% in 2026, 1.3% in 2027, and 1.4% in 2028, while headline inflation is expected to average 2.6% in 2026 before moderating to 2.0% in 2027 and 2.1% in 2028. The Governing Council decided to keep key ECB interest rates unchanged in March, with risks to the growth outlook tilted to the downside and inflation risks to the upside, particularly in the near term.