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FERC Receives Multiple Electric Rate Filings April 2026

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission published a notice on April 16, 2026 listing 17 electric rate filings received from utilities including Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, Tucson Electric Power Company, Southwest Power Pool, Midcontinent Independent System Operator, Avista Corporation, and Alabama Power Company. The filings cover supplements to existing rate schedules, tariff amendments, and new market participant agreements. Comment deadlines for interventions and protests are set for May 6–7, 2026 depending on the specific docket.

FERC Withdraws Notice on Aggregators of Retail Demand Response

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has withdrawn a Notice of Inquiry (Docket No. RM21-14-000) issued March 18, 2021, which had sought comment on whether to remove the Demand Response Opt-Out from Commission regulations. The opt-out permits Regional Transmission Organizations and Independent System Operators to decline bids from aggregators of retail customers where utilities distributed over 4 million megawatt-hours in the prior fiscal year and the relevant electric retail regulatory authority prohibits such demand response participation in organized markets. FERC terminated the rulemaking proceeding after reviewing comments that expressed significant opposition to removing the opt-out.

Rural Support Resolution Passes 220-196

H. Res. 1182, expressing support for rural communities as environmental stewards, energy resource suppliers, food production providers, and drivers of economic stability, passed the House on April 22, 2026 by a vote of 220-196. The resolution passed largely along party lines with 212 Republicans and 7 Democrats voting in favor, while 196 Democrats voted against. As a simple House resolution, this measure carries no binding legal effect and serves as an expression of congressional sentiment.

FERC Combined Filings - Electric Corporate, Wholesale Generators, Rate Filings

FERC received multiple electric corporate, exempt wholesale generator, and electric rate filings between April 13-15, 2026. Filings include a Section 203 joint application supplement from AEP Indiana Michigan Transmission Company and Mammoth North LLC, self-certification notices from renewable energy companies, and numerous market-based rate tariff revisions under Section 205(d) from wind, solar, and hydro generators. Comment deadlines range from April 23 to May 6, 2026.

Combined Notice of Filings #1 - Electric Rate Filings

FERC published a combined notice of filings listing 19 electric rate filings received in mid-April 2026. Filings include Section 205(d) rate schedule submissions, tariff amendments, compliance filings, and an initial market-based rate authority application by Hanwha Energy USA Holdings Corporation. Comment deadlines fall in early May 2026.

Lockhart Independent School District v. Meta Platforms Inc et al

Lockhart Independent School District filed a civil complaint in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Meta Platforms, Inc. and all co-defendants on April 21, 2026, initiating litigation over personal injury product liability claims. The case was assigned number 3:26-cv-03336 and is pending in San Francisco. As an initial pleading, the complaint outlines the plaintiff's allegations and initiates the formal litigation process, with no summary of case details currently available from the court.

House Passes H. Res. 1189, 211-206

The House passed H. Res. 1189 by a vote of 211 to 206 on April 22, 2026. The procedural resolution provides for floor consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587, governing debate time allocation and permissible amendments for each measure. The vote split sharply along party lines with all 205 voting Democrats opposed, 210 of 211 Republicans in favor, one Independent voting yes, and 14 members not voting.

Bolandian Insider Trading Conviction Vacated, Remanded

The Ninth Circuit vacated Shahriyar Bolandian's six-count insider trading conviction and remanded for a new trial, holding that the district court failed to adequately investigate when Juror No. 6 expressed uncertainty about his impartiality. The appellate court found the district court impermissibly delegated its independent duty to investigate juror bias to the juror himself, violating Bolandian's Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury. Reviewing for plain error, the panel held the district court plainly erred in failing to strike Juror No. 6 and that this error affected Bolandian's substantial rights and the fairness and public reputation of the proceedings.

BestGofer Inc Amends NT 10-Q to Correct Reversed Auditor Change

BestGofer Inc filed Amendment No. 1 to its Form 12b-25 Notification of Late Filing to correct Part III of the original filing, which inaccurately stated that Sadler, Gibb Associates LLC was the company's independent registered public accounting firm. The amendment restates the narrative to reflect that the company dismissed Barton CPA PLLC on April 8, 2026, appointed Sadler Gibb on April 8, 2026, then terminated Sadler Gibb and reappointed Barton on April 14, 2026—a full reversal within six days. The company reports Q1 FY2026 revenue of approximately $2,231 from its LHIS subsidiary (acquired August 31, 2025) versus $0 in the prior-year period, and a net loss of approximately $(1,001) versus $(14,072) previously.

Newham £305.28M Independent Living Support Service 2.0 Framework Tender

The London Borough of Newham has published a preliminary market engagement notice under the Procurement Act 2023 for an Independent Living Support Service (ILSS) 2.0 Framework, valued at £305.28 million including VAT over four years (June 2027 to May 2031), with a possible extension to May 2035. The framework will cover Home Care, Reablement, and Domestic Support services for adults, children, and young people eligible for care and support. Providers must be registered with and inspected by the Care Quality Commission. The estimated tender publication date is 24 June 2026.

Five New NI Executive Publications 21 April 2026

Five new publications were posted to the Northern Ireland Executive website on 21 April 2026. The items include: FOI DOF/2026-0136 on civil servant postcode data from the Department of Finance; Quarterly Publication on Education Research Volume 3 from the Department for Education; a Support Framework consultation response for Independent Advice and Debt Services from the Department for Communities; NIEA incident documentation DAERA/26-221 regarding Drumadagarve Road, Maguiresbridge from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs; and mail scanning services outsourcing screening guidance from the Department for Communities.

Ferrovial BAM Rail ISA Service Tender, £150k-£250k

UK Government Contracts Finder has published an open tender opportunity for an Independent Safety Assessor (ISA) for Ferrovial BAM Rail JV's track system packages. The contract value is estimated at £150,000 to £250,000 with a closing date of 1 May 2026. The ISA must be appointed in accordance with EN 50126, 50128, and 50129 standards, and for subsystems requiring CCS NTSN compliance, the ISA must also be an accredited Assessment Body in the United Kingdom.

US v. Sutton - 96-Month Felon-in-Possession Sentence Affirmed

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Treyvion Maleke Sutton's 96-month sentence for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, rejecting his challenge to a four-level Sentencing Guidelines enhancement under USSG § 2K2.1(b)(6)(B). The court applied an assumed error harmlessness inquiry, finding the enhancement error harmless because the district court stated it would have imposed the same sentence based on its independent assessment of the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors. The appellate court further found the resulting upward variance from the 51-to-63-month Guidelines range was substantively reasonable given Sutton's recidivism and criminal history.

Kansas Water Fluoridation Policy Briefing Book Details

The Kansas Legislative Research Department published a briefing book summarizing water fluoridation policy following an informational hearing held February 27, 2025 by the House Committee on Water. Testimony was received from proponents (Kansas Dental Association, Oral Health Kansas, Abilene dentist) and opponents (Overland Park dentist, Institute for Biological Dentistry). The document clarifies that water fluoridation is a local decision with no state or federal mandate; Kansas statute KSA 68-171m explicitly precludes state-level requirements. KDHE's Bureau of Water approves fluoride addition systems but states it is neutral on fluoridation. At the federal level, HHS directed CDC in April 2025 to reconvene an independent panel to review fluoridation guidance, and EPA announced its own scientific review of fluoride health outcomes.

DWC 2025 Workers' Compensation Newsline: UR Regulations Approved, Medical Fee Schedule Updates, Proposed MTUS and ADA Rules

The California Division of Workers' Compensation published its 2025 newsline documenting multiple regulatory actions including OAL approval of proposed utilization review regulations (December 30), approximately 25 adjustments to the Official Medical Fee Schedule across multiple service categories (pathology, laboratory, DMEPOS, hospital outpatient, physician services, ambulance), proposed ADA accommodation and MTUS evidence-based updates open for public comment, and 2026 temporary total disability rates of $1,609.96 per week announced November 21. The DWC also posted draft EAMS Rules and SJDB/RTW rules for comment, opened registration for the 33rd annual Educational Conference, launched an online public records request system, and released the 2024 Independent Medical Review report.

Governor Yi Gang on Financial Sector Opening and High-Quality Growth

Governor Yi Gang delivered a policy speech at the China Development Forum on March 24, 2019, outlining China's financial sector opening-up achievements in 2018, including improved market access for foreign financial institutions such as UBS (which increased its stake in UBS Securities to 51%), Allianz (approved for the first foreign-controlled insurance company in China), and Standard and Poor's (granted a credit rating license). The speech also covered the expansion of onshore bond, stock, and derivatives market access, noting that overseas investment in China's bond market increased by nearly 600 billion yuan in 2018, bringing outstanding overseas bond investment to 1.8 trillion yuan. The Governor reaffirmed that further financial sector opening is an independent policy choice essential for financial sector development and supply-side structural reform.

H. Res. 1189 Previous Question Vote Passes 180-179

The House voted 180-179 on April 22, 2026 to order the Previous Question on H. Res. 1189, a rule providing for floor consideration of H.R. 4690, H. Res. 1182, H.R. 1897, and H.R. 5587. The margin was razor-thin with 72 members not voting. Republicans voted uniformly in favor (179-0) while all 179 present Democrats voted against, with one Independent joining Republicans.

H.R. 4690 Motion to Recommit Fails 203-214

The House of Representatives voted on H.R. 4690 (Reliable Federal Infrastructure Act), with a motion to recommit failing 203-214. All Republicans voted against recommitment while all Democrats plus one Independent voted in favor. The vote took place on April 22, 2026 during the 119th Congress, 2nd Session.

Short Sale Desist and Refrain Orders and Accusations, 50+ Respondents, 2010–2013

The California Department of Real Estate has published a consolidated list of Desist and Refrain Orders and/or Accusations filed against more than 50 individuals and entities in connection with short sale transactions between 2010 and 2013. The list identifies respondents by name, filing date, H-number, and license number where applicable. Consumers and industry participants are advised to verify the licensure and disciplinary status of any real estate professional before engaging short sale services, as the listing includes both unlicensed entities and licensed professionals found to have engaged in unlawful acts.

Fuel Executive Sentenced 5 Years for $4.5M Military Contract Fraud

Jasen Butler, 38, of Jupiter, Florida was sentenced in West Palm Beach to 60 months in prison and criminal forfeiture by U.S. District Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks for 34 counts of wire fraud, forgery, and money laundering. Butler, owner of Independent Marine Oil Services LLC, corrupted the competitive bidding process for military fuel contracts and submitted dozens of falsified documents such as wire transfer memos and invoices to multiple U.S. warships attempting to purchase fuel in international ports in Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Croatia between August 2022 and January 2024, receiving over $4.5 million for phony expenses. After coming under scrutiny, Butler adopted a false name and feigned employment by a fictitious company, using proceeds to purchase multiple multi-million-dollar properties in Florida and Colorado.

State Legislatures Consider AI Oversight in Health Insurance Decisions

This JD Supra article surveys proposed and enacted state legislation from the first quarter of 2026 governing health insurers' use of AI in prior authorization and utilization review. Indiana House Bill 1271 (enacted March 4, 2026) and Alabama Senate Bill 63 (enacted April 17, 2026) represent the only enacted measures among the states profiled; Pennsylvania House Bill 1925 and Senate Bill 1113, New Hampshire House Bill 1406, Oklahoma House Bill 3675, and Louisiana Senate Bill 246 remain pending. The proposed and enacted bills share common requirements: AI may not serve as the sole decision-maker for adverse determinations, licensed healthcare providers must exercise independent clinical judgment, and insurers must disclose AI use to providers, members, and state insurance departments.

Abbott Awards $1.78M JET Career Training Grants to Six Southeast Texas Schools

Governor Greg Abbott announced six Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants totaling $1,777,641 awarded by the Texas Workforce Commission to six schools in Southeast Texas. The grants will support career and technical education programs by funding equipment purchases to train 410 students for high-demand occupations including information security analysts, nurses, welders, and electrical engineering technicians.

Pension Ombudsman Holds Independent Trustee Liable for High-Risk SSAS Investment Losses

The UK Pension Ombudsman has found Rowanmoor Trustees Limited (RTL) liable for failing in its duties as independent professional trustee of multiple SSAS pension schemes, upholding complaints from members who suffered substantial financial losses through high-risk unregulated investments. The PO apportioned liability 80-20 between RTL and member-trustees in all but two cases where investments proceeded following advice from a regulated advisor with additional expertise. RTL was directed to calculate compensation based on a comparison of pension values, neutralise remaining high-risk investments, and pay £1,000 per complainant for distress and inconvenience.

Women Remain Underrepresented in Wealth Management Despite Growing Pipeline

FINTRX research published in ABA Banking Journal reports that while 37.6% of wealth management professionals aged 20-30 are women, only about 20% of producing advisors firm-wide are women, illustrating persistent underrepresentation in revenue-generating roles. Women comprise 26.5% of producing advisors with fewer than five years of tenure and remain underrepresented in CEO and CIO positions, even as they show stronger representation in COO and CFO roles. The findings, covering over 500,000 registered representatives across independent RIAs, wirehouses, and broker-dealers, suggest that effective firm support for advancement into revenue-generating and executive roles will determine the pace of gender parity over the next decade.

FirstRand's Cape Water Performance-Based Bond Lists on JSE

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has listed Africa's first Nature-Linked Performance-Based Bond, the FirstRand Bank Cape Water Performance-Based Bond (FR31PB), a R2.5 billion issuance. The bond links part of investors' returns to independently verified ecological restoration outcomes, specifically removing invasive plant species from priority water catchment areas in South Africa to increase water flows into storage dams. The transaction involved RMB as arranger and structurer, with co-anchor investors including the International Finance Corporation, FSD Africa Investments, and Aluwani Capital Partners.

CBBH Financial Statements Year Ended 31st Dec 2025

The Central Bank of Bosnia and Herzegovina (CBBH) has published its audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2025. Total assets stood at 18,307,804 thousand BAM, with total liabilities of 16,538,304 thousand BAM and total equity of 1,545,964 thousand BAM. Net profit for the year was 307,367 thousand BAM, with total comprehensive income of 249,457 thousand BAM. The financial statements include independent auditor's report, statements of financial position, profit or loss, comprehensive income, cash flows, changes in equity, and detailed notes covering accounting policies, financial risk management, and provisions.

Information Commissioner Meets KPK President, Strengthens Rule of Law Cooperation

On 20 April 2026, Information Commissioner dr. Jelena Virant Burnik held an introductory meeting with Commission for the Prevention of Corruption (KPK) President Katarina Bervar Sternad. Both officials emphasized the importance of their independent institutions' roles in strengthening the rule of law and agreed to continued cooperation. The meeting represents standard inter-agency coordination between Slovenia's two transparency-focused bodies with no regulatory or compliance implications.

DataQs Program Upgrades with Stricter Deadlines and Faster Safety Record Corrections

FMCSA announced updates to its DataQs program establishing stricter deadlines and a three-stage independent review process for states handling safety record correction requests. States receiving MCSAP funding must now complete initial reviews within 21 days, reconsiderations within 21 days, and final reviews within 45 days. In 2024, the DataQs system processed over 71,000 requests including 8,300 related to crash data.

BH BANK Independent Administrator Risk Committee Chairman Designation

CMF Tunisia (the financial markets regulator) issued a formal announcement on April 17, 2026, regarding the designation of an independent administrator as Chairman of the Risk Committee at BH BANK. The announcement is accessible via a PDF document published on the CMF Tunisia website. The filing represents a corporate governance regulatory action related to BH BANK's risk committee structure.

Progress Update: Independent Audit of Drax Phase One Complete

Phase one of Forvis Mazars' independent global audit of Drax Power Limited's Renewables Obligation profiling data has been completed. The review focused on Canadian supply chain forest type and sawlog content reporting for compliance period 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024 (CP22). Initial findings assessed the reporting as materially correct but identified documentation gaps in Drax's processes and controls. Ofgem, acting as an active observer throughout, will not publish the detailed audit report due to commercially sensitive information but has committed to publishing a summary of findings once all audit work is completed. Phase two reviewing remaining jurisdictions within the agreed scope is still underway.

Iowa Awards $250,000 in Summer Youth Internship Grants to Nine Organizations

Iowa Workforce Development announced $250,000 in grant awards under the 2026 Summer Youth Internship Program, distributing funds to nine organizations across Iowa to serve approximately 200 youth in high-demand career pathways. Award amounts ranged from $18,000 (Genesis Youth Foundation) to $38,000 (Geater Machining and Manufacturing), with recipients spanning healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, and human services sectors. Grant funds may be used for participant wages, training resources, program supplies, and administrative costs.

Macquarie Securities Fined $35 Million for Short Sale Misreporting

The Supreme Court of New South Wales has ordered Macquarie Securities (Australia) Limited (MSAL) to pay a $35 million penalty for systemic failures in reporting tens of millions of short sales over more than a decade. The court also found MSAL engaged in misleading conduct related to the misreporting.

Statistical Summary of 12-Month Campaign Activity of the 2025-2026 Election Cycle

The Federal Election Commission published a statistical summary of campaign finance activity for the 2025-2026 election cycle covering January 1 through December 31, 2025. Congressional candidates raised approximately $1.5 billion and spent $851.9 million, political parties received $834.1 million and spent $664 million, and political action committees raised $4.6 billion and spent $3.4 billion. Independent expenditures totaled $56.4 million for the reporting period.

Arkansas Minimum Wage Act Proposed Rule Revisions 2025

Arkansas DOL proposes amendments to Minimum Wage Act rules consistent with Acts 397, 737, and 743 of 2025. The proposed rules replace the existing 20-factor test for independent contractor classification with the federal standard under 11 CAR § 11-602(b)(4) and incorporate wage investigation reforms including assessment period procedures and remedies for violations.

Macquarie Securities fined $35 million for short sale misreporting

The New South Wales Supreme Court has ordered Macquarie Securities (Australia) Limited (MSAL) to pay a $35 million penalty for systemic failures that led to the misreporting of tens of millions of short sales over more than a decade. ASIC initiated civil proceedings against MSAL in May 2025.

Law and Religion Roundup: Funeral Director Pleads Guilty to Burial Offences

Robert Bush, funeral director at Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull, pleaded guilty at Hull Crown Court to 30 counts of preventing a lawful and decent burial and one count of theft from twelve charities. The Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management renewed its call for statutory regulation of the funeral industry in England and Wales, noting there is currently no universal system of inspection or enforcement. Separately, the Disclosure and Barring Service is expanding its Faith in Safeguarding campaign nationally to raise awareness of legal duties to refer under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act 2006, and the Northern Ireland Department for Communities has opened a consultation on amending the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008, closing on 24 April.

Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach v. Sonoma County Sheriff's Office

The California Court of Appeal reversed the Sonoma County Superior Court's order and held that the Independent Office of Law Enforcement Review and Outreach (IOLERO) has authority to issue subpoenas in whistleblower investigations pursuant to Government Code § 25303.7. The court found that IOLERO qualifies as a sheriff oversight entity within the meaning of that statute, entitling it to subpoena power. The Sheriff's Office and the Deputy Sheriffs' Association had argued IOLERO lacked such authority following prior PERB proceedings that had cast doubt on portions of Measure P. The appellate court also resolved the threshold question that the trial court's order was appealable.

Grants for Reentry Education and Employment Programs

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) has announced a funding opportunity for FY25, offering grants to support reentry education and employment programs for individuals leaving jail and prison. The program aims to improve job readiness, employment attainment, and reduce recidivism through marketable skills development and workforce alignment. Applications are due by May 4, 2026.

Cordero v. Ghilotti Construction Co., Inc. - Workplace Injury Liability Affirmed

The California Court of Appeal affirmed summary judgment for Ghilotti Construction Company in a workplace injury case involving Leonardo Cordero, an employee of subcontractor Camblin Steel Service. The court applied the Privette doctrine, which presumes a hirer delegates workplace safety duties to independent contractors. The court rejected the worker's arguments that Cal-OSHA regulations imposed nondelegable duties on Ghilotti.

New Jersey APNs gain independent practice, prescriptive authority

New Jersey Governor signed legislation on March 30, 2026, permitting qualified Advanced Practice Nurses (APNs) to practice and prescribe independently without joint protocols with physicians. Qualifying APNs must have over 5,000 hours of clinical experience in primary care (family/individual across lifespan), women's health, or behavioral health settings. The law establishes new continuing education, malpractice coverage, notice, and disclosure requirements.