FERC: Hawks Nest Hydro LLC License Amendment Application Accepted

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted for filing an application from Hawks Nest Hydro LLC to amend its hydroelectric license. The notice solicits comments, motions to intervene, and protests regarding the proposed amendment.

FERC - NorthWestern Corp. License Amendment Application Accepted

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has accepted for filing NorthWestern Corporation's application for a non-capacity amendment to its license for Project No. 1869-067. The notice solicits comments, motions to intervene, and protests from interested parties.

NOAA Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Project Information Sheet Collection

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has submitted a new information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. This pertains to the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Restoration Project Information Sheet, and the public has 60 days to comment.

Fisheries off West Coast states salmon modification inseason actions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has published a rule modifying West Coast salmon fisheries inseason actions for 2024 and 2025. These modifications are part of ongoing management measures for the fisheries off the West Coast states.

Snapper-Grouper Fishery South Atlantic 2026-2027 Recreational Season for Black Sea Bass

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has issued a final rule establishing the 2026-2027 recreational fishing season for black sea bass in the South Atlantic snapper-grouper fishery. This rule sets the specific dates for recreational fishing activities for the upcoming season.

South Atlantic Fishery Management Council Public Meetings Announced

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced upcoming public meetings for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. The meetings are scheduled for April 13-16, 2026, with specific times detailed for both the Council and Scientific and Statistical Committee sessions.

Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel Meeting Announced

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a meeting of the Atlantic Highly Migratory Species Advisory Panel. The meeting will be held virtually from May 12-14, 2026, to discuss relevant fisheries management issues.

Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meetings Announced

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced upcoming public meetings for the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The meetings are scheduled to begin on April 6, 2026, with advisory body meetings, followed by the main council meetings from April 8-12, 2026. A closed session is scheduled for April 8 to discuss litigation and personnel matters.

USPTO Rule: Patent Practitioner Required for Foreign Applicants

The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued a final rule requiring foreign applicants and patent owners to use a registered patent practitioner. This rule aims to ensure that foreign entities are represented by qualified professionals during patent prosecution.

Pacific Fishery Management Council Public Meeting Notice

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has published a notice regarding a public meeting for the Pacific Fishery Management Council. The meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026, and will cover topics related to fishery management.

Exempt Chemical Preparations Under the Controlled Substances Act

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has issued a notice regarding exempt chemical preparations under the Controlled Substances Act. This notice opens a 60-day public comment period for interested parties to submit their views on the matter.

USDA Information Collection Renewal: New Technology and Waivers

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has published a notice requesting the renewal of an approved information collection regarding procedures for the notification of new technology and requests for waivers. This notice is open for public comment for 60 days.

California Almonds Marketing Order Amendment Proposed

The Agricultural Marketing Service has proposed an amendment to the marketing order for almonds grown in California. This proposed rule is open for public comment for 60 days.

BaFin Warns Consumers About Unauthorized Website gfi-hold(.)com

BaFin has issued a warning to consumers regarding the website gfi-hold(.)com, which is suspected of offering financial, investment, and cryptoasset services without the required authorization. The warning is issued under German Banking Act and Cryptomarkets Supervision Act provisions.

BaFin Clarifies Interpretation of § 34 WpHG Following ECJ Ruling

The German financial regulator BaFin has issued guidance clarifying its interpretation of Section 34 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG) following a European Court of Justice (ECJ) ruling. BaFin will now only attribute voting rights in cases also covered by the EU Transparency Directive, but will continue to apply Section 30 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpÜG) unchanged.

BaFin Supervisory Announcement on EU Court Ruling Impact on German Financial Law

BaFin has issued a supervisory announcement clarifying the interpretation of German financial laws, specifically sections of the WpHG and WpÜG, following a European Court of Justice ruling on 'Acting in Concert' (AiC). The announcement details how BaFin will adjust its administrative practice regarding voting rights attribution to align with EU law, impacting reporting obligations for listed companies and market participants.

EU Regulators Focus on Cross-Regulatory Cooperation for Digital Laws

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) is increasing focus on cross-regulatory cooperation for EU digital laws, including the GDPR, AI Act, and Digital Markets Act. The EDPB is developing joint guidance with the European Commission on these interactions and on data protection and competition, aiming for consistent interpretation and enforcement.

China PIPL Compliance Audit Guidance and Enforcement Trends

China's Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) requires organizations to audit personal information processing for compliance. Recent regulatory developments, particularly concerning minors' data, indicate an increasing expectation for audits to be repeatable, verifiable, and evidence-backed, with a focus on demonstrating consistent implementation and technical reality.

Senator Blackburn Proposes AI Framework for Child Safety and Copyright

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn has introduced a discussion draft for a federal AI policy framework focusing on children's online safety and copyright protection. The proposal aims to establish national standards, incorporating elements from the Kids Online Safety Act and the NO FAKES Act, and includes provisions for a private right of action for child harms.

BaFin Warns Consumers About Unauthorized Website gfi-hold(.)com

BaFin, the German financial supervisory authority, has issued a warning to consumers regarding the website gfi-hold(.)com. The website is allegedly offering financial, investment, and cryptoasset services without the required authorization from BaFin, constituting an unauthorized business operation.

Northern Colorado Woman Convicted of Securities Fraud

A Northern Colorado woman, Ann Vick, has been convicted on eight counts of securities fraud following a trial. She defrauded approximately 25 investors out of $3,000,000 through a fraudulent options trading and promissory note scheme. Sentencing is scheduled for May 21, 2026.

K. et al v. Sonoma County et al - Summary Judgment Motion

The U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California has recorded multiple filings related to the case K. et al v. Sonoma County et al. Notably, motions for summary judgment were filed by Amy Lafferty and by County Social Worker De La Cruz and other defendants on March 19, 2026. A hearing for Amy Lafferty's motion is scheduled for July 9, 2026.

MA Governor Supports Lifting Sunday Hunting Ban and Expanding Access

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced support for legislation to modernize hunting laws, including lifting the Sunday hunting ban and expanding crossbow use. Concurrently, the MA Department of Public Health will raise awareness about alpha-gal syndrome and make it a reportable condition.

US v. Sang Huynh - Criminal Sentence Appeal

The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated and remanded the sentence for Sang Thanh Huynh, who was convicted of firearm, racketeering, drug conspiracy, and money laundering charges. The court agreed with the government's concession that errors in the district court's imposition of supervised release conditions require resentencing.

Bloosurf, LLC v. T-Mobile USA, Inc. - Affirmed

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court's dismissal of Bloosurf's claims against T-Mobile. The court found Bloosurf's Communications Act claim was barred by the election-of-remedies provision and that its state-law tort claims were preempted by the Act. Bloosurf also forfeited its argument on appeal for its remaining state-law claim.

Baldwin v. DOWCP - Black Lung Benefits Act Employment Year Calculation

The Fourth Circuit granted review and vacated a Benefits Review Board order in Baldwin v. DOWCP. The court clarified that a "year" for purposes of the Black Lung Benefits Act requires a coal miner to work 125 days or more in a one-year period, aligning with the Sixth Circuit's interpretation.

D.C. v. Fairfax County School Board - IDEA Violation Case

The Fourth Circuit affirmed a district court's dismissal of a lawsuit alleging systemic violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) by the Virginia Department of Education and Fairfax County School Board. The court found that the plaintiffs failed to exhaust administrative remedies, had a duplicative suit, or lacked standing.

AG Tong Sues to Block $6.2B Nexstar/Tegna Merger

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, joined by eight other state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit to block the $6.2 billion merger between Nexstar Media Group and TEGNA Inc. The lawsuit alleges the merger would substantially lessen competition, harm consumers through increased prices, and weaken local journalism. The action seeks to prevent the creation of the largest broadcast station group in the U.S.

AG Tong Challenges EPA Rescission of Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, leading a coalition of 24 states and 12 counties/cities, has filed a lawsuit challenging the EPA's rescission of its 2009 Endangerment Finding. This finding determined that greenhouse gas pollution from motor vehicles contributes to climate change and endangers public health and welfare. The lawsuit argues the rescission is unlawful, anti-science, and ignores established law and scientific evidence.

Former Corrections Officer Pleads Guilty to Assaulting Trainees

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Garrett Smead, a former corrections officer at SCI Forest, pleaded guilty to assaulting two correctional officers in training during hazing incidents. The plea includes charges of indecent assault, indecent exposure, and unlawful restraint.

Zahmire Welcome Sentenced to Life for 2018 Stabbing and Arson

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Zahmire Welcome has been sentenced to life in prison without parole, plus 20 to 40 years, for the 2018 stabbing and arson that killed Tyrell Holmes. Welcome was convicted of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and kidnapping, and ordered to pay restitution for funeral costs.

Alabama AG Presents Safe School Award to ACCEL Academy

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall presented the 2025 Safe School Award to ACCEL Academy in Mobile. The award recognizes the school's implementation of safety plans and identification of current trends in school safety, making it one of nine schools selected out of over 1,500 in the state.

Alabama AG Statement on Death Sentence Commutation

Alabama Attorney General Marshall released a statement expressing disappointment regarding Governor Ivey's commutation of Sonny Burton's death sentence. The statement reaffirms the AG's commitment to pursuing justice for victims and ensuring violent crimes are punished.

In the Matter of an Impounded Case - SJC-13866

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed a single justice's denial of a petitioner's request for relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3, concerning a care and protection proceeding. The court found the petitioner had adequate alternative remedies through the Appeals Court and did not demonstrate why review could not be obtained through standard appellate channels.

Cumberland County Water District Purchased Water Adjustment Filing Approved

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has approved the purchased water adjustment filing for Cumberland County Water District. The approval allows the district to adjust its rates to reflect an increase in the wholesale water rate from the city of Albany, effective February 12, 2026.

Caldwell County Water District Purchased Water Adjustment Filing Approved

The Kentucky Public Service Commission approved the purchased water adjustment filing for Caldwell County Water District. The order allows the district to adjust its rates to reflect increases from its wholesale water suppliers, Princeton and South Hopkins Water District, effective January 1, 2026.

Kentucky Power Company - Cooling Tower Construction Application

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has issued a request for information to Kentucky Power Company regarding its application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to construct a cooling tower at the Mitchell Plant. The request details specific information required from Kentucky Power Company by April 3, 2026.

Bluegrass Water Rate Adjustment Information Request

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has issued a third request for information to Bluegrass Water Utility Operating Company, LLC regarding its water and sewage rate adjustment application. Bluegrass Water is required to provide detailed financial and customer count data by April 3, 2026.

Summer Shade Solar LLC - Ownership Transfer Approval

The Kentucky State Board on Electric Generation and Transmission Siting has issued an order addressing a motion by Summer Shade Solar LLC. The order approves a proposed transaction involving the transfer of ownership of the Summer Shade Solar facility from Candela Renewables to an entity managed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners.

National Human Genome Research Institute Meeting Notice

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) published a notice announcing an upcoming meeting for the National Human Genome Research Institute. The meeting is scheduled to take place on May 18-19, 2026. This notice serves as an informational announcement regarding the meeting details.

NIH Center for Scientific Review Closed Meetings Notice

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a notice regarding upcoming closed meetings for the Center for Scientific Review. These meetings are scheduled for April 16, 2026, and are part of the standard operational procedures for reviewing grant applications.

NIH Government Inventions Available for Licensing

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has published a notice announcing the availability of government-owned inventions for licensing. This notice provides information for parties interested in obtaining licenses for these inventions.

NYSE American LLC Rule Changes for Crypto Asset Options

NYSE American LLC has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend rules regarding position limits and terms for options on certain crypto asset-based Exchange-Traded Fund Shares. The filing seeks to align with similar proposals from other exchanges and expand trading capabilities for crypto options.

NYSE Arca Proposes Rule Change for Crypto Asset Options

NYSE Arca has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend rules regarding options on certain crypto asset-based Exchange-Traded Fund Shares. The filing seeks to remove restrictions and align with similar proposals from other exchanges, aiming to facilitate trading of options on Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs.

NYSE Arca Proposed Rule Change to Eliminate Outdated Publication Obligations

NYSE Arca has filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to amend Rules 2.4, 2.6, and 6.44-O. The changes aim to eliminate certain outdated publication obligations related to Options Trading Permits (OTPs) and floor broker registrations, which are deemed unnecessary and an administrative burden.

CFPB Request for Comments on Mortgage Acts and Practices

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued a request for comments regarding its information collection activities related to the Mortgage Acts and Practices (MAP) Rule. This notice opens a public comment period for stakeholders to provide input on the proposed collection.

CFPB Seeks Comments on Interstate Land Sales Act Information Collection

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has published a notice requesting public comments on an existing information collection activity related to the Interstate Land Sales Act. The comment period is open for 31 days.

California Wealth Tax Analysis: Temporary or Permanent?

The Tax Foundation analyzes a proposed California wealth tax ballot initiative, questioning its stated temporary nature. The analysis suggests that proponents believe it will become a permanent fixture, potentially influencing decisions of high-net-worth individuals to leave the state. The initiative aims to fund healthcare expenditures but has roots in prior permanent wealth tax proposals.

ACER Guidance on Reporting Barriers to Non-Fossil Flexibility

The European Union Agency for Cooperation of Energy Regulators (ACER) has published guidance for national regulatory authorities (NRAs) on reporting barriers to non-fossil flexibility in electricity markets. This recommendation provides clear indicators and evaluation methods to ensure consistent reporting across Member States and supports the assessment of flexibility needs.

OCC Proposal to Modernize Regulatory Capital Requirements for Large Banks

The OCC, Federal Reserve, and FDIC have jointly proposed a new framework to modernize regulatory capital requirements for Category I and II banking organizations and those with significant trading activity. The proposal aims to improve risk reflection, reduce complexity, and enhance consistency, aligning with international standards.