SPSIPB vs ESPB Block for Breast Surgery Pain

NIH registered ClinicalTrials.gov Study NCT07541040, a prospective randomized assessor-blinded trial comparing serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in unilateral breast surgery. 54 patients will be randomized to receive either intervention before general anesthesia. Primary outcome is postoperative pain scores within 24 hours; secondary outcome is opioid consumption.

Phase 3 Nerandomilast Trial for Fibrosing ILD Progression

NIH registered Phase 3 clinical trial NCT07540988 (FIBRONEER-ACT) to evaluate nerandomilast tablets versus placebo in adults with non-IPF fibrosing interstitial lung disease at risk for progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The randomized, double-blind study has an estimated duration of approximately 2 years and 4 months. Primary efficacy endpoints include forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity (DLCO), with high-resolution CT imaging for disease monitoring.

Sitagliptin in Recurrent/Progressive Grade 4 Glioma, Phase 1

NIH has registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07541781) evaluating sitagliptin in combination with bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent or progressive grade 4 malignant glioma. The trial is enrolling adult patients with glioblastoma or recurrent glioma and is expected to run through April 2026. The study aims to assess efficacy and determine the maximum appropriate dose of sitagliptin when combined with standard-of-care bevacizumab.

tPBM 10Hz vs 40Hz for Somatic Symptoms in Treatment-Resistant Depression

The NIH National Library of Medicine has registered a new clinical trial (NCT07543328) evaluating transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) at 10Hz versus 40Hz frequencies in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study will assess differential efficacy across depressive symptoms and the somatic symptom-dominant subtype, while collecting paired-pulse neurophysiological parameters including SICI, ICF, and LICI to explore cortical excitability mechanisms.

CTZ Paste for Emergency Dental Treatment in Public Health Settings: A Randomized Trial

The NIH has registered a randomized, pragmatic, controlled, non-inferiority clinical trial (NCT07542639) evaluating the clinical and radiographic non-inferiority of CTZ paste compared to conventional pulpectomy with zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) in primary molars with pulp necrosis. The single-center trial will follow participants at 3, 6, and 12 months, measuring pain resolution and absence of clinical signs of infection as primary outcomes.

Conscious Sedation vs General Anesthesia in PFA for Paroxysmal A-Fib

A clinical trial comparing conscious sedation and general anesthesia in patients undergoing pulsed-field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The randomized controlled study will assign participants at a 1:1 ratio and monitor for composite safety endpoints including persistent hypotension or hypoxemia exceeding 60 seconds intraoperatively. Follow-up assessments are scheduled at 12-24 hours, 30 days, and 90 days post-procedure.

KQB368 Phase 1 Study for Advanced Solid Cancers

A Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07542704) evaluating KQB368 as an oral monotherapy for adults with advanced solid malignancies including colorectal, non-small cell lung, and uterine cancers. The study will assess safe dosing, tumor response, and pharmacokinetics in 21-day cycles. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with no new regulatory requirements imposed.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence, Tailored Support for Survivors

A clinical trial registration has been published on ClinicalTrials.gov for study NCT07542821. The study aims to develop and evaluate tailored support interventions for cancer survivors experiencing fear of recurrence, covering breast, head and neck, colorectal, and prostate cancer. Participants will be stratified by concern level and randomized to receive either psychological cognitive training (ConquerFear) or individualized exercise and nutrition guidance.

UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research Announced

Governor Greg Abbott announced the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research, a new medical education and research facility in Austin, Texas, developed in partnership with UT and MD Anderson. The announcement emphasised Texas's ambition to lead the nation in healthcare innovation and expand access to personalised medical treatment. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements were created by this announcement.

380 MW Timmerman Power Plant Now Fully Operational

Governor Greg Abbott and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced that Unit 2 of the 380-megawatt Timmerman Peaker Power Plant in Maxwell, Texas is fully operational as of April 21, 2026, one month ahead of schedule. The natural gas-fired plant provides dispatchable power to the Texas grid, capable of powering over 100,000 homes during peak demand. This is the first Texas Energy Fund-supported project to come fully online.

Washington SB6355 Signed, Electric Transmission Bill

Washington State Senate Bill 6355 concerning the electric transmission system has been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. The bill passed the Senate 32-17 and the House 66-27 after amendment. It becomes effective June 11, 2026, modifying the regulatory framework governing Washington's electric transmission infrastructure.

Washington SB6355 Electric Transmission System Enacted

Washington SB6355 was signed into law on March 30, 2026 (Chapter 249, 2026 Laws), with an effective date of June 11, 2026. The bill concerns the electric transmission system and passed the Senate 32-17 and the House 66-27 after multiple committee reviews and amendments.

Washington SB6346 Millionaires Tax Signed March 30, 2026

Washington State enacted SB6346, a bill establishing a new tax on high-net-worth individuals (millionaires). The bill was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026, and takes effect June 11, 2026. The legislation passed the Senate 27-21 and the House 51-46 along party lines.

SB6346 Establishes Tax on Millionaires, Washington

Washington State has enacted SB6346, establishing a tax on individuals meeting the statutory threshold for millionaire status. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026, and takes effect on June 11, 2026. The legislation passed the Senate 27-21 and the House 51-46 after extensive amendment.

SB6355 Concerning the Electric Transmission System

Washington State enacted SB6355, Chapter 249, Laws of 2026, concerning the electric transmission system. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026, and takes effect on June 11, 2026. It passed the Senate 32-17 and the House 66-27 after committee review and multiple amendments.

SB391 Veto Override Bars Local Housing Voucher Discrimination Ordinances

The Kansas Legislature enacted SB391 on April 10, 2026, overriding the Governor's veto, to prohibit cities and counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances requiring landlords to accept tenants receiving housing choice vouchers or other housing assistance. The bill also bars local restrictions on landlords considering income source during tenant screening. The veto override passed the Senate 31-8 and the House 85-38.

Kansas SB430 Allows Physical Therapists Capillary Blood Tests

Kansas SB430 passed both chambers on April 10, 2026, expanding the scope of practice for licensed physical therapists to include performing certain capillary blood tests. The bill was sponsored by the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare and received final Senate approval via Conference Committee Report (Yea: 38, Nay: 0). The enrolled bill was presented to the Governor on April 17, 2026.

Kevin Warsh, Fed Nominee, Senate Hearing on Fed Independence

Kevin Warsh appeared before the Senate Banking Committee for a confirmation hearing on his nomination by President Trump to serve as Federal Reserve chairman. Warsh stated that monetary policy independence is essential and that the Fed must earn its independence by delivering on its commitments. The nomination currently lacks sufficient votes to advance, with Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) blocking the nomination pending resolution of unrelated Justice Department matters involving Fed Chair Powell.

Waller Proposes Consolidating Fed HR, IT Across Reserve Banks

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller proposed consolidating core internal functions such as HR and IT across the 12 Reserve Banks rather than each operating independently. Speaking at the Brookings Institution, Waller outlined two scenarios: maintaining the current 12-bank footprint while centralizing leadership, or physically relocating operations to lower-cost cities. The proposal aims to reduce operating costs through integration and standardization.

FDIC Issues Regulatory Relief for Washington State Banks Affected by Storms and Flooding

The FDIC released guidance providing supervisory relief for financial institutions operating in Washington state areas affected by severe weather. The agency encouraged banks to work constructively with borrowers experiencing difficulties, including extending repayment terms, restructuring existing loans, or easing terms for new loans. Banks may receive favorable Community Reinvestment Act consideration for community development loans, investments, and services supporting disaster recovery, and the FDIC will consider regulatory relief from certain filing and publishing requirements.

Bank Acquisitions Announced in Three States

Peoples Bancorp of Marietta, Ohio agreed to acquire Citizens National in Paintsville, Kentucky for $76.6 million in cash and stock, valuing the $686 million-asset target at 118% of tangible book value, with closing expected in H2 2026. United Community Banks of Greenville, South Carolina agreed to acquire Peach State Bancshares in Gainesville, Georgia for $100.8 million, valuing the $788 million-asset target at 194% of tangible book value, with closing expected in Q3 2026. Points West Community Bank of Windsor, Colorado applied to the FDIC to acquire State Bank of Downs in Kansas, a $140.3 million-asset institution, with price undisclosed.

ABA Joins Request for Extended Genius Act Comment Period

The American Bankers Association joined three banking sector associations in requesting that the Treasury Department and FDIC extend the comment deadlines for three proposed rules implementing the Genius Act to 60 days after the OCC issues its final rule. The associations argue the proposals are substantively interdependent and a fragmented comment process with staggered deadlines will undermine regulatory consistency.

CFPB Revises ECOA Fair Lending Enforcement, Removes Disparate Impact

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued a final rule removing disparate impact from enforcement of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The rule also clarifies the prohibition on discouraging prospective applicants and places new restrictions on for-profit lenders using special-purpose credit programs. For-profit creditors are now prohibited from using race, sex, or national origin as qualification criteria for such programs.

House Advances ABA-Backed Bill to Ease Section 1071 Reporting Burden

The House Financial Services Committee voted 26-22 to advance H.R. 941, the Small Lender Act sponsored by Chairman French Hill (R-Ark.), which would exempt certain lenders from small-business lending data reporting under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Act. The bill would exempt lenders that originated fewer than 2,500 small-business loans in each of the two preceding calendar years, as well as lenders with less than $10 billion in assets. The ABA supported the legislation, stating that the CFPB's Section 1071 rule 'dramatically overstepped its statutory authority.'

U.S. Retail Sales $752.1B, Up 1.7% in March

The U.S. Census Bureau reported advance estimates of retail and food services sales for March totaling $752.1 billion, up 1.7% from the previous month and up 4% year-over-year. Core retail sales, excluding automobiles, parts, and gasoline, increased 1.9% month-over-month and 4.2% year-over-year. This is an economic indicator report with no regulatory mandate or compliance obligation.

Pending Home Sales Index Hits 73.7, Up 1.5%

The ABA Office of the Chief Economist reported that the Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) reached 73.7 in March 2026, a 1.5% increase from a revised 72.6 in February, exceeding market expectations of a 0.5% gain. Regional data showed strength in the Northeast (58.8, +4.4% MoM) and South (91.6, +3.9% MoM), while the Midwest (73.9, -1.3% MoM) and West (56.9, -2.6% MoM) declined. The ABA noted that increased inventory and pent-up demand are driving activity despite higher mortgage rates, though subdued turnover is expected to keep mortgage origination volumes muted for banks in the near term.

SEC Settles Insider Trading Action Against Rakesh Ahuja

The SEC filed a settled civil action against Rakesh Ahuja, a former employee of an investment advisory firm, for insider trading based on confidential clinical trial data obtained during employment. Ahuja traded on material nonpublic information on four occasions in connection with three publicly traded biopharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, generating approximately $65,000 in profits. Without admitting or denying the allegations, Ahuja consented to a permanent injunction, a two-year ban from the securities industry, and financial penalties totaling $143,097.51 including disgorgement, prejudgment interest, and a civil penalty.

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.

Minnesota Seeks Volunteer Water Monitors for Lakes and Streams

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is recruiting volunteers for its Volunteer Water Monitoring Program, now in its 53rd year. Volunteers conduct water clarity tests twice monthly from April to September on lakes and streams of their choosing, with equipment and training provided. Data collected supports state water quality assessments and may be the only monitoring data available for certain bodies of water.

RBC Capital Markets, LLC – Consent Order S-25-3999-25-CO01

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities entered a Consent Order against RBC Capital Markets, LLC for charging unreasonable commissions exceeding 5% of principal trade amounts on equity transactions. Between May 2020 and May 2025, the firm executed 4,109 equity transactions in Washington with unreasonable Minimum Equity Commission charges, totaling $160,510.84. The firm was also found to have failed in its supervisory obligations regarding these commission practices.

RBC Capital Markets LLC Consent Order - Excessive Commissions, $160,610 Restitution

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Securities Division issued a Consent Order against RBC Capital Markets LLC for charging unreasonable commissions exceeding 5% of the principal amount on small equity transactions during the period May 16, 2020 to May 16, 2025. The firm charged approximately $3.4 million in excessive commissions across 89,900 equity transactions nationwide, including 4,109 transactions in Washington totaling $160,610.84 in restitution. The order censures RBC, requires permanent cessation of the conduct, and mandates restitution to affected customers.

IDPC Malta Reprimands Online Gaming Operator for GDPR Excessive Data Collection

The Information and Data Protection Commissioner (IDPC) issued a reprimand against an online gaming operator following a GDPR complaint alleging excessive data collection during fund withdrawals. The complainant objected to requests for a selfie holding proof of address in front of their residence and a full PayPal statement showing monthly income, despite already providing valid identification and proof of address. The controller justified the additional requirements citing fraud prevention concerns, including a low face-match score and suspected third-party account usage. IDPC determined the data requests were disproportionate to the withdrawal processing purpose, constituting a violation of GDPR data minimisation principles.

MRI and Focused Ultrasound Thermal Ablation System

USPTO granted patent US12605071B2 to Shanghai Shende Green Medical Era Healthcare Technology Co., Ltd. for a compatible system enabling synchronized operation of magnetic resonance imaging and focused ultrasound thermal ablation. The system includes a signal collector and control circuit that detects MRI radio frequency signals, records trigger times, and controls focused ultrasound heating duration. The patent contains 8 claims.

Photoacoustic and Ultrasonic Imaging Device, OPTICHO INC

USPTO issued Patent No. US12605072B2 to OPTICHO INC., LTD. for a photoacoustic and ultrasonic imaging device that combines laser light and ultrasonic wave technologies for tissue imaging. The patent covers an imaging probe with a laser emitter and ultrasonic transducer, and an operation unit for image formation from photoacoustic and ultrasonic signals. 19 claims were granted.

Physiological Sensor Delivery Device - US12605075B2

USPTO granted patent US12605075B2 to ACIST Medical Systems, Inc. on April 21, 2026, covering an intravascular sensor delivery device and method for measuring physiological parameters such as blood pressure within vascular structures. The device is sized to pass over guidewires for use in coronary and peripheral arteries and can measure pressure gradients across stenotic lesions or heart valves. The patent contains 19 claims with a filing date of April 19, 2021.

Photoplethysmogram System Patent, Multiple Light Sources

The USPTO granted Patent US12605077B2 to PranaQ Pte. Ltd. for a photoplethysmogram (PPG) system using multiple light sources of different frequencies (red, infrared, green). The system includes a PPG sensor that detects light after passage through a subject's skin and a processor that estimates physiological parameters including blood oxygen saturation, respiratory effort, pulse rate, and pulse rate variability. The patent contains 12 claims and covers dynamic signal processing methods including calibration using a green light source and imputation of inconsistent PPG signals.

Method and Apparatus for Continuous Vitals Monitoring - US12605078B2

USPTO granted Patent US12605078B2 to Rythmos LLC for a health monitoring device using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors to detect physiological attributes. The device places FBG sensors in contact with skin near arteries or veins to measure refractive index changes and estimates physiological attributes based on strain-induced Bragg wavelength shifts. The patent contains 20 claims.

US12605079B2 Physiological Parameter Measurement System, Sonion Nederland

The USPTO granted Patent US12605079B2 to Sonion Nederland B.V. for a system and method measuring physiological parameters of blood-perfused tissue using dual radiation sensors—one sensor measures blood volume via radiation absorption, while the second measures blood flow speed via Doppler shift—with a controller determining the physiological parameter from both data streams. The patent contains 13 claims and covers CPC classifications in the A61B medical diagnosis category.

Adaptive Pulse Wave Analysis for Blood Pressure Monitoring

The USPTO granted Patent US12605080B2 to Senbiosys on April 21, 2026. The patent covers an adaptive signal processing technique for pulse wave analysis that improves blood pressure estimation by transforming the pulsatility signal to define fiducial points more precisely. The patent application (No. 17455540) was filed on November 18, 2021, and contains 15 claims.

Impedance Cardiography Device Patent, Tallinn University, Apr 21

The USPTO granted patent US12605084B2 to Tallinn University of Technology on April 21, 2026, covering an impedance cardiography device. The device includes an impedance measuring unit, differentiator, comparator, microcontroller with analog-to-digital converter, and two peak voltage detection units with different polarities. The patent contains 8 claims and was filed on March 27, 2023 under Application No. 18190622.

Income Tax (Singapore — Republic of Kenya) (Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement) Order 2026

Singapore has enacted the Income Tax (Singapore — Republic of Kenya) (Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement) Order 2026, giving effect to arrangements made with the Government of the Republic of Kenya pursuant to section 49 of the Income Tax Act 1947. The Order declares that the arrangements specified in the Schedule shall have effect despite anything in any written law. The underlying Agreement and Protocol were both dated 23 September 2024.

Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) (Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference 2026) (Exemption) Order 2026

The Singapore Minister for Health has issued Order S 231/2026, granting limited exemptions from the Tobacco (Control of Advertisements and Sale) Act 1993 to exhibitors and organisers at the Tax Free World Association Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference 2026. The exemptions, effective 21 April 2026 through 31 December 2027, permit tobacco advertising in the online exhibition directory, mobile application, and at the Sands Expo venue during the exhibition period (11-14 May 2026), subject to conditions including Authority approval, access restrictions to registered trade visitors only, and prohibition of prohibited tobacco products.

Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) (Singapore Maritime Week 2026 — Exemption) Order 2026

The Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore has issued an exemption order under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949, permitting the display of five foreign national flags at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre exclusively during Singapore Maritime Week 2026 (21–23 April 2026). The exempted flags are those of France, India, Norway, Republic of Korea, and the United States of America. The order was made on 14 April 2026.

Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Decisions and Case Listings

The Louisiana Attorney Disciplinary Board published decision listings containing multiple attorney disciplinary cases from 2024 through April 2026, organized by date of decision. Entries reference attorney names and case docket numbers but do not include specific violations or sanctions imposed. The listings are published as public records and are accessible through the Louisiana State Bar website.

Hawthorne Army Depot Class 2 Hazardous Waste Permit Modification

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is requesting public comment on a Class 2 Permit Modification to the RCRA Hazardous Waste permit for the HWAD – Main Base facility in Hawthorne, Nevada. The modification revises permit language to replace the term "munitions" with "U.S. Government controlled assets" and extends permit scope to allow recycling and storage of U.S. government controlled assets and/or batteries. Comments will be accepted for 45 days.

Georgia PSC Administrative Session Scheduled May 5th

The Georgia Public Service Commission has posted an administrative session on its commission calendar for May 5, 2026 at 9:30 AM. The listing includes a related Georgia Power fuel cost recovery hearing later that same day at 9:35 AM. No agenda details, decisions, or compliance obligations are described in the source.

Georgia Power Company Fuel Cost Recovery FCR-27 Hearing

The Georgia Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing for Georgia Power Company's Fuel Cost Recovery filing under Docket # 56765. The hearing is set for May 5, 2026 at 9:35 a.m. as part of the Commission's regular review process for FCR-27, which determines the fuel costs Georgia Power may recover from customers through rate adjustments.

USPS International Mail Services Product Change

The Postal Service gives notice of filing a request with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add International Priority Airmail, Commercial ePacket, Priority Mail Express International, Priority Mail International & First-Class Package International Service Contract 19 to the list of Negotiated Service Agreements in the Competitive Product List in the Mail Classification Schedule. The filing was made on April 14, 2026, under Docket Nos. MC2026-207 and CP2026-206.

SEC Unveils A-C-T Plan for Capital Markets Reform

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins delivered a keynote at the Economic Club of Washington marking one year in his third term, outlining the agency's new "A-C-T" strategy comprising Advance, Clarify, and Transform pillars. Key initiatives include Project Crypto, a crypto-token taxonomy distinguishing five categories of digital assets (with four not classified as securities), an upcoming "innovation exemption" for on-chain tokenized securities trading, and a new Cross-Border Task Force targeting cross-border evasion of investor protections. The Chairman also addressed private credit market monitoring, ETF share class reforms, and a broader return to economic materiality as the SEC's guiding principle.

Deep 7 Bottomfish ACL at 493,000 lb for 2025-2027

NMFS implements a final rule setting the annual catch limit (ACL) for Deep 7 bottomfish in the main Hawaiian Islands at 493,000 lb (223,621 kg) for fishing years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The rule maintains existing accountability measures requiring the fishery to close for the remainder of the fishing year if the ACL is reached, and a reduction in the following year's ACL if exceeded.