SB99 Requires Ten Commandments Display in Alabama Public Schools

Alabama Senate Bill 99 has been enacted, requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in certain public schools. The legislation specifies that displays must be subject to the availability of donations. The bill passed the Senate 30-4 and the House 81-10 before receiving enactment on April 13, 2026. Schools affected by this requirement will need to implement display mechanisms in accordance with the enacted law.

Alabama SB361 Establishes Dog Tethering and Confinement Requirements with Exemptions and Criminal Penalties

Alabama enacted SB361 on April 13, 2026, establishing tethering and confinement requirements for dogs. The bill specifies conditions under which dogs may be tethered or confined, exempts certain persons and activities, and establishes criminal penalties for violations. Animal control officers are authorized to enforce the requirements.

SB304 Alabama Building Trade Business License

Alabama has enacted SB304, modifying municipal business license requirements for certain businesses in the building trade. The bill was sponsored by Senator Greg Albritton and passed the Senate 30-0 and the House 101-2 before receiving final enactment on April 13, 2026.

SB304 Alabama Business License Building Trade

SB304 was signed into law by Alabama Governor on April 13, 2026, establishing or clarifying provisions for municipal business licenses applicable to certain businesses in the building trade. The bill passed the Senate 30-0 and the House 101-2 after House amendments, receiving final Senate concurrence on April 8, 2026. Municipalities in Alabama gain explicit authority to require and issue business licenses for entities operating in the building trade.

University of Suffolk FOI Exemption Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a Decision Notice finding that the University of Suffolk correctly relied on section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) to withhold information concerning student nationalities attending specific courses. The Commissioner does not require further steps to be taken.

Badsworth Parish Council FOI Upheld - SID Data Request

The Information Commissioner's Office has upheld a Freedom of Information complaint against Badsworth Parish Council. The council failed to adequately ascertain whether it holds further Speed Indicator Device data requested by a complainant. The ICO requires the council to conduct comprehensive searches within 30 calendar days and either disclose responsive information or issue a compliant refusal notice.

Tower Hamlets FOI 3 Upheld, 30 Days

The ICO has upheld a Freedom of Information complaint against the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, finding that safeguarding Rapid Review information relating to child deaths or serious injuries is held by the council for the purposes of FOIA. The council had wrongly refused disclosure on the basis that the Tower Hamlets Safeguarding Children Partnership is not a public authority. The ICO requires the council to issue a fresh FOIA response acknowledging that the information is held by the council within 30 calendar days.

Home Office FOI Request on Migrant Housing Partly Upheld

The Information Commissioner has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information request made to the Home Office for information about migrant housing at RAF Scampton. The ICO found that the Home Office was entitled to rely on section 14(1) of FOIA (vexatious requests) and regulation 12(4)(b) of the EIR (manifestly unreasonable request) to refuse the information request. However, the ICO determined that the Home Office failed to comply with section 16 of FOIA and regulation 9 of the EIR by not providing advice and assistance to help refine the burdensome request.

Plymouth City Council FOI Decision Notice: Information Not Held, Not Upheld

The ICO has issued a Decision Notice finding that Plymouth City Council correctly handled an FOI request for information about a referendum relating to a proposed mayoral election. The council confirmed it did not hold the requested information, as any such information would be held by the Returning Officer—a separate entity. The Commissioner determined the council complied with section 1(1) of the FOIA and requires no further steps.

North East London ICB FOI Dentist Info Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office reviewed a Freedom of Information complaint against North East London Integrated Care Board regarding a request for information about a specific dentist. The ICO found that the ICB provided the information it held and therefore complied with section 1(1) of the FOIA. The decision is not upheld in favour of the complainant, and no further steps are required of the ICB.

HMRC FOI 40(2) Third Party Personal Data Decision Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a Decision Notice in case reference IC-410974-Y6P2, upholding HMRC's reliance on section 40(2) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. HMRC withheld information about persons who conducted an internal review of a previous information request, citing the third party personal data exemption. The Commissioner determined that HMRC correctly applied section 40(2) to withhold the requested information. This decision is binding on the public authority.

Wandsworth Council SEN FOI Request Not Upheld

The ICO issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information complaint against Wandsworth Borough Council. The complainant requested information about Special Educational Needs (SEN) processes and complaints management. The council withheld certain information under FOIA sections 21 (information accessible by other means) and 22 (future publication). The ICO found that section 21(1) was properly engaged at the time of the request and the council holds no additional unpublished information. No breach of section 16(1) (advice and assistance) was found.

Estyn Vexatious FOI Request Complaint Not Upheld

The ICO reviewed a complaint against Estyn regarding a freedom of information request refused as vexatious under section 14(1) FOIA. The Commissioner determined that the complainant's request was indeed vexatious and that Estyn was entitled to rely upon section 14(1) to refuse it. No remedial steps are required from Estyn.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council FOI Complaint Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a decision notice in respect of a Freedom of Information complaint against Bracknell Forest Borough Council. The Council had refused part 4 of the request under section 40 (third party personal information) and an element of part 1 under section 12 (cost limits). The Commissioner found the council entitled to rely on section 40(2) to withhold personal data and, on the balance of probabilities, does not hold the information sought in the disputed element of part 1. No further action is required.

Cambridgeshire County Council FOIA Section 30(1) Investigation Exemption Not Upheld

The Information Commissioner's Office has issued a Decision Notice in case reference IC-400579-F2L4 concerning a freedom of information request made to Cambridgeshire County Council. The complainant requested information about a Trading Standards investigation. The Council withheld the information under section 30(1) (Investigations and proceedings conducted by public authorities) of FOIA. The Commissioner has determined that the Council is entitled to refuse disclosure under section 30(1)(b) of FOIA, finding the public interest lies in maintaining the exemption.

Dorset Police NCND Officer Info Not Upheld

The ICO issued a decision notice on 17 April 2026 regarding Dorset Police's application of section 40(5) FOIA. The complainant requested information about two named officers. Dorset Police neither confirmed nor denied (NCND) holding the requested information. The ICO determined that Dorset Police was correct to rely on section 40(5) of FOIA to NCND holding the requested information. The Commissioner does not require Dorset Police to take any further steps.

Montenegro SEPA: 1.6B Euro Transactions, 3.8M Euro Savings

The Central Bank of Montenegro (CBCG) has published results from the first six months of SEPA membership, reporting 82,213 transactions with a total value exceeding €1.6 billion. Average fees for international transactions fell 92% from €73.40 (SWIFT) to €6.21 (SEPA), while electronic payment costs dropped from €53.30 to €2.07 for citizens and from €48.55 to €6.62 for businesses. CBCG estimates that citizens and businesses have achieved combined savings of more than €3.8 million in this period.

MINDZ Subdural Electrode Grid First-in-Human Pilot Study NCT07543406

Neurosoft Bioelectronics registered a first-in-human pilot study (NCT07543406) for the MINDZ subdural electrode grid, an investigational medical device designed for minimally invasive burr hole implantation in neurosurgical settings. The study will generate initial clinical evidence on safety and functional performance to support future CE marking under the European Medical Device Regulation. Estimated enrollment is 50-100 participants.

New Trial: Rutazyme Capsules, 40 Adults, Obesity, 12 Weeks

A new clinical trial has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT07540949. The study will evaluate a lemon fermented product capsule (Rutazyme) for metabolic health in 40 adults aged 18-65 with obesity over 12 weeks. Participants will be randomised to receive either the active capsule or a placebo capsule daily.

Phase 3 Trial: 50IU vs 20IU OnabotulinumtoxinA for Chronic Anal Fissure

NIH has registered a Phase 3 clinical trial (NCT07543315) evaluating the efficacy of botulinum toxin type A injection for chronic anal fissure treatment, comparing a high dose of 50IU versus a low dose of 20IU. The trial will assess healing rates, fissure pain, incontinence, and return to daily activity as primary outcomes. Patients will be divided into two groups receiving the respective doses via the same injection technique.

PROTECT-ICU: ICU Staff Training to Reduce PICS

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07542613 for PROTECT-ICU, a study examining whether structured training programs for intensive care unit staff can reduce post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) in adults. The trial will compare the standard ABCDEF care bundle against an expanded A-Z bundle including additional practices such as nutrition, sleep, infection prevention, and psychological support.

CGM and Group Intervention for Prediabetes Study

NIH registered ClinicalTrials.gov study NCT07543068, a randomized investigation examining whether combining continuous glucose monitor (CGM) devices with group behavioral intervention sessions can reduce A1C levels and improve self-management confidence in adults with prediabetes. The study will enroll participants with confirmed prediabetes or non-diabetic hyperglycemia and deliver interventions through regular small-group educational meetings alongside real-time glucose monitoring. Results will inform diabetes prevention strategies.

Adult Disease Risk Prediction Using Wearables, Hearing, and Health Data

A prospective cohort study (NCT07541547) registered on ClinicalTrials.gov will recruit community-dwelling adults aged 18 and older in Taiwan to develop a personalized disease risk prediction model. Participants will wear a smartwatch for 2 weeks to collect continuous heart rate and physical activity data, undergo pure tone hearing testing, and provide access to personal health records and national health insurance databases for longitudinal follow-up. Machine learning methods will identify predictors and build risk prediction models combining wearable data, hearing measures, lifestyle factors, and medical records.

Peer Role-Play Simulation vs Case-Based Learning in Physical Therapy Education

NIH registered a clinical trial (NCT07541248) evaluating whether peer role-play simulation is superior to traditional case-based learning for undergraduate physiotherapy student professional development. The 12-week study will measure academic achievement, self-efficacy, and clinical readiness across both pedagogical approaches.

Phase 1 Stem Cell Trial, Systemic Sclerosis, Apr 2026

NIH registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07542067) evaluating allogeneic stromal mesenchymal stem cells derived from Wharton's jelly in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and refractory pulmonary involvement. The single-site study, expected to begin April 2026, will assess safety and preliminary efficacy of intravenous stem cell infusion in a patient population with limited therapeutic alternatives and poor survival prognosis.

Assessing Changes in Gadoxetate Metabolism by the Liver Using MRI

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust registered an observational clinical trial (NCT07541807) to assess dynamic gadoxetate-enhanced MRI as a liver imaging biomarker for measuring drug-drug interaction effects on liver cell transporters. The study aims to recruit 12 healthy volunteers aged 18 and older to confirm DGE-MRI utility using two drugs known to act on hepatic transporters. The trial is part of the EU/IMI-funded TRISTAN project for translational imaging in drug safety assessment.

Aromatherapy vs Music Therapy for Anxiety in Children During Dental Radiography (NCT07542665)

NIH has registered a clinical trial on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07542665) evaluating the effects of aromatherapy and music therapy on anxiety levels in children undergoing their first intraoral radiographic examination. The randomized controlled trial assigns participants to four groups: combined aromatherapy and music, aromatherapy alone, music therapy alone, or standard care control. Anxiety is measured via the Facial Imaging Scale and pulse rate before and after the procedure, with enrollment status unspecified in the registry entry.

Rabid Raccoon Confirmed in Kershaw County; Two Horses Exposed

South Carolina DPH confirmed a raccoon found near Bishopville Highway and Lee Road in Camden, Kershaw County, tested positive for rabies on April 20, 2026. Two horses were exposed and will be quarantined as required under the South Carolina Rabies Control Act. No human exposure is known at this time. This is the first rabid animal in Kershaw County in 2026; statewide there have been 25 confirmed rabies cases this year.

No New Measles Cases Since Friday, Outbreak Total Stays 997

South Carolina DPH reports no new measles cases since Friday's announcement of an isolated Saluda County case. The Upstate outbreak total remains at 997 cases. Forty-one individuals are currently in quarantine related to Saluda County exposure, with quarantine ending May 9. If no new outbreak-related cases are reported, the outbreak will be declared over on April 26.

DPH Encourages Disposing Unused Medications, April 25

The South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging residents to participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, by disposing of unused or expired prescription medications at designated drop-off sites. The initiative, run in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and local law enforcement, runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In South Carolina's most recent October 2025 event, 186,608 pounds of prescription drugs were collected across 46 drop-off sites.

Canadian Financial Regulators Discuss Retirees' Financial Security at Annual Joint Forum

The Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators held its Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec on April 15, 2026, bringing together members of CCIR, CSA, CAPSA, CISRO, and the Mortgage Brokers' Council of Canada. The plenary session focused on retirees' financial security, including OECD research on barriers to quality financial advice and a National Institute on Ageing presentation on helping Canadians prepare for retirement beyond pensions.

Canada-France Securities Cross-Listing Agreement Signed by Regulators

The AMF Québec, Ontario Securities Commission (OSC), and AMF France signed a cooperation agreement on April 20, 2026 to establish a collaborative procedure supporting the cross-listing of securities by prospectus in both Canada and France. The agreement facilitates dialogue and information sharing between regulators but does not provide regulatory relief—companies must still comply with both countries' requirements.

UK Cyber Chief Warns of Perfect Storm for Cyber Security Amid AI Threats

Dr Richard Horne, CEO of the NCSC, delivered a keynote at the CYBERUK conference warning that the UK faces a 'perfect storm' for cyber security driven by rapid AI advancement and escalating geopolitical tensions. Horne stated that the majority of nationally significant incidents the NCSC handles now originate directly or indirectly from nation states, with Russia applying lessons from the Ukraine conflict to cyber operations beyond the battlefield. He called on all organisations to make cyber security part of their mission, noting that frontier AI is rapidly enabling vulnerability discovery at scale.

Bolandian Insider Trading Conviction Vacated, Remanded

The Ninth Circuit vacated Shahriyar Bolandian's insider trading conviction and remanded for a new trial, holding that the district court plainly erred by failing to independently investigate a juror (Juror No. 6) who expressed uncertainty about his impartiality. The panel held that defense counsel cannot waive a district court's independent duty to conduct a reasonable inquiry into juror bias that emerges during trial; without such an inquiry, Bolandian forfeited — rather than waived — his bias challenge, triggering plain-error review on appeal.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes v. USDOI - FLPMA Land Exchange Authority

The Ninth Circuit denied petitions for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc in a case where the panel majority had affirmed summary judgment for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, upholding that the Federal Land Policy and Management Act's general land exchange authority does not override a specific 1900 statute restricting disposal of ceded Fort Hall Indian Reservation lands to enumerated categories. Judges Collins and Tung each dissented, arguing the majority incorrectly interpreted the 1900 Act and that FLPMA's uniform disposal procedures should apply.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes v. USDOI - FLPMA Land Exchange Rehearing Denied

The Ninth Circuit denied petitions for panel rehearing and rehearing en banc in a case challenging a Bureau of Land Management land exchange under the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. The panel majority had previously affirmed summary judgment for the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, holding that FLPMA's general land exchange authority does not override a specific 1900 Act provision restricting disposal of ceded Fort Hall Reservation lands. Judges Collins and Tung dissented, arguing the FLPMA should authorize the exchange.

McAuliffe v. Robinson Helicopter Co. — GARA Rolling Provision Interpretation

The Ninth Circuit affirmed in part and reversed in part the District of Hawaii's summary judgment in McAuliffe v. Robinson Helicopter Co., a wrongful death action arising from a 2019 helicopter sightseeing crash. The panel held the district court erred in requiring plaintiffs to show that replacement main rotor hub and blades were substantively altered from the original parts to trigger GARA's rolling provision—finding the statute requires no substantive alteration. The panel remanded for the district court to reassess causation and affirmed the dismissal of the fraud exception claim.

Texas Bill Creates Alluvium Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1

Texas enacted SB3056 creating the Alluvium Ranch Municipal Management District No. 1 in Grayson County. The district is granted authority to issue bonds and impose assessments, fees, and taxes. The legislation also confers limited power of eminent domain. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers and took effect on June 20, 2025.

SB467 Fire Homestead Property Tax Exemption

Texas enacted SB467, creating a temporary property tax exemption for residence homesteads that are completely destroyed by fire. The bill exempts the appraised value of improvements to a residence homestead from ad valorem taxation when the property is wholly destroyed. The legislation was signed by the Governor and took effect June 20, 2025.

Texas SB293 Judicial Discipline Effective Date

Texas SB293 was signed into law on June 20, 2025, amending the State's judicial discipline framework. The bill modifies discipline procedures by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, notice requirements for certain reprimands, judicial compensation and related retirement benefits, and reporting of judicial transparency information. Affected parties include judges, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, and court administrative bodies.

SB121 Signed, Transfer for Richmond Lake Dam, Emergency

South Dakota Governor signed SB121 into law on March 30, 2026. The bill appropriates and transfers moneys for the replacement of the Richmond Lake dam and spillway. An emergency clause is included, indicating immediate effect upon signing. The bill passed the Senate 28-2 and the House 61-3 on final passage.

Anti-Dumping Measures Expiry Notice, Grain-Oriented Silicon-Electrical Steel

The European Commission has published a notice in the Official Journal informing Union producers that anti-dumping measures on grain-oriented flat-rolled products of silicon-electrical steel originating in China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and the United States will expire on January 18, 2027. The measures were originally imposed by Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2022/58. Union producers may submit a written request for an expiry review to the Commission's Directorate-General for Trade and Economic Security, provided such requests contain sufficient evidence that expiry would likely result in continuation or recurrence of dumping and injury.

EU Moldova Sanctions: Notice to Listed Persons and Entities on Continuation of Restrictive Measures

The Council of the European Union has published a notice in the Official Journal informing listed persons and entities that restrictive measures under Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/891 and Council Regulation (EU) 2023/888 concerning Moldova remain in effect following review. The measures were amended by Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/897 and implemented by Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/898. Affected parties are notified of their right to apply for authorisation to access frozen funds and to submit reconsideration requests to the Council by 3 November 2026.

Proxy Voting for MEPs During Pregnancy and After Birth

The European Parliament adopted a legislative resolution on 13 November 2025 amending the European Electoral Act to allow Members to vote by proxy during pregnancy and after giving birth. The amendment grants proxy voting rights for the period of three months before and six months after birth, addressing work-life balance and promoting gender equality in political participation. The resolution was published in the Official Journal C series on 22 April 2026.

Temporary Workers Contract, Braintree Council, £4.68m

Braintree District Council has awarded a temporary workers contract to First Call Contract Services. The contract is valued at £4,683,013.51 including VAT (£3,902,511.26 excluding VAT) for a term of 22 April 2026 to 21 April 2029, with possible extension to 21 April 2031. The contract covers supply of temporary workers for operations including Waste Services, Trade Waste Collections, Street Cleansing, Horticulture and Grounds Maintenance, and HGV Repair and Maintenance.

Newcastle City Council £100k MOT Expansion Roofing Tender

Newcastle City Council has published a £100,000 tender for external roofing contractors to support works on the expansion of an MOT Testing Station at 2 Wincomblee Rd, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 3PF. The contract runs from 1 June 2026 to 1 June 2027, with an estimated value above the relevant procurement threshold. Tender submissions close at 2:00pm on 19 May 2026 via the open-uk.org portal.

Leisure Centre Decarbonisation Works, Southwark, £3.5m

London Borough of Southwark published a pipeline notice for decarbonisation works at The Castle Leisure Centre SE1 6FG, with an estimated contract value of £2,956,930 excluding VAT (£3,547,668 including VAT). The project is funded by Phase 4 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, administered by Salix Finance. Contractors are being sought via limited competition through the Alcumus SafeContractor List.

XVIVO Liver Perfusion Sets Awarded to KCH for £412,930

KCH Interventional Facilities Management LLP has awarded a contract valued at £412,930 excluding VAT to XVIVO B.V. (Netherlands) for liver perfusion sets under the Procurement Act 2023. The contract runs from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027 with a possible one-year extension. The direct award was justified on technical grounds as XVIVO is the only supplier capable of providing both Normothermic Perfusion and Hypothermic Perfusion technology.

Royal Borough of Greenwich Awards £60k Fun and Fitness Contract to OXLEAS NHS Trust

Royal Borough of Greenwich has awarded a £60,000 contract (excluding VAT: £50,000) to OXLEAS NHS Foundation Trust for community health services under the Provider Selection Regime. The contract provides specialist physical activity support to adults with learning disabilities in the Bexley and Greenwich area, running from 21 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. The award follows a Direct Award Process C under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.

End of Life and Palliative Care Services - North Yorkshire

NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board has awarded a contract for End of Life and Palliative Care Services in North Yorkshire to Darlington and District Hospice Movement. The contract has an estimated value of £88,023 (excluding VAT) and runs from 5 May 2026 to 4 May 2027. The award was made via direct award process C under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, with a standstill period expiring 23:59 on 5 May 2026.