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 The ICO found that section 21(1) was properly engaged at the time of the request and the council holds no additional unpublished information.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.

DPH Encourages Residents to Dispose of Unused Prescription Medicines During Drug Take Back Day

SC DPH is encouraging South Carolina residents to participate in the DEA-hosted National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., by disposing of unused or expired prescription medications at designated collection sites. The announcement cites state data showing 2,157 drug overdose deaths in 2023 (6.1% decrease from 2022), with 1,840 attributed to prescription drugs, and 1,479 provisional deaths in 2024. Drop-off sites will collect tablets, capsules, patches, and solid prescription drugs; vaping devices, liquids, sharps, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Free Overdose Prevention Safety Kits containing fentanyl test strips, naloxone (Narcan), and treatment resources are available at DPH health clinics without appointments or ID.

No New Measles Cases Since Friday, Outbreak Total Stays 997

South Carolina DPH reported no new measles cases on April 21, 2026, keeping the Upstate outbreak total at 997 cases. Forty-one individuals remain in quarantine related to a Saluda County exposure, with quarantine ending May 9. If no new outbreak-related cases are reported, the outbreak would end April 26, following a 42-day period with no new cases.

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 permit Members of the European Parliament to vote by proxy in plenary sessions during pregnancy and after giving birth. This resolution, adopted under the European Parliament's right to initiate reform of its own electoral procedure, aims to promote work-life balance and enhance gender equality in political participation. The amendment was published in the Official Journal of the European Union C series on 22 April 2026 under reference C/2026/1667.

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.

Lindsey Lodge Wins £4.3M End of Life Care Contract

NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB has awarded Lindsey Lodge Limited a £4.3M contract for end of life and palliative care services. The contract covers inpatient care, daycare, community lymphoedema services, and discharge-to-assess community beds across North Lincolnshire and East Riding of Yorkshire. Contract term runs from 5 May 2026 to 4 May 2029. The award was made under Provider Selection Regime Regulations 2023 via direct award process C to an existing provider.

Allan Webb Ltd Removed from Space Technology Solutions Contract

The Government Commercial Agency published a dynamic market modification notice under the Procurement Act 2023, removing ALLAN WEBB LTD from a space technology solutions government contract. The supplier was removed from 33 procurement categories spanning satellite components, cryptographic technology, AI/software, UxVs, SATCOM, ground infrastructure, and related engineering support services. The modification was effective 21 April 2026.

London Borough of Haringey £300k MEP Contract for Alexandra Palace Joint Security Room

The London Borough of Haringey has published a contract notice for Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) services to create a new Joint Security Room at Alexandra Palace, with an estimated contract value of £300,000 excluding VAT. The procurement follows a Restricted procedure and is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement. Tenders must be submitted electronically by 12 May 2026, with the contract scheduled to run from 22 June 2026 to 31 August 2026.

Humber Bridge Board Seeks £600k Electrical Contractor

The Humber Bridge Board has published a below-threshold open tender under the Procurement Act 2023 for the upgrade of existing electrical infrastructure at the Humber Bridge. The estimated contract value is £600,000 including VAT (£500,000 excluding VAT), covering design and installation of new and modified electrical infrastructure, and removal of redundant equipment. The contract is estimated to run from 22 June 2026 to 22 June 2027. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) are listed as being of particular suitability for this procurement.

End of Life and Palliative Care Services Contract Award, £2,273,542

NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board has published a contract award notice for End of Life and Palliative Care Services in York valued at £2,273,542 (excluding VAT), awarded to St. Leonard's Hospice York. The contract covers three service streams: a 20-bed inpatient unit for terminal and specialist palliative care, community-based domiciliary end of life care for adults aged 18 and over, and a personal carer support service providing respite for families. The award was made under Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Process C to the existing provider, with the contract running from 05/05/2026 to 04/05/2027. The notice triggers a standstill period; provider representations must be submitted by 23:59hrs on 5 May 2026.

Thames Freeport Skills Programme, £1.17M, Deadline 30 April

Thames Freeport has issued a preliminary market engagement notice under the Procurement Act 2023 to establish a £1.17M framework for skills training programmes across Barking and Dagenham, Havering, and Thurrock. The procurement, managed by Avencera on behalf of Thames Freeport, will appoint a pool of approved training providers with the first call-off contracts targeting construction, advanced manufacturing, and logistics training. Two online supplier briefing events are scheduled for 28 April and 30 April 2026, with the engagement deadline set for 30 April 2026.

Bank of Ghana Economic News Brief April 21 2026

This Bank of Ghana news brief page dated April 21, 2026, serves as a navigation and index page providing access to the full PDF document and links to other economic news briefs from throughout April 2026. No substantive regulatory content, policy announcements, or compliance obligations are contained on this page itself — the actual content resides in the linked PDF document.

Wisconsin DPI Recognizes 95 Schools of Recognition for 2024-25

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction announced that 95 schools have earned 2024-25 Schools of Recognition honors across three categories: High Achieving Schools (16 schools ranking in the top 10% for reading and mathematics achievement), High Progress Schools (15 schools showing significant growth in student outcomes or graduation rates), and High Impact Schools (71 schools serving high percentages of economically disadvantaged students with above-average achievement). The program, launched in 2003, recognizes Title I schools that demonstrate significant strides in student growth and achievement.

CT Image-Assisted Colonoscopy Improves Insertion Time, Patient Comfort

The NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registry has posted a new single-blind randomized controlled trial (NCT07541924) evaluating whether pre-existing CT abdominal/pelvic imaging can improve colonoscopy outcomes. The study will compare image-assisted colonoscope insertion against standard colonoscopy, measuring cecal intubation time, patient comfort, physician workload, and examination quality. Estimated enrollment and study completion dates are listed on the registry.

Lebrikizumab Phase 3 Nummular Eczema Trial, Apr 21

NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registered Phase 3 trial NCT07542483 evaluating lebrikizumab in adults with Nummular Eczema inadequately controlled with topical corticosteroids. The randomized, placebo-controlled study will assess efficacy, safety, and tolerability of lebrikizumab monotherapy.

Clinical Outcomes After Non-curative Endoscopic Resection in Early Colorectal Cancer

The NIH has registered a new observational study (NCT07542171) on ClinicalTrials.gov to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients with early colorectal cancer who undergo non-curative endoscopic resection. The multicenter study will compare recurrence and survival outcomes between different management strategies, including additional surgery or surveillance, and will develop a risk stratification model to guide individualized treatment decisions.