Nasdaq ISE Proposes Rule Change to Auction Mechanisms

The SEC published a notice of filing from Nasdaq ISE, LLC (File No. SR-ISE-2026-18, Release No. 34-105266) proposing amendments to various auction mechanisms under Options 3 and Options 3A. The rule change would permit orders for accounts of Market Makers assigned to an options class to be solicited for initiating orders submitted for execution against an agency order into a Facilitation Mechanism, Solicited Order Mechanism (SOM), Price Improvement Mechanism (PIM), FLEX PIM, or FLEX SOM. Cboe Exchange, Inc. received prior approval for identical rule amendments.

NSCC Order Approving New Transaction Reporting Capability

The SEC approved NSCC's proposed rule change SR-NSCC-2026-004 to create MPID Transaction Reporting, a new service allowing NSCC members to receive UTC trade capture output for their NSCC-cleared activities by using their MPID to designate trade data. The receiving member must be authorized by the disclosing member through their established clearing relationship. No public comments were received during the comment period.

Nasdaq Harmonizes Options Market Data Feeds

The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC filed a proposed rule change with the SEC to harmonize options market data feeds with those of its affiliated exchanges Nasdaq ISE, LLC, Nasdaq PHLX, LLC, Nasdaq GEMX, LLC, and Nasdaq MRX, LLC. The change introduces two new data feeds (Order Feed and Trades Feed) and renames the existing ITTO feed to Depth of Market Feed, effective immediately upon filing with an operative date on or before August 2026.

CTA/CQ Plan Amendment No. 1 Extends Processor Hours to 9 p.m. ET Sunday–8 p.m. ET Friday

The SEC published notice and instituted proceedings under Rule 608(b)(2)(i) of Regulation NMS to determine whether to approve or disapprove Amendment No. 1 to the Extended Hours Proposal. The proposal would extend the Consolidated Tape Association and Consolidated Quotation Plan Processor's hours of operation to receive and disseminate quotation and last-sale information from 9:00 p.m. ET Sunday through 8:00 p.m. ET Friday, with a one-hour technical refresh pause Monday through Thursday. Participants that utilize extended hours bear development and operating costs on a proportionate-share basis.

Cboe BZX Exchange proposes BondBloxx Private Credit Trust listing

Cboe BZX Exchange proposes BondBloxx Private Credit Trust listing

Cboe Exchange Amends Rule 4.21, FLEX Options

Cboe Exchange Amends Rule 4.21, FLEX Options

Nasdaq Processor Hours Extension Amendment No. 1 Filed

Nasdaq Processor Hours Extension Amendment No. 1 Filed

Nasdaq PHLX proposes amendments to auction mechanisms

Nasdaq PHLX proposes amendments to auction mechanisms

Deerpath Funding Advantage IV, LP Exemption Request Under SBIA Section 312

The SBA published a notice on April 22, 2026 seeking public comment on Deerpath Funding Advantage IV, LP's request for an exemption under Section 312 of the Small Business Investment Act and 13 CFR 107.730 for a proposed securities transaction. The firm seeks to purchase securities of a portfolio concern from non-SBIC Deerpath Capital funds, which are classified as Associates under common control, constituting a conflict of interest requiring SBA's prior written exemption.

Priority Mail Express Priority Mail USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements

The United States Postal Service gives notice of filing 12 requests with the Postal Regulatory Commission to add domestic shipping services contracts to the list of Negotiated Service Agreements in the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List. The filings cover Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage products under MC and K docket numbers ranging from MC2026-202 through MC2026-216. Documents are available at www.prc.gov.

NIH WNV Monoclonal Antibodies Available for Licensing

NIAID, a component of the NIH, is making five novel neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies targeting West Nile virus (WNV) available for commercial licensing under 35 U.S.C. 209 and 37 CFR Part 404. The antibodies, which bind the WNV envelope protein, are in pre-clinical stage and are available alone or in combination, with accompanying nucleic acids, vectors, and host cells for production. HHS Reference No. E-200-2024-0 covers U.S. Provisional Patent Application (filed July 31, 2024) and PCT Application No. PCT/US2025/039922 (filed July 30, 2025).

USITC Corrects Electric Aircraft 337-TA-1499 Investigation

The U.S. International Trade Commission issued a correction to Investigation No. 337-TA-1499 concerning electric aircraft, power systems for electric aircraft, and components thereof. The correction adds a new paragraph to the Scope of Investigation section specifying that the presiding administrative law judge shall take evidence and hear arguments on public interest factors under 19 U.S.C. 1337(d)(1), (f)(1), and (g)(1). The notice also adds a clarifying statement that the correction does not alter the date of institution of the investigation.

Steel Concrete Reinforcing Bar From Algeria; Determination

The US International Trade Commission determined that the U.S. steel concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) industry is materially injured by reason of imports of rebar from Algeria sold at less than fair value (LTFV). The investigation (No. 731-TA-1751) was initiated in June 2025 following a petition by the Rebar Trade Action Coalition. The Commission's affirmative determination was filed April 17, 2026, pursuant to Section 735(b) of the Tariff Act of 1930.

ITC Light Devices, No Review, Proceeding Terminated

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined not to review an enforcement initial determination by the presiding administrative law judge finding that Apple's second redesigned products do not infringe the asserted patents. The combined modification and enforcement proceeding (Investigation No. 337-TA-1276) is terminated in its entirety, with the conclusion that the accused products should not be excluded pursuant to the limited exclusion order. The Commission vote took place on April 17, 2026.

FDA Classifies Setmelanotide Eligibility Gene Variant Detection System Class II

FDA classified the setmelanotide eligibility gene variant detection system into class II (special controls) under 21 CFR 862.1164. The device is a qualitative in vitro diagnostic intended to detect germline variants within genes to identify patients eligible for setmelanotide treatment. Manufacturers of similar in vitro diagnostic devices should review special controls requirements.

FDA Classifies Alzheimer's Pathology Test as Class II

FDA finalized classification of the Alzheimer's disease pathology assessment test as Class II (special controls), codifying the device type under 21 CFR 866.5840. The classification was applicable May 4, 2022, following De Novo review of Fujirebio Diagnostics' Lumipulse G β-Amyloid Ratio (1-42/1-40) device. Special controls identified in the order will apply to all devices of this generic type.

Medical Devices; Ophthalmic Devices; Classification of the Digital Therapy Device for Amblyopia

FDA classified the digital therapy device for amblyopia as Class II with special controls. The device uses dichoptic presentations on visual displays through therapeutic algorithms to treat amblyopia or improve visual acuity. This action codifies a prior De Novo classification from October 20, 2021, allowing other manufacturers to use this device as a predicate for 510(k) clearance.

Device for Sleep Apnea Testing Based on Mandibular Movement; Classification Into Class II

FDA has classified the device for sleep apnea testing based on mandibular movement into Class II (special controls), codifying the classification at 21 CFR 868.2376. The device is a prescription device intended to aid in evaluation of sleep apnea during sleep in patients suspected of having sleep breathing disorders. This De Novo classification, originally issued to Sunrise SA on January 7, 2022, establishes special controls that, combined with general controls, provide reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.

NCUA Proposes Streamlined Merger Rules for Credit Unions Converting to Banks

The NCUA Board has proposed amendments to 12 CFR Part 708a, Subpart C, which governs mergers of insured credit unions into banks. The proposal would eliminate certain prescriptive procedural, disclosure, and communication requirements currently imposed on credit unions pursuing such mergers. The intended effect is to reduce regulatory burdens on credit union boards of directors and provide them greater flexibility to exercise business judgment while still ensuring members receive clear and effective disclosures. Public comments are being accepted until June 22, 2026.

Summer EBT Benefit Levels Adjusted for 2026

USDA has published the 2026 Summer EBT benefit levels for children, effective January 1 through December 31, 2026. The contiguous 48 states and District of Columbia maintain the 2025 rate of $40 per month ($120 total summer), as the Thrifty Food Plan cost change of 0.49 percent rounds down to no change. Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. Territories receive increased benefits reflecting higher food costs in those areas.

Notice of Consultation Paper Release CP 171 Miscellaneous Changes

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has released Consultation Paper No. 171 – Miscellaneous Changes for public comment. The DFSA is seeking feedback on the proposed changes which are described only as miscellaneous amendments to existing DFSA rules and regulations. Comments must be submitted by 26 April 2026. The consultation paper can be viewed on the DFSA website or via the Thomson Reuters rulebook link provided in the notice.

DFSA Amends AML, Fees, and Prudential Rules Effective April and July 2026

The DFSA Board made three Rulemaking Instruments amending the DFSA Rulebook following the conclusion of Consultation Paper No. 169's comment period. The AML Module (RMI No. 432) and Fees Module (FER) (RMI No. 433) come into force on 1 April 2026, while the Prudential Investment, Insurance Intermediation and Banking Business Module (PIB) (RMI No. 434) takes effect on 1 July 2026. Detailed amendments are available in appendices linked to this notice.

Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Requires Hurricane Data From Residential Insurers

Hawaii Insurance Commissioner Scott K. Saiki has issued Commissioner’s Memorandum 2026-4PC requiring all authorized insurers writing residential hurricane coverage in Hawaiʻi to complete a data call worksheet and submit it to the Insurance Division’s P&C Filing Branch. The data call is intended to assess whether the reactivated Hawaii Hurricane Relief Fund (HHRF), reinstated under Act 296 (Session Laws of Hawaii 2025), may affect the residential single-family hurricane coverage market similar to its impact on the condominium hurricane insurance market. Responses are due by May 4, 2026 and must be submitted to RPAdatacall@dcca.hawaii.gov with the subject line ‘2026 Hurricane Data Call.’ The information disclosed in the data call worksheet is confidential and not subject to disclosure pursuant to HRS § 431:2D-114.

HB313 Reduces City Franchise Period to 6 Months

HB313 amends KRS 69.010 to reduce the time period that a Kentucky city must provide for the sale of a new utility franchise before the expiration of the current franchise from 18 months to 6 months. The bill was signed by Governor on April 13, 2026, having passed the House 93-0 and Senate 38-0. This change affects how cities and utility companies manage franchise transitions and renewal processes.

Kentucky HB502 Emergency Road Projects Act

Kentucky HB502, the Emergency Road Projects Act, was signed into law by Governor on April 13, 2026, establishing the 2026-2028 Biennial Highway Construction Plan with emergency status. The bill cleared both chambers with strong bipartisan support, including veto override votes of 94-5 in the House and final passage of 89-3 in the House and 37-0 in the Senate. The emergency declaration means the act takes effect immediately upon signing rather than the standard 90-day effective date.

HB651 Water Wastewater Emergency Act Amends WWATERS Program Eligibility

Kentucky House Bill 651, signed by the Governor on April 13, 2026, makes emergency amendments to KRS 224A.320 governing the WWATERS Program. The bill raises the eligibility threshold from meeting 1 criterion to meeting 3 or more, excludes projects expanding utility service from eligibility, adds stormwater infiltration and professional engineer attestation to evaluation criteria, and allows phased application scoring. Sponsors Reps. Josh Bray and Jason Petrie guided the bill to passage with unanimous votes in both chambers.

Kentucky Governor Signs SB136 Amending Unemployment Insurance Fraud Referral Process

Kentucky Governor signed SB136 on April 13, 2026, amending KRS 341.416 to modify the unemployment insurance fraud referral process. The bill removes the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and the United States Department of Justice from required referrals, replacing them with a requirement for the Education and Labor Cabinet to refer suspected fraud directly to the US Department of Labor. The bill also declares an emergency, indicating immediate effect upon signing.

Stillwater Capital ITP Application, Alabama Beach Mouse, Baldwin County, Alabama

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces receipt of an application from Stillwater Capital Assets LLC for a 50-year Incidental Take Permit under Section 10(a)(1)(B) of the Endangered Species Act. The permit would authorize incidental take of the federally threatened Alabama beach mouse (Peromyscus polionotus ammobates) during construction of a single-family home at 11068 Mobile Street West, Gulf Shores, Alabama, affecting 0.05 acres of occupied habitat. The Service requests public comment on the application, including the proposed Habitat Conservation Plan and the Service's preliminary determination that the action may qualify for a categorical exclusion under NEPA.

Stillwater Capital Assets HCP V2 Plan

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service posted the Stillwater Capital Assets Habitat Conservation Plan V2 to Regulations.gov under document FWS-R4-ES-2026-0199. The plan likely addresses mitigation and minimization measures for listed species under a Section 10 incidental take permit. Private parties preparing or reviewing Habitat Conservation Plan applications should consult this document for current FWS guidance.

Stillwater Capital Assets LLC NEPA Review

The Fish and Wildlife Service has initiated a National Environmental Policy Act review for Stillwater Capital Assets LLC. The review documents are available for download via regulations.gov under docket FWS-R4-ES-2026-0199.

Governor Shapiro Announces Mondi Bags USA Expansion, 170 Jobs, Allegheny County

Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Mondi Bags USA will expand its manufacturing operations in Findlay Township, Allegheny County, creating approximately 170 new jobs over three years. The Shapiro Administration provided a $1,036,000 Pennsylvania First grant through the Department of Community and Economic Development to secure the project against competing offers from Ohio and West Virginia. The company will relocate existing operations from Oakdale, PA and Wellsburg, WV into a new 200,000-square-foot facility.

Keystone and Conemaugh Power Plants Consent Decree Filed for Court Approval

The Shapiro Administration filed a motion in Indiana County Court of Common Pleas seeking final approval of a consent decree with Keystone-Conemaugh Projects, LLC (Key-Con) to allow the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations to continue operating through 2032 instead of ceasing operations on December 31, 2028. The agreement requires Key-Con to upgrade wastewater treatment systems with specific milestones: permit applications within 60 days of court approval, construction commencement within 90 days of permits, construction completion within 180 days, and upgraded system operation within 60 days of completion. Daily penalties apply while operating until upgrades are complete, plus additional penalties for missed milestones.

Free Webinar April 28: Tennessee Sales Tax Exemptions

The Tennessee Department of Revenue announced a free webinar on sales tax exemptions scheduled for April 28, 2026 at 9 a.m. CT. The webinar will cover common exemption categories, documentation requirements, and compliance best practices for businesses in retail, manufacturing, services, and tax administration. Registration is available through the department's website as part of their free public education series.

DHSC ePCS Spending Over £500, March 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care published its monthly transparency data for electronic purchasing card solution (ePCS) spending over £500 for March 2026. The ePCS has replaced the previous government procurement card (GPC). The data is published monthly as part of UK government transparency commitments and applies to England.

Government Response to First 1000 Days Report with 15 Recommendations

The UK Government published its formal response on 22 April 2026 to the Health and Social Care Committee's January 2026 report 'The First 1000 Days: a renewed focus', addressing all 15 recommendations across five themes: Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, health visitors, workforce, vaccinations, and integration between services. The response welcomes the committee's ambition to ensure babies, children and their families can access support regardless of circumstances, and commits to taking action across the areas covered in the report.

MediaTek Patent: Authentication Rejection Wireless Parameter Handling

MediaTek Inc. has filed US Patent Application US20260100835A1 for systems and methods handling wireless communication device parameters upon authentication rejection. The device deletes a network list (PLMN or SNPN) and resets multiple counters including registration, attach, service, and TAU attempt counters upon receiving an authentication reject message. The system comprises a transceiver and processor configured to perform these operations during registration, attach, or tracking area update procedures.

Bot Verification Challenge Blocks Legal Case Access

BAILII has deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work bot verification system, to protect its servers against automated scraping by AI companies. The system uses Hashcash-style proof-of-work to impose computational costs on mass scrapers while remaining negligible for individual users. The actual court case content (EWHC Admin 2026/915) is inaccessible behind this verification challenge.

Anti-Bot Verification Page Blocking Access to Legal Case

BAILII (British and Irish Legal Information Institute) deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work anti-bot protection system, to prevent AI companies from aggressively scraping the website. The system uses a Hashcash-style proof-of-work scheme that adds minimal load for individual users but significantly increases the cost of mass scraping. The protection page notes that JavaScript-blocking plugins such as JShelter may interfere with the verification process.

Bot Verification Page Blocks Access to Bailii.org

BAILII (British and Irish Legal Information Institute) has deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work anti-bot protection system, on its website. Users accessing case law documents may encounter a bot verification challenge before proceeding. The system uses Hashcash-style proof-of-work to increase the cost of mass web scraping by AI companies. The page instructs users to disable JavaScript-disabling plugins like JShelter to access content.

Anubis Bot Check Blocks Legal Case Access

BAILII deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work anti-bot system, to protect its servers from AI scraping. The system uses Hashcash-style computational challenges to increase the cost of mass automated access while allowing legitimate users through. No regulatory or legal content is contained in this bot-verification page.

Bot Verification Blocks Access to EWCA Civil Case

BAILII displays a bot verification challenge (Anubis proof-of-work) when accessing England & Wales case documents. The security measure aims to protect the server from AI scraping but blocks access to the underlying case content. No substantive legal information from EWCA/Civ/2026/488 is available.

Bot Verification Page Blocking Legal Case Access

BAILII deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work anti-bot protection system, as a placeholder blocking access to legal case documents. The system is designed to reduce AI web scraping by adding computational overhead at scale while distinguishing legitimate users from automated crawlers. Users must enable JavaScript and disable anti-tracking plugins to proceed.

BAILII Bot Protection Challenge Page for Legal Database Access

BAILII has deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work bot protection system based on Hashcash principles, to prevent AI companies from scraping its legal database. The system adds computational load to mass scraping attempts while remaining negligible for individual users. The protection requires modern JavaScript and may conflict with privacy plugins like JShelter.

Anti-Bot Verification Blocks Access to BAILII Case Content

BAILII has deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work anti-bot protection system, on its database to protect server resources against aggressive AI scraping. The system uses a Hashcash-style computational challenge that imposes negligible load on individual users but significantly increases the cost of mass automated scraping operations. The system requires modern JavaScript and is incompatible with privacy plugins like JShelter.

Bot Verification Page Using Proof-of-Work Protection

BAILII (British and Irish Legal Information Institute) has deployed Anubis, a proof-of-work bot verification system modelled on Hashcash, to protect its servers against automated scraping by AI companies. The system is designed to impose negligible delay on individual users while significantly increasing the computational cost of mass scraping operations. Website visitors using JavaScript-blocking extensions such as JShelter must disable those plugins to access the site.

NF-κB Inhibitors for Cancer, Inflammatory Diseases

The USPTO granted Patent US12606528B2 to the University of Pittsburgh covering compounds that inhibit NF-κB activity and their use in treating cancer, inflammatory conditions, and autoimmune diseases. The patent names Beibei Chen, Toren Finkel, and Yuan Liu as inventors and contains 33 claims. The patent application was filed on November 20, 2020.

Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorizations for Sparrows Point Container Terminal Marine Mammal Take

NMFS has received a request from Tradepoint TiL Terminal, LLC (TTT) for two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to incidentally take Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins (Level B harassment only) during construction of the Sparrows Point Container Terminal in Baltimore County, MD. NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed IHAs and possible one-time 1-year renewals by May 22, 2026. Neither TTT nor NMFS expect serious injury or mortality to result from the activity.

NOAA Office of Education Scholarship, Fellowship, and Internship Programs OMB Review

NOAA is submitting to OMB a revision and extension of an approved information collection (OMB Control No. 0648-0568) for its Office of Education Higher Education Scholarship, Fellowship, and Internship Programs. The collection supports the Ernest F. Hollings Undergraduate Scholarship Program and the Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI). Changes include additions of Travel Request Forms and Onboarding/Scholar Information Form, and removals of demographic data collection and certain application surveys.

NMFS Finalizes 21 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports Under MMPA

NMFS has finalized 21 marine mammal stock assessment reports (SARs) under Section 117 of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), covering the 2018-2022 period for Alaska, Atlantic, Gulf of America, and Pacific regions. The revisions primarily update human-caused mortality and serious injury (M/SI) estimates and abundance estimates for affected stocks. NMFS responded to public comments from the Marine Mammal Commission and Center for Biological Diversity, addressing concerns about lost fishing gear, plastic pollution, and alternative data collection methods.

Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild, Baltimore MD

NMFS has received a request from the Federal Highway Administration for two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations to take marine mammals incidental to the Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild project in Baltimore, MD. The proposal would authorize Level B harassment take of Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins during pile driving activities. NMFS is requesting public comments on the proposed IHAs and possible 1-year renewals.