SkySkopes Inc. Comments on FAA RFI Docket FAA-2021-0846

SkySkopes Inc. filed a comment in response to FAA Request for Information Docket No. FAA-2021-0846. The comment was submitted by the May 22 deadline. The RFI sought input from industry stakeholders on the subject matter, and the comment filing is now part of the public record on Regulations.gov.

Property Business Arrangements Involving Hybrid Partnerships and Indemnities (Spotlight 63a)

HMRC has published Spotlight 63a warning landlords about a tax avoidance scheme involving hybrid partnerships and indemnities. The scheme involves transferring properties to a limited liability partnership (LLP) with a corporate member, with the stated aims of bypassing mortgage interest relief restrictions and reducing Income Tax through Corporation Tax rates. HMRC's position is that the arrangement fails because mixed member partnership legislation reallocates excess profits to landlords, section 809AAZA anti-avoidance rules treat transferred income as the landlord's own, and the LLP remains transparent for Capital Gains Tax purposes. SDLT applies to property transfers and profit-share changes. Scheme promoters who fail to disclose under DOTAS face penalties of up to £600 per day, rising to £1 million in cases where that is not a sufficient deterrent.

Canada's Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators Discuss Retiree Financial Security in Montreal

Canada's Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators held its Annual Meeting in Montreal on April 15, 2026, bringing together the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR), Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA), and other regulatory bodies. The plenary session focused on retiree financial security, including OECD research on barriers to quality financial advice and findings from the National Institute on Ageing on retirement preparation. Regulators highlighted the increasing challenge of maintaining purchasing power amid rising costs as more Canadians enter retirement.

South Devon College Mass Communication Tool Tender

South Devon College has published an open tender opportunity for a Mass Communication Tool, closing on 28 May 2026 at 12pm. The contract is valued at £0 (zero-value procurement) and runs from 10 June 2026 to 21 August 2026. Suppliers must register via MultiQuote (suppliers.multiquote.com) and reference opportunity CA17660 to access and submit bids. The procurement is open to SMEs but not to VCSEs.

MoD GPS Jamming Detection Systems Procurement, £50k-£300k, Closing 6 May 2026

The Ministry of Defence, through Unite Procurement UK Limited, is seeking suppliers to join the Unite Procurement Platform for the supply of GPS Jamming Detection, Localisation and Vehicle Detection Systems. The procurement covers three product categories: Handheld GPS Jamming Detectors, Handheld GPS Jamming Locators, and GPS Jamming Vehicle Detection Camera systems. The contract is valued between £50,000 and £300,000, with a duration from 7 May 2026 to 7 May 2028. Multiple suppliers will be onboarded to ensure a diverse and competitive supply base. The closing date for expressions of interest is 6 May 2026 at 2pm.

PRA Finalises Phase 1 SM&CR Reforms: 12-Week Rule Changes and Streamlined Requirements

The PRA has finalised Phase 1 reforms to the Senior Managers and Certification Regime (SM&CR), published as PS12/26 on 22 April 2026, amending multiple PRA Rulebook Parts including Certification, Conduct Rules, Fitness and Propriety, and Notifications. Key changes include increased flexibility under the 12-week rule for covering temporary Senior Management function vacancies, additional clarity on Group Entity SMF7 scope, and streamlined requirements for statements of responsibilities, regulatory references, and criminal record checks. The reforms apply to all PRA-authorised firms and persons subject to the Change in Control Part and FSMA, with Phase 2 reforms expected following HMT's legislative changes.

Greer v. Starship LLC et al - Civil Case

Greer v. Starship LLC et al was filed in the Northern District of California on April 9, 2026 under Case Number 3:26-cv-03046-PHK before Judge Peter H. Kang. The case, classified as a civil Federal Question matter under Other Statutory Actions, had a procedural filing on April 22, 2026 consisting of a consent or declination to proceed before a U.S. Magistrate Judge filed by plaintiff Shantel Greer.

Martinez v. Sierra Lifestar: EMS Bonus Not Unique Defense, Reversing Class Certification Denial

The California Fifth Appellate District reversed the Tulare County Superior Court's denial of Adam Martinez's motion for class certification in his wage and hour lawsuit against Sierra Lifestar, Inc. The trial court had found Martinez's claim was not typical because he received only one type of bonus—the EMS Bonus—while Lifestar paid 10 types of bonuses. The appellate court held this was legal error: Lifestar's arguments that the EMS Bonus was properly excluded as a gift or discretionary bonus are not unique to Martinez and apply equally to all employees who received an EMS Bonus for National Emergency Medical Services Week. The case is remanded for reconsideration of class certification.

People v. Landrine — Mental Health Diversion Requires Substantial Performance

The California Sixth District Court of Appeal reversed the trial court's dismissal of charges against Keena Teloca Landrine, who was placed in a mental health diversion program under Penal Code section 1001.36. The appellate court held that satisfactory performance under the diversion statute requires substantial compliance with imposed requirements—the trial court abused its discretion by finding satisfactory performance solely based on in-custody conduct after dozens of crimes were committed while in the program. The court reversed the dismissal order and remanded for further proceedings.

Workman Affirmed - No Judicial Vindictiveness in Sentencing Increase on Remand

The Fourth Circuit affirmed the district court's 18-month sentence imposed on Mary Elizabeth Workman following remand, rejecting her claim of judicial vindictiveness. The court held that because Workman was resentenced by a different district judge than the original sentencing judge, the presumption of vindictiveness from North Carolina v. Pearce does not apply, and Workman bore the burden to prove actual vindictiveness. The appellate court found the record showed the second judge gave clear, explicit reasons for the three-month sentence increase and additional supervised release conditions.

US v. Sutton - 96-Month Felon-in-Possession Sentence Affirmed

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Treyvion Maleke Sutton's 96-month sentence for possession of ammunition by a convicted felon, rejecting his challenge to a four-level Sentencing Guidelines enhancement under USSG § 2K2.1(b)(6)(B). The court applied an assumed error harmlessness inquiry, finding the enhancement error harmless because the district court stated it would have imposed the same sentence based on its independent assessment of the 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a) factors. The appellate court further found the resulting upward variance from the 51-to-63-month Guidelines range was substantively reasonable given Sutton's recidivism and criminal history.

US v. Thompson - ACCA Enhanced Sentence Affirmed on Plain Error Review

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Vinson Thompson's 180-month ACCA-enhanced sentence, rejecting his Erlinger-based challenge that the district court failed to advise him during his guilty plea colloquy of his right to have a jury resolve the 'different occasions' element. The appellate court found plain error under Erlinger v. United States (2024) occurred but held Thompson failed to demonstrate, under the third prong of plain error review, a reasonable probability he would not have entered the plea had he been properly advised.

United States v. Wilson - Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Appeal Affirmed

The Fourth Circuit affirmed Dustin Wilson's conviction for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, rejecting his claim that trial counsel provided ineffective assistance by prioritizing medical treatment over seeking his release from pre-trial detention. The court found the record does not support Wilson's argument that counsel acted unreasonably or that his medical issues coerced his guilty plea. Wilson, who pled guilty to one count under 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1), (b)(1)(A) and 846, was sentenced to 120 months in prison.

European Patent EP3451900A1, Automated Medical Diagnostics

The European Patent Office granted European Patent EP3451900A1 to Bates, James Stewart for automated medical diagnostics systems and methods. The patent covers IPC classifications G16H 50/20 and A61B 5/00. Protection extends to all designated contracting states including AT, BE, BG, CH, CY, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, HR, HU, IE, IS, IT, LI, LT, LU, LV, MC, MK, MT, NL, NO, PL, PT, RO, RS, SE, SI, SK, SM, and TR.

Siemens Healthineers Medical Imaging System Patent EP3651161

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3651161A1 for Siemens Healthineers AG, covering a method, system and medical imaging system for creating an image of an object to be examined. The patent application was published on April 15, 2026 with inventors Feiweier, Thorsten, Prinz, Carsten, Schneider, Michael, and Zenge, Michael. The application covers imaging technologies classified under G16H 40/63, G16H 30/20, G01R 33/54, and A61B 6/00.

EP Patent for Medical Instrument Patient Measurements, Bates

The European Patent Office published EP3451907A1, a patent application for systems and methods of medical instrument patient measurements, filed by inventor Bates, James Stewart. The patent covers IPC classifications G16H 40/63 (health informatics) and A61B 5/00 (medical diagnostic measurement). The application designates all relevant European Contracting States including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

EP3776588A1: Vessel Obstruction Assessment via Machine Learning, Pie Medical Imaging

The EPO published patent application EP3776588A1 filed by Pie Medical Imaging BV covering a method and system for assessing vessel obstruction based on machine learning. The application, published April 15, 2026, is classified under IPC G16H 50/50 and G16H 50/20 (Health Informatics) with protection sought across all designated European states.

Heidelberg University Eye Treatment Optimization Patent EP3776566A1

The European Patent Office granted patent EP3776566A1 to Universität Heidelberg, covering systems and methods for testing and optimizing medical treatments for the human eye. The patent names inventors Friedmann, Dörsam, and Olkhovskiy, with IPC classifications in healthcare informatics (G16H 20/17 and G16H 50/50). The patent designates all relevant EU member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain.

Medical Diagnosis Systems Patent EP3452990A1

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP3452990A1 for 'Systems and Methods for Generating Medical Diagnosis.' The patent names Bates, James Stewart as both applicant and inventor, with IPC classifications spanning graphics processing (G06T) and health informatics (G16H). The patent is designated across 32 EU and European Patent Organisation contracting states, extending coverage to all major European markets upon national phase entry.

Novartis Pharmaceutical Administration System, EPO Patent

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3596635A1, filed by Novartis AG, titled 'System for Administering a Pharmaceutical Product.' The patent covers pharmaceutical administration technology including drug delivery devices and related systems, classified under multiple IPC codes spanning G16H (health informatics), A61M (medical devices), and related categories. The patent is granted with designation across 34 European Patent Convention contracting states.

Roche Patents Blood Glucose Prediction System for Adverse Range Determination

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3651164A1, filed by Roche Diabetes Care GmbH, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, and mySugr GmbH. The patent covers methods and systems for determining the probability of a patient's blood glucose value falling within an adverse range at a specified prediction time. The patent is classified under G16H 50/20, 50/30, and 50/70 for health informatics diagnostics.

EP3797421A1, ZOE Limited, Nutritional Response Accuracy

The European Patent Office published patent EP3797421A1 for ZOE Limited, covering methods and systems for improving the accuracy of measuring nutritional responses in non-clinical settings. The patent names George Hadjigeorgiou, Jonathan Thomas Wolf, and Richard James Davies as inventors, with IPC classifications in health informatics (G16H). The patent is effective as of the publication date.

Self Learning Hydration Method by Riprup

EPO granted patent EP3745410A1 to Riprup Company S.A. for a self-learning method of hydrating a human. The invention, classified under G16H 20/60 (drugs) and G16H 50/20 (diagnosis/Wellbeing), covers a hydration optimization method using personalized data. The patent is validated in 39 designated contracting states including all EU member states and the UK.

Samsung Activity Pattern System Patent, EP3545522A1, Published Apr 2026

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3545522A1, filed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., titled 'Method for Providing Activity Information Related to Activity Pattern of User and Electronic Device.' The application covers systems and methods for tracking and providing user activity pattern information via an electronic device, classified under IPC G16H (Health Informatics). The patent designates all major European Contracting States including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Microsoft Automated Chatting Psychological Cure Patent

The European Patent Office published Microsoft Technology Licensing's patent application for an automated system to assist psychological treatment through chatbot interactions. The publication covers designated EU member states and marks the commencement of the formal examination process.

EP3448870A1: Tubulin Tyrosine Ligase Enzyme Substrates

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3448870A1 on April 15, 2026, titled 'Unusual Substrates of Tubulin Tyrosine Ligase.' The patent names Forschungsverbund Berlin E.V. and Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München as applicants, with six named inventors including Hackenberger, Schumacher, Helma, and Leonhardt. The application covers biotechnological enzyme substrates classified under C07K 1/107 and C12N 9/00, with designation extending across 32 European states.

Faecalibacterium Longum Patent EP3511406A1, BGI Shenzhen, Apr 15, 2026

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3511406A1 for Faecalibacterium Longum, a bacterial strain with applications in food supplements and pharmaceutical compositions. Applicant BGI Shenzhen seeks protection across 32 designated EU and EEA contracting states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. The patent covers compositions for metabolic applications including anti-obesity treatments.

DSG2 Monoclonal Antibody - EP3464355A1 - Asclepiumm Taiwan

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3464355A1 for a DSG2 monoclonal antibody and use thereof, filed by Asclepiumm Taiwan Co., Ltd. The application names CHEN Min-Che, CHANG Po-Hao, and LIU Ya-Chuan as inventors. The patent covers immunological compositions classified under IPC C07K 16/28, C12N 15/13, A61K 39/395, and A61P 35/00, with designated states spanning all current EPO member states and extension states.

EPO Publishes Protein Article Patent EP3632988A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3632988A1 titled 'Protein Molded Article And Method For Producing Same, Protein Solution, And Protein Molded Article Plasticizer.' The application designates 33 European states and lists Institute of National Colleges of Technology, Japan and Spiber Inc. as applicants. The invention covers protein-based molded articles, production methods, protein solutions, and plasticizers for such articles.

Separating Agent for Human Serum IgG Antibodies

The European Patent Office published application EP3375875A1, a patent for a separating agent for human serum-derived IgG polyclonal antibodies and the method of separation. The applicants are National University Corporation, Kyoto Institute of Technology, and Daicel Corporation. The invention covers IPC classifications C07K, C12N, and C12Q related to immunoglobulin separation.

EP3380614A1 Cancer Treatment Agents, Vall Hebron Research Institute, Published

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3380614A1 titled 'Agents for the Treatment of Diseases Associated with Undesired Cell Proliferation,' filed by Fundació Privada Institut d'Investigació Oncològica de Vall Hebron and Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats. The application covers therapeutic agents targeting cell proliferation diseases, with classification under C12N 15/113, C07K 16/22, and A61P 35/00 (oncology). The patent is designated across 30 European member and extension states.

Promoters for Heterologous Gene Expression EP3294890A1

The European Patent Office granted publication EP3294890A1 for a patent application titled 'Promoters for Expression of Heterologous Genes', filed by Children's Medical Research Institute and The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network (Randwick and Westmead). The application covers C12N-classified biotechnological inventions directed to gene expression promoters, with international patent protection sought across 30 EU/EEA and附属 designated states including DE, FR, GB, NL, and SE.

Faecalibacterium Butyricigenerans Patent EP3498819A1, BGI Shenzhen

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3498819A1, filed by BGI Shenzhen, covering Faecalibacterium Butyricigenerans and its method of cultivation. The application, filed by six named inventors, covers the bacterial strain and its therapeutic and pharmaceutical applications as classified under IPC C12N, A61K, and A61P. The patent designates all EU member states along with Switzerland, the UK, Norway, Turkey, and other European countries.

Magnetically Immobilized Microbiocidal Enzymes, ZYMtronix, 15th Apr

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3297442A1 titled 'Magnetically Immobilized Microbiocidal Enzymes' filed by ZYMtronix, Inc. The invention relates to the use of magnetically immobilized microbiocidal enzymes for antimicrobial applications. The patent application was published on 15 April 2026 under EPC procedure, with designated states covering all EU member states plus associated countries.

EP3630984A1 Coffee Bean Extractability Method, Tropic Biosciences

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3630984A1 for Tropic Biosciences UK Limited on 15 April 2026. The patent covers compositions and methods for increasing extractability of solids from coffee beans. The application designates 37 states including EU member states, the UK, Switzerland, Norway, and Turkey.

Caltech X Chromosome Gene Reactivation Patent EP3286310A1

The European Patent Office granted Patent EP3286310A1 to the California Institute of Technology covering methods for reactivating X chromosome genes. The invention relates to therapeutic and diagnostic applications in genetic medicine, classified under multiple IPC codes including C12N, C12Q, and A61K.

DNA Damage Response Therapy, Italian Applicants, Apr 15 2026

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3642337A1 titled 'Therapy and Diagnosis of Disease Characterised by Alterations in the DNA Damage Response'. The applicants are IFOM – Fondazione Istituto FIRC di Oncologia Molecolare and Istituto Europeo di Oncologia S.r.l., both Italian cancer research institutions. The application is classified under C12N 9/16, A61K 31/155, and A61K 8/68, with designated states covering all European Patent Convention member states and extension states.

Memphis Athletics and Nobody Trashes Tennessee Team Up for Blue & Gray Cleanup Day on April 22

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and Memphis Athletics announced the sixth annual Blue & Gray Cleanup Day on April 22, 2026. Approximately 100 student-athletes, coaches, and athletic department staff will volunteer alongside TDOT and Keep Tennessee Beautiful to clean streets around the University of Memphis campus and surrounding neighborhoods.

March 2026 CA BVNPT Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technician Disciplinary Actions Index

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians published its March 2026 disciplinary actions index, documenting 15 accusations filed against vocational nurses and psychiatric technicians from March 9 through March 30, 2026, and 25 citations issued during the same period covering early March through late March 2026. The index also records 14 final decisions and orders filed from March 4 through March 30, 2026, with license numbers spanning both VN and PT credential types.

Reynolds Defends HHS Director After Senate Confirmation Rejection

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds issued a statement defending HHS Director Larry Johnson after Iowa Senate Democrats voted against his confirmation. The Governor criticized the vote as politically motivated and outlined Johnson's accomplishments, including securing a $209 million federal Rural Health Transformation grant and implementing Iowa's Healthy Hometowns plan.

Coroners and Medical Examiners Disposition of Decedents' Personal Property Provisions Modifications

Minnesota Senate File 4661 proposes modifications to provisions governing coroners and medical examiners regarding disposition of decedents' personal property. The bill passed the State and Local Government Committee on March 23, 2026, and received a committee report to pass before being re-referred to the Judiciary and Public Safety Committee on April 7, 2026. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Ann Johnson Stewart (D) in the 94th Legislature (2025-2026).

SF4889 Noncommercial Radio Station Grants Eligibility Modifications

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4889 passed committee referral, modifying eligibility requirements for noncommercial radio station grants and establishing an appropriation. The bill was introduced by Sen. Heather Gustafson (D) and referred to the Finance Committee after passing the State and Local Government Committee.

Minnesota SF4687 Removes Consumer Protection Restitution Account Deposit Limit

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4687 passed its chamber, removing the deposit limit on the state's consumer protection restitution account while establishing new distribution limits. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Ann Rest and referred to the Finance Committee after passing Commerce and Consumer Protection. The 94th Legislature session runs through 2026.

SF4776 DHS Child Services Forecast Modifications Passed

The Minnesota Senate passed SF4776 on March 25, 2026, implementing forecast adjustments for the Department of Human Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. The bill was introduced by Sen. Melissa Wiklund (D) and referred through the Health and Human Services Committee before advancing to the Finance Committee for passage. As a technical state budget and forecasting modification, this bill affects administrative processes within Minnesota's child welfare and social services departments.

SF4531 Mental Health Grants Appropriation Passes Minnesota Senate

Minnesota Senate passed SF4531, a mental health grants appropriation bill, on March 17, 2026 during the 94th Legislature (2025-2026). The bill was sponsored by Sen. Melissa Wiklund (D). The legislation was referred to the Finance committee after advancing through Health and Human Services and Judiciary and Public Safety committees, with a committee report to pass issued on April 7, 2026.

Omnibus Cannabis Bill SF4401 Passes Minnesota Senate

Minnesota Senate Bill SF4401, an omnibus cannabis bill, passed the full Senate on March 12, 2026, advancing to the next stage of the legislative process. The bill was introduced on March 11, 2026, by sponsors David Dibble and Lindsey Port, and was referred to the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee before being re-referred to the Finance Committee on April 7, 2026, with a 'do pass as amended' recommendation. The bill awaits further legislative action before becoming law.

Electronic Monitoring in Employment Settings Bill Passes Minnesota Senate

The Minnesota Senate passed SF4686 on March 23, 2026, a bill regulating the use of electronic monitoring tools in employment settings. The bill was sponsored by Senators Erin Maye Quade and Jen McEwen, advanced from the Labor Committee, and was referred to the State and Local Government Committee with a recommendation to pass as amended. The legislation now proceeds for House consideration as part of the 94th Legislature (2025-2026) session.

Minnesota SF4749 Creates Task Force on Housing Taxes and Fees

Minnesota SF4749 passed the Senate on March 23, 2026, establishing a Task Force on Housing Taxes and Fees. The bill was introduced March 20, 2026, advanced through committee referrals in Housing and Homelessness Prevention, State and Local Government, and Taxes, and was amended before passage. The task force's mandate, membership, and timeline for reporting recommendations will be determined through the bill's further legislative progress.

SF4419 Prescription Drug Transaction, Coverage, and Data Provisions

Minnesota Senate File SF4419, sponsored by Sen. Melissa Wiklund (D), has passed the Senate as of March 12, 2026. The bill addresses prescription drug transaction, coverage, and data provisions. The bill was introduced March 12, 2026, received committee review in Health and Human Services and Commerce and Consumer Protection, and passed the Senate chamber before being re-referred to the Health and Human Services Committee on April 7, 2026.

Massachusetts Bill S1073 Relative to Capacity Determination by Health Care Provider

Massachusetts Senate Bill S1073, concerning capacity determination by healthcare providers, passed the Senate Ways and Means Committee on April 2, 2026, advancing from its referral to the committee following a favorable report. The bill, sponsored by Senator William Driscoll, was introduced on February 27, 2025, and referred to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary before being redirected to the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing and subsequently to Senate Ways and Means. The legislation now awaits further action in the Senate chamber.