Three UK Companies Under SFO Fraud Investigation

The SFO announced a new fraud investigation on 22 April 2026 into Warmfront, JJ Crump, and South Coast Insulation Services relating to the ECO4 energy efficiency scheme. Four people were arrested and six sites searched across Cannock, Wolverhampton, Chilworth, Southwell, and Killamarsh. The SFO alleges a sophisticated conspiracy to defraud energy companies of at least £44 million by submitting claims for work that was little or never undertaken between 2022 and 2024. The SFO is appealing for information from installers and assessors who worked on these contracts.

Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program FY2026

The Department of Education's Office of Elementary and Secondary Education has posted the FY2026 Jacob K. Javits Gifted and Talented Students Education Program (84.206A) grant opportunity with $9,000,000 in total program funding expected to support 17 awards. Applications are due June 23, 2026, with a notice of intent to apply deadline of May 11, 2026 and an intergovernmental review deadline of August 21, 2026. Eligible applicants include state and local educational agencies, Bureau of Indian Education schools, institutions of higher education, and other public or private agencies or organizations.

Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2026 - Mauritius, $5,000-$35,000, Deadline May 4

The U.S. Mission to Mauritius announces an open competition for alumni of U.S. government-funded exchange programs to submit proposals for the 2026 Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund. The program will make 2 expected awards ranging from $5,000 to $35,000 each, with total program funding of $70,000. Teams must include at least two alumni, and applications are due by May 4, 2026 to PortLouis_PAS@state.gov. Eligible applicants include individuals and nonprofits without 501(c)(3) status.

US12608631B1 Mobile LLM Autonomous Reasoning ATOMBEAM

USPTO granted Patent US12608631B1 to ATOMBEAM TECHNOLOGIES INC. on April 21, 2026 for a mobile-optimized multi-stage language model system with autonomous reasoning. The patent covers a cognitive dyad framework that shifts reasoning operations to cloud environments when mobile devices are inactive, implementing a 'dream-state processing mode' during periods of user inactivity. The system performs memory consolidation, thought cache optimization, and novel thought generation without consuming mobile device resources, while maintaining reasoning continuity across user interactions and devices.

eBay Hybrid Vector Database Patent Granted Apr 21

USPTO granted Patent US12608356B1 to eBay Inc. on April 21, 2026, covering a hybrid vector database system that combines mutable and immutable graph-based indexes for real-time vector data insertion and querying. The patent application (18991270) was filed on December 20, 2024, with 10 named inventors and 20 claims. Competitors developing vector database or AI/ML search systems should review the claims for potential infringement exposure.

Attention Neural Networks Linear Units, Google, Apr 21

The USPTO granted US Patent 12,608,616 B2 to Google LLC on April 21, 2026, covering attention neural networks with linear units. The patent, invented by Noam M. Shazeer, includes 21 claims across CPC classifications G06N 3/082, 3/048, 3/045, 3/088, and 3/084, relating to methods and systems for performing machine learning tasks using attention mechanisms.

IBM AI Workflow Patent Using Reinforced Feedback Granted Apr 21

USPTO granted US Patent 12,608,643 B2 to International Business Machines Corporation on April 21, 2026, covering methods for generating visual workflow representations using reinforced feedback analysis. The patent, filed September 13, 2021 (Application No. 17473957) with 6 claims, describes a system that receives text instructions, identifies actions, generates action sequence mappings via a generative model, presents mappings to users for feedback, and iteratively refines the model based on user input. The CPC classifications span G06N 20/00 (machine learning) and multiple G06F subclasses related to data processing and natural language understanding.

NVIDIA Neural Network Sparsity Patent Granted Apr 21

NVIDIA Corporation received US Patent 12608612B2 on April 21, 2026 for 'Pruning and accelerating neural networks with hierarchical fine-grained structured sparsity.' The patent application (No. 17681967) was filed on February 28, 2022 and contains 15 claims across CPC classifications G06N 3/082, G06N 3/0464, G06N 3/063, G06N 3/084, and G06N 3/09. The technology covers hierarchical structured sparse parameter pruning designed to improve runtime performance and energy efficiency of neural networks by constraining non-zero value distribution according to per-level sparsity degrees at each hierarchy level.

Superseded Federated Learning, Dell Products L.P., US12608619B2

The USPTO granted patent US12608619B2 to Dell Products L.P. on April 21, 2026, covering superseded federated learning methods. Inventors Ohad Arnon and Dany Shapiro developed a performance-efficient federated learning technique designed to further decouple multiparty dependency and eliminate third-party participation during the classification or prediction inference phase of multiparty collaborations. The patent contains 11 claims under CPC classifications G06N 3/098, G06N 3/045, and G06N 3/0475.

IBM Granted US Patent for AI Anomaly Detection

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) has been granted US Patent 12,608,625 B2 for methods and systems of automatically training and implementing artificial intelligence-based anomaly detection models. The patent covers techniques for analyzing observability data in IT operations environments, modelling data as time series, and identifying time periods associated with normal activity levels to perform automated actions. The patent names 10 inventors and contains 19 claims.

Mongolia-Kazakhstan Central Bank Governors Meet on Monetary Policy Cooperation

On April 22, 2026, Governor S. Narantsogt of the Bank of Mongolia met Governor Timur Suleimenov of the National Bank of Kazakhstan in Almaty during a presidential state visit. The two central banks agreed to cooperate on simplifying cross-border payment settlements and supporting direct correspondent banking relationships, and to explore Letters of Credit, guarantees, and currency swap agreements to boost bilateral trade. They also discussed potential CBDC collaboration and capacity-building through the IMF's CCAMTAC center. The meeting was described as a milestone in deepening bilateral central bank cooperation and trade finance.

HKEX Hosts 40th AOSEF General Assembly With 18 Regional Exchanges

HKEX hosted the 40th Asian and Oceanian Stock Exchanges Federation (AOSEF) General Assembly in Hong Kong on April 22, 2026, convening 18 regional exchanges and over 100 senior exchange leaders for a three-day event. Discussions focused on cross-border connectivity, regional market liquidity and resilience, joint product development including co-branded indices and ETFs, and frameworks supporting cross-market listings. The event follows recent HKEX collaborations including an MOU with Bursa Malaysia, two co-branded indices with Bursa Malaysia and Korea Exchange, and five licensing agreements for ETF issuance in Hong Kong.

AG Brown Leads 22-State Coalition Securing Federal Court Order Blocking Healthcare Threats

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson, alongside the Attorneys General of Oregon and New York, led a coalition of 22 states that secured a federal court order permanently blocking an attempt by the Trump administration to threaten healthcare providers for treating youth with gender dysphoria. The court issued its opinion and judgment on April 20, 2026, resulting in a permanent injunction against the federal action. Healthcare providers offering gender-affirming care to youth in the 22 participating states may continue operations without federal coercion, though similar legal challenges may continue in other jurisdictions.

EP3544621A1 BicycleRD Limited Cancer Treatment Methods

The EPO published application EP3544621A1 on April 15, 2026, covering methods for treating cancer using bicyclic peptides. The applicant is BicycleRD Limited and the named inventors are BENNETT, Gavin and TEUFEL, Daniel Paul. The application classifies under IPC codes A61K 38/00 (medicinal preparations containing peptides) and A61P 35/00 (antineoplastic agents). The designated states cover all major European Patent Convention member countries including DE, FR, GB, NL, SE, and 27 additional contracting states.

Antibody Drug Conjugates with Amatoxin Derivatives for Cancer Treatment

Vivasor, Inc. has been granted European Patent EP3471771A1 covering antibody drug conjugates using amatoxin derivatives as cytotoxic payloads for the treatment of cancer, with publication occurring on 15 April 2026. The patent application EP3471771 claims priority based on earlier filings and lists four named inventors: ZHU Tong, ZHANG Hong, KHASANOV Alisher, and CHEN Gang. The designation covers 32 European contracting states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Sweden, and others.

Sodium Channel Inhibitor Compounds EP3494105A2

The European Patent Office granted patent EP3494105A2 to the Human Biomolecular Research Institute on April 15, 2026, covering compounds as inhibitors of sodium channels. The patent designates multiple European states and lists inventors CASHMAN, John, R., RYAN, Daniel, J., and OKOLOTOWICZ, Karl. IPC classifications span therapeutic compound classes including A61P9/06 (cardiovascular) and A61P25/08 (anti-epileptic), indicating potential pharmaceutical applications for sodium channel modulation.

Acne Treatment Patent EP3458079A1, University of California, Apr 15 2026

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3458079A1 titled 'Compositions and Methods for Treating Acne' on April 15, 2026. The applicants are the Regents of the University of California and the University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education. The listed inventors include MODLIN, Robert L., MILLER, Jeffery F., MARINELLI, Laura J., and HATFULL, Graham F., with IPC classifications covering viral vectors (A61K 35/76) and acne treatment applications (A61P 17/10).

Tetragenetics Anti-Kv1.3 Antibody Patent EP3452084A1

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3452084A1 for Tetragenetics, Inc., titled 'ANTI-KV1.3 ANTIBODIES, AND METHODS OF PRODUCTION AND USE THEREOF,' with a publication date of April 15, 2026. The patent covers anti-Kv1.3 antibodies and their production and use, classified under A61P 37/06 for autoimmune and inflammatory disease applications. Designated states include all 31 EPC contracting states across the European Union and beyond.

EP3463576A1 Phenolic TRPV1 Agonist Prodrugs for Local Anesthesia

The European Patent Office published application EP3463576A1 on April 15, 2026, covering prodrugs of phenolic TRPV1 agonists combined with local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors for improved local anesthesia. Applicant Concentric Analgesics, Inc. filed the application with inventors Donovan, John F. and Husfeld, Craig. The application designates 32 European states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands under IPC classifications A61P 29/00 (analgesics) and A61P 35/00 (antineoplastic agents).

Yumanity Proteostasis Regulators EP3552664A1, 15th Apr

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3552664A1 for proteostasis regulators filed by Yumanity, Inc., with inventors Megan Foley, Bradley Tait, and Matthew Cullen. The application, classified under IPC A61P 25/28 for neurological therapeutic use, was published on April 15, 2026 and designates all standard European member states. This publication establishes Yumanity's exclusive intellectual property rights over the claimed compounds and their therapeutic applications.

Baloxavir Patent for Influenza Prevention Transmission

The EPO published application EP3714889A1 on April 15, 2026, disclosing the Baloxavir patent covering use of the antiviral compound for prevention of influenza virus transmission. The application is co-owned by F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG and Shionogi & Co., Ltd, with designated states covering all major European markets (DE, FR, GB, IT, ES, NL, BE, AT, CH, and 21 others).

Otsuka Injectable Preparation, European Patent EP3539534A1

European Patent Office published application EP3539534A1 for Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. on April 15, 2026. The injectable preparation patent covers therapeutic applications classified under A61P 25/18 (psychiatric disorders) and A61P 25/24 (neurological conditions), designated across all EU member states including Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

Genentech, Foundation Medicine Patent EP3523451A1, Cancer Treatment Methods

European patent application EP3523451A1 published April 15, 2026, listing Genentech, Inc. and Foundation Medicine, Inc. as joint applicants for therapeutic and diagnostic methods in cancer (A61P 35/00). Nine named inventors are credited across immuno-oncology and companion diagnostics. IPC classifications include C12Q, A61K, A61P, and C07K 16/28.

Avibactam Sodium Polymorphic Form, Pfizer, Apr 15

Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company has obtained publication of European patent application EP3505518A1 covering a polymorphic form of Avibactam Sodium (also known as NXL104), a beta-lactamase inhibitor with therapeutic applications classified under A61P 31/04 for anti-infective use. The application, published April 15, 2026, designates 41 states across the European Patent Convention framework and names eight inventors: Bhattacharya, Bonnet, Dedhiya, Ducandas, Giuliani, Priour, Ravaux, and Spargo.

EP3419629A1 Anti-Infective Compositions, Applied Biological Laboratories, Apr 15

The European Patent Office published application EP3419629A1 on April 15, 2026, titled 'Compositions for Protecting Against Airborne Pathogens and Irritants.' The patent names Applied Biological Laboratories, Inc. as applicant and Nazlie Latefi as inventor, with IPC classifications including A61P 31/00 (anti-infectives) and A61P 31/16 (antivirals), designating 37 European Patent Convention member states. Patent holders gain enforceable exclusivity over the claimed compositions in designated states; third parties manufacturing similar anti-infective formulations without license may face infringement claims.

Research into Worker Experiences: Low Pay Commission Survey

The Low Pay Commission published research results from a YouGov survey of low-paid workers conducted in autumn 2025, providing detailed insights into their pay, living standards, and working conditions. The research aims to deepen understanding of how these factors interact in workers' everyday lives and will inform the LPC's recommendations to the Government on future minimum wage rates and the longer-term development of the National Living Wage.

CBRT Maintains Policy Rate at 37 Percent

The Monetary Policy Committee of the Central Bank of Turkey (CBRT) held its meeting on April 22, 2026, and decided to maintain the policy rate (one-week repo auction rate) at 37 percent. The overnight lending rate was kept at 40 percent and the overnight borrowing rate at 35.5 percent. The Committee noted that the underlying trend of inflation declined in March, though leading indicators suggest a slight increase in April, with geopolitical developments and elevated energy prices contributing to notable volatility.

CMF Issues Equity and Risk-Weighted Asset Requirements for Securities Intermediaries and Commodity Exchange Brokers

The Financial Market Commission (CMF) of Chile issued a regulation on April 20, 2026, amending minimum equity, collateral, indebtedness, and liquidity requirements for securities intermediaries and commodity exchange brokers. The regulation introduces a risk-weighted assets (RWA) methodology for calculating capital requirements for market, credit, operational, and crypto-assets risks. For entities meeting the revenue threshold, minimum equity is set at the higher of UF 5,000 or 3% of RWA, with statutory collateral of UF 6,000. The CMF may increase prudential requirements from 3% to 6% of RWA if risk management deficiencies are identified. The regulation repeals General Rule No. 18 and Circular Letters Nos. 632 and 695, with an effective date of March 1, 2027.

FAA Did Not Adequately Monitor and Enforce IIJA-Funded Contracts' Compliance With Buy American Requirements

DOT OIG Audit FI2026025 found that FAA failed to adequately monitor and enforce Buy American requirements for Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)-funded facility and equipment (F&E) contracts. Five of nine contracts reviewed (totaling approximately $272.7 million) were missing required Buy American-related contract clauses. Three contracts used foreign products (totaling $115.9 million) without proper waivers — in one case no waiver was obtained, in another the waiver approval process was not followed, and in a third a longstanding waiver was used without reassessment. FAA's Federal Procurement Data System–Next Generation also contained incomplete and inaccurate Buy American data, impairing DOT's ability to report accurately to OMB. OIG made six recommendations to improve FAA's monitoring and enforcement.

Consent Prohibition Order Against Destiny Lara, Former First Financial Bank Employee

The Federal Reserve Board announced a consent prohibition order against Destiny Lara, a former employee of First Financial Bank, Abilene, Texas, for breach of fiduciary duty and bribery. The enforcement action was executed on April 22, 2026, and is searchable through the Federal Reserve's enforcement actions database. This order bars Lara from further participation in the banking industry under Federal Reserve supervision.

FDA Proposes First New Sunscreen Active Ingredient in 25 Years

Wiley Rein LLP's inaugural Rules and Reactions podcast episode discusses the FDA's proposal to approve the first new active sunscreen ingredient in over 25 years. Hosted by Lauren Petrin and Dr. Alex Stanton, the episode examines how sunscreens are regulated as OTC drugs in the United States and explores what this historic regulatory shift could mean for future product innovation in the industry.

AMLA Launches Two Public Consultations on AML/CFT Group-Wide Requirements and Business Risk Assessment

AMLA has launched two public consultations on draft instruments concerning AML/CFT group-wide requirements and business-wide risk assessment. The first consultation on draft guidelines under AMLR Article 10(4) closes for comments on 15 July 2026, 23:59, with an online public hearing on 28 May 2026. The second consultation on draft regulatory technical standards (RTS) concerning group-wide minimum requirements for subsidiaries and branches in third countries closes on 15 June 2026, 23:59, with an online public hearing on 20 May 2026. AMLA is also advancing preparations for its 2027 selection exercise, identifying up to 40 high-risk entities for direct EU-level supervision from 2028, and has published an updated data collection template for the 2026 testing and calibration exercise.

DOJ Proposes CERCLA Settlement With Congoleum, Liberty Mutual for $449K

The DOJ published notice of a proposed Settlement Agreement under CERCLA between the United States (on behalf of EPA) and Congoleum Corporation (n/k/a CC Oldco Corporation), Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, and the Liquidation Trust for Old Congoleum. The settlement grants the United States an allowed claim of $423,169.50 for the Henderson Road Superfund Site in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, and an allowed claim of $26,154.91 for the Spectron, Inc. Superfund Site in Cecil County, Maryland. Liberty Mutual will pay the combined $449,324.41 in full. In exchange, the United States covenants not to sue Old Congoleum or the Liquidation Trust for claims under CERCLA Sections 106 and 107, and agrees not to seek insurance proceeds from Liberty Mutual for environmental claims at these sites. A 30-day public comment period is now open.

NCAF 2.0 Framework Supports National Cybersecurity Capabilities Assessment

ENISA has released NCAF 2.0, an updated National Capabilities Assessment Framework that supports national authorities in assessing their cybersecurity capabilities and the maturity of National Cybersecurity Strategies implementation. The framework and its associated online tool provide a structured assessment approach allowing Member States to identify strengths, gaps, and priority areas while tracking progress at both strategic and operational levels. At EU level, NCAF 2.0 aligns with key legislative initiatives such as the NIS2 Directive and supports Member States in preparing for the voluntary peer review process under Article 19 of the NIS2 Directive.

OIG Review of Medicare Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory Test Payments 2025

HHS OIG announced a new work plan project (OEI-09-26-00220) to conduct an annual analysis of the top 25 laboratory tests by Medicare expenditures for 2025, as required by the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 (PAMA). The review is currently in-progress under the Office of Evaluation and Inspections, with an estimated completion date of fiscal year 2028. CMS began paying for lab tests under the PAMA-mandated system on January 1, 2018, using current charges in the private healthcare market under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act.

Ludwig v. Dakota County - Special-Errand Exception to Workers' Comp Affirmed

The Minnesota Supreme Court affirmed the Workers' Compensation Court of Appeals in Ludwig v. Dakota County, holding that an employee's injury sustained while loading work equipment into her vehicle to return to a hybrid in-office schedule is compensable under the special-errand exception to the general rule excluding commuting injuries. The court found that Dakota County's directive to return to the office implicitly required employees to bring their equipment back before the shift began, transforming the return trip from a non-compensable commute into a compensable special errand. The decision reverses the compensation judge's reliance on Thompson v. Minnesota Trial Courts, distinguishing it because Ludwig had no backup equipment available at the office while Thompson's employee did.

State Labor Department Releases Preliminary February 2026 Area Unemployment Rates

The New York State Labor Department released preliminary unemployment rates for areas throughout New York State for February 2026. The data was published on April 21, 2026, and includes unemployment figures for metropolitan statistical areas and other regions. This statistical release provides economic indicators for the state's labor market conditions.

Governor Stein Announces NC Budget and $136M Morinaga Mebane Manufacturing Facility

Governor Josh Stein of North Carolina published two press releases on April 21, 2026. The first announces his recommended budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027. The second spotlights Morinaga America Foods, Inc. at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for its second manufacturing facility outside of Asia, a $136 million investment in Mebane, Orange County, creating 204 jobs.

April 25 Prescription Drug Take-Back Event for Hawaii Residents

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General, in partnership with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and state law enforcement agencies, is encouraging Hawaii residents to safely dispose of unused or expired medications during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The free, anonymous drive-through collection sites will operate on O'ahu, Maui, and Kaua'i, accepting tablets, capsules, liquids, and vaping devices (batteries removed). Syringes will not be accepted.

Real Estate Commission Hosts Free Virtual Condorama XVI Webinar

The Hawaii Real Estate Commission, in partnership with Community Associations Institute Hawai'i Chapter, announced a free virtual Condorama XVI education webinar on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The event targets condominium owners and covers document compliance to avoid RICO penalties, selecting managing companies, and directors and officers insurance coverage. Registration is available online at caihawaii.org.

Hawaii February Unemployment Rate 2.3 Percent

The Hawai'i State Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism released February 2026 seasonally adjusted unemployment data showing a rate of 2.3 percent, up from 2.2 percent in January but down from 2.6 percent in February 2025. The state labor force stood at 687,850 persons with 672,150 employed and 15,650 unemployed. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 4.4 percent.

Adaptive Management Rule Changes Proposed for Hawaii Island Hunting

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife (DOFAW) is extending previously approved adaptive management rule changes for game bird and game mammal hunting on Hawaii Island. A proposed adaptive management rule change will be submitted for Board of Land and Natural Resources consideration at the board's May 08, 2026 meeting. Tagged hunts conducted under the previous adaptive management rules expired March 18, 2026, and all hunts temporarily revert to standard rules in HAR Chapter 13-122 (Game Birds) and HAR Chapter 13-123 (Game Mammals) until further board action. Hunters are strongly encouraged to purchase hunting tags in person after the March 18, 2026 expiration date.

DCR Employee Julianne Kaniaupio Charged With Fraud, Theft, Official Misconduct

The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's Special Investigation and Prosecution Division (SIPD) charged DCR employee Julianne Kaniaupio on April 8, 2026, with nine criminal counts including Fraud as a class B felony, two counts of Official Misconduct, Credit Card Theft, Fraudulent Use of Credit Card, Unauthorized Possession of Confidential Personal Information, Attempted Theft in the Second Degree, Identity Theft in the Third Degree, and Theft in the Third Degree. Kaniaupio is accused of stealing a credit card containing $8,960.11 from the out-processing paperwork of an inmate set for release at Hālawa Correctional Facility and withdrawing $500 in cash before the card was deactivated. Arraignment is scheduled for April 27, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. in case State v. Kaniaupio, 1CPC-26-0000464.

DCCA Disciplinary Actions Summary Through March 2026

The Hawai'i Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (DCCA) and its affiliated Boards and Commissions published their quarterly disciplinary summary covering actions through March 2026. The release documents seven enforcement outcomes across the Medical Board, Board of Pharmacy, Contractors License Board, Real Estate Commission, Board of Nursing, and Activity Desk Program, including license surrenders, fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, license restrictions, and one registration revocation. Several cases involved licensed professionals who failed to timely report disciplinary actions taken by other states. The DCCA and its Boards are charged with ensuring licensees meet standards prescribed by state law, and settlement agreements represent compromises to conserve administrative hearing costs.

CBOE Prohibits Multiple EFID Responses to Same Auction

The CBOE exchanges (Cboe Options, C2 Options, BZX Options, and EDGX Options) have clarified that a User may not respond to the same auction through more than one Executing Firm ID (EFID). Users may use different EFIDs to respond to different auctions, but must use only one EFID for any single auction. Responses to the same auction through more than one EFID constitute conduct inconsistent with just and equitable principles of trade and may result in disciplinary action.

Revenue-Maximizing Corporate Tax Rate Analysis

CRS Report R48913 examines academic research on the revenue-maximizing corporate tax rate, commonly known as the Laffer curve for corporate taxation. The report finds that most econometric studies from 2006-2007 that estimated low revenue-maximizing rates suffered from methodological flaws, and that when corrected for fixed effects and simultaneous base changes, these studies generally show no revenue-maximizing rate below current levels. CRS concludes that the revenue-maximizing corporate tax rate is likely high, implying that corporate tax rate increases would likely raise close to the static revenue estimate.

FINMA Welcomes Federal Council TBTF Banking Act Dispatch

FINMA has welcomed the Federal Council's dispatch on revising the Banking Act to strengthen the 'too big to fail' framework for systemically important banks in Switzerland. The dispatch addresses capital requirements and proposes eliminating 'double leverage' for foreign subsidiaries of systemically important banks. FINMA is advocating for the full implementation of preventive measures including an accountability regime, authority to impose fines, and enhanced public communication powers about concluded supervisory proceedings.

Ministry of Education Addresses Rising Demands on Teachers, Commits to Strengthening Support Systems

The Bermuda Ministry of Education issued a statement on April 21, 2026, responding to concerns raised during the budget debate regarding teacher support, resource allocation, and paraprofessional deployment. The Ministry clarified that paraeducators are assigned based on assessed student needs and committed to strengthening early identification, assessment systems, and support resources for parents and caregivers.

Bermuda Signs DTA Amendment with Bahrain, Premier Burt

Bermuda's Premier and Minister of Finance, Hon. David Burt, signed a protocol on April 17, 2026, amending the 2010 Double Taxation Agreement with the Kingdom of Bahrain. The signing took place on the sidelines of the 2026 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank Group in Washington, D.C. The Kingdom of Bahrain was the first country with which Bermuda signed a DTA, and the agreement represents Bermuda's longest-standing relationship with a GCC country. The amendment aligns with BEPS Inclusive Framework standards, incorporating measures to prevent treaty abuse and strengthen dispute resolution mechanisms.

Diamond Hill Investment Group 8-K Merger Completion $175 Per Share

Diamond Hill Investment Group, Inc., an Ohio corporation, completed its merger with and into Soar Christopher Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Eagle Investment Management, LLC. At the effective time, each outstanding share of Company Common Stock was converted into the right to receive $175.00 per share in cash. The Company requested Nasdaq to suspend trading and remove Company Common Shares from listing prior to market opening on April 22, 2026, and intends to file Form 15 to terminate registration under the Exchange Act.