Chile FNE Co-Leads ICN Merger Working Group, 2026-2029

The Fiscalía Nacional Económica (FNE) of Chile has been selected to co-lead the International Competition Network's Merger Working Group (MWG) for the period 2026–2029, alongside France's Autorité de la Concurrence and Spain's Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia. The MWG promotes best practices in merger review regimes, facilitates procedural and substantive convergence, and aims to reduce the time and cost of multi-jurisdictional reviews. The first working meeting is scheduled for May 6–8 in Manila, Philippines, during ICN's 25th Annual Conference.

EPPO Warns of Scam Messages Misusing Logo and Contact Details

EPPO has issued a public scam alert on 22 April 2026 warning citizens about fraudulent messages impersonating EPPO staff that misuse the office's logo and contact details. The alert clarifies that EPPO does not initiate contact with citizens via email, letter, or phone, and will never request personal data or payments. Citizens are advised to verify communications, avoid sharing sensitive information, and report suspicious activity to EPPO or police authorities.

Latvia Court Confiscates €230k, Luxury Car and Real Estate in EPPO Procurement Fraud Case

Riga City Court ordered the confiscation of a luxury vehicle, real estate in central Riga, and €230,000 in bank accounts under a non-conviction-based procedure, as part of an EPPO investigation into suspected procurement fraud at Daugavpils University involving European Social Fund financing. The fraud involved rigging of public procurement specifications and inflating costs, causing €306,957.24 in damage to the EU budget and €54,168.92 to the Latvian state budget. The pre-trial investigation remains ongoing and all persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

COSALFA 52 Meets in Guyana, Advancing Foot-and-Mouth Disease Eradication

The 52nd Ordinary Meeting of COSALFA opened in Georgetown, Guyana on April 22, 2026, convening delegates from member countries, international organizations, and private sector representatives to advance the Region's progress toward eradicating foot-and-mouth disease. PAHO Director Dr. Jarbas Barbosa stated via video that the Americas is entering the final stage of eradication, with the inclusion of Venezuela on the WOAH-recognized list as a key remaining objective. Key agenda items included the new 2026-2030 Action Plan of PHEFA, Caribbean emergency preparedness, and the first year of operation of the Regional Antigen Bank (BANVACO).

Bahamas WHO-Certified for Eliminating Mother-to-Child HIV Transmission

The World Health Organization and Pan American Health Organization certified The Bahamas on April 22, 2026 as having eliminated mother-to-child transmission of HIV, making it the latest Caribbean nation to achieve this milestone. The Bahamas joins 12 countries and territories in the Region of the Americas certified for EMTCT, having met WHO's thresholds of less than 2% mother-to-child transmission rate, fewer than 5 new pediatric HIV infections per 1,000 live births, and 95% or higher coverage for antenatal care, HIV testing, and treatment. The achievement reflects sustained political commitment, universal antenatal care regardless of nationality or legal status, integrated laboratory networks, and multi-month dispensing of antiretroviral medicines.

PROTECT Project Advances Early Warning Systems Along South American Bioceanic Corridors

PAHO reported on April 22, 2026 that six South American countries — Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, and Peru — reviewed progress on coordinated early warning systems for public health threats along biooceanic corridors. The work, under the PROTECT project (Pandemic Response Optimization Through Engaged Communities and Territories), builds on foundations laid in October 2025 in Asunción, Paraguay, and targets governance, systems interoperability, epidemiological surveillance, laboratory capacities, and workforce development through the end of 2026. The initiative is funded by the Pandemic Fund and implemented jointly by PAHO, the World Bank, and PANAFTOSA/SPV.

Governor Kevin Greenidge Speech, Central Bank Barbados

Governor Kevin Greenidge of the Central Bank of Barbados delivered a keynote speech at an administrative professionals conference themed 'Elevating Excellence in a Changing World' on April 22, 2026. The speech acknowledged the role of administrative staff in building BiMPay, Barbados's national mobile payment infrastructure, and addressed how professionals can adapt to technological change, including artificial intelligence. The Governor emphasised that while AI can handle routine tasks, human judgment, relationships, and discretion remain essential to organisational excellence.

Hochul Announces Westchester Crossing Groundbreaking in Port Chester

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the groundbreaking of Westchester Crossing in Port Chester on April 22, 2026, a major redevelopment of the former United Hospital site. The approximately $65 million project will receive up to $10 million from the Mid-Hudson Momentum Fund and is expected to deliver 957 new housing units, including 105 affordable homes. Infrastructure improvements include new water, sewer, and stormwater systems, internal roadways and walkways, a High Street bypass, and widening of the I-287 Exit 11 off-ramp and Boston Post Road.

Governor Hochul Expands Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend to Five New Courses

New York State is expanding its Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program to cover five additional training courses for volunteer firefighters, with stipend amounts ranging from $250 to $500 per course. The new eligible courses include Firefighter Survival ($250), Firefighter Assist and Search Team/Rapid Intervention Crew ($350), and three advanced leadership programs ($500 each). Since 2023, over 4,000 volunteer firefighters have completed training through the program, and participation in existing courses has grown by up to 35 percent.

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order Banning NY State Employees From Insider Trading on Prediction Markets

New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Executive Order No. 60 on April 22, 2026, prohibiting covered state officers and employees from using confidential information acquired in the course of their official duties to further personal financial interests through prediction markets. The order also bars assisting others in profiting on confidential information through these markets. The order takes effect immediately and builds on New York State's Code of Ethics to create what the Governor's office claims are the strongest protections against insider trading on prediction markets in the nation. The order references $1 billion in 'perfectly-timed' bets surrounding the war in Iran, including location and timing of military strikes, as context for the action.

Hochul Expands NY Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend with 5 New Courses

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the expansion of New York's Volunteer Firefighter Training Stipend program to cover five additional training courses. The new eligible courses include Firefighter Survival: Self-Rescue ($250), FAST and RIC teams ($350), and Fire and Emergency Services Instructor 1, Fire Officer II, and Firefighter 2 ($500). Since 2023, over 4,000 volunteer firefighters have completed training through this program, with course completion rates increasing 20 percent for exterior firefighting operations and 35 percent for Fire Officer I. Applications are submitted through the state Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Pendragon Theatre Grand Opening in Saranac Lake

Governor Kathy Hochul announced the official opening of Pendragon Theatre's new downtown facility in Saranac Lake on April 22, 2026. The $11 million project was supported by more than $5.5 million in state investment, including a $2.5 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant, a $2 million Empire State Development Restore NY grant, a $500,000 ESD Market NY grant, $400,000 in Smart Growth grants, and a $145,000 NYSCA grant. The theatre will host an open house on April 25 and its first full performance, Noises Off, on June 24, 2026.

Abbott Celebrates First TEFA Funding Round, 42,000 Texas Families

Governor Greg Abbott celebrated the first funding round of the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program, with over 42,000 Texas families receiving awards. Administered by the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts under Acting Comptroller Kelly Hancock, the TEFA program prioritizes students with disabilities and those from low-income households at or below 500 percent of the federal poverty level. Families can use allotted funds for school enrollment, instructional materials, educational therapies, and other educational expenses.

$25M Grant Funding for Rural Hospitals, Deadline May 28

Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission announced $25 million in grant funding available to eligible rural hospitals, with a maximum award of $5 million per hospital distributed over three years. The application deadline is May 28, 2026. Priority populations include pregnant women, children, older adults, and uninsured individuals.

Abbott Meets SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, Texas Business Partnership

Governor Greg Abbott met with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler on April 22, 2026, in Austin, Texas, to discuss Texas' partnership with the SBA supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. The Governor highlighted Texas being named the Best State for Business for 21 consecutive years, the national leader in job creation, and its business-friendly climate with constitutional amendments banning taxes on income, capital gains, securities transactions, and inheritance. No new regulatory obligations, policy changes, or funding commitments were announced.

Diaphragmatic Breathing vs Incentive Spirometry for GERD - NCT07544433

Clinical trial NCT07544433 registered on ClinicalTrials.gov evaluates two non-invasive respiratory interventions—diaphragmatic breathing exercise (DBE) and volume-oriented incentive spirometry (VIS)—against standard care in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The 6-week randomized controlled trial will measure outcomes including GERD symptom scores (GERDQ), esophageal acid exposure time, lower esophageal sphincter pressure, and health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL). Three groups of participants will undergo baseline and post-intervention assessments with daily symptom and adherence diaries.

Prospective Study of Minimally Invasive Hernia Repair, 5-Year Follow-up

NIH's ClinicalTrials.gov registered an observational study (NCT07544238) on April 22, 2026, examining clinical outcomes of minimally invasive (laparoscopic and robotic) hernia repair over a 5-year follow-up period. Adult patients scheduled for elective abdominal wall hernia repair (not inguinal) will be tracked at 2-3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years post-surgery, with CT imaging at 1 year and as needed for complication suspicion. The study will analyze recurrence rates, intra- and postoperative complications, quality of life, aesthetic outcomes, and pain using standard treatment protocols.

Phase 3 Megestrol Acetate Trial for T-DXd-Related Fatigue in Advanced Breast Cancer

ClinicalTrials.gov registered a new Phase 3 interventional study (NCT07543536) on April 22, 2026, evaluating whether Megestrol Acetate administered at the initiation of Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (T-DXd) treatment can prevent or alleviate T-DXd-related fatigue in patients with advanced or metastatic HER2+, HER2-low, or HER2-ultralow breast cancer. The trial will compare Megestrol Acetate plus T-DXd against placebo plus T-DXd. The study is sponsored by an unnamed party and is classified as Phase 3.

Serum Electrolytes and Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Undergoing Endovascular Treatment

A new observational cohort study (NCT07546448) has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, examining the relationship between serum electrolyte levels and contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients with acute ischemic stroke undergoing endovascular therapy (EVT). The retrospective study will analyze patients treated between 2018 and 2026, classifying participants based on the presence or absence of CI-AKI per serum creatinine changes, with secondary objectives including 90-day mortality and dialysis dependency evaluation.

Nursing Intervention Based on Stress Adaptation Theory for Patients Undergoing Diabetic Retinal Laser Surgery

A randomized controlled study registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under NCT07544381 evaluates whether a nursing intervention based on stress adaptation theory improves pain trajectory and procedural tolerance in patients undergoing ambulatory retinal laser photocoagulation for diabetic retinal disease. Patients were randomized to receive routine peri-procedural care or routine care plus a structured nursing intervention including a brief treatment pause, guided slow breathing, anticipatory communication, real-time reassurance, and post-procedure observation. Outcomes measured include pain intensity, physiologic responses, procedural cooperation, and adverse events.

MBP vs No MBP in Laparoscopic Right Hemicolectomy

A randomized controlled trial (NCT07546565) registered at University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City will compare mechanical bowel preparation (MBP) versus no MBP in patients undergoing laparoscopic right hemicolectomy with intracorporeal anastomosis for colon cancer. The trial will enroll eligible patients randomly assigned to either group and measure surgical site infection rates within 30 days as the primary outcome, alongside secondary outcomes including anastomotic leakage, postoperative ileus, operative time, and length of hospital stay. Findings aim to clarify whether MBP reduces postoperative infections in this specific surgical context.

Teen Vulnerability to Irritability: Brain and Estrogen Changes (NCT07544966)

NIH registered a Phase 4 clinical trial (NCT07544966) titled "Teen Vulnerability to Irritability: Brain and Estrogen Changes," enrolling 50 female adolescents ages 12-16 at risk of suicide. The randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study will test the impact of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4) stabilization via continuous combined oral contraceptive (Kurvelo) versus placebo on brain networks associated with irritability over two 8-week treatment arms. Each participant undergoes daily hormone sampling, daily symptom ratings, and neuroimaging sessions across conditions.

ADHELASKIN for Systemic Sclerosis Skin Assessment (NCT07543679)

A clinical trial (NCT07543679) evaluating ADHELASKIN technology by Tactinnov and École Centrale de Lyon for objective assessment of skin damage in patients with systemic sclerosis has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The trial addresses limitations of the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), including inter- and intra-observer variability and limited sensitivity to subtle changes. ADHELASKIN uses an indentation method with ruby-based measurement to quantify rigidity, firmness, and elasticity of skin with improved accuracy. The study will classify patients as diffuse cutaneous or limited cutaneous SSc based on skin fibrosis extent.

Tiaozhong-Yiqi Decoction RCT for Substance Withdrawal, 80 Patients

A randomized controlled clinical trial registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07543809) is evaluating Tiaozhong-Yiqi Decoction (TZYD) for treating substance withdrawal syndrome in 80 patients. The intervention group (n=40) receives 200mL TZYD twice daily for 3 months plus routine care; the control group (n=40) receives routine care only. Primary outcome measures withdrawal syndrome symptom improvement via standardized clinical scale; secondary outcomes include serum neurotransmitter levels (dopamine, norepinephrine, 5-hydroxytryptamine), inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), BDNF, and quality of life scores (QOL-DA V2.0). The study combines network pharmacology analysis with clinical validation to explore TZYD's potential regulatory mechanism on neuroendocrine and immune systems.

Digital Lifestyle Intervention for Migrants: RCT in Sweden

A randomized controlled trial (NCT07545239) will evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of a culturally and linguistically adapted 8-week digital lifestyle intervention targeting migrants with moderate psychological distress in Sweden. Participants (N=240) will be randomized to the digital intervention or a wait-list control receiving a general lifestyle module. Assessments will occur at baseline, post-treatment (8 weeks), 2-month follow-up, and 6-month follow-up.

Governor Braun Public Schedule Week of April 20

Indiana Governor Mike Braun's public schedule for April 20–22, 2026 includes three events: ceremonial signing of HEA 1200 on Monday, April 20 at 3:30 PM ET at the Indiana Statehouse, ceremonial signing of SEA 285 on Tuesday, April 21 at 10:00 AM ET, and opening remarks at the FDIC conference on Wednesday, April 22 at 8:30 AM ET at the Indiana Convention Center. Media RSVPs are required for each event.

Forestry Commission Q1 2026 Prompt Payment Performance Data

The Forestry Commission published its Q1 2026 prompt payment performance data covering January to March 2026, showing the percentage of invoices paid within 5 days and within 30 days of receipt for Forestry Commission, Forestry England, and Forest Research. The transparency data was published on 22 April 2026 on GOV.UK and applies to England.

Alaska Workers' Compensation Board Meeting May 14-15, 2026

The Alaska Workers' Compensation Board will hold a full Board meeting on May 14-15, 2026, beginning at 9:00 a.m., in Hearing Room 208 of the Department of Labor Building at 3301 Eagle Street, Anchorage, Alaska, with virtual participation available via Zoom. The meeting will cover regular business of the Board and Division, including discussion of the Alaska Workers' Compensation Act and potential regulation changes. Public comment is scheduled for 10:15-11:15 a.m. on May 14, 2026. Written comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 8, 2026.

Medical Services Review Committee Meetings May 28-Aug 7, 2026

The Alaska Workers' Compensation Division's Medical Services Review Committee has scheduled four public meetings on May 28, June 26, July 17, and August 7, 2026, each from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with public comment periods held from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at each meeting. The August 7 meeting will be held in person at 3301 Eagle St. Rm 208, Anchorage, AK 99503, while the other three meetings will be conducted via Zoom only. The committee will develop recommendations relating to the Alaska Medical Fee Schedule to be adopted under 8 AAC 45.083 for calendar year 2027.

House Republicans Unveil SECURE Data Act and GUARD Financial Data Act for National Bank Data Privacy Standards

House Republicans on April 22, 2026, introduced two bills to establish national data privacy standards for the financial sector. The SECURE Data Act would create privacy and data security standards enforced by the FTC and state attorneys general, while exempting financial institutions covered by GLBA. The related GUARD Financial Data Act would modernize the 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act to account for technological advances and would preempt state laws in the financial activity space. The GUARD Act would require affirmative opt-in consent before disclosing sensitive personal information and allow customers to request access to and deletion of their financial data.

Rep. David Scott Dead at 80, Congressman

Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman David Scott (D-Ga.) died at age 80 on April 22, 2026. Scott was first elected to Congress in 2002 and became the first Black chairman of the House Agriculture Committee in 2020. He was also a member of the House Financial Services Committee. House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) praised his commitment to public service and economic opportunity. The document contains no regulatory actions, compliance obligations, or legislative developments.

DOJ Extends State, Local Government Digital Accessibility Deadlines by One Year

The Department of Justice extended compliance deadlines for the 2024 ADA Title II digital accessibility rule, which requires state and local governments to make web content and mobile apps accessible under WCAG 2.1 Level AA. Governments with populations over 50,000 now have until April 26, 2026 to comply, while governments with smaller populations or special districts have until April 26, 2028. The article notes that while Title III regulations for private businesses such as banks are not yet in force, similar requirements may follow.

Bankers Seek to Communicate MDI Value at D.C. Summit

The American Bankers Association and the National Bankers Association co-hosted the fifth annual MDI Partnership Summit in Washington, D.C., bringing together representatives from minority depository institutions for a two-day event featuring congressional meetings and educational sessions on real-time payments and stablecoins. NBA President and CEO Nicole Elam emphasized MDIs' role as 'engines of economic opportunity' in underserved communities, while ABA Chief Policy Officer Naomi Camper highlighted the need for ongoing engagement with policymakers.

Senators Press Bessent on Proposed CDFI Fund Cuts

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared before the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 22, 2026 to defend the White House's proposed FY2027 budget, which seeks to cut the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund by $204.5 million, or roughly two-thirds of its current budget. A bipartisan group of 43 senators had previously urged colleagues to set aside at least $324 million for the CDFI Fund and release funds in a timely manner. Bessent stated the remaining awards would be redirected to rural communities and said the program needed to be free of waste, fraud, and abuse.

Rob Nichols, Paul Benda discuss ABA fraud strategy

The ABA Banking Journal Podcast released a crossover episode with the ABA Fraudcast on April 22, 2026, featuring ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols and ABA EVP Paul Benda discussing the ABA's ecosystem approach to fraud prevention. The episode covers participation in the UN/Interpol Global Fraud Summit, growing bipartisan co-sponsorship of the SCAM Act, collaboration with the International Banking Federation on global anti-fraud practices, and increasing state-level legislative activity on fraud issues.

Women Remain Underrepresented in Wealth Management Despite Growing Pipeline

FINTRX research published in ABA Banking Journal reports that while 37.6% of wealth management professionals aged 20-30 are women, only about 20% of producing advisors firm-wide are women, illustrating persistent underrepresentation in revenue-generating roles. Women comprise 26.5% of producing advisors with fewer than five years of tenure and remain underrepresented in CEO and CIO positions, even as they show stronger representation in COO and CFO roles. The findings, covering over 500,000 registered representatives across independent RIAs, wirehouses, and broker-dealers, suggest that effective firm support for advancement into revenue-generating and executive roles will determine the pace of gender parity over the next decade.

HUD Adopts FICO 10T, VantageScore 4.0 for Mortgages

HUD announced adoption of FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0 for FHA loans, calling it an important milestone in credit score modernization. FHFA simultaneously launched a pilot program allowing exclusive use of VantageScore 4.0 for loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with future integration of FICO Score 10T. Fannie Mae began limited rollout to approved lenders immediately, while publication of historical credit score data for both models is scheduled for summer 2026.

Statement of Charges Against Zenith Asset Tech in Cryptocurrency Fraud

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities entered a Statement of Charges (S-24-3882-25-SC01) against Zenith Asset Tech Foundation, Cirkor Inc., and 19 additional respondents on April 22, 2026. Between 2024 and 2025, the respondents allegedly defrauded at least 38 investors—including 3 Washington residents—out of nearly $9.9 million through cryptocurrency scams involving fake investment education foundations, fake trading platforms, fake AI-generated trading signals, and unregistered money transmitters. The respondents sold fake securities token offerings and were not registered to sell investments, allegedly failing to disclose material information about their AI bot system and their own registration status. Remedies sought include cease and desist orders and fines.

2026 California Rulemaking Law APA Book Available for $8

The California Office of Administrative Law announces that the 2026 California Rulemaking Law under the Administrative Procedure Act book is now available for purchase at $8.00 per copy. The book contains primary statutes and regulations governing rulemaking under the California APA, along with annotations, related statutes, and a comprehensive index. Books can be picked up at OAL's Sacramento office or mailed via USPS; payment must be by check or money order only, with delivery taking 7 to 10 working days after receipt of payment.

Governor Braun Releases First Annual Direct-to-Employer Healthcare Review

The Indiana Department of Health Consumer Services and Healthcare Regulation Commission released its inaugural Direct-to-Employer Healthcare Arrangement Plan Review for calendar year 2025 at the direction of Governor Braun. The report found that all five participating health systems—Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, Franciscan Health, Indiana University Health, and Parkview Health Network—met the statutory benchmark requiring employer-direct plans to remain at or below 260% of Medicare rates. The review provides employers new visibility into hospital pricing and highlights direct-to-employer contracting as a tool for managing healthcare costs.

14 Organizations Join USP Convention Including African Medicines Agency, Egyptian Drug Authority

USP added 14 organizations to its Convention as of Spring 2026, including the African Medicines Agency, Egyptian Drug Authority, Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, and Rwandan FDA, among others. The Convention now comprises over 450 member organizations from more than 50 countries representing science, manufacturing, regulatory, patient advocacy, government, and academia. Convention Members provide input and elect USP's Board of Trustees and Council of Experts, supporting USP's mission to protect and promote health by advancing quality across the lifecycle of medicines worldwide.

Wound Dressing Patent US12605285B2, HIDRAMED SOLUTIONS

The USPTO granted Patent US12605285B2 to HIDRAMED SOLUTIONS LTD on April 21, 2026, covering a wound dressing device that includes a retaining device for encompassing a portion of the body, a dressing, and a fastening element configured external to the retaining device. The patent application was filed on July 20, 2018, under application number 16637989, and contains 21 claims. The invention also relates to a method of applying the device and a combined dressing and fastening element.

US12605286B2 Infant Umbilical Cord Stump Protector

The USPTO granted Patent US12605286B2 to ASO LLC for an infant umbilical cord stump protector comprising a pad positionable proximal to the umbilical cord stump and a fluid-impermeable cover with adhesive, deformable, and peripheral regions that form a protective dome shape. The patent, filed on January 31, 2022 under Application No. 17588842, contains 51 claims and 18 CPC classifications in the A61F medical device category. Assignees and inventors seeking to commercialize similar neonatal care products should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid potential infringement of this issued patent.

Road Traffic (Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 — Exemption) Order 2026

The Road Traffic (Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 — Exemption) Order 2026 exempts designated chauffeured private hire cars operated by RedAce Limo (UEN 53395806K) from sections 101, 106 and 107 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Parts II and VI of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Rules for the period 22–27 April 2026. To qualify, vehicles must display a Registrar-issued label, be used only by the exempt sole proprietor or persons under their direction, and maintain valid insurance covering third-party death, bodily injury, and property damage while on any road.

Carr Warns Georgians of Price Gouging and Wildfire Scams

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warns Georgians of price gouging and scams following Governor Brian Kemp's State of Emergency declaration for 91 counties due to South Georgia wildfires. The emergency declaration took effect April 22, 2026 and remains in place until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, invoking the Price Gouging Statute for goods and services necessary for preparation, response, and recovery activities. The Consumer Protection Division provides tips to help consumers avoid contractor fraud, charity fraud, and other deceptive practices related to the disaster.

Decreto 12.881/2026 Formaliza Reestruturação Regulatória da ANPD

Decreto 12.881/2026 e Resolução CD/ANPD nº 33 concretizam a transformação da Agência Nacional de Proteção de Dados em agência reguladora, concedendo-lhe as mesmas prerrogativas previstas na Lei nº 13.853/2019, incluindo receitas vinculadas e carreira própria de pessoal. A nova estrutura organiza-se em seis Superintendências — Executiva, Inovação Tecnológica, Regulação, Fiscalização, Relações Institucionais e Internacionais e Gestão Interna — além de uma unidade de Auditoria. Com aproximadamente 500 pessoas, a ANPD prevê a criação de 200 novos cargos por meio de concurso público para a carreira de Especialista em Regulação de Dados Pessoais.

ANPD Participates in Roundtable on Ethical AI Guide Public Consultation

ANPD participated in a roundtable discussion on April 10 at the Palacio da Justiça to contribute to the public consultation process for Brazil's Ethical AI Use Guide (Guia de Uso Ético de Inteligência Artificial). Director Lorena Giuberti Coutinho represented ANPD at the panel on 'Artificial Intelligence and Gender: Contemporary Challenges and Paths to Algorithmic Justice.' The guide, being developed by multiple federal entities through the Secretaria Nacional de Direitos Digitais (SEDIGI/MJSP), aims to inform the general public about AI functioning, uses, limitations, risks, and rights and duties in technology interactions. The document specifically addresses deepfake risks and recommendation algorithm effects on mental health, noting women and girls as the most affected demographic group.

ANPD Participates in First Datified Public Services Seminar in São Paulo

Brazil's ANPD participated in the first edition of the Datified Public Services Seminar held on April 16 in São Paulo, organized by CGI.br's Working Group on Datified Public Services. Director Lorena Giuberti spoke at the third panel and closed the event, emphasizing that Brazil's LGPD provides the regulatory framework for secure and protected data processing in the public sector. The seminar brought together experts, public managers, civil society representatives, universities, and the business sector to discuss the relationship between data processing in public services and its societal impact.

Georgia Power Company Fuel Cost Recovery FCR-27 Hearing

The Georgia Public Service Commission has scheduled a hearing for Docket #56765 concerning Georgia Power Company's Fuel Cost Recovery (FCR-27) on May 6, 2026 at 9:30 am. This proceeding will examine the utility's fuel cost recovery charges, which determine how much customers pay for fuel expenses embedded in electricity rates. The hearing is listed as part of the Commission's calendar for review of Georgia Power's annual fuel cost adjustment filing.

USPS Files 12 Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage Contracts With PRC

The United States Postal Service filed 12 requests with the Postal Regulatory Commission between April 13–17, 2026, to add domestic shipping services contracts to the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List. The filings cover Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage products under negotiated service agreement categories PM-GA 957–966, PME-PM-GA 1500, and PM 954, assigned MC2026-202 through MC2026-216 and K2026-201 through K2026-214 docket numbers. Documents are available at www.prc.gov.