L.M. v. D.P. - Personal Safety Order Affirmed

The West Virginia Supreme Court affirmed the Circuit Court of Jefferson County's order upholding a Personal Safety Order (PSO) granted to neighbor D.P. against neighbor L.M. The court found sufficient evidence that L.M. committed acts of destruction against D.P.'s property (metal posts and privacy fence stakes) and caused scorch damage to her fence, constituting harassment causing reasonable emotional distress under W. Va. Code §§ 61-2-9a and 61-1-9a(h)(4).

State v. Steele — First-Degree Arson Conviction Affirmed on Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed the Circuit Court of McDowell County's conviction of Harry Lee Steele for first-degree arson, upholding the denial of Steele's motion to suppress his confession and finding sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict. Steele received a 20-year prison sentence, which the appellate court also affirmed. The court applied abuse-of-discretion review to the suppression ruling and de novo review to voluntariness of the confession, finding no reversible error.

C.M. Appeal Fails, Parental Rights Terminated

The Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia affirmed the Circuit Court of Kanawha County's order terminating mother C.M.'s parental rights to J.P.-1 and J.P.-2. The court rejected C.M.'s arguments that the circuit court erred in failing to determine whether she was a 'battered parent' at adjudication and in finding aggravated circumstances justifying termination of her rights. The petition arose after the children were hospitalized with severe non-accidental injuries in November 2023.

Blackhawk Mining LLC v. Woods - Occupational Asthma Workers' Compensation Appeal

The West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals affirmed the Intermediate Court of Appeals' decision upholding the Workers' Compensation Board of Review's ruling that Blackhawk Mining LLC employee Harold G. Woods Jr. is entitled to workers' compensation benefits for occupational asthma. The court deferred to the Board of Review's credibility determinations and factual findings, rejecting the employer's argument that the claimant failed to establish occupational disease causation.

State v. Butcher - Writ of Prohibition Granted Against Judge for Dismissing Indictment Based on Evidence Sufficiency

The West Virginia Supreme Court granted the State's petition for a writ of prohibition, prohibiting Circuit Court Judge Joshua Butcher from enforcing his July 1, 2025 order that dismissed the indictment against respondent Aaron Chase Mahon. The Court held that the circuit court exceeded its legitimate powers by evaluating the sufficiency of evidence presented to the grand jury when ruling on Mahon's pretrial motion to dismiss.

California Climate Leadership During Earth Month

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) published remarks by Executive Director Leuwam Tesfai celebrating California's climate leadership during Earth Month. The remarks highlight that since 2000, California has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 20 percent while growing its economy to the fourth largest in the world. Since 2020, CPUC has brought more than 31,000 megawatts of new large-scale clean energy resources onto the grid, including more than 15,000 megawatts of battery storage.

Texas AG Paxton Sues California Kratom Retailers Over 96% 7-OH Levels

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a lawsuit against Pure Leaf Kratom, LLC and Outcast Distribution, LLC, two California-based online retailers, for deceptively marketing and shipping adulterated and synthetic alkaloid products to Texans. Laboratory testing confirmed products contained 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) levels of 86% to 96% of total alkaloid content, far exceeding the 2% maximum set by the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act of 2023. The defendants' websites claimed they did not ship synthetic products or products exceeding 2% 7-OH to Texas, representations the investigation found to be false.

Illinois Governor Signs SB3917, PFAS Sampling Requirements for NPDES Permits

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB3917 on April 16, 2026, amending the Illinois Environmental Protection Act to add PFAS sampling requirements for facilities holding NPDES discharge permits. For major facilities designated by the EPA, publicly owned treatment works must conduct periodic sampling of influent, effluent, and biosolids for all PFAS substances with accredited wastewater analytical methods, while all other facilities must perform periodic effluent sampling. New NPDES applications for wastewater with potential PFAS content must fully characterize the discharge through sample results, and no land-application permits for sludge or biosolids may be issued without PFAS sample data.

Illinois SB3880 Adds Specialized Case Management for Substance Use Disorder Services

Illinois SB3880 passed the Illinois Senate 55-0 on April 15, 2026, replacing all references to "case management" with "specialized case management" throughout the bill and adding a definition for "specialized case management." The bill was received in the House and referred to the Rules Committee, where it awaits further action.

Illinois SB4023 Mandates Healthcare Professional Practice Data

Illinois Governor has signed SB4023 into law, amending the Department of Professional Regulation Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. The new law requires applicants for healthcare professional licensure and renewals to provide comprehensive practice information including areas of specialty, all current practice location addresses, hours at each location on direct outpatient care, NPI numbers, and anticipated retirement dates. The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation must share this data with the Department of Public Health, while maintaining Freedom of Information Act exemptions.

SJR0062 Names Fayette Avenue Overpass in Effingham Sgt. Timothy Sayne Memorial

Illinois Senate Joint Resolution SJR0062 was signed by the Governor, officially designating the Fayette Avenue Interstates 57 and 70 Overpass in Effingham as the "Sgt. Timothy Sayne Memorial Overpass." The resolution passed the Senate with a 055-000-000 vote and was introduced by Senator Steve McClure with cosponsors including Representative Adam M. Niemerg.

Illinois SJR0061 Designates CW2 Christopher Donaldson Memorial Overpass

Illinois Senate Joint Resolution SJR0061, signed by the Governor on April 16, 2026, designates the Fourth Street Interstates 57 and 70 Overpass in Effingham as the 'Chief Warrant Officer 2 Christopher Donaldson Memorial Overpass'. The resolution was adopted by a 55-0 Senate vote on April 16, 2026, during the 104th General Assembly.

Illinois SJR0058 Denies School District Tuition Waiver Request

The Illinois General Assembly passed SJR0058, a Senate Joint Resolution signed by the Governor, denying the tuition waiver request submitted by Malden Community Consolidated School District 84. The request, identified as W-100-7498, was for a non-resident tuition waiver. The resolution formally denies this specific request as submitted to the State Board of Education.

SB4186 Appropriates $16.5M to Iroquois County School District #9

Illinois Governor signed SB4186 on April 14, 2026, appropriating $16,500,000 from the Build Illinois Bond Fund to the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity for a grant to Iroquois County Community Unit School District #9. The funding covers costs associated with facility additions and upgrades at the school district.

Mike Braun Signs SEA 285, Bans Street Camping Statewide

Governor Mike Braun signed SEA 285, enacting a statewide ban on unauthorized camping, sleeping, or long-term shelter on public land owned by the state or a political subdivision. The law requires law enforcement to assess mental health needs before enforcement and provide a 48-hour warning with shelter and service information before criminal charges can be filed if the person remains within 300 feet of the warned location. The legislation preempts local policies that discourage enforcement and mandates annual reporting from law enforcement agencies and Continuum of Care funding recipients.

Braun Appoints Jennifer Dorfmeyer as DCS Director

Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the appointment of Jennifer Dorfmeyer as the new director of the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS), effective immediately. Adam Krupp, the outgoing director, will transition to the role of special advisor to the Governor on child welfare matters.

HEA1200 Revokes CDLs from Illegal Immigrants, Penalizes Employing Companies

Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed HEA1200 into law, revoking all Commercial Drivers' Licenses (CDLs) from illegal immigrants and creating new penalties for companies that employ them. The bill strengthens Indiana's CDL licensing process and enables the state to remove illegally licensed commercial drivers from roads. The action follows multiple fatal crashes involving illegal aliens with CDLs and a prior state audit that removed hundreds of illegally licensed drivers.

Gov. Mike Braun Highlights Indiana Small Businesses and 400+ High-Wage Jobs

Indiana Governor Mike Braun traveled across nine Indiana communities during the week of April 21, 2026, to highlight small businesses, economic development, and workforce initiatives. At a Huntington groundbreaking, the Governor announced Hanjung America's new manufacturing facility, projected to create more than 440 Hoosier jobs at an average wage exceeding $28 per hour. The remaining stops featured tours, community roundtables, and site visits focused on local economic strengths and job creation.

Poland EPPO Investigates Clean Air Programme Fraud

The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO) in Katowice conducted evidence-gathering searches across national and provincial public institutions in Poland as part of an investigation into suspected fraud in the Clean Air programme. The programme provides subsidies to homeowners for replacing polluting heating systems and improving energy efficiency in residential buildings, co-funded by CINEA. The investigation follows media reports pointing to potential design flaws that may have enabled dishonest contractors to fraudulently obtain funds and harm programme beneficiaries.

Wildfire Press Conference Scheduled for Clay County

Commissioner Wilton Simpson and Florida Forest Service are hosting a wildfire press conference in Clay County. This media advisory announces the scheduled event but does not contain regulatory requirements or compliance obligations.

Understanding Online Threats: Malware and Ransomware

The Central Bank of Barbados published an educational blog post explaining malware and ransomware threats to consumers using its new BiMPay national instant payment system. Written by Anthony Harris, President of the ISSA Barbados Chapter, the article describes how these attacks occur, their consequences, and recommended response steps for affected users.

Governor Hochul Announces I-90 and South Mall Arterial Pavement Renewal Projects in Capital Region

Governor Hochul announced that NYSDOT has begun pavement renewal projects on I-90 and the South Mall Arterial in Albany County. The $11 million I-90 project will resurface approximately 23 lane miles between the Interstate 87 interchange and Corporate Woods Boulevard, while the South Mall Arterial segment between Eagle Street and Grand Street will also be resurfaced. Both projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with most paving operations occurring during overnight hours.

Hochul Proposes Auto Insurance Reform and $30M Farmer Relief in FY27 Budget

Governor Hochul announced FY27 budget proposals including auto insurance reforms targeting fraud and $30 million in direct tariff relief for New York farmers. The auto insurance reforms address staged crash fraud, which carriers reported 43,811 suspected incidents of in 2025, an 80 percent increase over five years. Proposed measures include reviving the Motor Vehicle Theft and Insurance Fraud Prevention Board, enabling criminal penalties for staged accident organizers beyond drivers, extending insurer fraud-reporting timeframes, capping non-economic damages for drivers engaged in unlawful behavior, limiting damages for mostly-at-fault drivers, and tightening the serious injury threshold. Farmer relief targets specialty crop growers, livestock producers, and dairy farmers facing increased equipment, fertilizer, and supply costs from federal tariffs.

Hochul Awards $21 Million for 72 Affordable CrossMod Starter Homes

Governor Kathy Hochul announced over $21 million in first-round awards under the MOVE-IN NY program to construct 72 affordable prefabricated 'CrossMod' starter homes in Onondaga and Erie Counties. The Greater Syracuse Land Bank received $15,730,000 for 52 homes and the Town of Tonawanda received $6,050,000 for 20 homes. The factory-built homes meet HUD Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards and Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac design guidelines, enabling buyers to access conventional mortgages.

Hochul FY27 Budget: $30M Farm Tariff Relief, Auto Reform

Governor Kathy Hochul announced FY27 budget proposals at Wagner Farm in Poestenskill, NY, including $30 million in direct tariff relief for New York farmers to offset increased costs from federal tariffs on equipment, fertilizer, and supplies. The Governor also highlighted auto-insurance reform proposals targeting fraudulent claims, with New York drivers paying an average of $4,000 per vehicle—approximately $1,500 more than neighboring states.

Governor Hochul Announces $30M Drive Clean Rebate for Electric Vehicles

Governor Kathy Hochul announced an additional $30 million for New York State's Drive Clean Rebate program, administered by NYSERDA. The program provides point-of-sale rebates of $500 to $2,000 off the MSRP of eligible battery-powered EVs and plug-in hybrids at participating dealerships. Since 2017, the program has issued over 228,000 rebates supporting approximately 324,000 EVs statewide.

DI-SOUND Study: Digital Heart Sound Classification in Pediatric Patients

NIH registered an observational clinical trial (NCT07542509) titled 'DI-SOUND Study' to develop a digital classifier using commercially available digital stethoscopes to categorize pediatric heart sounds as physiological or pathological. The proof-of-concept study aims to address limitations in current neonatal screening for congenital cardiovascular diseases, including sensitivity failures and false positives. The trial is registered as observational with no prospective assignment.

Group Digital Gaming Study for Dementia

The NIH registered a new clinical trial (NCT07541144) titled 'Group Digital Gaming: Experiences of Older Adults Living With Dementia in an Activity for Cognitive Impairment.' The study uses a pretest/posttest mixed-methods design to examine the effects of a group digital gaming intervention on cognitive function, mood, and behaviors in individuals with early to moderate dementia, employing Obie Technology.

SPSIPB vs ESPB Block for Breast Surgery Pain

NIH registered ClinicalTrials.gov Study NCT07541040, a prospective randomized assessor-blinded trial comparing serratus posterior superior intercostal plane block (SPSIPB) and erector spinae plane block (ESPB) for postoperative analgesia in unilateral breast surgery. 54 patients will be randomized to receive either intervention before general anesthesia. Primary outcome is postoperative pain scores within 24 hours; secondary outcome is opioid consumption.

Phase 3 Nerandomilast Trial for Fibrosing ILD Progression

NIH registered Phase 3 clinical trial NCT07540988 (FIBRONEER-ACT) to evaluate nerandomilast tablets versus placebo in adults with non-IPF fibrosing interstitial lung disease at risk for progressive pulmonary fibrosis. The randomized, double-blind study has an estimated duration of approximately 2 years and 4 months. Primary efficacy endpoints include forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity (DLCO), with high-resolution CT imaging for disease monitoring.

Sitagliptin in Recurrent/Progressive Grade 4 Glioma, Phase 1

NIH has registered a Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07541781) evaluating sitagliptin in combination with bevacizumab for the treatment of recurrent or progressive grade 4 malignant glioma. The trial is enrolling adult patients with glioblastoma or recurrent glioma and is expected to run through April 2026. The study aims to assess efficacy and determine the maximum appropriate dose of sitagliptin when combined with standard-of-care bevacizumab.

tPBM 10Hz vs 40Hz for Somatic Symptoms in Treatment-Resistant Depression

The NIH National Library of Medicine has registered a new clinical trial (NCT07543328) evaluating transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) at 10Hz versus 40Hz frequencies in patients with treatment-resistant depression. The study will assess differential efficacy across depressive symptoms and the somatic symptom-dominant subtype, while collecting paired-pulse neurophysiological parameters including SICI, ICF, and LICI to explore cortical excitability mechanisms.

CTZ Paste for Emergency Dental Treatment in Public Health Settings: A Randomized Trial

The NIH has registered a randomized, pragmatic, controlled, non-inferiority clinical trial (NCT07542639) evaluating the clinical and radiographic non-inferiority of CTZ paste compared to conventional pulpectomy with zinc oxide-eugenol (ZOE) in primary molars with pulp necrosis. The single-center trial will follow participants at 3, 6, and 12 months, measuring pain resolution and absence of clinical signs of infection as primary outcomes.

Conscious Sedation vs General Anesthesia in PFA for Paroxysmal A-Fib

A clinical trial comparing conscious sedation and general anesthesia in patients undergoing pulsed-field ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The randomized controlled study will assign participants at a 1:1 ratio and monitor for composite safety endpoints including persistent hypotension or hypoxemia exceeding 60 seconds intraoperatively. Follow-up assessments are scheduled at 12-24 hours, 30 days, and 90 days post-procedure.

KQB368 Phase 1 Study for Advanced Solid Cancers

A Phase 1 clinical trial (NCT07542704) evaluating KQB368 as an oral monotherapy for adults with advanced solid malignancies including colorectal, non-small cell lung, and uterine cancers. The study will assess safe dosing, tumor response, and pharmacokinetics in 21-day cycles. The trial is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with no new regulatory requirements imposed.

Fear of Cancer Recurrence, Tailored Support for Survivors

A clinical trial registration has been published on ClinicalTrials.gov for study NCT07542821. The study aims to develop and evaluate tailored support interventions for cancer survivors experiencing fear of recurrence, covering breast, head and neck, colorectal, and prostate cancer. Participants will be stratified by concern level and randomized to receive either psychological cognitive training (ConquerFear) or individualized exercise and nutrition guidance.

UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research Announced

Governor Greg Abbott announced the UT Dell Campus for Advanced Research, a new medical education and research facility in Austin, Texas, developed in partnership with UT and MD Anderson. The announcement emphasised Texas's ambition to lead the nation in healthcare innovation and expand access to personalised medical treatment. No regulatory obligations or compliance requirements were created by this announcement.

380 MW Timmerman Power Plant Now Fully Operational

Governor Greg Abbott and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) announced that Unit 2 of the 380-megawatt Timmerman Peaker Power Plant in Maxwell, Texas is fully operational as of April 21, 2026, one month ahead of schedule. The natural gas-fired plant provides dispatchable power to the Texas grid, capable of powering over 100,000 homes during peak demand. This is the first Texas Energy Fund-supported project to come fully online.

Washington SB6355 Signed, Electric Transmission Bill

Washington State Senate Bill 6355 concerning the electric transmission system has been signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson. The bill passed the Senate 32-17 and the House 66-27 after amendment. It becomes effective June 11, 2026, modifying the regulatory framework governing Washington's electric transmission infrastructure.

Washington SB6355 Electric Transmission System Enacted

Washington SB6355 was signed into law on March 30, 2026 (Chapter 249, 2026 Laws), with an effective date of June 11, 2026. The bill concerns the electric transmission system and passed the Senate 32-17 and the House 66-27 after multiple committee reviews and amendments.

Washington SB6346 Millionaires Tax Signed March 30, 2026

Washington State enacted SB6346, a bill establishing a new tax on high-net-worth individuals (millionaires). The bill was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026, and takes effect June 11, 2026. The legislation passed the Senate 27-21 and the House 51-46 along party lines.

SB6346 Establishes Tax on Millionaires, Washington

Washington State has enacted SB6346, establishing a tax on individuals meeting the statutory threshold for millionaire status. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026, and takes effect on June 11, 2026. The legislation passed the Senate 27-21 and the House 51-46 after extensive amendment.

SB6355 Concerning the Electric Transmission System

Washington State enacted SB6355, Chapter 249, Laws of 2026, concerning the electric transmission system. The bill was signed by the Governor on March 30, 2026, and takes effect on June 11, 2026. It passed the Senate 32-17 and the House 66-27 after committee review and multiple amendments.

SB391 Veto Override Bars Local Housing Voucher Discrimination Ordinances

The Kansas Legislature enacted SB391 on April 10, 2026, overriding the Governor's veto, to prohibit cities and counties from adopting or enforcing ordinances requiring landlords to accept tenants receiving housing choice vouchers or other housing assistance. The bill also bars local restrictions on landlords considering income source during tenant screening. The veto override passed the Senate 31-8 and the House 85-38.

Kansas SB430 Allows Physical Therapists Capillary Blood Tests

Kansas SB430 passed both chambers on April 10, 2026, expanding the scope of practice for licensed physical therapists to include performing certain capillary blood tests. The bill was sponsored by the Senate Committee on Public Health and Welfare and received final Senate approval via Conference Committee Report (Yea: 38, Nay: 0). The enrolled bill was presented to the Governor on April 17, 2026.

Kevin Warsh, Fed Nominee, Senate Hearing on Fed Independence

Kevin Warsh appeared before the Senate Banking Committee for a confirmation hearing on his nomination by President Trump to serve as Federal Reserve chairman. Warsh stated that monetary policy independence is essential and that the Fed must earn its independence by delivering on its commitments. The nomination currently lacks sufficient votes to advance, with Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) blocking the nomination pending resolution of unrelated Justice Department matters involving Fed Chair Powell.

Waller Proposes Consolidating Fed HR, IT Across Reserve Banks

Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller proposed consolidating core internal functions such as HR and IT across the 12 Reserve Banks rather than each operating independently. Speaking at the Brookings Institution, Waller outlined two scenarios: maintaining the current 12-bank footprint while centralizing leadership, or physically relocating operations to lower-cost cities. The proposal aims to reduce operating costs through integration and standardization.

FDIC Issues Regulatory Relief for Washington State Banks Affected by Storms and Flooding

The FDIC released guidance providing supervisory relief for financial institutions operating in Washington state areas affected by severe weather. The agency encouraged banks to work constructively with borrowers experiencing difficulties, including extending repayment terms, restructuring existing loans, or easing terms for new loans. Banks may receive favorable Community Reinvestment Act consideration for community development loans, investments, and services supporting disaster recovery, and the FDIC will consider regulatory relief from certain filing and publishing requirements.

Bank Acquisitions Announced in Three States

Peoples Bancorp of Marietta, Ohio agreed to acquire Citizens National in Paintsville, Kentucky for $76.6 million in cash and stock, valuing the $686 million-asset target at 118% of tangible book value, with closing expected in H2 2026. United Community Banks of Greenville, South Carolina agreed to acquire Peach State Bancshares in Gainesville, Georgia for $100.8 million, valuing the $788 million-asset target at 194% of tangible book value, with closing expected in Q3 2026. Points West Community Bank of Windsor, Colorado applied to the FDIC to acquire State Bank of Downs in Kansas, a $140.3 million-asset institution, with price undisclosed.

ABA Joins Request for Extended Genius Act Comment Period

The American Bankers Association joined three banking sector associations in requesting that the Treasury Department and FDIC extend the comment deadlines for three proposed rules implementing the Genius Act to 60 days after the OCC issues its final rule. The associations argue the proposals are substantively interdependent and a fragmented comment process with staggered deadlines will undermine regulatory consistency.