EC SCENIHR Final Opinion on Dental Amalgam Safety

The European Commission's Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) has issued a Final Opinion on the safety of dental amalgam in medical and dental practice. The opinion was submitted to the FDA docket as document FDA-2026-P-4271-0019 on Regulations.gov. The full text of the opinion is restricted due to copyright. Healthcare providers and dental professionals should monitor the FDA docket for updates or access the opinion through the European Commission.

Bank Control Notice: Gregory L. Massey 2026 Irrevocable Trust Acquires Spend Life Wisely Company

The Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City has published a notice under the Change in Bank Control Act seeking public comment on an application by The Gregory L. Massey 2026 Irrevocable Trust and Gregory L. Massey as trustee to become a member of the Massey Family Group and acquire voting shares of Spend Life Wisely Company, Inc., which would indirectly acquire voting shares of First United Bank and Trust Company in Durant, Oklahoma. Comments must be submitted to the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City or the Board of Governors offices in Washington, DC by May 8, 2026.

FCC Proposes Rule Requiring Onshoring of Customer Service Operations

The FCC has published a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in CG Docket No. 26-52 and related dockets seeking comment on rules to encourage the onshoring of foreign call center operations. The proposal covers telecommunications service providers, CMRS, interconnected VoIP services, cable television, and DBS services, as well as their affiliates and internet access service providers. The FCC also seeks comment on extending protections to non-call communications including emails, texts, and online chats, and on financial deterrents such as bond requirements for unlawful foreign-originated calls. Comments are due May 26, 2026, with reply comments due June 22, 2026.

Guam Bottomfish Annual Catch Limit Proposed Increase to 34,500 lb

NMFS proposes to increase the annual catch limit (ACL) for Guam Mariana bottomfish management unit species from 31,000 lb to 34,500 lb, representing an 11 percent increase, based on an updated 2024 stock assessment showing the stock is rebuilding but not yet fully rebuilt. The proposed rule would replace the in-season accountability measure with a post-season overage adjustment and remove the higher performance standard that closes the fishery for any ACL exceedance, with NMFS and the Council recommending the changes based on improved stock productivity projections supporting a 2031 rebuild target.

EU Regulation Banning Amalgam for Certain Patient Groups

FDA published a notice on Regulations.gov (docket FDA-2026-P-4271) regarding an EU regulation that bans dental amalgam for certain patient groups. The EU measure restricts amalgam use for children under 15, and for pregnant or breastfeeding women. This notice informs U.S. stakeholders of the EU regulatory development affecting dental materials. The document provides a PDF download link to the EU regulation text.

HB26-1283 Protections Regarding Seizures of Identification Documents

Colorado bill HB26-1283 would prohibit employers and their agents from demanding, confiscating, retaining, or requiring surrender of an employee's government-issued identification card. Violations constitute criminal possession of an identification document, classified as a class 2 misdemeanor, while bias-motivated violations targeting individuals based on protected characteristics constitute a class 1 misdemeanor with enhanced penalties. The bill passed House third reading on April 22, 2026, by a vote of 41-23-1. Colorado employers should review existing HR policies and practices regarding employee identification document handling to assess potential compliance needs if this legislation advances.

HB26-1236 Arbitration Reform Restricts Fees Class Waivers

Colorado HB26-1236 proposes comprehensive arbitration reform that would prohibit class action waivers in employer-employee and merchant-consumer contracts except as preempted by federal law. The bill would cap arbitration fees at the cost of filing in state or federal court, ban arbitrators with discriminatory practices, require compliance with award records within 30 days, and repeal the prohibition on exemplary damages in arbitration proceedings. If enacted, employers and merchants using standard arbitration agreements would need to revise their contract templates and fee provisions to comply.

SB26-147 Allows Advocacy Day Lobbying, Requires Registration

Colorado SB26-147 creates an advocacy day framework allowing individuals to lobby on behalf of registered persons without professional lobbyist registration. The bill introduces a nonprofit advocate category requiring disclosure compliance, mandates judicial branch appointment of a legislative liaison, and requires all legislative/governor's liaisons to file monthly disclosure statements with the Secretary of State indicating bill numbers and positions, with 72-hour updates upon position changes. The bill passed Third Reading on April 22, 2026 on a 30-4 vote with 1 other.

Supporting Law Enforcement

House Resolution HR26-1006 was introduced in the Colorado General Assembly on April 13, 2026, by Representatives Dan Woog and Chad Clifford. The resolution concerns support for law enforcement officers in the state. The House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs voted 11-0 to refer the resolution unamended to the House Committee of the Whole on April 20, 2026. A House floor vote is scheduled for April 23, 2026 at 9:00 AM in the House Chamber.

Colorado SB26-117 Reinstates Cash-Only Lottery Sales

Colorado SB26-117 proposes reinstating cash-only lottery sales by reversing a Colorado Lottery Commission rule that had allowed credit and noncash purchases. The bill would prohibit the sale of lottery tickets or instant scratch game tickets on credit or noncash basis, permitting only cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards. It also adds a new prohibition on online lottery ticket sales regardless of payment method. The bill requires the Lottery Commission to adopt implementing rules. Affected parties include the Colorado Lottery Commission and licensed lottery retailers.

Sunset Podiatry Board Extended to September 2035

Colorado House Bill 26-1344 would extend the repeal date of the Colorado podiatry board's licensing and regulatory functions to September 1, 2035, and would require licensed podiatrists to develop written plans ensuring the security of patient medical records. The bill passed the House on April 22, 2026 with a 51-14 vote and is awaiting further legislative consideration.

Small Business Recovery Program Modifications

Colorado HB26-1003 modifies the Small Business Recovery and Resiliency Loan Program by removing COVID-19 as the stated basis for the program, changing the matching funds ratio from $1 from the fund to $4 from other sources to $1:$1, and allowing loan deferrals for hardship without requiring a COVID-19 or economic conditions nexus. The bill removes county-based fund allocation requirements and requires the program to maintain targets for rural counties and businesses owned by women, minorities, or veterans. A $5 million transfer from the small business recovery fund to the Colorado startup loan program fund is required by June 30, 2026.

Colorado 150th Anniversary Resolution, Session 2026

House Resolution HR26-1007 honors Colorado's 150th anniversary and was introduced on April 13, 2026 by Representatives Stephanie Luck and Jennifer Bacon, assigned to the House State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee. The L.001 amendment passed committee on April 20, 2026 on a vote of 11-0, and the amended resolution was referred to the House Committee of the Whole for third reading on April 22, 2026. This resolution is ceremonial in nature and creates no compliance obligations or regulatory requirements for any party.

Diễn đàn Hợp tác Tài chính Việt Nam – Hàn Quốc, Trao Giấy phép IBK

Diễn đàn Hợp tác Tài chính Việt Nam – Hàn Quốc được tổ chức chiều 22/4/2026 tại Hà Nội trong khuôn khổ chuyến thăm Việt Nam của Tổng thống Hàn Quốc, với sự tham dự của Phó Thống đốc Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh – Uỷ viên Ban Thường vụ Đảng uỷ NHNN. NHNN đã trao Giấy phép thành lập ngân hàng 100% vốn nước ngoài cho Ngân hàng Công nghiệp Hàn Quốc (IBK) và chứng kiến Lễ ký Bản ghi nhớ hợp tác giữa KFTC và Công ty CP Thanh toán Quốc gia Việt Nam (NAPAS).

SBV Reports on Credit Policies for National Target Programs 2026-2035

On April 23, 2026, Deputy Governor Nguyễn Ngọc Cảnh of the State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) attended a government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Hồ Quốc Dũng regarding national target programs for rural development, poverty reduction, and socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas for 2026-2035. The SBV reported completing its Q1/2026 task of directing credit institutions to implement agricultural and rural credit policies, with commercial credit outstanding for qualifying villages exceeding 2.4 million billion VND and policy credit at the Social Policy Bank reaching 2.8 thousand billion VND. The SBV expects to submit a draft Government Decree on preferential credit policies to the Government in June 2026, six months ahead of schedule.

Ten NC Colleges Selected for $2.5M Careers Electric Training Network

The North Carolina Community College System announced the ten community colleges selected for the $2.5 million Careers Electric Training Network, a workforce development initiative backed by the Siemens Foundation. Each college will receive $250,000 in flexible, performance-based funding to modernize electrical curriculum, enhance recruitment, and provide student support services. The goal is to increase enrollment in Electrical Systems Technology programs by 20% at each selected school over three years, addressing the state's growing need for skilled electrical workers in energy, manufacturing, and infrastructure sectors.

From Commitment to Implementation for Caspian Sea Protection

UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen delivered a speech at the High-level Session on the Tehran Convention in Astana, Kazakhstan, emphasizing the ecological and human crisis facing the Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed body of water. The speech highlighted that water levels have dropped approximately 2 metres since the 1990s, with projections of an additional 8 to 21 metres decline by century end, threatening fisheries, ports, coastal infrastructure, food security, and potentially displacing millions of people across five littoral states. The Tehran Convention was described as the only legally binding regional framework for protecting the Caspian Sea's marine environment, with UNEP supporting substantive coordination steps with Caspian states since June 2024.

Retinal Irradiance Distribution Modification Devices, Apr 15

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4259054A1 by APERTURE IN MOTION, LLC covering devices and methods for modifying retinal irradiance distribution to improve and restore vision without producing corneal vitrification. The patent names Olivia N. Serdarevic as inventor and was published April 15, 2026, with designation extending to 36 European states. This represents a new intellectual property filing in the vision correction and medical device space with potential implications for competitors in the ophthalmic technology sector.

Koninklijke Philips X-Ray Dark-Field Phase Contrast Imaging System

Koninklijke Philips N.V. has been granted European Patent Application EP4017366A1 for a system enabling simultaneous X-ray dark-field, phase contrast, and attenuation image acquisition. The patent names six inventors and covers IPC classifications related to radiographic apparatus. The designated states include all EU member states plus other EPC contracting states.

Kawasaki Robotic Surgical System EP3984488A1, 15 Apr

Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha has been granted European Patent EP3984488A1 for a robotic surgical system, published April 15, 2026. The patent lists inventors MIZOHATA Yuichi, SHIMOMURA Nobuyasu, and KOBAYASHI Ayataka, and covers technology under IPC classifications A61B 34/30, A61B 34/37, A61B 17/29, and A61B 34/00 (Diagnosis & Surgery). The designation covers 31 European states including AL, 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.

Surgical Tensioning Instruments, Globus Medical, Apr 15

The EPO published patent application EP3991675A2 for Surgical Tensioning Instruments, filed by Globus Medical, Inc. (inventor: MURRAY, Patrick) under IPC classification A61B 17/88. The publication grants exclusive rights to the applicant across 31 designated European states.

Pose Measurement Chaining for Extended Reality Surgical Navigation Patent

European Patent Office published application EP3858281A1 titled 'Pose Measurement Chaining for Extended Reality Surgical Navigation in Visible and Near Infrared Spectra' on April 15, 2026. The patent application names Globus Medical, Inc. as applicant and Thomas CALLOWAY as inventor, covering A61B classifications related to surgical navigation and extended reality systems. The designation covers all 34 European Patent Convention member 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.

Stryker Surgical Navigation Image Registration Patent, EP4091567A1

The European Patent Office has published patent application EP4091567A1, filed by Stryker European Operations Limited, describing a technique for providing user guidance to obtain registration between patient image data and a surgical tracking system. The application names inventors KÄSEBERG Marc, FINKE Markus, and WINNE Christian, and was published April 15, 2026. Medical device manufacturers and surgical navigation system developers should note this application for its coverage of image registration methods in computer-assisted surgery.

CSEM PPG Method Reduces Venous Pulsatility for Diagnosis

CSEM Centre Suisse d'Electronique et de Microtechnique SA - Recherche et Développement has been granted European Patent EP3991641A1 for a method of determining physiological parameters using photoplethysmography (PPG) signals with reduced venous pulsatility influence. The patent was published on April 15, 2026 and names four inventors: Martin Proença, Philippe Renevey, Damien Ferrario, and Guillaume Bonnier. The invention applies to medical diagnostic applications including cardiovascular monitoring where venous pulsatility artifacts can interfere with accurate physiological measurements. The designation covers 27 EU member states.

EP4153062A1 Ultrasound Guidewire System

The EPO published patent application EP4153062A1 for an ultrasound locatable surgical guidewire system and method, filed by Baylor University and Scott&White Healthcare. Inventors listed include Linda J. Olafsen, Keith E. Schubert, Jeffery S. Olafsen, Samantha Dayawansa, and Jason H. Huang. The application covers A61B 8/08 and A61B 8/12 classifications and designates all EPC contracting states.

HeartFlow Treatment Determination Patent Using Patient-Specific Geometrical Models

The European Patent Office published patent application EP3971906A2 on April 15, 2026, filed by HeartFlow, Inc., covering methods and systems for determining medical treatments using patient-specific geometrical models. The application names inventors SPILKER, Ryan, EBERLE, David, and GRADY, Leo, and includes classifications in healthcare technology and medical imaging. Third parties in designated European states now have notice of the published application and potential opposition rights.

Hexacath Catheter Patent, Thermodilution Blood Flow Determination

The European Patent Office published patent application EP4164520A1 for Hexacath's dual-action catheter system combining thermodilution blood flow measurement with body obstruction destruction capability. Named inventors are Gilles Ascher, Bernard De Bruyne, and Nico Pijls. The patent covers 32 designated European member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and the Netherlands.

Banyan Technologies Spatial Pattern for Anatomical Structures, 15th Apr

European Patent Application EP4346583A1 published April 15, 2026, covering methods and systems for obtaining spatial patterns of anatomical structures, filed by Banyan Technologies AG with inventor Damiano AguzzI. The patent application relates to computer-implemented methods for generating spatial patterns of anatomical structures for surgical and diagnostic applications, classified under A61B 5/107, A61B 5/00, and G06T 7/73. Protection extends across all designated European member states including Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, and 23 other contracting states.

Montana Launches First Online Prevailing Wage Surveys for Construction and Nonconstruction Occupations

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry has launched fully online prevailing wage surveys for both construction and nonconstruction occupations, replacing a paper-based system. The surveys run from April 6 through June 30, 2026, and employer participation is required to develop accurate 2026 wage rates used on public works and certain commercial projects. Data submitted after June 30 will not be included in the 2026 rate-setting process.

Montana Seeks Public Comment on Revised WIOA State Plan Aligning WIOA and Perkins

The Montana State Workforce Innovation Board (SWIB) announced on March 26, 2026, a proposed revision to the WIOA State Plan that integrates WIOA, Perkins, Adult Education, and AI literacy components under the 406 JOBS framework. The draft plan explicitly treats workforce development, CTE, and work-based learning as a single integrated talent system rather than separate program silos. Public comments are being accepted through 5 p.m. on April 27, 2026. Stakeholders including employers, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies should review the draft plan and submit feedback before the comment period closes.

NM Governor Establishes 13-Member Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council

Governor Lujan Grisham has established the Energy Affordability and Grid Reliability Council, a 13-member body announced on April 22, 2026. The council is tasked with protecting ratepayers and modernizing New Mexico's electrical grid infrastructure. Two older announcements were repositioned within the Recent Posts section during a page reorganization.

Justice Canada Announces Protecting Victims Act, $50M Annual Funding for Victims

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Sean Fraser announced the Protecting Victims Act (Bill C-16) on April 22, 2026, describing it as one of the most consequential Criminal Code reforms in a generation to address intimate partner violence and femicide. The government currently provides approximately $50 million annually to support victims and survivors of crime, including $8.8M per year to provinces and territories for victim services and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights, $1M per year for anti-human trafficking NGOs, and $3.3M per year for child advocacy centres. The act responds to recommendations from the Mass Casualty Commission, the Renfrew County inquest, and the Federal Ombudsperson for Victims of Crime's systemic investigation into sexual violence.

DOH Confirms No Elevated Pesticides or Metals on North Shore After Kona Low Storms

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health released results from representative samples of floodwater, mud and sediment collected on Oʻahu's North Shore after the March Kona Low storms. Testing detected no elevated levels of pesticides or heavy metals — all results showed either no detectable levels or low levels well below any health risk. Low detections of legacy pesticides in one soil sample and naturally occurring metal levels were all below thresholds that may lead to a health risk based on lifetime exposure. The DOH urges individuals participating in cleanup activities to continue wearing PPE and practicing hygiene precautions.

AbbVie to Create 734 Jobs with $1.4B Durham Manufacturing Campus

Governor Josh Stein announced AbbVie Inc. will create 734 jobs in a new pharmaceutical manufacturing campus in Durham County, North Carolina. The company will invest $1.4 billion to build the 185-acre state-of-the-art facility in the City of Durham. This economic development announcement represents a significant private-sector investment in North Carolina's biopharmaceutical manufacturing sector.

ICE Washington Arrests MS-13 Associate Wanted for Murder in El Salvador

ICE Washington, D.C. officers arrested Idalia Isabel Morales-Mejia on March 12, 2026, in Woodbridge, Virginia — a documented associate of the MS-13 gang wanted in El Salvador for aggravated homicide and illicit associations since October 2013. The Security Alliance for Fugigitive Enforcement Task Force in El Salvador provided updated intelligence in February regarding her possible presence in Northern Virginia, which led directly to her capture. The arrest highlights ICE's ongoing prioritization of public safety through the identification and removal of criminal alien offenders with violent gang affiliations.

Merger Review in a Trade War: ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting 2026 Panel

At the 2026 ABA Antitrust Spring Meeting, the Economics, International, and Mergers & Acquisitions Committees presented a panel on how rising trade tensions and shifting geopolitical dynamics are reshaping core elements of merger analysis. The discussion addressed market definition, the assessment of effective competitors, price elasticity, efficiencies, and remedies under trade frictions. Key takeaways include that parties asserting foreign competition must present deal-specific evidence showing imports actually enter at meaningful volumes and win sales, not merely assert availability; higher concentration and fewer credible substitutes make horizontal mergers harder to clear; and vertical combinations can strengthen resiliency arguments when expanding domestic manufacturing.

Panel Discusses International Space Law, AI Role

The ABA Science & Technology Law Section published a panel summary examining international space law frameworks including the Outer Space Treaty, Moon Treaty, and Liability Convention, alongside 18 U.S.C. § 1367. The discussion highlighted that outdated treaties, ambiguous AI liability under the Liability Convention, and unresolved legal frameworks for private space activities create significant barriers to commercial expansion beyond low Earth orbit. Panellists identified three emerging AI space applications—Earth observation, autonomous satellite steering, and quantum key distribution—each presenting unresolved regulatory questions for space object ownership and liability.

2026 Institute Addresses U.S. Data Security Risks Under EO 14117

The 2026 Privacy and Emerging Technology National Institute highlighted the first U.S. federal outbound national data security rule, enacted under Executive Order 14117, which restricts how certain U.S. data can be transferred by foreign entities. The rule targets 'covered persons' (entities owned or controlled by more than 50% by China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela) and defines 'bulk sensitive data' categories including personal identifiers, biometric data, human omic data, personal health data, personal financial data, and precise geolocation data. Thresholds range from 100 U.S. persons for human genomic data to 100,000 for personal identifiers, calculated over a 12-month period, with government-related data having no volume threshold. The regulation uses an aggregation approach to prevent circumvention through incremental transactions.

ABA Panel: AI Empowers Cybercriminals in Ransomware Attacks

An ABA Science & Technology Law Section panel discussion examined how AI enables cybercriminals to execute ransomware attacks more efficiently, allowing data exfiltration within hours while victims may take over 200 days to notice. The panel advised companies to prepare incident response plans in advance, retain forensic and negotiation firms proactively, and verify whether threat actors appear on the OFAC sanctions list before considering any ransom payment, since companies face strict liability for payments to sanctioned groups.

20 States Pass Privacy Laws, Sensitive Data Definitions Expand

Since 2018, 20 states have enacted comprehensive consumer privacy laws with varying definitions of sensitive data and regulated entities. Washington's 2024 My Health My Data Act represents a significant expansion by requiring opt-in consent for data collection and broadening protected categories to include gender-affirming, reproductive, and sexual health information, precise geolocation, and non-health data that could infer care type. Legal experts note that enforcement actions will determine how broadly these expanded definitions can be interpreted. The article also addresses concerns about data broker access to health data following the Dobbs decision, DOJ subpoenas for gender-affirming care records, and 23andMe's 2025 bankruptcy proceedings raising questions about genetic data protection during corporate acquisitions.

Legal AI Testing Standards for Responsible Adoption

The American Bar Association published sponsored content on responsible AI adoption in legal practice, outlining a structured Test-Trust-Thrive framework for evaluating AI systems in document review workflows. The article emphasizes that legal AI should be assessed using the same standards as traditional discovery methodologies, including iterative prompt development, statistical validation, and human oversight. The guidance is informational and does not create binding compliance obligations for legal professionals or law firms.

Prediction Markets Legislation, 119th Congress, CRS Report

Congress has taken an interest in prediction markets, with multiple bills introduced in the 119th Congress that would directly prohibit or restrict trading of specific categories of event contracts under the Commodity Exchange Act. The proposed legislation includes H.R. 7477 and H.R. 7840 addressing casino-style games and sports event contracts, S. 4115 and H.R. 7955 prohibiting wagering on terrorism, assassination, war, and certain government-related events, and S. 4160 and H.R. 8123/S. 4226 targeting political elections and government actions. Several bills also address insider trading concerns by restricting government officials from trading prediction market contracts based on material nonpublic information.

Cryptocurrency Mining and the Electricity Sector

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) published report R48914 on April 22, 2026, providing a nonpartisan overview of the intersection between cryptocurrency mining operations and the electricity sector. The report describes how increased electricity demand from mining activities can exceed available generation capacity and potentially raise customer rates, while also noting opportunities for mining facilities to manage peak demand. The report catalogs federal policy options including quantifying mining operations, incentivizing power plant development, and improving energy efficiency through research funding. Several bills in the 119th Congress are identified that would address data collection requirements, electricity generation mandates, and national security concerns related to cryptocurrency mining facilities.

Ministry Supports Successful Pilot Vocational Training Programme

The Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors provided a $50,000 grant to WindReach Bermuda to deliver a pilot vocational training programme for adults with diverse support needs, launched in March in collaboration with Renaissance Rehabilitation. Five participants were selected for the first cohort, receiving occupational therapy sessions and up to 10 hours per week of on-site paid work experience alongside structured training in meal preparation, workplace setup, seasonal crafts, and retail preparation. Minister Tinee Furbert stated the initiative marks an important step forward in ensuring individuals with diverse support needs are given every opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, and participate meaningfully in the workforce.

Minister Lightbourne Responds to NESP Stakeholder Feedback on Electricity Policy

Bermuda's Minister of Home Affairs, Alexa Lightbourne, has published a substantive response to Greenrock's submission on the National Electricity Sector Policy (NESP) consultative document. The Ministry clarifies that targets will be set through the Integrated Resource Plan, regulatory procurement instruments, and system planning cycle rather than as aspirational statements. Key policy positions include transferring Integrated Resource Plan governance from BELCO to the Regulatory Authority, introducing mandatory audit powers over fuel and capital costs, and continuing expansion of distributed solar and efficiency through tariff design reforms. The Ministry invites further written stakeholder engagement as the consultation advances.

Government Responds to Fishermen's Association Concerns on Marine Protected Areas

The Bermuda Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the future of Bermuda's fisheries and marine environment. The Ministry of Public Works and Environment, through the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), has met regularly with representatives of the Fishermen's Association of Bermuda (FAB) since 2025 and is developing a proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in response to their concerns. The Government notes that less than 0.1% of proposed fully-protected areas fall within shallow-water fishing waters, 90.4% of the Bermuda Reef Platform remains open for fishing, and pelagic fishing in deeper waters remains 100% open. Bermuda's reefs have an estimated total economic value of $722 million (USD) per year. The Government has committed to protecting 20% of Bermuda's waters, below the global 30% standard agreed by 196 nations in 2024.

Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship Closes April 30, Focuses on Nursing

The Ministry of Health Bermuda has announced that applications for the 2026 Dr. Barbara Ball Public Health Scholarship close on Tuesday, April 30, 2026. This year the scholarship criteria have been updated to focus solely on nursing, reflecting Bermuda's need to bolster its nursing workforce. The scholarship honours Dr. Barbara Bertha Ball, the first-Bermudian-born woman to practise medicine in Bermuda, who graduated from Liverpool University Medical School in 1949. Eligible applicants must be Bermudian, demonstrate financial need, and be enrolled in or accepted to an accredited programme in a public-health-related discipline.

Minister Inspects Botanical Gardens Ahead of 85th Annual Agricultural Exhibition Opening

The Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon Jaché Adams, JP, MP, conducted a pre-opening inspection of the Botanical Gardens on 22 April 2026 as final preparations were completed for the 85th Annual Agricultural Exhibition. The Exhibition will run from 23–25 April 2026, showcasing Bermuda's agriculture, horticulture, baking, craftsmanship, student work, and community talent, with highlights including the return of pigs and the Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show performing daily in the Lower Ring. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for seniors and children under 16, and free for children aged 5 and under.

EU Adopts 20th Russia Sanctions Package: 120 New Listings, Energy, Finance, Military, Crypto

The Council of the EU adopted its 20th sanctions package on 23 April 2026, comprising 120 new individual listings — the largest listing package in two years — plus multi-layered economic measures targeting Russia's energy revenues, military-industrial complex, financial services, and trade. Key measures include a future maritime services ban on Russian crude oil and petroleum products (pending G7 coordination), a transaction ban on 20 Russian banks and 4 third-country financial institutions, designation of 58 military-industrial companies plus 16 entities in China, UAE, and other third countries, a first-ever anti-circumvention export ban on CNC machines and radios to Kyrgyzstan, and a total sectoral ban on Russian crypto asset providers and platforms. As of January 2027, it will be illegal to provide LNG terminal services to Russian entities.

World IP Day Highlights How IP Supports Sport

EUIPO published an article for World IP Day exploring the intersection of intellectual property and sport, highlighting how IP rights support innovation, sponsorship, and commercialization across the sports industry. The article covers the role of trademarks, patents, and other IP protections in enabling athletes, teams, and sports organizations to protect and monetize their brands and innovations. This is an informational awareness piece rather than a regulatory action or compliance requirement.