Countercyclical Buffer Rate for Q2 2026

The CSSF issued Regulation No. 26-01 setting the countercyclical buffer (CCyB) rate applicable to credit institutions and investment firms for the second quarter of 2026. The regulation was published on 31 March 2026 and references the official Luxembourg legal journal. Regulated entities should verify the applicable CCyB rate for their Q2 2026 capital calculations.

Measles case reported in Ransom County, North Dakota

North Dakota Health and Human Services reported one confirmed measles case in Ransom County, the first case in that county. The individual likely acquired the infection within the state and has no linked travel history. North Dakota has 27 total confirmed measles cases in 2026 with five hospitalizations. The case is not linked to the existing Pembina County outbreak.

Amendments to PRA Rulebook and FCA guidance on LTI flow limit in mortgage lending

The FCA and PRA are consulting on proposed amendments to the loan to income (LTI) flow limit rules for mortgage lending. Following a recommendation from the Financial Policy Committee (FPC), the proposals would allow individual lenders to increase their share of high LTI lending while maintaining the aggregate 15% limit. Comments on CP26/12 are due by 1 July 2026.

DOJ Sues Idaho for Failure to Produce Voter Rolls

The DOJ Civil Rights Division filed a federal lawsuit against Idaho on April 1, 2026, for failing to produce full voter registration lists upon request as required under the Civil Rights Act of 1960. This action brings the Department's nationwide enforcement total to 30 states and the District of Columbia. The lawsuit seeks to enforce the Attorney General's statutory authority to request, inspect, and analyze statewide voter registration records for election integrity purposes.

WV Correctional Officer Pleads Guilty to Inmate Abuse Conspiracy

The DOJ Civil Rights Division announced that former West Virginia correctional officer Michael Pack pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy against inmates' rights under 18 U.S.C. § 371. Pack admitted to assaulting inmates at Southern Regional Jail with co-conspirators, using 'blind spots' to avoid surveillance, and falsifying incident reports. Sentencing is scheduled for July 24, 2026, with a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.

CVE-2026-5281 Google Dawn Use-After-Free Added to KEV Catalog

CISA added CVE-2026-5281, a Google Dawn Use-After-Free vulnerability, to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) Catalog based on evidence of active exploitation. The vulnerability poses significant risks to federal enterprise networks. BOD 22-01 establishes remediation requirements for Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies.

BioMarin / Amicus Pharmaceutical Merger Phase 1 Investigation

The European Commission has accepted notification of a proposed merger between BioMarin Pharmaceutical and Amicus Therapeutics, both pharmaceutical companies engaged in manufacturing, wholesale distribution, R&D, and health activities. The case has been assigned Phase 1 investigation status under the simplified procedure, with a provisional deadline of 17 April 2026 for Commission decision.

LCL / Groupe Milleis Foreign Subsidies Concentration Provisional Deadline Expired

The European Commission's Directorate-General for Competition has confirmed the expiration of the provisional deadline for the LCL/Groupe Milleis foreign subsidies concentration case (FS.100291) on 31 March 2026. The notification was received on 24 February 2026 under Regulation 2022/2560, covering financial services and insurance activities. No substantive compliance actions or penalties are associated with this procedural milestone.

State v. Robinson - Alford Plea Appeal Affirmed

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed Case No. 23-0052, State v. Sherrell Quintrad Robinson, upholding the district court's decision. The defendant appealed his Alford plea arguing it was not knowing and voluntary and that the court erred in denying his request for appointed counsel. The appellate court found the record establishes Robinson made a knowing and voluntary plea and knowingly waived counsel.

State v. Robinson - Criminal Alford Plea Appeal

The Iowa Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction of Sherrell Quintrad Robinson, who entered an Alford plea to possession with intent to deliver a Schedule II controlled substance (powder cocaine). The court rejected Robinson's motion in arrest of judgment challenging the validity of his plea, finding it both untimely and without merit. Robinson received an indeterminate sentence not exceeding ten years in the custody of the Iowa Department of Corrections, a $1,000 fine plus surcharge, and restitution.