Riley Barnes Peace Corps Director, Multiple Nominations Sent

The White House transmitted nine nominations to the Senate on April 21, 2026, including Riley Barnes of Texas for Director of the Peace Corps. The nominations span leadership roles across federal agencies including Ambassador to Belize, Inspector General at the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, Director of the National Reconnaissance Office, Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Director of the CDC, and Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs. All nominations require Senate confirmation before appointees can assume their respective positions.

American Manufacturing Surges to Four-Year High as Factory Activity Expands

The White House announced on April 22, 2026, that the Institute for Supply Management's key manufacturing index registered its third consecutive month of expansion at its highest reading since 2022. Major companies announced significant U.S. manufacturing investments including U.S. Steel restarting its Gary Tin Mill in Indiana (225 jobs), Apple committing $600 billion over four years, Nvidia pledging $500 billion for AI chip production, and Johnson & Johnson investing $55 billion in new U.S. manufacturing. Foreign pharmaceutical companies AstraZeneca ($50 billion), Bristol Myers Squibb ($40 billion), and GSK ($30 billion) also announced major U.S. manufacturing expansions.

Virtual Hearing Apr 29 for St. Lawrence County 200 MW Two Rivers Solar Farm

The New York State Public Service Commission has scheduled a virtual public statement hearing on April 29, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. to receive comments on Two Rivers Solar Farm LLC's petition seeking a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for a 200-megawatt solar-powered electric generating facility in the towns of Brasher and Massena in St. Lawrence County. The facility would interconnect to the grid via NYPA's Haverstock–Willis E 345 kilovolt transmission line under a siting permit issued by ORES on February 27, 2026. Registration to speak closes April 28, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.; written comments may be submitted through May 6, 2026 referencing Case 25-E-0616.

CDPHE Reminds 61,000 Children Ages 4-6 to Vaccinate

Beginning April 22, 2026, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment will send text messages and email notifications to families of more than 61,000 children ages 4-6 years whose records in the Colorado Immunization Information System indicate they may be due for routine vaccines, including those required for K-12 school enrollment. Messages will be sent from number 45778 and email address cdphe.vaccine.registry@state.co.us. Parents are directed to schedule appointments with healthcare providers or local public health agencies, with most insurance plans covering routine childhood vaccines at no cost.

Colorado Environmental Health Resources Highlighted for Earth Day

On Earth Day, April 22, 2026, CDPHE announced it is highlighting environmental health programs and resources statewide, including air quality monitoring, PFAS testing for private well owners, the Test and Fix Water for Kids program protecting over 700,000 children from lead exposure, and the Colorado Green Business Network whose 2025 participants reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 metric tons. The press release also references a new grant cycle opening soon for the Environmental Justice Grant Program and summarizes air quality control measures adopted by the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission on April 17, 2026. No new compliance obligations or regulatory requirements are created.

Warwickshire County Council Adult Education Functions Regulations 2026

This page is a navigation portal on legislation.gov.uk for UK Statutory Instrument 2026/448, titled Warwickshire County Council Adult Education Functions Regulations 2026. The page provides access to the original print PDF, correction slips, and associated documents, but contains no substantive regulatory text. No regulatory obligations, deadlines, or penalties are stated in this source.

Ministry of Defence Police Officers Must Hold Vetting Clearance

The Ministry of Defence Police (Vetting) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026 No. 428), made on 16th April 2026 and laid before Parliament on 22nd April 2026, come into force on 18th May 2026. The Regulations establish a comprehensive vetting framework for MDP officers, including provisions for vetting clearance assessments, withdrawal assessments, and a right of appeal. The instrument extends to England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026

The Merchant Shipping (Accident Reporting and Investigation) Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/430) came into force on 15th May 2026, replacing and consolidating the previous accident reporting framework under the Merchant Shipping Act 1995. The Regulations implement the IMO Casualty Investigation Code (Resolution MSC.255(84)) and define key terms including 'accident', 'marine casualty', 'marine incident', 'serious injury', and 'very serious marine casualty' for the purposes of UK maritime safety investigations. The Regulations apply to all accidents involving United Kingdom ships, ships within UK waters, and ships where the UK is a Substantially Interested State, with the Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents holding investigatory authority.

Surrey County Council Adult Education Functions Regulations 2026

This page on legislation.gov.uk provides access to the Surrey County Council Adult Education Functions Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/447). The page functions as a navigation and metadata hub, offering links to accompanying documents including the original print PDF, correction slips, lists of amendments, all document formats, and links to related legislation. No substantive regulatory text, obligations, penalties, or effective dates are displayed in the visible content.

North Killingholme Generating Station Amendment Order 2026

The North Killingholme Generating Station Amendment Order 2026 amends the existing North Killingholme Generating Station Order, making specific modifications to the regulatory framework governing this power generation facility in North Lincolnshire. The instrument is classified as a UK Statutory Instrument and appears on legislation.gov.uk as SI 2026/445.

Sanctions Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/443)

The Sanctions (EU Exit) (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/443), made 20th April 2026 under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, correct errors in S.I. 2024/644 and S.I. 2025/394. The instrument introduces new trade end-use controls for Venezuela and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) via new Regulation 31A in both sanctions regimes, requiring UK persons to cease exporting goods or transferring technology when notified by the Secretary of State that items may be destined for those jurisdictions. It raises the 'relevant firm' threshold from €10,000 to £10,000 in both Venezuela and DPRK sanctions regulations, removes CEMA penalty modification provisions, and modernises Treasury licence purposes and electronic notice procedures.

Air Navigation Restrictions, Portrush, Northern Ireland

UK Statutory Instrument 2026/434 establishes air navigation restrictions applicable in the vicinity of Portrush, Northern Ireland. The instrument has been published on legislation.gov.uk as an active UK Statutory Instrument. No substantive regulatory text or compliance obligations are present in this source document.

Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 — Adds Magnesium L-Threonate Monohydrate

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has made the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) (Amendment) Regulations 2026 (S.I. 2026/412), which amend Schedule 2 to the Nutrition (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 by adding magnesium L-threonate monohydrate to Part B of the table of permitted mineral substances for use in food supplements. The Regulations extend to England and Wales but apply to England only. The instrument comes into force on 12th August 2026. Food supplement manufacturers in England may now use magnesium L-threonate monohydrate as a source of magnesium in their products.

Avian Influenza Amendment Order 2026 Regulates Poultrymeat Movement from Infected Premises

The Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals (England) (Amendment) Order 2026 amends Article 24 of the 2006 Order to regulate poultrymeat movement from premises traced under article 23 (infected premises). The Secretary of State may now dispose of or require disposal of traced meat, or license its movement to a food processing establishment for treatment following a risk assessment. Meat moved under licence must be treated to achieve a core temperature of 70°C for at least 3.5 seconds before further movement is permitted. The Order extends to England and Wales but applies to England only.

Buckinghamshire Council Adult Education Functions Regulations 2026 (SI 2026/446)

The Buckinghamshire Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2026 transfer specified adult education functions under sections 86 to 88 and 90 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 from the Secretary of State to Buckinghamshire Council, effective 22 April 2026. Functions under sections 90, 100(1) and 100(1B) are exercisable concurrently with the Secretary of State. The Regulations also amend section 122 of the 2009 Act to add local authorities exercising devolved functions to the information-sharing framework. Part 2 applies to academic years beginning on or after 1 August 2026.

Armenian Banks Fund Firebird AI Megaproject

Six Armenian financial institutions—Ardshinbank, Acba Bank, Evocabank, Fastbank, C-Quadrat Ampega Asset Management Armenia, and Amundi-Acba Asset Management—signed a loan agreement on March 26, 2026 to finance the 'Firebird AI' megaproject. CBA Governor Martin Galstyan attended the signing ceremony, noting that Armenia's banking system now possesses sufficient capacity to evaluate and implement projects of international scale. The Minister of High-Tech Industry and the U.S. Embassy Chargé d'Affaires also participated.

CBA Governor Meets IMF Delegation, Reviews Macroeconomic Progress

The Central Bank of Armenia held a concluding meeting with an IMF mission led by Mr. Alexander Tieman on March 30, 2026. The parties discussed macroeconomic conditions, progress on structural benchmarks, and policy directions for the upcoming period. They reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation toward maintaining economic stability and developing the financial system.

IMF and Armenia Reach Agreement on First Review of Stand-By Arrangement

The IMF and Armenian authorities have reached agreement on the first review of a three-year Stand-By Arrangement, which Armenia treats as precautionary to maintain macroeconomic stability and ensure sustainable economic growth. The agreement is subject to IMF Executive Board approval, upon which Armenia will gain access to approximately USD 25.3 million in additional funding. The IMF emphasizes prudent fiscal and monetary policies, vigilant financial sector supervision, and continued strengthening of regulatory frameworks to address external uncertainties.

OMB M-26-12 Commercial Products and Services Acquisition Guidance

OMB Memorandum M-26-12 provides guidance to covered agencies implementing Executive Order 14271 on increasing acquisition of commercial products and services. The memorandum requires agencies to assess recently awarded and in-process acquisitions for non-commercial products and services for compliance with FASA, including the sufficiency of market research and price analysis. Covered agencies must submit a comprehensive report to OMB by May 4, 2026, detailing non-commercial contracts awarded between April 15 and September 30, 2025, by product service code, with specific disclosures required for awards over $10 million. Additionally, agencies must confirm their competition advocate holds a position at or above the head of the contracting activity level.

OMB CIO Monthly IT Contract Notification Requirements Under FITARA (May 2026)

Beginning in May 2026, CIOs of covered CFO Act agencies must submit monthly notifications to OMB of all IT contracts they personally approve, plus any IT contracts approved by delegees that directly enable digital services interaction with the public. Reports must be sent to ofcio@omb.eop.gov no later than the 10th of each month, covering the preceding month's activity. The requirement sunsets in October 2026 following the sixth and final report unless OMB notifies agencies of continuation.

OMB M-26-11 Cancels 2026 Penalty Inflation Adjustments Under Federal Civil Penalties Act

OMB Memorandum M-26-11 cancels the 2026 annual civil monetary penalty inflation adjustment under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, citing lack of October 2025 CPI-U data from BLS due to a lapse in federal appropriations. The Act requires October BLS data for annual cost-of-living adjustments and provides no alternative calculation method; OMB concludes it lacks statutory authority to use an alternative and warns that any effort to do so would face significant litigation risk. Agencies remain required to publish a Federal Register notice reflecting the annual adjustment outcome and to maintain and report penalty updates through their Agency Financial Reports per OMB Circular A-136.

Jordan to Sign Artemis Accords, April 23

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will become the 63rd country to sign the Artemis Accords during a ceremony on April 23, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. EDT at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will host Ambassador Dina Kawar of Jordan and U.S. Department of State Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ruth Perry for the signing. The Artemis Accords, established in 2020, set practical principles for safety, transparency, and coordination in civil space exploration on the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

NASA Astronaut Anil Menon to Discuss Upcoming Launch, Mission

NASA will host a news conference at 1:45 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from Johnson Space Center in Houston to preview astronaut Anil Menon's upcoming mission to the International Space Station. The Soyuz MS-29 mission is targeted to launch Tuesday, July 14, 2026, carrying Menon and Roscosmos cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina for an eight-month stay as part of Expeditions 74/75. This will be Menon's first spaceflight, following his selection as a NASA astronaut in 2021 and graduation from the 23rd astronaut class in 2024.

DNA Research on Station Promoting Cancer Therapies, Radiation Repair

NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Sophie Adenot processed DNA Nano Therapeutics-3 experiment samples in the Kibo laboratory module aboard the International Space Station on April 22, 2026, exploring DNA-inspired assembly techniques for manufacturing nano-therapies such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy to kill cancer cells and activate the immune system. The Expedition 74 crew also tested new exercise hardware, virtual reality goggles for vision screening, and continued unpacking cargo from Northrop Grumman's Cygnus XL resupply ship. Samples will be analyzed on the orbital outpost with a spectrophotometer then returned to Earth for further analysis.

PA Insurance Department Posts Risant, Everett Cash, Highmark Filings

The Pennsylvania Insurance Department posted current Transactions of Interest listing five insurance company regulatory filings received between June 2023 and January 2026. These include two Highmark requests for modification, Highmark's Certificate of Authority applications, Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Company's conversion and acquisition filing, and Risant Health Inc. and Kaiser Foundation Hospitals' request to acquire Geisinger. The listing serves as a transparency mechanism for the public to review pending and recent insurance regulatory filings.

OCC Terminates Five Formal Agreements with Banks February 2026

The OCC released five termination orders for formal agreements with nationally chartered banks in February 2026. The banks affected are First Federal Savings Bank of Kentucky (Frankfort, KY), Hiawatha National Bank (Hager City, WI), Minnstar Bank, National Association (Lake Crystal, MN), North Side Federal Savings and Loan Association of Chicago (Chicago, IL), and Unity National Bank of Houston (Houston, TX). The terminations occurred after banks demonstrated compliance with all articles of their enforcement actions or when terms became outdated or irrelevant to current circumstances.

Tabitha McCallister Prohibition; Heritage Bank, 1st National Bank, Slovenian S&LA, Touchmark National Bank Terminations

The OCC announces March 2026 enforcement actions: one Order of Prohibition against Tabitha McCallister, former Client Service Representative at Old National Bank, Evansville, Indiana, for making unauthorized withdrawals from bank customer accounts totaling over $19,000 (Docket No. AA-CE-2026-11). Four termination actions were also issued: Heritage Bank, National Association (Spicer, MN) Consent Order terminated; 1st National Bank (Lebanon, OH) Formal Agreement terminated; Slovenian S&LA of Franklin-Conemaugh (PA) Formal Agreement terminated; and Touchmark National Bank (Alpharetta, GA) Formal Agreement terminated.

OCC Announces April 2026 Enforcement Actions Against Banks and Former Bankers

The OCC released enforcement actions for April 2026 including a Consent Order against The Federal Savings Bank (Chicago, IL) for violations of Section 5 of the FTC Act related to deceptive acts or practices involving VA cash-out refinance loans with significant origination fees, increased interest rates, and increased monthly payments. Two former associate bankers—Shaira Ahmed at JPMorgan Chase Bank (Columbus, OH) and Marissa Murillo at BMO Bank N.A. (Chicago, IL)—received Orders of Prohibition for embezzling over $73,000 and making unauthorized withdrawals exceeding $164,000 respectively. The OCC also terminated three prior enforcement actions against CNB Bank & Trust, Generations Bank, and JPMorgan Chase Bank N.A.

Controller Cohen Calls Emergency Session of State Lands Commission on Offshore Oil

California State Controller Malia M. Cohen, as Chair of the State Lands Commission, called on March 16, 2026 for an emergency session of the Commission in response to Trump Administration orders directing Sable Offshore Corp. to restart offshore oil operations on California's coast. Cohen urged the Commission to join Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta in challenging Sable's reliance on the Defense Production Act and directed staff to terminate the lease if Sable operates without required state regulatory approvals. The Controller cited a March 13, 2020 Consent Decree between the United States, California agencies, and Sable's predecessor Plains All American Pipeline as the legal foundation for California's jurisdiction.

Controller Cohen Issues Statement on Network Access for March 20, 2026

Controller Malia M. Cohen issued a statement confirming that routine scheduled maintenance on the evening of March 19, 2026 caused temporary network connectivity loss for 315 state-issued devices, primarily laptops and a small number of printers assigned to remote team members in the SCO Payroll and Personnel Services Division and the California State Payroll System project. By 11:00 a.m. on March 20, 100% of critical personnel had network access restored. The Controller emphasised that the statewide payroll system and SCO's statutory financial obligations were not affected at any point.

Cohen Commends Financial Literacy AB 2927 and Women's Capital Executive Order

California State Controller Malia M. Cohen issued a statement on March 19, 2026 commending implementation of Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty, 2024), which requires personal finance courses in high schools, and Governor Gavin Newsom's executive order expanding women's access to capital. The Controller characterized financial education as foundational to California's status as the fourth largest economy and stated that supporting wealth-building resources for women is critical to closing generational financial security gaps. No new compliance obligations are created by this commendatory statement.

Portugal Contributes EUR 15,000 to ICC Trust Fund for Victims

Portugal, a State Party to the Rome Statute since 2002, has made a voluntary contribution of EUR 15,000 to the ICC Trust Fund for Victims (TFV) in 2026. This unrestricted contribution supports the TFV's dual mandate of implementing ICC-ordered reparations and delivering assistance programmes addressing the physical, psychological, and material needs of victims and affected communities under the Rome Statute. Portugal has provided regular voluntary contributions to the TFV since 2017.

UNGA President Baerbock Visits ICC on 17 April 2026

UNGA President Annalena Baerbock visited the International Criminal Court on 17 April 2026 to meet with ICC President Judge Tomoko Akane and First Vice-President Judge Rosario Salvatore Aitala. The meeting highlighted mutual commitment to international justice and multilateral cooperation. Both leaders affirmed support for the Court's independence amid reported attempts to interfere with judicial proceedings.

ICC Appeals Chamber Confirms Jurisdiction in Duterte Case

The ICC Appeals Chamber on 22 April 2026 confirmed the Court's jurisdiction over The Prosecutor v. Rodrigo Roa Duterte case, rejecting by majority the Defence's appeal against Pre-Trial Chamber I's October 2025 decision. The Chamber held that jurisdiction attaches for alleged crimes committed on Philippines territory from 1 November 2011 (when the Philippines became a State Party to the Rome Statute) through 16 March 2019 (when withdrawal became effective), even though the Philippines deposited its withdrawal notice on 17 March 2018. The ruling interprets articles 12, 13, and 127 of the Rome Statute as requiring the relevant State to be a Party at the time the Court exercises jurisdiction, while preventing a State from evading accountability by withdrawing after investigations begin.

Consumer Expectations Survey Shows Inflation Expectations Decreasing in February 2026

The ECB's Consumer Expectations Survey for February 2026 shows median consumer perceptions of past 12-month inflation remained unchanged at 3.0%, while median inflation expectations for the next 12 months and for three years ahead both declined to 2.5% from 2.6% in January. Expected nominal spending growth over the next 12 months increased to 3.5% from 3.4%, while economic growth expectations became less negative at -0.9% from -1.1%. The survey covers approximately 19,000 adult consumers from 11 euro area countries, with results used for policy analysis and complementing other ECB data sources.

ECB Proposes Single Market Reforms to Strengthen Euro Area Bank Competitiveness

The ECB Governing Council published its response to the European Commission's public consultation on EU banking sector competitiveness, endorsed by all euro area central banks. The response calls for the euro area to function more as a single jurisdiction with capital and liquidity moving freely across borders, and proposes concrete reforms including shifting banking rules from directives to directly applicable regulations, merging five macroprudential buffers into two, and increasing proportionality for small banks. The Council also urges progress toward a European Deposit Insurance Scheme and deeper capital markets through a savings and investments union.

Eurosystem Publishes Comprehensive European Payments Strategy

The Eurosystem has published a comprehensive payments strategy covering wholesale, business-to-business, retail and cross-border payments. The strategy outlines positions on tokenised settlement assets including tokenised deposits and stablecoins, and has four main strategic aims: maintaining the role of central bank money, enhancing system autonomy and robustness, encouraging integrated and competitive payments, and supporting the international role of the euro. It brings together initiatives including the digital euro, Pontes, Appia and TARGET cross-border payment enhancements into a single framework.

TX OPIC Saves Texans $13M, Reviews 1,200 Filings in 2025

TX OPIC reviewed over 1,200 insurance rate and policy form filings from insurers submitted to the Texas Department of Insurance during fiscal year 2025, saving Texas consumers over $13 million through limited or postponed premium increases and obtained refunds. The agency reached over 5.1 million Texans via social media and website. Two new laws resulted from OPIC recommendations: Senate Bill 458 requires home and personal auto policies to include appraisal provisions, and Senate Bill 1644 mandates insurers who use credit-based information to re-rate policies every three years.

Jordan Securities Commission Holds Specialized Workshop for Accounting Students at Al-Qadisieh College

The Jordan Securities Commission held a specialized technical workshop on April 13, 2026, for accounting students at Al-Qadisieh College, attended by Dr. Mohammed Al-Babidi, Head of the Accounting Department. The workshop covered international accounting standards, disclosure management, auditing, public shareholding company subscriptions, and anti-money laundering and terrorist financing procedures. This educational initiative reflects the Commission's commitment to strengthening ties with academic institutions and developing qualified national talent for the Jordanian capital market sector.

Jordan Capital Market Resilient as Listed Company Market Value Reaches JD28 Billion

Chairman of the Jordan Securities Commission Emad Abu Haltam addressed the Government Communication Forum, affirming that Jordan's capital market serves as a primary pillar of the national economy. Market value of listed companies reached JD28 billion, a 44 percent increase from previous periods, while over 60 companies declared net profit of approximately JD2.3 billion. Foreign investment accounts for 47 percent of total market ownership, foreign reserves at the Central Bank of Jordan reached $28 billion, and the government has issued nearly JD2 billion in Sukuk with the Greater Amman Municipality preparing to issue JD1 billion in Sukuk.

JSC and JIACC Sign MoU to Combat Financial Crime

The Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) and the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Commission (JIACC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 8 April 2026 to enhance cooperation in combating corruption, economic crimes, and financial crimes. The MoU establishes frameworks for exchanging information available within both commissions' databases, reporting suspected corruption cases, and providing joint training in investigation and inquiry related to corporate crimes under JSC supervision. Both commissions will also conduct joint studies and engage in technical and technological collaboration to strengthen the national integrity framework and investor protection in Jordan's capital market.

Press Release Signup Form for Maryland Department of Labor

The Maryland Department of Labor has made available an online press release signup form accessible via public.govdelivery.com. Users can subscribe to receive department press releases and communications through this registration page.

Maryland Employer Layoff Reporting Requirements Under Economic Stabilization Act

Maryland's revised Economic Stabilization Act regulations took effect October 13, 2025, requiring employers with 50 or more employees to provide 60 days' advance notice to MD Labor's Dislocation Services Unit before laying off 15 or more workers or 25% or more of their workforce. Federal WARN Act requirements separately apply to employers with over 100 employees anticipating layoffs of 50 or more workers or 33% of the active workforce. MD Labor offers Rapid Response services to support both employers and impacted workers through any layoff or closure event.

Puerto Rico Labor Portal Modernizes, Improves Data Access

The Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH) has redesigned its Labor Market Information Portal at mercadolaboral.pr.gov, adding a modern interface with educational tools and improved data navigation. A new feature allows citizens to identify field staff, view their assigned regions, and verify their identity, addressing distrust from fraud incidents in survey collection. The initiative, completed at no cost to the agency, aligns with the Governor's government modernization agenda and provides faster access to employment, wage, and labor trend data for citizens, employers, and workers.

Secretary McMahon Tours Oregon Aviation Programs

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Oregon on April 20, 2026, as part of her Returning Education to the States Tour covering all 50 states. At Central Oregon Community College in Bend, Secretary McMahon toured helicopter and airplane facilities and met with campus leadership to discuss aviation training programs and regional workforce needs. She also visited Crook County High School and Crooked River Elementary to observe career-pathway programming. The tour aims to compile best practices from successful workforce training models to distribute to states. This is a press release announcing an informational tour; no regulatory obligations, compliance deadlines, or penalties are created.

Secretary McMahon Begins 50-State Returning Education to the States Tour in Idaho

U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon visited Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy and Kootenai Technical Education Campus on April 21, 2026, launching her Returning Education to the States Tour with stops in all 50 states. At Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy, approximately 550 students participated in interactive civics and history activities alongside Secretary McMahon and Idaho Governor Brad Little. The tour aims to gather best educational practices from communities nationwide and promote history and civics instruction ahead of America's 250th birthday.

Katie Gorka Highlights Civics Education at History Rocks! Texas Event

U.S. Department of Education Senior Advisor for Civic Education Katie Gorka visited Waxahachie High School in Texas on April 20, 2026, as part of the national History Rocks! Trail to Independence Tour celebrating America's 250th birthday. Approximately 2,000 students participated in interactive games designed to deepen understanding of American history, civics, and the role Texas has played in the nation's history. The initiative is coordinated with Freedom 250 and the America 250 Civics Education Coalition, with officials set to visit schools in all 50 states.

Bird Flu Prevention Guidance for Maryland Workers

The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MOSH) published a resource page consolidating guidance on avian influenza (bird flu) prevention for Maryland workers. The page describes how bird flu spreads from infected birds to humans through direct contact, contaminated environments, or intermediate animal hosts, and links to federal resources from OSHA, CDC, USDA, and other agencies covering worker protection, PPE, and outbreak response.

Focus Four Campaign 2025 Addresses Construction Fatal Four Hazards

MD OSHA has launched its 2025 Focus Four Campaign running March through June, targeting construction industry hazards including falls, struck-by incidents, caught-in/between hazards, and electrocutions. The campaign delivers toolbox talks, onsite visits, and hands-on educational sessions as part of a multi-agency effort with OSHA and construction industry partners. According to BLS data, 1,075 construction worker deaths occurred in 2023, representing 20% of all 5,283 worker fatalities, with the 'Fatal Four' hazards accounting for 56% of construction deaths.

Trench Safety: Slope Shore Shield Methods

OSHA's trench safety guidance emphasizes three protective methods—sloping or benching trench walls, shoring with supports, or shielding with trench boxes—to prevent cave-ins, the leading cause of worker fatalities in excavation work. The guidance instructs employers to ensure safe entry and exit, keep materials away from trench edges, monitor for standing water and atmospheric hazards, and verify proper inspection before any worker enters a trench. Applicable standards include 29 CFR 1926.650, 29 CFR 1926.651, and 29 CFR 1926.652.