SARS Secures High Court Preservation Order Against Former Officials for Corruption

SARS has secured an ex parte preservation order in the Gauteng Division of the High Court in Pretoria under section 163 of the Tax Administration Act against two former SARS officials who resigned in 2024 and 2025. The order targets three immovable properties, six vehicles, and multiple bank and investment accounts held across major financial institutions, estimated to be worth several million rand in total. A curator bonis has been appointed to preserve and manage these assets pending the finalisation of tax assessments, with authority to locate further concealed assets.

Oxidation Dye Precursor, Amino Silicone, Polyol Composition for Keratin Fiber Dyeing

USPTO granted L'Oréal Patent US12605319B2 for a composition comprising an oxidation base (2-β-hydroxyethyl-para-phenylenediamine), a (poly)oxyalkylenated amino silicone, and a polyol. The patent, with a filing date of December 9, 2022, contains 19 claims and covers processes for dyeing keratin fibers, preferably hair. Inventors are Valérie Nicou and Laurence Corn-Gourinel.

DNA Triangular Origami Emulsion Preparation, Zhejiang University, Apr 21

USPTO issued patent US12605312B2 to Zhejiang University on April 21, 2026, covering a DNA triangular origami-based single and double emulsifier preparation method for drug delivery applications. The patent discloses using DNA triangular origami as an emulsifier enabling simultaneous delivery of hydrophilic arbutin and hydrophobic coumaric acid through central nano channels, achieving zero-order release via intermolecular forces and pore confinement effects. The filing date was May 24, 2022, with application number 17752477 and 8 claims.

KAO Corporation External Skin Preparation Patent US12605315B2

USPTO granted Patent US12605315B2 to KAO Corporation on April 21, 2026, for an external skin preparation containing tabular metal oxide (A) with thickness 30-360 nm and aspect ratio 50-300, combined with UV absorbent (B) in a mass ratio of 0.1 to 5. The patent also covers formulations combining metal oxide (A), UV scattering agent (C), and nonvolatile oil (D), plus a method for protecting skin from IR and UV rays. Inventors are Takashi Fukui and Noriko Tejima, with 11 claims allowed under CPC classifications A61K 8/29, A61K 8/27, A61K 8/92, and related categories.

Synergistic Preservative Composition Containing Alkylene Glycol Ester

USPTO granted Patent US12605318B2 to Arch UK Biocides Ltd on April 21, 2026 for a synergistic preservative composition containing an alkylene glycol ester. The patent covers methods for increasing the efficacy of preservative agents and reducing the minimum amount needed for effective preservation in end-use formulations. The patent application (No. 17920493) was filed on April 22, 2021, with 32 claims covering CPC classifications in the A61K 8 and A61Q ranges for personal care and pharmaceutical formulations.

Mary Kay Inc. Topical Skin Care Formulation Patent US12605308B2

Mary Kay Inc. received US Patent 12605308B2 on April 21, 2026, covering topical skin care formulations containing Ficus lacor extract. The patent protects a method of reducing oxidation or MMP-1 activity in skin through topical application of the extract. The filing date was October 18, 2023, and the patent contains 22 claims.

Dental Composite Material - Kulzer GmbH - US12605307B2

The USPTO granted patent US12605307B2 to Kulzer GmbH on April 21, 2026, covering a polymerisable dental composite material comprising 40-90% inorganic filler, 10-60% urethane (alkyl) acrylate, 0.01-15% functional monomers, and 0.01-10% initiator/stabiliser. The patent, originating from application 17773261 (filed October 29, 2020), contains 8 claims and names inventors Andreas Utterodt, Christoph Meier, Nelli Schoenhof, Jutta Schneider, Kurt Reischl, Raif Kocoglu, and Michael Eck. The patent covers both the unpolymerised composite and the polymerised material for direct or indirect dental restorations.

Pressed Powder Patent, Shanghai Marshmallowmakeup Biotech

USPTO granted Patent US12605309B2 to Shanghai Marshmallowmakeup Biotech Corp., Ltd on April 21, 2026 for a pressed powder product and its method of preparation. The invention comprises a pressed powder layer, an ink absorbing layer formed by spraying ink-absorbing paint, and a pattern layer obtained by printing. The ink-absorbing paint contains 0.5% to 10% by weight of an oil controlling agent, 0.5% to 20% by weight of a color developing agent, 55% to 98.5% by weight of a solvent, and 0.5% to 10% by weight of a stabilizer. The patent claims priority to Application No. 18201776 filed May 25, 2023, with 8 total claims granted.

Mitsui Chemicals Patent, A61K 6/887, Zinc Catalyst Method

USPTO granted Patent US12605306B2 to MITSUI CHEMICALS, INC. on April 21, 2026, covering a method of manufacturing monomer compositions using a zinc catalyst combined with iso(thio)cyanate and alcohol compounds. The patent, filed on August 7, 2020 under application number 17628600, contains 15 claims and is classified under CPC A61K 6/887. Inventor Naoyuki Kakinuma developed the method where at least one of the iso(thio)cyanate compound or alcohol compound has a (meth)acryloyl group.

North Carolina State University Cloacal Delivery Product for Gut Health

USPTO granted Patent US12605239B2 to North Carolina State University on April 21, 2026, covering a method of delivering bioactive compositions to the ceca of birds via cloacal administration. The patent (Application No. 17389026, filed July 29, 2021) names inventors Robert Byron Beckstead, Peter R. Ferket, Olivia Ann Wedegaertner, and Raveendra Rangarao Kulkarni, and contains 14 claims. The invention provides a treatment-effective amount of a bioactive composition delivered to the cloaca with vent stimulation to target the ceca.

KAO Corporation Dual Hydrogel Patent, Apr 21

KAO Corporation has been granted US Patent 12605311B2 for a dual hydrogel structure comprising a continuous phase of a first hydrogel and a dispersed second hydrogel phase. The patent specifies a ratio of local minimum load after break to breaking load of 0.1 or more, covering 23 claims with inventors Saki Hamada and Shohei Toyota. The application was filed on February 5, 2021, under application number 18275832.

Non-Sulfate Shampoo Composition With Coacervate Formulation

The USPTO granted Patent US12605322B2 on April 21, 2026, to inventors Christian Springob, Marion Stuess, Malte Dirk Benjamin Koch, Antonio Martinez-Campoy, and Esther Mattke, covering a non-sulfate shampoo composition incorporating taurate or sarcosinate salt surfactants with a complexation compound that forms a coacervate upon dilution with water during hair treatment use. The patent includes 14 claims classified under CPC categories A61K 8/466, A61K 8/416, A61K 8/42, A61K 8/737, A61Q 5/02, and A61Q 5/12, among others.

Citrate Metal Salt Endodontic Treatment Formulation Patent

USPTO granted patent US12605305B2 to Kunming Qingcheng Healthcare Tech LTD. on April 21, 2026, covering an application of citrate metal salt in endodontic treatment and its formulation. The patent claims use of lithium citrate, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, or magnesium citrate for removing smear layer in root canal procedures, co-formulated with a citrate metal salt-compatible single-chain cationic antimicrobial agent. The invention is classified under CPC codes A61K 6/52 and A61K 6/69, with 8 claims total. Filing date was July 19, 2021, under application number 18025339.

DPOC Meeting March 3, 2026 - IASB and ISSB Technical Updates

The IFRS Foundation Due Process Oversight Committee (DPOC) will hold a meeting on 3 March 2026 at its London offices to receive update reports on IASB and ISSB technical activities. The agenda also includes finalising amendments to the Due Process Handbook, with staff recommending clarifications and enhancements based on feedback from the June 2025 Exposure Draft. Supporting papers include DP2 (IASB technical activities), DP3 (ISSB technical activities), and DP4 with an addendum summarising stakeholder feedback on the handbook proposals.

Capital Markets Advisory Committee Meeting, 13 March 2026, Agenda Items

The IFRS Foundation's Capital Markets Advisory Committee (CMAC) held a video conference call on 13 March 2026. The meeting covered an IASB Update, agenda items on Statement of Cash Flows including non-cash transactions, derivative classification, and changes in liabilities from financing activities, and initiated Phase 1 of the post-implementation review of IFRS 9 Hedge Accounting. Meeting papers and a recording are available via the IFRS website.

ISSB Agrees Nature Disclosures Practice Statement, October 2026

The International Sustainability Standards Board agreed during its April 2026 meeting in Beijing to propose requirements for nature-related disclosures as an IFRS Practice Statement. The Practice Statement will guide companies on how to provide material nature-related disclosures required under IFRS S1 without amending existing standards, drawing on the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures framework. An exposure draft is planned for October 2026, giving stakeholders the opportunity to comment on both the proposed content and whether a Practice Statement is the appropriate form of standard-setting for nature-related disclosures.

Nevada Ranks #1 in Job Growth, Governor Lombardo Announces

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo released a statement announcing that Nevada ranks number one nationally for job growth, according to the Nevada Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation (DETR). The governor highlighted administrative achievements including over $5 billion in private investment, more than 44,500 new jobs secured, a 15% reduction in the Modified Business Tax, and 910 regulatory reform recommendations approved by the Legislative Commission as of March 2025.

Eversource UI Electric Rates Decrease May 1 2026

PURA conditionally approves decreased electric rates for Eversource Energy and United Illuminating (UI) effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027 in PURA Dockets 26-01-03 and 26-01-04. Eversource residential customers will see a decrease of 4.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, averaging about $30 less per month; UI residential customers will see a decrease of 4.9 cents per kilowatt-hour, averaging about $34 less per month. The reductions are driven by lower public benefits charges tied to Millstone and Seabrook nuclear energy contracts and decreased hardship protection costs including uncollectible debt and arrearage forgiveness programs. A prudence review of actual revenues and expenses may result in further adjustments effective September 1.

Clinical Trial, NHPI Adults, Hawaii, Hypertension, Food Insecurity

NIH registered clinical trial NCT07544836, a multi-site randomized controlled trial at three Federally Qualified Health Centers in Hawaii evaluating a Food as Medicine produce prescription program for Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander adults with hypertension and food insecurity. Participants receive $100 per month in produce boxes or vouchers for 12 months ($1200 total). The two-arm study compares produce prescription only against CHW-navigated produce prescription to determine which approach yields better blood pressure outcomes and cost-effectiveness. The study has a start date of April 22, 2026.

Efficacy of Roflumilast vs Methotrexate for Flexural and/or Genital Psoriasis

NIH registered a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial (NCT07543640) on April 22, 2026, comparing roflumilast (500 mcg daily oral tablet) against methotrexate (standard weekly dose) for the treatment of flexural (inverse) and/or genital psoriasis over a 16-week period. The trial's primary objective is to evaluate which treatment is more effective at clearing psoriatic lesions in skin folds and genital areas and how each drug improves quality of life and pruritus symptoms. Participants will be monitored monthly for skin clearance, symptom relief, and safety/tolerability.

Randomized Controlled Trial, Telemedicine vs Standard ED

This randomized controlled trial registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07546071) will enroll 200 adults at an emergency department to evaluate whether video consultation with a senior emergency physician before entering the ED can improve efficiency and quality of care, compared to standard ED care. The study also examines whether physicians can accurately identify which patients need ED evaluation based on a remote assessment while maintaining patient safety. The intervention group receives a video consultation with a physician prior to standard ED care, while the control group receives standard care only.

Effect of Local Subperiosteal Zoledronic Acid Injection on the Survival of Orthodontic Miniscrews

A triple-blind, split-mouth randomized controlled trial (NCT07546058) registered on ClinicalTrials.gov under NIH, evaluating whether local subperiosteal zoledronic acid injections at 1 mg/mL concentration improve orthodontic miniscrew survival rates. The study enrolled 68 patients requiring bilateral maxillary premolar extraction, with miniscrews placed bilaterally and randomized to receive either zoledronic acid or saline control injections administered weekly for three weeks, with primary outcome assessed at 6 months.

Epidemiology And Risk Factors Of Intradialytic Hypotension In Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

A prospective multicenter observational study (NCT07545629) has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov to estimate the incidence and prevalence of intradialytic hypotension (IDH) in adult patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis and to explore risk factors including patient characteristics, cardiovascular status, volume status, and dialysis-related parameters. Participants meeting predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria will have routine clinical information collected and blood pressure and related symptoms recorded across dialysis sessions during a defined observation period. The findings may help clinicians optimize dialysis prescriptions and monitoring strategies to reduce IDH occurrence and its adverse consequences.

PROXERA PSOMED 30 Nail Psoriasis Trial, 21 Participants, 24 Weeks

ClinicalTrials.gov has registered a Phase IV interventional study evaluating PROXERA PSOMED 30, a 30% urea topical medical device, for the treatment of nail psoriasis in adults. The randomized controlled trial will enroll 21 participants aged 18-65 and compare active treatment against petrolatum (Vaseline) control over 24 weeks, measuring improvements in Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (NAPSI) scores as the primary efficacy endpoint. Participants will apply treatments twice daily to target nails with follow-up assessments at baseline, week 4, week 12, and week 24.

Neoss ProActive Dental Implant 5-Year Anterior Maxilla Clinical Trial

Neoss has registered a prospective 5-year clinical study (NCT07544706) evaluating the performance of ProActive Straight and Tapered dental implants supporting crowns and bridges in the anterior maxilla (teeth 13-23). The study will be conducted at Brånemarkkliniken, Public Dental Service, Västra Götalandsregionen, Sweden, with a study completion date of April 22, 2026. The trial will collect clinical, radiographic, and patient-reported outcomes using established methods and CE-marked devices, addressing a gap in long-term evidence for this specific indication.

TA-CPR vs Telephone CPR for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

A pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07546474) will compare Telemedicine-Assisted CPR (TA-CPR) against conventional Dispatcher-Assisted CPR (DA-CPR) in adult patients with suspected non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest within a hospital-based EMS system in Bangkok, Thailand. The study uses month-based cluster randomization, assigning either TA-CPR (real-time video call allowing dispatchers to visually assess patient and rescuer) or standard voice-only DA-CPR to all eligible patients each month. Both protocols use standard CPR instructions, with the TA-CPR group receiving live visual feedback to potentially improve chest compression quality and outcomes.

Wind Noise Sound Quality Preference and Claims Study

Sonova registered a clinical trial on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07543770) to generate sound quality claims evidence for a new Wind Noise Canceller (WNC) algorithm in hearing instruments. The single-site, two-arm study will compare the new WNC algorithm against the previous iteration in participants with hearing loss, with data collection scheduled for April 22, 2026. Informal exploratory testing by Sonova employees had previously identified improved sound quality ratings depending on wind speed, wind angle, and target signal.

Connecticut Electricity Rates Drop 14%, May 1st

Connecticut PURA approved an interim decision on April 22, 2026 reducing residential electricity rates by approximately 14% starting May 1, 2026, with Eversource customers saving roughly $30 per month (4.3 cents/kWh) and United Illuminating customers saving approximately $34 per month (4.9 cents/kWh). The rate reduction stems from nuclear contracts with Millstone and Seabrook plants, state legislation (Public Act 25-173), and bond funding that converted the public benefits charge from a cost to a credit through at least September 2026.

Over 100 AI Bills Across 10 States, Enacted in 6 States

NCSL's AI Legislation Tracker for 2025 documents over 100 AI-related bills across 10 states, with enacted legislation in 6 states. Enacted bills include Missouri H 2 (Education/Training) and S 2001 (Higher Learning), Mississippi S 2426 (AI Regulation Task Force), Montana H 10 (IT Capital Projects) and H 178 (Government Use of AI), Nebraska L 77 (Prior Authorization), and Nevada S 263 (Child Pornography involving minors). The tracker also notes additional pending and failed bills addressing housing, healthcare, elections, and criminal use of AI.

PM Meets Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset

The Prime Minister welcomed Council of Europe Secretary General Alain Berset to Downing Street on 22 April 2026. Both leaders affirmed their commitment to the Council of Europe and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), emphasising the importance of rule of law, democracy, and human rights to global stability. They also discussed illegal migration, with the PM highlighting the need for the ECHR to reflect modern challenges including border security concerns.

OCC Issues Spring 2026 Interest Rate Risk Statistics Report

The OCC published the spring 2026 edition of the Interest Rate Risk Statistics Report, presenting interest rate risk data gathered from examinations of OCC-supervised midsize and community banks and federal savings associations. The report rescinds OCC Bulletin 2025-33, which transmitted the fall 2025 report. Statistics are organized by asset size and charter type, covering all OCC-supervised midsize and community banks with reported data.

Interest Rate Risk Statistics Report, Spring 2026

The OCC published its Spring 2026 Interest Rate Risk Statistics Report presenting interest rate risk data gathered during examinations of OCC-supervised midsize and community banks and federal savings associations. The report covers interest rate risk metrics compiled across the supervised bank population. The statistics are explicitly for informational purposes only and do not represent OCC-suggested limits or exposures.

Digital Regulators Group Welcomes Ireland's National Digital & AI Strategy 2030

The Digital Regulators Group (DRG), comprising the Data Protection Commission (DPC), Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), Coimisiún na Meán (CnaM), and Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg), has welcomed the publication of Ireland's National Digital & AI Strategy 2030. The DRG supports the Strategy's ambition to position Ireland as a trusted, future-focused digital regulatory hub and welcomes government commitment to strengthening the DRG and enhancing cross-agency cooperation. Commissioner for Data Protection Des Hogan remarked on the Strategy's recognition of the importance of well-resourced digital regulators and deepened cross-agency cooperation.

University of Limerick Fined €98,000 for GDPR Data Breaches

The Data Protection Commission has published its final decision following an own-volition inquiry into University of Limerick, finding multiple GDPR violations arising from personal data breaches that occurred between November 2018 and January 2020. The DPC reprimanded University of Limerick and imposed administrative fines totalling €98,000 for failing to implement appropriate security measures, delay in informing affected persons of high-risk breaches, non-compliance with records of processing activity requirements, and untimely breach reporting to the DPC.

Idaho DEQ Awards $89,505 to Bloomington and Roberts for Wastewater Planning

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality awarded $89,505 in total to two water systems for wastewater facility planning. The City of Bloomington in Bear Lake County received $40,000 toward an $80,000 project, while the City of Roberts in Jefferson County received $49,505 toward a $99,010 project. DEQ's Planning Grant Program covers up to 50% of eligible planning costs for wastewater and drinking water systems seeking to achieve compliance with state and federal standards.

Eric Labs Testifies on Navy and Coast Guard Shipbuilding Challenges

Eric J. Labs, CBO's Senior Analyst for Naval Forces and Weapons, testified at a joint hearing before the House Subcommittees on Seapower and Projection Forces and on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on April 22, 2026. The testimony addressed challenges facing the Navy's and Coast Guard's shipbuilding programs and the broader shipbuilding industrial base. Supporting data files for figures and tables are available on CBO's website.

H.R. 151 Equal Representation Act of 2025 Cost Estimate Zero Deficit Impact

The Congressional Budget Office issued a cost estimate for H.R. 151, the Equal Representation Act of 2025, as reported by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on April 21, 2026. The CBO determined that enacting the bill would have zero deficit impact over the 2026-2031 budget window. The estimate was published on April 22, 2026, and is available as a 290.56 KB PDF from CBO.gov.

NPPD McCook Peaking Units Class I Operating Permit Proposed

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) is proposing to issue a Class I operating permit to Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) for McCook Peaking Units, two internal combustion turbines located at 1901 N Highway 83 in McCook, Red Willow County, Nebraska. The facility would emit 8,993.43 tpy sulfur dioxide, 3,166 tpy nitrogen oxides, and 588,554.66 tpy CO2 equivalents annually. The public comment period runs from April 22 through May 21, 2026, and any interested person may petition for a public hearing during this period.

Brownfields Webinar Apr 29 Free Registration Required

DWEE, Kansas State University Technical Assistance to Brownfields (KSU TAB), and EPA Region 7 will present a free brownfields webinar on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 2 to 3 p.m. CT titled 'Spring Cleaning! Tips and Resources for Nebraska Communities to Revitalize Those Eyesore Properties!' The webinar will cover understanding brownfields, redevelopment benefits, and free tools and resources available to communities. Attendance is free but registration is required via KSU TAB's website.

G&P Development Landfill Class I Operating Permit Public Notice

Nebraska DWEE is seeking public comment on a proposed Class I operating permit for G&P Development Landfill (FID# 45275) in Seward County, Nebraska, a municipal solid waste facility with estimated annual emissions including 145.76 tpy particulate matter, 7.89 tpy total HAPs, and 181,400.28 tpy greenhouse gases. Comments will be accepted through May 21, 2026, and any interested person may petition the Director for a public hearing during the comment period. Following the 30-day comment period, the EPA Administrator has 60 days to review before any petition to object may be filed.

NPPD Hebron Peaking Unit Class I Air Permit Comment Period

The Nebraska DWEE is proposing to issue a Class I operating permit to NPPD-Hebron Peaking Unit for two internal combustion turbines at 1377 County Road, Hebron, Thayer County, under Title 129 Nebraska Air Quality Regulations. Potential emissions include 9,585 tpy sulfur dioxide, 3,374 tpy nitrogen oxides, 627,259 tpy greenhouse gases, and 7.68 tpy total hazardous air pollutants. The public comment period runs from April 22 through May 21, 2026; Thayer County currently meets NAAQS for regulated pollutants. The proposed permit requires fuel flow meters, opacity monitoring, and applicable recordkeeping and reporting.

Maine Unemployment 3.2% in February 2026, Jobs Near 660k

Maine's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held at 3.2% in February 2026, remaining essentially unchanged from the 3.3% rate recorded for the prior 13 months. Nonfarm wage and salary jobs remained near 660,000 for the twenty-second consecutive month. The state's not seasonally adjusted unemployment was 3.7% statewide, with rates varying by county and metro area. Private sector workers averaged 33.4 hours per workweek and $33.64 per hour, with hourly earnings increasing 2.7% year-over-year.

eDesk Module for Cross-Border IFM Notifications Now Available

The CSSF announces that the eDesk module for cross-border management notifications and de-notifications with a European passport is now available for Luxembourg-domiciled IFMs as of 22 April 2026. UCITS management companies and Authorized AIFMs must transmit notification and de-notification files via the eDesk Portal or CSSF API solution, with subsequent monitoring carried out exclusively through the portal. The CSSF reminds affected entities to notify all cross-border activities regardless of whether provided under free provision of services or via branch establishment.

Virtual Measles Briefing With OHA, OHSU Physicians, April 17

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will host a virtual media briefing on measles at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Speakers include Dean Sidelinger, M.D., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division, and Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital. Reporters can join via Zoom while a public livestream will be available via YouTube.

Renewal, Growth of Spring a Great Time to 'Rethink the Drink'

The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) on April 16, 2026, issued a public awareness announcement recognizing Alcohol Awareness Month in April, encouraging Oregonians to reflect on the role alcohol plays in their daily lives. The announcement highlights that more than one in five Oregonians drink excessively, contributing to approximately 3,000 alcohol-related deaths each year. OHA directs residents to its Rethink the Drink initiative for resources on healthier drinking habits.

Virtual Measles Briefing, Oregon, 1 p.m. April 17

Oregon Health Authority and Oregon Health & Science University physicians will provide an update on measles during a virtual media briefing at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026. Speakers include Dean Sidelinger, M.D., M.S.Ed., health officer and state epidemiologist at OHA's Public Health Division, and Dawn Nolt, M.D., MPH, professor of pediatric infectious diseases at OHSU's Doernbecher Children's Hospital. They will discuss latest measles data, recent OHA advisories on exposure locations, work with local public health authorities on case investigations, and wastewater surveillance data.

North Dakota HHS $3.6M Rural Health Transformation Grants

North Dakota HHS announced three new grant opportunities totaling $3.6 million through its Rural Health Transformation Program: Zero-Hour Physical Education ($700K), Community Gardens ($300K), and Community-Based Walking Programs ($2.6M). Applications will be accepted from April 22 through May 22, 2026, at 5 p.m. CT. The grants are funded by a $199 million CMS award to North Dakota, with award ranges from $10,000 to $125,000 each and potential renewal up to five years for successful recipients.

EC Clears Charlesbank / Nordic Capital / Tecomet / Orchid Merger

The European Commission has approved the acquisition of joint control over Tecomet and Orchid by Charlesbank and Nordic Capital under Article 6(1)(b) of the EU Merger Regulation. The decision, issued on 22 April 2026, was a simplified review finding the concentration does not raise doubts as to its compatibility with the common market. The parties operate in the manufacture of medical and dental instruments and supplies sector (NACE Rev. 2.1 code C.32.5). The provisional deadline for the decision was 05.05.2026.

Motherson / Nexans Autoelectric Merger, Article 6(1)(b) Decision

The European Commission issued a Phase 1 decision under Article 6(1)(b) of Council Regulation 139/2004 for the Motherson / Nexans Autoelectric merger (Case M.12340). The Commission declared the concentration compatible with the common market, marking clearance without a full investigation. The merger involves companies operating in C.29.3 - Manufacture of motor vehicle parts and accessories (NACE Rev. 2.1).

PERMIRA / WARBURG PINCUS / CLEARWATER ANALYTICS Merger

The European Commission initiated Phase 1 review of Permira and Warburg Pincus's proposed acquisition of Clearwater Analytics under Council Regulation (EC) No 139/2004. The case was processed under the super-simplified procedure and issued a Phase 1 clearance decision under Article 6(1)(b) on 22 April 2026, with a provisional deadline of 6 May 2026. Clearwater Analytics operates in computer programming, data processing, and hosting activities (NACE K.62.1, K.63.1) and auxiliary financial services (NACE L.66.19).