Women Remain Underrepresented in Wealth Management Despite Growing Pipeline

FINTRX research published in ABA Banking Journal reports that while 37.6% of wealth management professionals aged 20-30 are women, only about 20% of producing advisors firm-wide are women, illustrating persistent underrepresentation in revenue-generating roles. Women comprise 26.5% of producing advisors with fewer than five years of tenure and remain underrepresented in CEO and CIO positions, even as they show stronger representation in COO and CFO roles. The findings, covering over 500,000 registered representatives across independent RIAs, wirehouses, and broker-dealers, suggest that effective firm support for advancement into revenue-generating and executive roles will determine the pace of gender parity over the next decade.

HUD Adopts FICO 10T, VantageScore 4.0 for Mortgages

HUD announced adoption of FICO 10T and VantageScore 4.0 for FHA loans, calling it an important milestone in credit score modernization. FHFA simultaneously launched a pilot program allowing exclusive use of VantageScore 4.0 for loans delivered to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, with future integration of FICO Score 10T. Fannie Mae began limited rollout to approved lenders immediately, while publication of historical credit score data for both models is scheduled for summer 2026.

Statement of Charges Against Zenith Asset Tech in Cryptocurrency Fraud

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities entered a Statement of Charges (S-24-3882-25-SC01) against Zenith Asset Tech Foundation, Cirkor Inc., and 19 additional respondents on April 22, 2026. Between 2024 and 2025, the respondents allegedly defrauded at least 38 investors—including 3 Washington residents—out of nearly $9.9 million through cryptocurrency scams involving fake investment education foundations, fake trading platforms, fake AI-generated trading signals, and unregistered money transmitters. The respondents sold fake securities token offerings and were not registered to sell investments, allegedly failing to disclose material information about their AI bot system and their own registration status. Remedies sought include cease and desist orders and fines.

2026 California Rulemaking Law APA Book Available for $8

The California Office of Administrative Law announces that the 2026 California Rulemaking Law under the Administrative Procedure Act book is now available for purchase at $8.00 per copy. The book contains primary statutes and regulations governing rulemaking under the California APA, along with annotations, related statutes, and a comprehensive index. Books can be picked up at OAL's Sacramento office or mailed via USPS; payment must be by check or money order only, with delivery taking 7 to 10 working days after receipt of payment.

Governor Braun Releases First Annual Direct-to-Employer Healthcare Review

The Indiana Department of Health Consumer Services and Healthcare Regulation Commission released its inaugural Direct-to-Employer Healthcare Arrangement Plan Review for calendar year 2025 at the direction of Governor Braun. The report found that all five participating health systems—Ascension St. Vincent, Community Health Network, Franciscan Health, Indiana University Health, and Parkview Health Network—met the statutory benchmark requiring employer-direct plans to remain at or below 260% of Medicare rates. The review provides employers new visibility into hospital pricing and highlights direct-to-employer contracting as a tool for managing healthcare costs.

14 Organizations Join USP Convention Including African Medicines Agency, Egyptian Drug Authority

USP added 14 organizations to its Convention as of Spring 2026, including the African Medicines Agency, Egyptian Drug Authority, Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, and Rwandan FDA, among others. The Convention now comprises over 450 member organizations from more than 50 countries representing science, manufacturing, regulatory, patient advocacy, government, and academia. Convention Members provide input and elect USP's Board of Trustees and Council of Experts, supporting USP's mission to protect and promote health by advancing quality across the lifecycle of medicines worldwide.

Wound Dressing Patent US12605285B2, HIDRAMED SOLUTIONS

The USPTO granted Patent US12605285B2 to HIDRAMED SOLUTIONS LTD on April 21, 2026, covering a wound dressing device that includes a retaining device for encompassing a portion of the body, a dressing, and a fastening element configured external to the retaining device. The patent application was filed on July 20, 2018, under application number 16637989, and contains 21 claims. The invention also relates to a method of applying the device and a combined dressing and fastening element.

US12605286B2 Infant Umbilical Cord Stump Protector

The USPTO granted Patent US12605286B2 to ASO LLC for an infant umbilical cord stump protector comprising a pad positionable proximal to the umbilical cord stump and a fluid-impermeable cover with adhesive, deformable, and peripheral regions that form a protective dome shape. The patent, filed on January 31, 2022 under Application No. 17588842, contains 51 claims and 18 CPC classifications in the A61F medical device category. Assignees and inventors seeking to commercialize similar neonatal care products should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid potential infringement of this issued patent.

Road Traffic (Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 — Exemption) Order 2026

The Road Traffic (Singapore Yachting Festival 2026 — Exemption) Order 2026 exempts designated chauffeured private hire cars operated by RedAce Limo (UEN 53395806K) from sections 101, 106 and 107 of the Road Traffic Act 1961 and Parts II and VI of the Road Traffic (Public Service Vehicles) Rules for the period 22–27 April 2026. To qualify, vehicles must display a Registrar-issued label, be used only by the exempt sole proprietor or persons under their direction, and maintain valid insurance covering third-party death, bodily injury, and property damage while on any road.

Carr Warns Georgians of Price Gouging and Wildfire Scams

Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr warns Georgians of price gouging and scams following Governor Brian Kemp's State of Emergency declaration for 91 counties due to South Georgia wildfires. The emergency declaration took effect April 22, 2026 and remains in place until 11:59 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2026, invoking the Price Gouging Statute for goods and services necessary for preparation, response, and recovery activities. The Consumer Protection Division provides tips to help consumers avoid contractor fraud, charity fraud, and other deceptive practices related to the disaster.

Decreto 12.881/2026 Formaliza Reestruturação Regulatória da ANPD

Decreto 12.881/2026 e Resolução CD/ANPD nº 33 concretizam a transformação da Agência Nacional de Proteção de Dados em agência reguladora, concedendo-lhe as mesmas prerrogativas previstas na Lei nº 13.853/2019, incluindo receitas vinculadas e carreira própria de pessoal. A nova estrutura organiza-se em seis Superintendências — Executiva, Inovação Tecnológica, Regulação, Fiscalização, Relações Institucionais e Internacionais e Gestão Interna — além de uma unidade de Auditoria. Com aproximadamente 500 pessoas, a ANPD prevê a criação de 200 novos cargos por meio de concurso público para a carreira de Especialista em Regulação de Dados Pessoais.

ANPD Participates in Roundtable on Ethical AI Guide Public Consultation

ANPD participated in a roundtable discussion on April 10 at the Palacio da Justiça to contribute to the public consultation process for Brazil's Ethical AI Use Guide (Guia de Uso Ético de Inteligência Artificial). Director Lorena Giuberti Coutinho represented ANPD at the panel on 'Artificial Intelligence and Gender: Contemporary Challenges and Paths to Algorithmic Justice.' The guide, being developed by multiple federal entities through the Secretaria Nacional de Direitos Digitais (SEDIGI/MJSP), aims to inform the general public about AI functioning, uses, limitations, risks, and rights and duties in technology interactions. The document specifically addresses deepfake risks and recommendation algorithm effects on mental health, noting women and girls as the most affected demographic group.

ANPD Participates in First Datified Public Services Seminar in São Paulo

Brazil's ANPD participated in the first edition of the Datified Public Services Seminar held on April 16 in São Paulo, organized by CGI.br's Working Group on Datified Public Services. Director Lorena Giuberti spoke at the third panel and closed the event, emphasizing that Brazil's LGPD provides the regulatory framework for secure and protected data processing in the public sector. The seminar brought together experts, public managers, civil society representatives, universities, and the business sector to discuss the relationship between data processing in public services and its societal impact.

Georgia Power Company Fuel Cost Recovery FCR-27 Hearing

The Georgia Public Service Commission has scheduled a hearing for Docket #56765 concerning Georgia Power Company's Fuel Cost Recovery (FCR-27) on May 6, 2026 at 9:30 am. This proceeding will examine the utility's fuel cost recovery charges, which determine how much customers pay for fuel expenses embedded in electricity rates. The hearing is listed as part of the Commission's calendar for review of Georgia Power's annual fuel cost adjustment filing.

USPS Files 12 Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, Ground Advantage Contracts With PRC

The United States Postal Service filed 12 requests with the Postal Regulatory Commission between April 13–17, 2026, to add domestic shipping services contracts to the Mail Classification Schedule's Competitive Products List. The filings cover Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage products under negotiated service agreement categories PM-GA 957–966, PME-PM-GA 1500, and PM 954, assigned MC2026-202 through MC2026-216 and K2026-201 through K2026-214 docket numbers. Documents are available at www.prc.gov.

Rural Development Loan Servicing Information Collection Revision, OMB 0570-0015

The Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBCS) is requesting public comments on a revision to a currently approved information collection (OMB No. 0570-0015) supporting Rural Development Loan Servicing for the Intermediary Relending Program. The collection covers loan servicing and liquidating activities under Subpart R of 7 CFR part 1951, involving both the IRP and Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program. RBCS estimates 500 respondents with 4 responses each, totaling 8,000 annual burden hours at 4 hours per response. Comments must be received by June 22, 2026, after which the collection will be submitted to OMB for approval.

Rural Development Loan Servicing Comment Period, June 22

This Regulations.gov form page enables individuals and organizations to submit public comments on Rural Development Loan Servicing regulations during the open comment period. The form is provided by the Rural Business-Cooperative Service (RBS), a USDA agency, and facilitates stakeholder participation in the federal regulatory process through the official government portal. Commenters may identify as an Individual, Organization, or Anonymous, and may attach supporting files up to 10MB in various formats. Affected parties seeking to provide feedback on Rural Development loan servicing policies should use this form to submit comments before the June 22 deadline. Agricultural firms, rural developers, lenders, and community organizations that participate in or are affected by USDA Rural Development loan programs may find this opportunity relevant to their operations. Submitted comments become part of the official public docket and may be publicly disclosed on Regulations.gov.

Paul Atkins, 32nd Annual International Institute for Securities Market Growth and Development Opening Remarks

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins delivered opening remarks at the 32nd Annual International Institute for Securities Market Growth and Development on April 22, 2026, marking 35 years since the inaugural Institute. The speech addressed the importance of international regulatory cooperation, highlighted the IOSCO Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMOU) that has facilitated cross-border enforcement information exchange among over 130 regulators since 2002, and previewed discussions on capital market growth, investor protection, digital assets, and AI in finance. The event welcomed nearly 180 delegates from 54 jurisdictions.

Fuel Surcharge Guidance and Multiple Regulatory Updates from Commerce Commission NZ

The Commerce Commission NZ published a collection of regulatory updates on 22 April 2026, including guidance on fuel surcharges, merger review statements, infrastructure approvals, and enforcement actions. The High Court imposed a $2.482 million penalty on Co-operative Bank for breaching the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003. The Commission proposed approving Transpower's $1.1386 billion capex allowance for Cook Strait cable replacement and approved Wellington Electricity's substation upgrade for central Wellington power supply protection. Multiple merger reviews remain ongoing.

Competition Matters Conference 2026, 14th May, Auckland

The Commerce Commission NZ has announced its 2026 conference, Competition Matters, scheduled for Thursday 14 May at the New Zealand International Conference Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. The event will feature speakers and panellists from government, the OECD, and the business community discussing competition and consumer welfare issues. Registration is open via competitionmatters.nz/register. This is a conference announcement with no new regulatory obligations.

Subscribe to Media Releases, Newsletters, and Industry Updates

The Commerce Commission NZ invites readers to subscribe to its media releases, monthly Competition Matters newsletter, and industry-specific updates via email. Social media links to Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube are provided. Previous issues of the Competition Matters newsletter are archived from July 2025 through March 2026. No compliance obligations or deadlines are created by this page.

United States v. Brown - Supervised Release Monitoring Condition Affirmed

The Second Circuit affirmed Mark Richard Brown's conviction for fourteen counts of making false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims under 18 U.S.C. § 287 and one count of theft of government funds under 18 U.S.C. § 641. Brown was sentenced to 46 months' imprisonment and 3 years' supervised release, with forfeiture of $136,672.75. On appeal, Brown challenged three special conditions of supervised release: installation of monitoring software on all internet-accessible devices, unannounced device examinations by probation officers, and monitoring restrictions on work devices. The court upheld all conditions, finding they were reasonable given the nature of the offense and defendant's history, including a prior state conviction for a similar scheme.

Powell v. Ocwen Financial Corp. — ERISA Plan Assets and RMBS Trust Certificates

The Second Circuit partially affirmed and partially vacated the Southern District of New York's summary judgment in Powell v. Ocwen Financial Corp., a case brought by trustees of an ERISA-regulated pension fund against mortgage servicers for alleged breach of fiduciary duty regarding residential mortgage-backed securities investments. The court held that mortgages underlying RMBS notes issued under indenture agreements lack substantial equity features and therefore are not plan assets under the DOL's plan-asset regulation (29 C.F.R. § 2510.3-101). However, the court held that mortgages underlying RMBS trust certificates do represent equity interests and therefore qualify as plan assets under ERISA's look-through exception. The case was remanded for further proceedings on the certificate-based investments.

United States v. Manuel Zumba Mejia — Illegal Reentry Collateral Challenge

The Second Circuit reversed a Southern District of New York order granting Manuel Zumba Mejia's motion to dismiss an aggravated illegal reentry charge. The appellate court held that § 1326(d)'s three requirements are mandatory and that courts may not excuse a defendant's failure to satisfy any of them, expressly abrogating the Circuit's prior rule in United States v. Sosa. Mejia is barred from collaterally challenging his underlying removal order because he failed to exhaust administrative remedies. The case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with the opinion.

USA v. Ullah - Terrorism Conviction Affirmed in Part, Reversed in Part

The Second Circuit affirmed most convictions for Kayed Ullah's December 11, 2017 Manhattan subway bomb attack, reversing only Count One (material support to foreign terrorist organization) because the evidence was insufficient to prove he provided or attempted to provide material support as required under 18 U.S.C. § 2339B. The court affirmed Count Five (terrorist attack on mass transportation under 18 U.S.C. § 1992(a)(2)) and Count Six (using a destructive device during a crime of violence under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)), rejecting his challenges to the statutory interpretation and jury instructions. The court also held that the completed offense under 18 U.S.C. § 2332f(a)(1) constitutes a crime of violence, and affirmed his sentence of multiple life terms.

Campbell v. Broome County - Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment § 1983 Claims Affirmed in Part

The Second Circuit affirmed the District Court's sua sponte dismissal under 28 U.S.C. § 1915(e) of plaintiff pro se David John Campbell's amended complaint alleging Fourth and Fourteenth Amendment constitutional violations against Broome County and City of Binghamton officials, finding the complaint factually frivolous and lacking allegations of municipal policy or personal involvement of certain defendants. The appellate court vacated and remanded solely the claim against Officer Nicholas Mushalla for allegedly unreasonably seizing firearms and other items from Campbell's home, which was not subject to the companion Binghamton I dismissal.

Goklu Bitcoin Money Laundering Conviction Affirmed

The Second Circuit affirmed Mustafa Goklu's conviction for money laundering and operating an unlicensed money transmitting business under 18 U.S.C. §§ 1956 and 1960, based on bitcoin-for-cash exchanges with undercover DEA agents. The court rejected challenges to jury empanelment, evidentiary sufficiency, and jury instructions, holding that exchanging bitcoin for cash constitutes 'money transmitting' under federal law. Goklu's sentencing challenges were dismissed as moot since he had finished serving his term of imprisonment.

Schneiderman v. American Chemical Society — Diversity Jurisdiction Affirmed

The Second Circuit affirmed dismissal of a disability discrimination suit against the American Chemical Society, holding that 28 U.S.C. § 1332(c)(1) requires state incorporation to establish corporate citizenship for diversity jurisdiction purposes. Because ACS is a federally chartered corporation not incorporated by any State, it lacks a State of citizenship under the statute, and diversity jurisdiction was not established. Judge Menashi dissented. The ruling clarifies that federally chartered corporations cannot be sued in federal court based solely on their principal place of business under § 1332(c)(1).

Vidal v. Venettozzi - Prison Disciplinary SHU Segregation Due Process

The Second Circuit vacated the Southern District of New York's grant of summary judgment to New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) officials, holding that 270 days of disciplinary segregation in the special housing unit (SHU) constitutes an atypical and significant hardship based on duration alone, triggering 14th Amendment procedural due process protections. Plaintiff-Appellant Joseph Vidal served at least 180 days of the 270-day sentence. The court found that Vidal was denied basic procedural protections at his disciplinary hearing, including the opportunity to call witnesses and present documentary evidence. The judgment is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Kwok v. Despins - Alter Ego Finding Affirmed, Yacht Included in Bankruptcy Estate

The Second Circuit affirmed the District of Connecticut's judgment holding that HK International Funds Investments (USA) Limited, LLC was the alter ego of debtor Ho Wan Kwok, meaning its assets—including the approximately $37 million Lady May yacht—belonged to the bankruptcy estate. The court held that the Chapter 11 trustee has standing to assert alter ego claims on behalf of creditors. The appellants, Mei Guo and HK, challenged both standing and the alter ego finding, but the Second Circuit rejected both arguments, emphasizing evidence of asset concealment through shell entities.

United States v. Barrett - Firearms Conviction Vacated, Remanded for Resentencing

The Second Circuit withdraws Part III.A.2.c. of its prior opinion in Barrett III (102 F.4th 60), which had permitted separate sentences on both Count Six (§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i)) and Count Seven (§ 924(j)) of the underlying indictment. The Supreme Court held in Barrett v. United States, 146 S. Ct. 482 (2026), that Congress did not authorize convictions under both provisions for a single act. The Second Circuit vacates the prior judgment to the extent it ordered separate sentences on both counts and remands with instructions for the district court to vacate one of the convictions, giving due weight to the government's view. The court denies Barrett's request for reassignment to a different judge on remand.

Pence Murder-for-Hire Conviction Affirmed on Appeal

The Second Circuit affirmed Christopher Pence's conviction for using a facility of interstate commerce in connection with murder-for-hire under 18 U.S.C. § 1958(a), upholding the district court's denial of his motion to suppress statements made to FBI agents before Miranda warnings. The appellate court agreed that a reasonable person in Pence's circumstances would not have believed he was in custody when he confessed to the murder-for-hire scheme after approximately two hours of questioning in an FBI vehicle. This affirmance resolves the appeal without creating new compliance obligations, as the decision applies existing Miranda custody doctrine to the specific facts.

Cruz v. Banks - Second Circuit Affirms Special Education Placement Ruling

In Cruz v. Banks, the Second Circuit affirmed the Southern District of New York's judgment in favor of the New York City Department of Education regarding a student's special education classroom placement under IDEA. The appellate court adopted the New York Court of Appeals' interpretation that state regulations governing class sizes for students with disabilities under 8 NYCRR § 200.6(h)(4) provide schools with flexibility to choose among alternative placement options rather than mandating compliance with all requirements simultaneously. The ruling clarifies that the DOE did not violate the student's right to a free appropriate public education by placing him in a 12:1:4 classroom configuration.

Baxter Head Positioning Adapter Recall Type I

Baxter Corporation is recalling its Adapter For Head Positioning (Model 1739994) following identification that the device may become loose during patient positioning and unintentionally move when used with side rails of the upper back section H V U on Baxter operating tables. The recall affects three lot numbers—109943587, 109948552, and 109964961—and has been classified as Type I, the most serious recall category. Healthcare facilities using this device should contact Baxter for further information and follow any supplementary instructions issued by the firm.

Stryker Variax 2 Locking Screw - Non-Sterile, Lot AM5253

Health Canada has issued a Type II medical device recall for Stryker Gmbh's Variax 2 Locking Screw - Non-Sterile, Lot AM5253 (model/catalogue number 657328). Stryker confirmed that one lot was manufactured without the hexalobular feature required for mating with the associated screwdriver, creating a device incompatibility issue. Healthcare providers who have this product in stock should contact the manufacturer for additional information and next steps.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue — Vacated and Remanded

The Seventh Circuit vacated the U.S. Tax Court's decision in Hyatt Hotels Corp. & Subsidiaries v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue (No. 13858-17) and remanded the case for further proceedings. The dispute concerns whether payments from third-party hotel owners into Hyatt's Gold Passport loyalty program fund, along with investment income and direct point sales, constituted taxable income to Hyatt. The IRS asserted that Hyatt should have reported this fund income and deducted redemption costs at the time of redemption. The appellate court found the tax court's analysis incomplete on the threshold question of whether these payments were Hyatt's income at all, declining to reach Hyatt's alternative argument that it was entitled to use the trading stamp method of accounting under Treasury Regulation § 1.451-4. Oral argument was held September 16, 2025.

Investor Alert: Ramp-and-dump Scam Surge Targeting Investors

The Canadian Securities Administrators issued an investor alert on April 16, 2026 warning Canadians about a surge in fraudulent "ramp-and-dump" investment schemes promoted through social media platforms and closed group messaging services. These coordinated scams involve fraudsters pressuring victims to purchase specific low-priced or thinly traded stocks through investment groups on WhatsApp, Discord, and Telegram, artificially inflating the price before selling their own shares for profit and leaving victims with significant losses. The alert outlines specific warning signs including claims of guaranteed returns, requests to purchase stocks at specific prices on specific dates, and impersonation of registered professionals or well-known companies.

Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators Annual Meeting Montreal Retiree Financial Security

The Joint Forum of Financial Market Regulators held its Annual Meeting in Montreal, Quebec on April 15, 2026, bringing together members of the Canadian Council of Insurance Regulators (CCIR), the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA), and the Canadian Association of Pension Supervisory Authorities (CAPSA) to discuss retiree financial security. Presentations covered OECD research on barriers to quality financial advice for retirees and National Institute on Ageing research on helping Canadians prepare financially for retirement. Speakers included OECD policy analyst Jessica Mosher, NIA Director Bonnie-Jeanne MacDonald, and CAPSA Chair Angela Mazerolle.

ASC Issues Interim Order Reasons Against Midas Vantage Projects Lithium Limited

An Alberta Securities Commission panel issued written reasons on April 16, 2026 for its December 19, 2025 interim order against Midas Vantage Projects Lithium Limited, Carolyn Jean Orazietti, and Vinay Ramachand Iyer. The panel found sufficient evidence that the respondents engaged in fraud, made prohibited representations about MVP securities, and misled Staff, warranting the interim order to prevent ongoing capital market misconduct while investigation and hearing proceed.

Paxton Defends SB 10, Ten Commandments Displayed in Texas Classrooms

Attorney General Ken Paxton's office successfully defended Senate Bill 10 before the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit after securing an initial hearing en banc. The Fifth Circuit has held that SB 10 will be in effect, meaning the Ten Commandments will be posted in classrooms across Texas public schools. AG Paxton characterized the ruling as a major victory for Texas and its moral values.

Paxton Sues Kratom Retailers Over 50x Legal 7-OH Limit

Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a civil lawsuit against Pure Leaf Kratom, LLC and Outcast Distribution, LLC, two California-based online retailers, for deceptively marketing and selling synthetic and adulterated Kratom products containing up to 96% 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which is nearly fifty times the legal 2% limit under the Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act. Laboratory testing confirmed multiple products shipped into Texas contained 7-OH levels ranging from 86% to 96% of total alkaloid content, despite the defendants' website claims that they did not ship synthetic products or products exceeding 2% 7-OH to Texas. This lawsuit is part of a broader initiative to enforce the 2023 Texas Kratom Consumer Health and Safety Protection Act.

Texas AG Investigates Streaming Platform Payola Schemes

The Texas Attorney General has issued Civil Investigative Demands to Spotify, Apple Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and YouTube Music as part of an investigation into alleged payola schemes—undisclosed payments to boost playlist placement and algorithmic recommendations. The investigation will examine whether streaming services entered into undisclosed financial arrangements with record labels, promoters, or third parties in violation of Texas law. Music streaming platforms should review their financial arrangements with record labels, promoters, and third parties for compliance with Texas consumer protection standards.

ND Ethics Commission Establishes Public Comment Period at Regular Meetings

The North Dakota Ethics Commission has adopted a policy establishing a public comment period at the beginning of each regular meeting, beginning with the March 27, 2026 meeting. Under the policy, each speaker is allotted up to ten minutes for comments, with the public comment period limited to a total of one hour per meeting, and individuals must submit a public comment request form before the meeting is called to order. The Commission's stated rationale is to ensure members of the public have a meaningful opportunity to address the Commission on issues related to government ethics, transparency, elections, corruption, and lobbying.

ND Ethics Commission Sets April 24 Meeting in West Fargo

The North Dakota Ethics Commission announces a public meeting scheduled for April 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the West Fargo Fire Department, 1201 10th Avenue E., West Fargo, ND 58078. As part of its initiative to increase accessibility, the Commission is holding meetings in communities across North Dakota and will include a public comment period. Additional meeting details and the public comment request form are available at ethicscommission.nd.gov.

Ethics Commission Accepting Applications Through April 30, Two Openings Available

The North Dakota Ethics Commission is accepting applications for two commission openings through April 30, 2026. Position 1 fills an unexpired term left by Dr. Cynthia Lindquist's resignation, running from June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2027. Position 2 serves a full four-year term beginning September 1, 2026. Appointments will be made by consensus agreement of the Governor, Senate Majority Leader, and Senate Minority Leader.

Hencely v. Fluor Corp. — Military Contractor State Tort Claims Not Preempted

The Supreme Court vacated the Fourth Circuit's judgment in Hencely v. Fluor Corporation (No. 24-924) and remanded the case, holding that state tort claims against a military contractor are not categorically preempted by federal law. The Court ruled that absent a federal statute to the contrary, states can regulate or hold liable federal contractors on the same terms as private companies, even when the conduct occurred overseas in a warzone. The decision reverses the lower court's dismissal of Winston Tyler Hencely's negligence suit arising from a 2016 suicide bombing at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan that killed 3 US soldiers and 2 civilians.

Enbridge v. Nessel: Equitable Tolling Unavailable for Removal Deadline

The Supreme Court reversed the Sixth Circuit in Enbridge Energy, LP v. Nessel, holding that 28 U.S.C. §1446(b)(1)'s 30-day removal deadline is not subject to equitable tolling. The Court found that the presumption of equitable tolling is rebutted by the provision's strict mandatory language, its structure within the overall removal scheme, and its distinct function as a forum-allocation rule rather than a claim-extinguishing limitations period. Enbridge had removed a Michigan Attorney General enforcement action 887 days after receiving the complaint, relying on equitable tolling to excuse the untimeliness. The ruling resolves a circuit split, with the Fifth and Eleventh Circuits having previously recognized equitable tolling in some circumstances.

State Government Ethics Act Requirements and Commission Jurisdiction Overview

The North Carolina State Ethics Commission published an overview of its role interpreting and enforcing the State Government Ethics Act and Lobbying Law. The eight-member bipartisan commission, appointed by the Governor and General Assembly leadership, requires certain state officials to file Statements of Economic Interest, complete ethics education, and adhere to conflict-of-interest standards and gift bans. The commission does not have jurisdiction over local government officials.

Privacy Commissioner Speeches and Statements Index

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada publishes this index of speeches and statements by the Privacy Commissioner and OPC officials. The page displays 114 total items spanning 2015–2026, with topics including artificial intelligence, consent, health information, privacy breaches, privacy at work, biometrics, and youth privacy. Filtering options allow browsing by 22 topic categories and delivery year. This is a navigation portal rather than a regulatory action.

Latest OPC Canada News and Announcements

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada published its latest news and announcements index, featuring items from April 2026 including appearances before Senate and Parliamentary committees on Bill S-5 and Canada-China EV arrangements, remarks on AI governance, and an ArriveCAN app investigation report. The page lists 741 total items across topics including children's privacy sweeps, health information protection, and cross-border data transfers. Notable commitments include Nova Scotia Power strengthening security measures and World Anti-Doping Agency limiting use of athletes' sensitive personal information.