Implementation of Changes for Basic Experimental Studies with Humans

NIH released implementation guidance for Basic Experimental Studies with Humans (BESH), which will no longer be classified as clinical trials for competing applications submitted after May 25, 2026. BESH applications may now be submitted to Clinical Trial Not Allowed or Clinical Trial Optional NOFOs. The eRA system will enforce validation rules blocking BESH-only applications from Clinical Trial Required NOFOs.

Advisory Opinion on Ranked-Choice Voting and Constitutional Plurality Requirements

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court issued an advisory opinion answering the Legislature's question about whether ranked-choice voting (RCV) is constitutional under Maine's plurality voting provisions for Governor, State Senator, and State Representative. The court concluded that RCV satisfies constitutional plurality requirements because the plurality determination is made after the final round of tabulation.

Krishnamurthy v. Synopsys, Inc. - Personal Injury

A civil personal injury complaint was filed in the Northern District of California (Case No. 3:26-cv-02943) by plaintiff Balachander Krishnamurthy against defendant Synopsys, Inc., a technology company. The case, filed on April 6, 2026, is based on diversity jurisdiction. The complaint seeks damages for unspecified personal injuries allegedly caused by the defendant.

Soph Co LLC Entity Exclusion

U.S. Customs and Border Protection added Soph Co LLC to the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) entity exclusions list. This federal debarment action prohibits the company from receiving federal contracts and federally-funded grants. Exclusion records on SAM.gov are binding across all federal agencies.

Removal of Two Child Limit Consequential Amendments Regulations

The Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) has removed the two-child limit from social security calculations through consequential amendments to Housing Benefit and Universal Credit regulations, effective 6 April 2026. The regulations remove the cap that limited benefit entitlements to two children, now allowing full calculations for all children. Families previously restricted may be entitled to increased benefit payments.

Winston Felix - Unsuitable Tax-Loss Trading Enforcement

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities issued a Final Order against investment professional Winston Felix for recommending unsuitable tax-loss harvesting trades to a Washington customer in late 2022, resulting in over $120,000 in capital losses. The Division imposed penalties including a $10,000 fine, 90-day suspension, cease and desist order, and $3,281.25 in investigative costs. The order found Felix failed to gather information about the customer's capital gains position or existing loss carryforwards before executing the strategy.

LPL Financial LLC - Consent Order - Excessive Commissions

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities issued a Consent Order against LPL Financial LLC for charging unreasonable commissions on equity transactions. The firm must pay $61,456.75 in restitution to 1,724 Washington State residents and a $25,000 fine. Within 60 days, LPL must certify in writing that its policies and procedures regarding fair and reasonable commissions have been enhanced.

Commodore Asset Management Registration Revoked with $500 Penalty

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities issued a Consent Order (S-25-4018-25-CO01) against Commodore Asset Management, LLC and Darnell Lee Commodore on March 17, 2026. The order imposes a $500 penalty, revokes the firm's securities registration, and requires heightened supervision for 2 years upon any new registration. The enforcement action stems from the respondents' failure to file their 2024 balance sheet and 2024 annual updating amendments.

JKN Universe LLC - Franchise Fraud Consent Order

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions Division of Securities issued a Consent Order (S-24-3863-25-CO01) against JKN Universe, LLC for violating the Franchise Investment Protection Act (RCW 19.100.170). The company must pay $8,000 in investigative costs and is subject to a cease and desist order for making material misstatements regarding VVV Global's role in franchise operations.

Investor Alert: AG James Warns of Investment Scams on Meta Platforms

New York Attorney General Letitia James issued an investor alert on April 6, 2026, warning New Yorkers about investment scams on Meta platforms including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The alert describes how scammers use deepfake technology, misleading advertisements, and pump-and-dump schemes to defraud investors. The AG provides guidance on recognizing these scams and urges reporting suspicious activity.