DOJ Sues Morris Township NJ Over Natural Gas Ban

The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Morris Township, New Jersey, on March 31, 2026, challenging the township's ordinance that bans natural gas, propane gas, and fuel oil infrastructure and appliances in certain new construction. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey, argues that the ban is preempted by federal authority over appliances and infrastructure. The DOJ cites this as the latest action following successful suits against two California cities, Morgan Hill and Petaluma, whose councils rescinded similar bans after DOJ litigation.

Fuel Regulations Redline - 40 CFR Part 80 Subparts A, E, M

The EPA issued a final rule redline document for 40 CFR Part 80, Subparts A, E, and M, showing changes to fuel and fuel additive regulations. The document includes two attachment formats (In-Line and Bubble redlines) detailing edits, strikeouts, deletions, and comments to the regulatory text.

Soybean Crush Expansion Update

EPA issued a notice regarding a soybean crush expansion project. The document contains information about the expansion but is restricted due to copyright. The notice was published through Regulations.gov as part of EPA's air quality regulatory process.

ESA 7(d) Biological Evaluation for Renewable Fuel Standard Set 2 Rule

The EPA, in coordination with NOAA Fisheries and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, completed ESA Section 7(d) consultation procedures for the Renewable Fuel Standard Program Set 2 Rule covering the 2026-2027 compliance period. The agencies exchanged biological evaluations and concurrence requests regarding effects on listed species and designated critical habitat areas.

Alcoholic Products Producer Approval (APPA) Requirements

HMRC published guidance effective 1 February 2025 establishing that all producers of alcoholic products must hold an Alcoholic Products Producer Approval (APPA) before commencing production. Producers include those who alter alcohol by volume, product classification, or produce alternative alcoholic products, but exclude importers of finished products, third-party storage operators, and bottlers who do not alter the product. The guidance details exemptions for domestic-use and research producers, and clarifies that packagers of bulk product are not classified as producers.

Montana Mining Assn. v. Knudsen - Ballot Measure Challenge

The Montana Supreme Court denied and dismissed a challenge by Montana business associations to the Attorney General's legal sufficiency determination for Proposed Ballot Measure No. 10, which would amend state law to exclude political spending power from artificial persons. The Court held that the Attorney General lacks authority to review substantive constitutionality of ballot measures and that pre-election judicial review is disfavored under Montana law. The case involved original jurisdiction review under Section 13-27-605(2), MCA, with Petitioners arguing the measure violated First Amendment protections.

Marriage of Snelson and Baez - Divorce/Custody Appeal

The Montana Supreme Court affirmed the Thirteenth Judicial District Court's ruling in a divorce and custody dispute between Hannah Galia Snelson and Domingo Baez, Jr., upholding a final parenting plan that awarded primary residential custody to Snelson and structured parenting time to Baez. The appellate court also upheld a five-year order of protection against Baez, issued in August 2024, which was based on findings that Baez engaged in conduct placing Snelson in reasonable apprehension of bodily injury, stalking behavior, and causing substantial emotional distress. The contempt finding against Baez for disruptive conduct at the December 2024 hearing, resulting in a ten-day remand, was also affirmed.

Lowry v. State - Electrical Licensing Violation Affirmed

Bobby Francis Lowry appealed the Fourth Judicial District Court's affirmance of the State Electrical Board's final decision sanctioning him for unlicensed electrical work. The Montana Supreme Court affirmed, upholding the Board's $5,000 civil penalty and finding that default was properly entered against Lowry for his failure to comply with discovery. The Court also rejected Lowry's claim that the Board erred in not appointing an interpreter for his adjudication meeting.

Waterbody-Specific Fish Consumption Advisories Updated

The New York State Department of Health (NY DOH) on April 1, 2026 issued updated waterbody-specific fish consumption advisories statewide, relaxing restrictions on the Lower Hudson River for the first time in 50 years due to declining PCB levels. Sensitive populations (pregnant people and children under 15) can now eat up to one 8-ounce meal per month of striped bass from the Lower Hudson (Rip Van Winkle Bridge to NYC Battery), while the general population may eat up to four meals monthly. More restrictive PFOS-based advisories were issued for Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, the Upper Niagara River, Mohawk River, Lake Champlain's Cumberland Bay, Lake George, Seneca Lake, and Catharine Creek. Carp and Smallmouth bass from the Lower Hudson remain off-limits due to elevated PCBs.

Oregon DFR Adds Three New Enforcement Cases

Oregon DFR (Department of Consumer and Business Services) added three new enforcement cases on 03/31/2026. The new cases include Rhoda Williams (Insurance, INS-25-0073), Ruben Ledesma Jr./Advancement Group Investment Fund LLC (Securities, S-25-0025), and Andrew Mason and Blue Ocean Capital LLC (Securities, S-26-0012). These cases were added to the existing enforcement listings on the Oregon DFR website.

ECHA Launches PFAS Restriction SEAC Draft Opinion Consultation Until May 2026

ECHA announces a 60-day consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) regarding the proposed restriction of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The consultation runs from 26 March until 25 May 2026. ECHA's scientific committees (RAC and SEAC) have agreed that EU-wide action with targeted derogations and controls is appropriate to address risks PFAS pose to people and the environment.

EU Official Journal C Series Daily Notices 1 April 2026

The Official Journal C Series for 1 April 2026 publishes multiple EU regulatory notices including: three European Commission State aid authorisations raising no objections (SA.121308, SA.122002, SA.120962); five prior notification filings for concentrations under the simplified procedure (Cases M.12345 SIRIUS/BROOKFIELD/PARADISE JV, M.12389 GIM/TCR, M.12386 ADVENT/AFK/TA/VOLUE, M.12346 BCI/BROOKFIELD/NBIM/MUSTANG AIV JV, M.12379 Bain Capital/Tingstad Group); three geographical indication standard amendments; two ISIL/Al-Qaida sanctions list additions (Abd El Hamid Salim Ibrahim Brukan al-Khatouni and Sami Jasim Muhammad Jaata Al-Jaburi) under Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 via Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/819; and one REACH corrigendum.

EU Official Journal L Series Daily List, 1 April 2026

EUR-Lex published the Official Journal L Series daily list for 1 April 2026, containing 15 EU legal instruments across multiple policy areas. Instruments include Directive (EU) 2026/799 harmonising insolvency law, Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/751 correcting pesticide maximum residue levels, and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/819 the 355th amendment to ISIL/Al-Qaida sanctions. The list also covers biocidal product authorisations, the EU-Moldova Association Agreement annexes, and appointment of the European Chief Prosecutor.

North Philadelphia Drug Trafficking Takedown - 17 Arrested

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, in partnership with Pennsylvania State Police, Philadelphia Police Department, and federal agencies, announced the takedown of the Louis Alexander Drug Trafficking Organization operating in North Philadelphia. Seventeen members were charged and placed in custody following the execution of search warrants at 30 locations in Philadelphia, Delaware County, and New Jersey. Law enforcement seized over four pounds of cocaine, 130 pounds of marijuana, Ecstasy pills, cash proceeds, and 27 firearms.

Advisories Lifted for Pass Christian Central and Gulfport Harbor Beaches

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality has lifted beach water contact advisories for Pass Christian Central Beach (Station 6, from Henderson Ave. east to Hiern Ave.) and Gulfport Harbor Beach (Station 9, from 20th Ave. east to Thornton Ave.) based on water samples showing acceptable bacteria levels. Four beach water contact advisories remain in effect for other Mississippi Gulf Coast locations. The Beach Task Force maintains a standing recommendation that swimming should not occur during or within 24 hours of significant rainfall.

Financial Literacy Month Events and Webinars — April 2026

SCDCA announced a series of five free webinars throughout April 2026 in recognition of National Financial Literacy Month, covering topics including imposter scams, budgeting and credit basics, credit reports and scores, electric bill understanding, and debt collection. The agency also highlighted its free publication ordering service, the LifeSmarts consumer challenge for teens, and its outreach presentation program, which in 2025 delivered 229 presentations to approximately 6,367 consumers and business representatives statewide.

Oral Cancer Awareness and Early Detection Guidance

The Alabama Department of Public Health issued an informational notice for Oral Cancer Awareness Month (April 2026) highlighting that 72% of oral cancers are HPV-caused. The notice provides statistics showing approximately 53,260 expected diagnoses nationally in 2026, and Alabama-specific data including 7,886 total diagnoses between 2014-2023. The notice emphasizes early detection through routine dental exams and promotes HPV vaccination for ages 9-45.

Record-Low Traffic Deaths and Fatality Rates in 2025

NHTSA announced that traffic deaths fell to an estimated 36,640 in 2025, representing a 6.7% decrease from the 39,254 fatalities recorded in 2024. The fatality rate reached 1.10 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled—the second-lowest rate in recorded history. The announcement coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the launch of NHTSA's 'Put the Phone Away or Pay' campaign (April 6–13).

CRTC Approves Northwestel Inc. Mobile Radio System Service Tariff TN 1273

The CRTC approved Northwestel Inc.'s tariff notice TN 1273, introducing Item 782 to the Special Services Tariff for the Operation and Maintenance of Mobile Radio System Service. The application, filed 19 February 2026, was approved without interventions and becomes effective 1 April 2026. Northwestel is required to issue revised tariff pages within 10 calendar days of the order date.

CRTC Approves Final Implementation Reports for Broadband Fund Recipients

The CRTC has approved final implementation reports submitted by three broadband funding recipients—Northwestel Inc. (two projects completing December and September 2025) and TELUS Mobility (project completing June 2025)—confirming that broadband services are now being offered using the funded infrastructure. Holdback funds for each recipient will be released only after demonstrating one year of compliant network operation to the Commission's satisfaction, with holdback reports due December 2026 (Northwestel) and June 2026 (TELUS Mobility). Failure to meet these conditions could result in holdback funds being delayed or not disbursed.

CRTC Approves Northwestel Broadband Fund Holdback Report

The CRTC issued Telecom Order 2026-58 on April 1, 2026, approving the holdback report submitted by Northwestel Inc. on December 15, 2025. The Commission determined that the broadband project has met applicable requirements and has been operating the network for one year in accordance with the conditions of service set out in Telecom Order CRTC 2021-135 and the approved statement of work. The Commission directed the Central Fund Administrator to distribute the withheld payment to Northwestel Inc. upon this approval.

Bell Companies Hotel Services Withdrawal Approved by CRTC

The CRTC issued Telecom Order 2026-56 on 1 April 2026, approving applications from Bell Aliant Regional Communications LP, Bell Canada, NorthernTel LP, Northwestel Inc., and Télébec, Société en commandite (collectively the Bell companies) to withdraw hotel services from their respective general tariffs. The services covered multiple tariff items across New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Quebec, and Northern Canada territories. The CRTC found that demand has declined significantly over several years, the supporting network equipment is old and no longer supported, and the maintenance of legacy-service tariffs with a limited customer base creates unnecessary regulatory burden for both service providers and the Commission. Bell Canada also received approval for a housekeeping change removing a reference to Message Rate Individual Line service.

CRTC Approves Broadband Fund Payments - Telecom Order 2026-57

On 27 March 2026, the CRTC approved claim forms submitted by 11 broadband funding recipients and directed the Central Fund Administrator to distribute the associated payments. Recipients include Bell Canada, TELUS Communications Inc., Northwestel Inc., SSi Micro Ltd., Kativik Regional Government, Keewaytinook Okimakanak, Broadband Communications North Inc., and Westman Communications Group. The approved claims reference prior Telecom Orders establishing the funding commitments, and this payment order represents the drawdown mechanism under the CRTC Broadband Fund.

Iristel Inc. v Bell Canada - CRTC Dismisses CO Code Routing Delay Complaint

The CRTC has dismissed Iristel Inc.'s complaint against Bell Canada regarding delays in routing new central office (CO) codes, finding that the evidence on the record could not establish Bell Canada engaged in anti-competitive behaviour under subsection 27(2) of the Telecommunications Act. The Commission further determined that imposing administrative monetary penalties (AMPs) on Bell Canada was not appropriate since no violation was found. As a remedy, the Commission directed Bell Canada to file a report by 1 October 2026 outlining measures to improve its trouble ticket resolution process over the next six months, with the Commission prepared to take further action if meaningful improvements are not made.

CMS Launches Hemp-Derived Products Beneficiary Engagement Incentive for ACO Models

CMS announced a new Substance Access Beneficiary Engagement Incentive (BEI) through the CMS Innovation Center, allowing eligible organizations in certain ACO models to offer hemp-derived products to patients under clinician guidance starting April 1, 2026. Participating organizations may furnish eligible hemp-derived products for up to $500 per year per eligible beneficiary, subject to product standards including no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC, physician oversight, and shared decision-making requirements. Five ACOs in the ACO REACH Model have already submitted implementation plans for CMS review. This is not a Medicare coverage change — CMS will not pay for or reimburse these products.

Wesley Payne v. Bassam Marooki - Negligence Dismissal

The Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed appeal No. A26A0742 because plaintiff Wesley Payne died on March 12, 2024, and no valid substitution of his estate had been completed before the lower court ruled on defendants' motion to dismiss for discovery violations. Citing OCGA § 9-11-37 and precedent from Ashburn Bank v. Gorday, the court held that a deceased person cannot be a party to legal proceedings and that all trial court actions taken after Payne's death are void as to him.

Larson v. Larson - Divorce Appeal Dismissed

The Georgia Court of Appeals dismissed Jesse James Larson's direct appeal from a final divorce decree because appeals from divorce cases must be initiated by filing an application for discretionary review under OCGA § 5-6-35(a)(2),(b), not by direct appeal. The court held that compliance with the discretionary appeals procedure is jurisdictional, and the appellant's failure to follow that procedure deprived the court of jurisdiction to consider the appeal. The case was dismissed on April 1, 2026.

Desmond Camp v. State - Interlocutory Appeal Denied

The Georgia Court of Appeals denied the interlocutory appeal application filed by Desmond Camp on April 1, 2026, in Docket A26I0161, referencing lower court case numbers 25CR0733 and 26CR0023. This procedural ruling means the defendant cannot pursue an immediate appeal of intermediate court decisions and must instead proceed through the normal trial and post-conviction appellate process. The denial does not establish precedent or create compliance obligations for parties outside this criminal matter.

Anderson v. Anderson - Domestic Relations Appeal

The Court of Appeals of Georgia dismissed Appeal No. A26A0704 filed by Marcus Anderson against Donna Anderson on April 1, 2026. Upon full record review, the court determined the case was not appropriate for discretionary review and that the application for discretionary appeal was improvidently granted, resulting in complete dismissal of the appeal.

Reginald Harvey v. State - Appeal Dismissed for Untimely Filing

Reginald Harvey's discretionary application for appeal was dismissed by the Court of Appeals of Georgia on April 1, 2026, because it was filed 70 days after the trial court's December 30, 2025 order denying his motion to correct his sentence. Georgia law requires discretionary appeal applications to be filed within 30 days of the order sought to be appealed, and this deadline is jurisdictional. Harvey had been convicted in 2016 of burglary and theft by taking and sentenced as a recidivist to 25 years without parole, which was previously affirmed by the Court of Appeals in 2018.

Fowl Life Foods LLC v. Matthew Gray - Interlocutory Appeal Granted

The Court of Appeals of Georgia granted Fowl Life Foods LLC's Application for Interlocutory Appeal on April 1, 2026, in case number A26I0168. The court order permits the appellant to file a Notice of Appeal within 10 days of the order date and directs the Clerk of Superior Court to include a copy of this order in the record transmitted to the Court of Appeals. The underlying case bears LC number CE2400985.

Bradley v. Bradley - Discretionary Appeal Dismissed

The Court of Appeals of Georgia dismissed William Paul Bradley Jr.'s discretionary appeal in case A26A0038 on April 1, 2026. The court concluded that the case was not appropriate for discretionary review and that the application for discretionary appeal was improvidently granted. This ruling represents the final appellate disposition, bringing the discretionary appeal process to a close.

Chick-Fil-A Inc. v. Matthew Gray — Interlocutory Appeal Granted

The Court of Appeals of Georgia granted an interlocutory application in Chick-Fil-A, Inc. v. Matthew Gray (Docket No. A26I0167). The Appellant, Chick-Fil-A, Inc., is permitted to file a Notice of Appeal within 10 days of the April 1, 2026 order date. The Clerk of Superior Court is directed to include this order and transmit the case record (LC No. CE2400985) to the Court of Appeals.

Wirth Forestry LLC v. Heard County Georgia - Discretionary Appeal Granted

The Court of Appeals of Georgia granted the discretionary application for appeal filed by Wirth Forestry LLC et al. against Heard County, Georgia. The order directs the Appellant to file a Notice of Appeal within 10 days of the order date. The lower court case number is SUV2024000153.

USITC Injury Determination on Quartz Surface Products Safeguard Investigation

The USITC determined that increased imports of quartz surface products constitute a substantial cause of serious injury to the domestic industry, based on a 2-1 vote (Commissioners Karpel and Kearns in the affirmative; Commissioner Johanson dissenting). The Commission will proceed to the remedy phase, holding a public hearing on April 14, 2026, and must submit its report containing the injury determination and remedy recommendations to the President by May 18, 2026. The investigation was initiated November 17, 2025, under Section 202 of the Trade Act of 1974 in response to a petition filed by the Quartz Manufacturing Alliance of America. The President retains final decision-making authority on whether to provide relief.

Section 337 Investigation of Display Devices, Streaming Players, and Components Thereof (337-TA-1496)

The U.S. International Trade Commission voted to institute investigation 337-TA-1496 based on a complaint filed by InnoTV Labs, LLC of Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 2, 2026 (supplemented March 17, 2026). The complaint alleges that certain display devices, streaming players, and components imported from China and Mexico infringe patents asserted by the complainant. Nine respondents have been named including Hisense Co., Ltd. and its affiliated entities in China, Georgia, and Mexico; Roku, Inc. of San Jose, California; and Purple Tag Media Technology entities in China and Mexico. The complainant seeks a limited exclusion order and cease and desist orders. No decision on the merits has been made; the case will proceed to evidentiary hearing before an administrative law judge.

USITC Affirmative Injury Determination on Fatty Acids from Indonesia and Malaysia

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined there is a reasonable indication that a U.S. industry is materially injured due to imports of fatty acids from Indonesia and Malaysia that are allegedly sold at less than fair value and subsidized by the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia. Chair Amy A. Karpel and Commissioners David S. Johanson and Jason E. Kearns voted in the affirmative on investigations 701-TA-785-786 and 731-TA-1773-1774. As a result, the U.S. Department of Commerce will continue its investigations, and the public report (USITC Publication 5723) will be available by May 8, 2026.

Abilify Mycite Trademark Renewal - Digital Medicine Sensor System

USPTO renewed Trademark Registration TM99309131 for ABILIFY MYCITE, covering pharmaceutical preparations with electronic ingestion tracking chips, downloadable mobile applications for patient data collection, and body-attached sensor patches for monitoring vital signs. The trademark covers Class 10 medical devices and Class 5 pharmaceuticals for digital medicine systems.

NANOACTIV Medical Instruments Trademark Application

USPTO published trademark application TM99335625 for NANOACTIV covering medical instruments including spinal implants and orthopedic surgical apparatus in International Class 10. The application was filed August 13, 2025, under Intent-to-Use basis with a Statement of Use extension deadline of March 31, 2026.

Amhavor Trademark Application - Medical Devices and Cosmetic Apparatus

The USPTO received trademark application TM99346186 for AMHAVOR filed on August 19, 2025. The application covers medical devices and cosmetic apparatus including hearing aids, laser treatment devices, light therapy equipment, and skin care analyzers under International Class 10. The applicant has declared Intent to Use, with a deadline of March 31, 2026 to demonstrate commercial use.

Nanoguard Trademark Application for Medical Bandages

The USPTO received Intent-to-Use trademark application TM99348554 for 'NANOGUARD' covering Class 10 medical device products including elastic compression bandages, orthopedic support bandages, and hernia bandages for surgical and medical purposes. The applicant has until March 31, 2026 to file a Statement of Use demonstrating commercial use of the mark.

INNOTOT Intent to Use Trademark Application - Medical Devices Class 10

USPTO published an Intent to Use trademark application for INNOTOT (TM99336872) covering goods in Class 10 including feeding bottles, breast pumps, feeding bottle valves, sex toys, love dolls, and orthopaedic belts. The application was filed on August 14, 2025, with a declaration of use deadline of March 31, 2026. This is an informational notice with no new obligations for third parties.

IQUITY medical instruments, ophthalmic apparatus trademark application

IQUITY medical instruments, ophthalmic apparatus trademark application

MIRUSMED trademark for medical instruments

The USPTO received trademark application TM99349152 for 'MIRUSMED' covering medical instruments including orthopedic fixation devices, medical implants, vascular implants, bone screws, stents, artificial heart/cardiac valves, spinal implants, cervical plates, and related surgical devices and monitoring equipment. The application was filed on 2025-08-21 under Intent-to-Use basis with an extension deadline of March 31, 2026. This is an informational trademark filing notice and creates no compliance obligations for competitors.

NOVOBURN Trademark Application - Medical Devices Class 10

The USPTO received a trademark application (TM99340004) for 'NOVOBURN' in International Class 10 covering medical devices including surgical tissue reconstruction grafts, bioresorbable polymer scaffolds for burn and wound care, artificial skin for medical purposes, and biodegradable prosthetic tissues. The application is filed on an Intent-to-Use basis with a deadline of March 31, 2026 for statement of use.

Bradford Vagus Connection Trademark Application for Medical Electrodes

USPTO received trademark application TM99340210 for 'Bradford Vagus Connection' filed by Bradford, covering electrodes for medical use. The application is based on Intent-to-Use, with the goods described as electrodes for medical purposes in Class 10. No compliance deadlines or regulatory requirements are imposed on third parties by this filing.