Welcome to the Boom Belt: A Return to First Principles in Public Markets

SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins delivered a policy speech at the Texas Stock Exchange Event in Florida outlining his regulatory philosophy and three-pillar plan to revitalize public markets and IPO activity. The speech addresses disclosure modernization, limiting federal overreach into state-level corporate governance, and reducing regulatory burden on public companies. While not a formal rulemaking, the speech signals the SEC's policy direction under its new leadership.

US Signs Health Cooperation MOU with Tajikistan under America First Strategy

The U.S. Department of State announced the signing of a bilateral health cooperation MOU with Tajikistan on April 6, 2026, under the America First Global Health Strategy. The $78 million agreement provides $38 million in U.S. assistance over five years to support Tajikistan's efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis while strengthening disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.

DHS Requests Kentucky Not to Release Criminal Illegal Alien Detained for Sexual Assault

ICE has lodged a detainer requesting Kentucky authorities not release a criminal illegal alien who was arrested for sexually assaulting a teenager in his church office while working as a pastor. The individual has prior arrests for theft, forgery, and reckless driving. DHS is invoking federal immigration authority to ensure the individual remains detained pending removal proceedings.

Securities and Futures Amendment Bill 2026 - Dual Listing Framework

The Monetary Authority of Singapore introduced the Securities and Futures (Amendment) Bill 2026 for First Reading in Parliament. The Bill enables a Global Listing Board (GLB) co-established by Singapore Exchange (SGX) and Nasdaq Stock Market to facilitate dual listings under a streamlined regulatory framework. MAS will gain powers to prescribe dual listing arrangements and harmonise securities laws with foreign jurisdictions.

Written reply to Parliamentary Question on timeline for making cash acceptance mandatory

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), through Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong, responded to a parliamentary question regarding a timeline for mandating cash acceptance by law. The government has deferred the decision, referring instead to a previous ministerial reply dated 26 February 2026. The question was raised in response to concerns about consumers being left without payment options during digital banking service failures.

SIC Public Statement on PSC Corporation Ltd Take-over Rule Breach

The Securities Industry Council issued a public statement finding that Dr. Goi Seng Hui, Executive Chairman of PSC Corporation Ltd, breached Rule 14.1(a) of the Singapore Code on Take-overs and Mergers. The breach occurred when the Offeror purchased shares on 4 December 2023 despite the Share Buy-Back Exemption conditions not being met, causing his voting rights to increase to 30.23%. The Offeror failed to make a mandatory general offer for the company upon crossing the 30% threshold.

Written Reply on Private Credit Risk Exposure of Singapore Financial Institutions

MAS responded to a parliamentary question regarding Singapore-domiciled financial institutions' exposure to US private credit markets. Deputy Prime Minister Gan Kim Yong confirmed that Singapore financial institutions have minimal exposure to US private credit despite record 9.2% default rates in 2025. MAS stated it regularly monitors risk exposures as part of supervisory oversight and engages financial institutions on stress testing balance sheets against global financial stress scenarios including private credit defaults.

PacifiCorp seeks equity percentage below 44 percent

PacifiCorp d/b/a Pacific Power & Light Company filed a petition with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission seeking authority for its parent company to maintain a common equity percentage below 44 percent. The petition was filed on September 24, 2025, and assigned docket number UE-250727. The filing is currently in formal status with Thomas Klein assigned as lead staff.

TWC Grant Opportunity for Adult Education Programs in Panhandle and Deep East Texas

The Texas Workforce Commission announced a Request for Applications for Adult Education and Literacy grants in the Panhandle and Deep East workforce development areas. Eligible organizations may apply for funding to provide in-person and virtual literacy, workforce training, digital literacy, and college preparation services at no cost to adult learners.

TexasInternNetwork.com Launch - Free Internship Hub for Employers and Students

The Texas Workforce Commission launched TexasInternNetwork.com, a free digital platform connecting employers with students seeking internships across Texas. The platform features AI-powered tools for resume assistance, cover letter creation, and interview coaching. This initiative is part of the statewide Texas Intern Network campaign, a collaborative effort involving TWC, the Texas Education Agency, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.