Guidance on Submitting Export Licence Applications for Defence Controls

The UK Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) has published new guidance for exporters on submitting licence applications under the Agreement on Defence Export Controls. This guidance aims to help exporters understand requirements, provide accurate information, and ensure timely processing of their applications.

EBA Amends Technical Standards on Own Funds Application Timing

The European Banking Authority (EBA) has published final draft amending technical standards to shorten the application processing time for reducing own funds and eligible liabilities instruments from four to three months. These amendments aim to reduce regulatory burden for institutions and remove provisions for liquidation entities following recent legislative changes.

Atkinson v. Carrier Corporation - Labor Dispute

Carrier Corporation has filed a Notice of Removal in the case Atkinson v. Carrier Corporation, initiating a civil case based on diversity jurisdiction. The case was originally filed in Alameda County Superior Court and has been transferred to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.

Keenah Taylor v. State of Indiana - Criminal Conviction Appeal

The Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded the case of Keenah Taylor v. State of Indiana. The court upheld the admission of victim statements and the sufficiency of evidence for rape conviction but reversed the denial of pretrial good time credit, ordering the trial court to award it.

Washington Air Quality Report on Overburdened Communities

A new report from WA Ecology and the Department of Health indicates improved air quality in Washington's most overburdened communities. While disparities persist, the findings are influenced by reduced wildfire activity and lighter traffic, and will inform future rulemaking under the Climate Commitment Act.

California Connect Program Updates for Disabled Californians

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has adopted updates to the California Connect program, also known as the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP). These updates aim to strengthen and modernize the program, which provides free communication tools and services to eligible Californians with disabilities.

AG Bonta Sues to Block Nexstar/Tegna Broadcasting Merger

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by eight other state attorneys general, has filed a lawsuit to block the $6.2 billion acquisition of Tegna Inc. by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. The lawsuit alleges the merger would substantially lessen competition, harm consumers through increased prices, and negatively impact local news delivery.

CSA Adopts Semi-Annual Financial Reporting Pilot for Venture Issuers

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) has adopted a pilot project allowing eligible venture issuers to voluntarily file semi-annual financial reports instead of quarterly reports. This initiative, formalized by Coordinated Blanket Order 51-933, aims to reduce regulatory burden for smaller issuers listed on the TSX Venture Exchange or CNSX Markets while maintaining investor protection.

Illinois Supreme Court: Amazon Must Pay for COVID-19 Screening Time

The Illinois Supreme Court ruled that Amazon must compensate its hourly employees for time spent undergoing mandatory COVID-19 screenings before their shifts. The court answered a certified question from the Seventh Circuit, holding that Illinois's Minimum Wage Law does not incorporate the federal Portal-to-Portal Act's exclusion for preliminary and postliminary activities.

People v. Johnson - First Degree Murder Sufficiency of Evidence

The Illinois Supreme Court reviewed a first-degree murder conviction where the appellate court reversed the trial court's judgment based on the sufficiency of identification evidence and reliance on social science research not presented at trial. The Supreme Court reversed the appellate court's decision, finding that the State proved the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.