At this year’s Future of Media Technology Conference, leaders from across digital media, news and publishing came together to explore the strategies, technologies and ideas shaping the future of the industry. Across the discussions, five themes stood out: 1. The industry continues to double down on relationships – and independent creators are raising the bar The shift away from reach alone is well underway. The challenge now is turning audiences…
Michelle Dyson CB, Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Officer, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, but it is not an inevitable part of ageing. Nearly half (45%) of dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing health and lifestyle factors, throughout our lives, like high blood pressure.“If we can identify people early enough, we can significantly improve their brain health and help put the brakes on dementia. The…
As it happens, we are the first generations of people simultaneously capable of engineering a genuine apocalypse and of averting it, perhaps at the very last moment. It seems to me that one of the reasons for the current, rather lamentable, state of affairs in the world owes much to humanity’s lack of experience in handling the power that has fallen into its hands. Historically, cosmogony has, on the whole,…
Quick Hits The executive order directs the secretaries of state, labor, and homeland security to consider whether an employer conducted layoffs within the prior year or plans future layoffs affecting similarly situated U.S. workers when adjudicating H-1B-related filings. Employers could see additional scrutiny at multiple points in the H-1B process, including DOL Labor Condition Application (LCA) review, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) petition adjudication, consular visa issuance, and admission…
Quick Hits The Second Circuit amended its July 2026 decision, clarifying that the decision was not meant to establish that a heightened motive requirement exists for failure-to-accommodate cases. The court clarified that employees need not prove discriminatory animus against religion to substantiate their claims, but they must show that the denial was motivated by a desire to avoid the accommodation. The case, Bergin v. New York State Unified Court System,…
“You do not get what you want. You get what you negotiate.” Though these words by American businessman Harvey Mackay are mostly meant to be provocative, they’re not too far off from capturing what it’s like to navigate the business world today. Whether it’s a higher salary, a better deal, or the right to give a key presentation—getting ahead often requires thoughtful and skillful negotiation. Kellogg faculty offer insight and research-backed…
The UK Financial Conduct Authority, ("FCA"), has issued its first dedicated Handbook guidance on the application of the Conduct Rules and fitness and propriety framework to non-financial misconduct. The guidance applies across banks and non-banks. A separate rule change expands the scope of the Conduct Rules for non-bank firms. Both took effect on September 1, 2026. For U.S.-headquartered financial services organizations, a concern reported through a global hotline or investigated…
Quick Hits On 8 September 2026, the Court of Appeal held that TUPE Regulation 4(2)(a) must be read in light of the EU Acquired Rights Directive, whose purpose is to protect and ensure the continuity of employee rights upon a change of employer. TUPE is legislation that exists to benefit employees. It does not enable third parties to pursue transferees (in this case, Active Young People Limited) for the transferors’…
On July 2, 2026, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) published its updated Guidance on the Common Reporting Standard (Updated CRS Guidance). The Updated CRS Guidance includes: Long-awaited changes addressing the legislative amendments to Part XIX of the Income Tax Act (CRS) relating to the amendments to the Common Reporting Standard set out in the Standard for Automatic Exchange of Financial Account Information in Tax Matters, as amended and approved by…
The Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Turkey and Saudi Arabia represents an emerging form of cross-regional security cooperation amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. Despite their differing regional security environments and perceptions of threat, the three states have a sufficient convergence of security interests to institutionalise defence cooperation. This commentary argues that the agreement should not be viewed primarily as the creation of a new military bloc, but as an effort…
On September 17, 2026, the Valdai Club hosted a presentation in Moscow of the report titled "Brazil-Russia Cooperation: Strategic Guidelines for Overcoming Structural Constraints." Discussion moderator Oleg Barabanov noted that the report outlines the achievements of the dynamically developing Brazilian-Russian relationship—at both bilateral and multilateral levels—and sets out future objectives. He described the document not merely as a theoretical study but as a practical text offering feasible, realistic solutions. Co-author…
Quick Hits The average UK employment tribunal claim now takes nearly sixty weeks from receipt to disposal, with some hearings listed for 2029. Explosion of AI useage is likely a key factor. Even though hearings may be delayed for a year or more, employers may want to gather and preserve key documents and other evidence up front. The AI Effect Many commentators in the United Kingdom cite the recent widespread…
Just after midnight on Aug. 22, 2026, the United States began collecting 50 per cent duties on approximately US$20 billion (C$27.6 billion) worth of Canadian goods under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 (the Tariff Act). Our earlier insight examined this Depression-era provision after the underlying proclamations were signed in July. Within hours, Prime Minister Carney made an announcement that Canada would match the U.S. duties “dollar for dollar.” On…
Becoming a school principal is not an obvious path to take out of business school. How does the role draw on the skills of an MBA?Principals have enormous management and leadership responsibilities, especially in Chicago, where individual schools have more autonomy than in many other districts. In my first job as an elementary school principal, I had a budget of $4 million and 35 educators I was responsible for evaluating—as…
Howie and Harlan are joined by Omar Lateef, CEO of Chicago’s Rush University System for Health, to discuss balancing the financial pressures facing hospitals with commitments to patient care, community health, and research—and why healthcare leaders will need to rethink traditional models of care. Howie examines how proposed changes to student and exchange visitor visas could affect international researchers and physicians; Harlan discusses proposed changes to Medicare payment for remote…
A federal district court in Massachusetts has temporarily postponed the effective date of a DHS rule that would have replaced the longstanding “duration of status” (D/S) admission framework for F, J, and I nonimmigrants with fixed periods of admission. The rule was scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026, but the court issued a preliminary injunction preventing DHS from implementing it while litigation continues. As a result, F-1 students,…
Quick Hits On September 14, 2026, Cal/OSHA released a discussion draft of a proposed rule that would require covered hospitals to screen individuals and their personal items at all unrestricted entrances, not just the specific entrances identified in AB 2975, with an exception for the ambulance entrance. Screening personnel would need at least eight hours of initial training covering an expanded curriculum, annual refresher training, and additional training when specified…
Under British Columbia's Residential Tenancy Act, rent increases are regulated. In most cases, landlords may only increase rent once every 12 months and only by the annual allowable amount set by the province, which in 2026 is 2.3 per cent. However, once a tenant vacates a rental unit, the current regime generally permits a landlord to set a new rent for the incoming tenant, including at market rates. Bill M-218,…
With less than a month before the first round on October 4, Brazil’s presidential race has tightened into a genuine dogfight. Polling released in the first half of September shows current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva leading every first-round scenario, with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro consolidating a solid second place. The real drama, however, lies in the almost certain second round on October 25: virtually all polling institutes place Lula…
September 16, 2026 - Seyfarth Shaw LLP has further boosted its Labor & Employment practice and trial capabilities with the move of veteran trial lawyer, employment litigator and counselor Carmen Cole to the firm as a partner based in its Los Angeles (Century City) office. Cole offers more than 20 years of experience representing employers in complex employment litigation, workplace disputes and investigations, executive mobility, compliance counseling, and business strategy. She…
A “quiet promotion” typically involves an employee performing higher-level duties, such as leading projects, supervising others, making budget decisions, or handling strategic work, without an official promotion or pay adjustment. The gap can persist for months or even years, becoming normalized with hiring stalls or shifting staffing plans. While stretch roles can be positive when intentionally designed and limited in duration, they may become problematic when an employer derives ongoing…
A certificate of pending litigation (CPL) can effectively freeze title to real property before the underlying claim has been proven. In British Columbia real estate litigation, a CPL can impede a sale, refinancing, development, or other transaction involving the property. Because of those consequences, the Land Title Act requires litigants who register CPLs to diligently advance the underlying proceeding. Section 252 of the Land Title Act permits a property owner…
Quick Hits In Ding v. Structure Therapeutics, Inc., the Ninth Circuit held that a plaintiff’s right to proceed in court under the EFAA is not categorically foreclosed by the earlier filing of an arbitration demand asserting non–sexual-harassment claims. The court held that where a plaintiff discovers a basis to pursue claims covered by the EFAA during arbitration, the plaintiff may elect to end arbitration and proceed in court. The court…
The SCO’s mission and its very nature as an international organisation have been the subject of much debate. Oleg Barabanov, Programme Director of the Valdai Discussion Club, explores one potential source of clues towards the self-perception of the SCO—the organisation’s founding documents and numerous summit declarations. The recent summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek marked the organisation’s twenty-fifth anniversary. The SCO makes a significant contribution to ensuring…
U.S. employers operating in the UAE frequently approach employment terminations with the same instincts they apply domestically. The assumption is often that an underperforming or redundant employee can be terminated quickly with minimum financial exposure, provided there is no discriminatory motive. However, this is not quite the story in the UAE. The concept of at-will employment that governs most employment relationships in the U.S. does not apply, therefore care needs…
Quick Hits On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final rule—scheduled to take effect on September 15, 2026—that would end the longstanding duration of status framework for F, J, and I visa holders. A U.S. district court found that the government’s national security justification for the rule was arbitrary and capricious. The duration of status framework remains in effect as litigation continues. On July 17, 2026, DHS published a final…
The US Tax Court is currently considering a case, Rogovy v. Commissioner, that could have an enormous impact on cryptocurrency holders. The primary issue under consideration is whether a Bitcoin "hard fork" that results in a taxpayer receiving a new digital token generates taxable income. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) says yes and has assessed Benjamin Rogovy and Carol Castellon Miranda $25.5 million in tax deficiencies and penalties. The couple…
Quick Hits New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed Senate Bill S3460 on September 9, 2026, adding new Section 210-b to the New York Labor Law. The law takes effect sixty days after signing, or November 8, 2026. Employers must provide employees with a copy of their personnel record, at no cost, within five business days of a written request. Employers must notify employees within ten days of placing negative information…
15 September 2026By Andrei Dumitrescu, Zakaria Gati, Justus Meyer, Laura Parisi and Alessandro SpolaoreAround 80% of euro area households do not own stocks or any other market-based financial instruments, unlike their counterparts in the United States. This blog post examines the barriers that keep many Europeans from investing and explores ways to broaden capital market participation.Euro area households hold substantial savings, yet around a third – nearly €10 trillion –…
The penalty imposed by the US Treasury on the Indian company Adani Enterprises is bound to become one of the most talked-about administrative investigations the American regulator has ever conducted against a foreign company. Although Adani is nowhere near the record fines levied on the likes of Binance, UniCredit or BNP, the sum involved is substantial enough to draw attention in its own right. The Adani case sheds valuable light…
On September 14, 2026, the Valdai Club hosted a presentation Valdai Paper, titled "Turkey and Iran: The Limits of Regional Influence." Discussion moderator Timofei Bordachev emphasized that Turkey and Iran—as key middle powers—are among the three states currently shaping the development of the Middle East; he noted that the dynamics of their regional influence are crucial for understanding the modern world, the Middle East region, and Russian foreign policy. Nubara…
Quick Hits The European Commission issued guidance in August 2026 that clarifies some aspects of the EU Pay Transparency Directive, but leaves many questions unanswered. The guidance confirms that the directive applies to public- and private-sector employers, and that pay information does not have to be provided in job advertisements, but must be provided before a job interview. The guidance outlines the four key characteristics to determine equal value, and…
Private equity firms took notice when the State Group, a multi-trade contracting company, went up for sale in 2017. Owned by a family office and employing electricians, plumbers, pipe fitters, carpenters, and other skilled tradespeople for large projects, the State Group clearly had growth potential—especially in a moment when companies and governments across North America were investing heavily in energy infrastructure and manufacturing.But it wasn’t going to be a straightforward…
Quick Hits Washington State’s Immigrant Worker Protection Act requires employers to provide workers with notice of federal Form I-9 inspections and inspection results and to post a workplace rights notice. All Washington employers with at least one worker, including state and local government entities, are covered and must provide each notice within five business days of receiving the relevant federal notice and post the attorney general’s workplace poster. The rules…
Quick Hits Massachusetts’s PROTECT Act, effective August 5, 2026, requires employers that receive an I-9 notice of inspection from DHS/ICE to deliver written notice in each affected employee’s primary language within forty-eight hours of receipt. Employers in Massachusetts may want to prepare now by assigning responsibility for the notice process, pre-translating notice templates, mapping individual distribution methods for all employees, and proactively auditing I-9 files. Beyond the I-9 notice requirement,…
UK employment law reform: the next phase UK employment law is undergoing one of its most significant periods of reform in decades. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces a broad programme of changes intended to strengthen employment protections and modernise workplace rights and industrial relations. The changes are being implemented in phases throughout 2026 and 2027 and affect most stages of the employment relationship, from family leave and sickness absence…
Seyfarth Synopsis: The California Legislature concluded the second year of its 2024-2026 session on September 1, 2026, and sent the last of its approved bills to Governor Newsom for consideration. The Governor has until September 30 to approve or veto fewer bills than we’ve seen in years, but those that remain will still impact employers in California. On September 1, 2026, the California Legislature sent the last of its approved bills…
Quick Hits Female retail employees in the UK sued Next Retail Limited for paying them less than male warehouse workers for work of equal value. The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) determined that recruiting and retention needs at warehouses were legitimate reasons for the pay differential. The EAT found the pay differential was a proportionate response to a legitimate aim. The UK’s Equality Act 2010 prohibits employment discrimination based on sex,…
This commentary was originally published in Fortune. The views expressed are the authors’ own.Gallup tracking data shows that positive views of capitalism have slipped to 54%, marking a 15-year low since they began tracking the metric. The finding reflects a zero-sum view of the corporation: that companies prosper by extracting value rather than creating it.It is no surprise that the more than 200 CEOs we have interviewed over six years…
The state visit to Moscow by To Lam—General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam—is undoubtedly a historic milestone in bilateral relations. It shapes a fundamentally new agenda for Russian-Vietnamese cooperation. More broadly, however, To Lam’s tour embodies Hanoi’s “bamboo diplomacy”. This is a multi-vector strategy of flexible balancing among great powers, enabling Vietnam to maintain its autonomy, avoid rigid alliances,…