Womble Bond Dickinson is excited to announce a new strategic alliance with Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel, a prominent law firm based in Brazil. This collaboration aims to strengthen client support across various jurisdictions, particularly in the energy and natural resources sector, where both firms have substantial expertise and resources.

Key alliance goals include expanding global reach through shared branding, launching joint marketing and business development efforts, creating preferred referral relationships in respective regions, and fostering professional development opportunities for staff.

Merrick Benn, Chair and CEO of Womble US, commented, “We are delighted about this alliance, which offers clients seamless access to outstanding legal counsel in Brazil and Latin America. It also opens doors to global markets with growing opportunities that align with our expertise. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to innovation, collaboration, and mutual success, ultimately benefiting our clients.”

Paul Stewart, Managing Partner of Womble UK, added, “This partnership with Schmidt Valois represents a significant milestone for us both domestically and internationally. Enhancing our energy sector offerings and expanding our international presence are central to our growth strategy. With our established network, including partnerships in France and Germany and the Lex Mundi network, Schmidt Valois’ leadership in energy and renewables will further enhance our ability to serve our clients.”

Jeff Whittle, Head of Womble’s Global Energy and Natural Resources Sector, stated, “The energy sector is undergoing significant global transformation, and this alliance boosts our ability to offer top-tier legal services to clients driving this change. Our presence across key jurisdictions will help clients seize opportunities in oil, gas, infrastructure, and renewable energy across the Americas and Europe.”

Paulo Valois Pires, Co-Managing Partner of Schmidt Valois, expressed, “We are excited about this partnership, especially as it offers new opportunities for clients in Brazil looking to invest or already investing abroad. This collaboration enables us to integrate high-quality legal services for multijurisdictional operations across Latin America.”

The alliance will begin on April 1, 2025, and will be managed by a leadership team composed of partners from both firms. Womble US will be represented by Merrick Benn and Jeff Whittle; Womble UK by Alexander Dickinson and Paul Stewart; and Schmidt Valois by Paulo Valois Pires, Rogério Miranda, and Guilherme Schmidt.

About Womble Bond Dickinson

Womble Bond Dickinson is a transatlantic law firm with over 1,300 lawyers across 37 offices in the UK and US. The firm offers services in various business sectors. It provides core legal services in areas such as Corporate, Employment, Dispute Resolution, Finance, Technology, Private Wealth, Construction, Real Estate, and Regulatory Law.

Womble Bond Dickinson (International) Limited is a network of member firms. This firm include Womble Bond Dickinson (UK) LLP and Womble Bond Dickinson (US) LLP, each operating as independent legal entities. For more information, visit www.womblebonddickinson.com/us/legal-notice.

About Schmidt, Valois, Miranda, Ferreira & Agel

Schmidt Valois is Brazil’s leading law firm specializing in Natural Resources and Infrastructure. It has significant expertise in Energy, Renewables, Oil and Gas, and Mining. The firm also offers services in sectors such as M&A, Project Finance, Private Equity, Tax, Labor, Dispute Resolution, Regulatory, ESG, Sports, Life Sciences, and Technology. Schmidt Valois is recognized for its innovative approach, ethical standards, and high-quality services.

Buchalter is excited to announce that Brian Goldberg has joined the Firm as a Shareholder in the Atlanta office. With a wealth of litigation experience, Goldberg specializes in managing intricate commercial and business disputes, real estate litigation, landlord/tenant issues, creditor rights litigation, lender-liability defense, professional liability, and premises liability cases.

“Brian’s extensive litigation background and his proven success in representing clients in high-stakes cases make him a valuable addition to our team,” said Adam Bass, President and CEO of Buchalter. “We are thrilled to have him on board as we continue expanding in Atlanta and look forward to the contributions he will make to the Firm.”

Goldberg’s client roster includes publicly traded companies, national banks, mortgage servicers, property management firms, small businesses, investors, and individuals he represents in state and federal courts. He has served as lead counsel in jury trials. He has significant experience managing complex bankruptcy disputes and adversary proceedings in Georgia and beyond.

“I am excited to join Buchalter and work alongside the talented team in Atlanta and throughout the Firm,” Goldberg shared. “The Firm’s dedication to exceptional client service and its strategic approach to litigation align perfectly with my practice.”

Goldberg is a trusted advisor for businesses and individuals dealing with various real estate litigation issues, including quiet title actions, boundary disputes, partition cases, and complex title resolutions. His expertise also extends to handling residential and commercial property foreclosures and eviction matters.

Seth Trimble, Managing Shareholder of the Atlanta office, commented, “Brian’s expertise in commercial and real estate litigation enhances our capabilities as we expand in the Southeast. His reputation as a skilled litigator and trusted advisor will be a tremendous asset to our clients.”

ArentFox Schiff is excited to announce that Molly F. James has joined the firm as a partner in the Private Clients, Trusts & Estates (PCTE) practice in Washington, D.C. With over 30 years of experience in estate planning and administration, Molly will help create personalized strategies for clients with various personal and financial needs.

Molly’s addition is part of the firm’s ongoing growth in the PCTE practice, which welcomed Partner Todd Angkatavanich and Counsel Joe Blumberg earlier this month. Molly is happy to regularly reviewing and updating her clients’ estate plans, ensuring ensuring smooth management of affairs when a family member passes away. She works with various clients, including business owners, professionals, executives, venture capitalists, real estate investors, and multigenerational families. She also provides expert advice on U.S. estate planning for clients with connections to other countries.

“We are delighted to welcome Molly to our team,” said Christine R.W. Quigley, PCTE practice leader. “Her extensive experience in trust and estate planning will greatly enhance our practice. Molly simplifies complex issues, helping clients make well-informed decisions best suited to their family’s needs.”

Molly’s expertise extends beyond traditional estate planning documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives. She also prepares specialized instruments such as dynasty trusts, prenuptial agreements, grantor-retained annuity trusts, and spousal lifetime access trusts. These instruments protect assets from taxes, creditors, divorcing spouses, and beneficiaries.

Before joining ArentFox Schiff, Molly was a partner at Troutman Pepper Locke. Outside her practice, she actively supports College Bound, Inc., serving as their pro bono legal counsel and advocating for programs that help D.C. public and charter school students achieve their college aspirations.

At ArentFox Schiff, our committed is to assists clients reach their full potential. Focusing on immediate and long-term objectives, we provide practical legal solutions that address today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. We partner with you to get you across the finish line.

Today, Katten welcomed the addition of Gidon M. Caine to its team as a securities litigation partner, bolstering the firm’s elite litigation offerings. “Reuniting with Gidon after all these years is a pleasure. We previously collaborated at another firm many years back.

I’ve been pursuing him for a while,” stated Bruce G. Vanyo, who co-chairs the Securities Litigation practice at Katten. “Gidon brings over three decades of expertise in strategic legal counseling and is adept at managing the considerable reputational and financial risks that companies encounter during investigations and litigation, which is invaluable for our clientele.”

Based in Silicon Valley, Caine specializes in various aspects of securities and corporate governance disputes. Gidon M. Caine has a wide range of legal skills. He handles many types of cases, including lawsuits involving shareholders, legal actions against company executives for not fulfilling their duties, and cases about company mergers and acquisitions. He has also led major trials as the main attorney, such as in the Delaware Court of Chancery, representing very large companies.

Caine works with various clients such as company boards, directors, officers, and special committees, mainly in Silicon Valley’s technology and life sciences industries. He also manages cases involving internal and government investigations, issues with venture funds, and other complex business legal matters.

Recognized by Chambers USA in the Securities Litigation sector, Caine is a respected authority in the legal field. He often shares his insights with the media and speaks at Stanford Law School Directors’ College panel discussions. Caine focuses on the complexities and challenges of being on boards of special purpose acquisition vehicles (SPACs). He also teaches at the University of California Berkeley School of Law and the Practicing Law Institute. Additionally, he writes critical legal analyses on major court decisions.

Katten is a full-service law firm with around 700 attorneys in the United States, London, and Shanghai. It offers high-quality legal services to clients both locally and internationally. The firm specializes in corporate law, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit, and private wealth.

Katten represents various clients, from public and private companies to government and nonprofit entities and individuals.

More information about Katten is available at katten.com.

FRESNO, Calif. (March 20, 2025) — Littler, the most significant global employment and labor law firm representing management, has named Gerardo V. Hernandez, the new office managing shareholder (OMS), for its Fresno location. He takes over from Ryan L. Eddings, who is stepping down to concentrate on his legal practice and additional firm duties.

Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president, highlighted Hernandez’s appointment as part of the firm’s broader strategy to grow its presence in Fresno. “Gerardo’s leadership and strong local connections will help drive our goals forward,” Webber stated. She also expressed appreciation for Eddings’ service.

Hernandez brings extensive experience defending employers in both state and federal labor matters. His legal background includes handling union decertification before the National Labor Relations Board and the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board, managing appeals for OSHA citations, and defending against unfair labor practice allegations. He has also led litigation in class actions, Private Attorneys General Act cases, and Fair Labor Standards Act claims.

Hernandez, raised in a business-focused family, continues to support employers within Fresno’s Hispanic business community. His affiliations include the Fresno County American Bar Association, Fresno County Young Lawyers Association, Agricultural Personnel Management Association, and the role of Vice Chair on the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation’s Board of Directors.

“I’m grateful for Ryan’s guidance and excited to lead our Fresno team,” Hernandez said. “We’ll continue prioritizing client needs through practical and innovative legal strategies.”

Hernandez holds a J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and a B.S. from the University of California, Davis.

Littler employs over 1,900 labor and employment attorneys worldwide. The firm blends local legal knowledge with global resources and proprietary technology to deliver proactive workplace legal solutions. Visit www.littler.com to learn more.

Egnyte, a leader in secure content collaboration and governance, has released its latest report titled Hacked and Exposed: What Business Leaders Need to Know About Cyber Threats. The report’s findings highlight cybersecurity trends, with 28% of Americans going months without realizing they’ve been hacked, often targeting their financial accounts and leading to significant monetary losses.

According to a comprehensive survey of 1,301 U.S. heads of household, cybercriminals are utilizing increasingly sophisticated tactics to exploit security vulnerabilities. These tactics include phishing emails, weak passwords, and social engineering strategies.

Kris Lahiri, Chief Security Officer and Co-Founder of Egnyte, stated, “The report not only underscores the prevalence of cyberattacks but also the concern that many people remain unaware of breaches for an extended period. This delay allows hackers to compromise multiple accounts.”

He emphasized the importance of reviewing and strengthening personal and professional security practices, such as diversifying passwords to reduce the risk of attacks.

The report also highlights the sectors most vulnerable to cyberattacks:

41% reported being financially hacked, making them the most vulnerable group in the study. 36% of individuals working in banking and finance experienced financial hacks, emphasizing the need for stronger cybersecurity.

31% of professionals were targeted by phishing and email-based attacks. Workers in office and healthcare settings also experienced high rates of cyberattacks, with 29% of office employees and 25% of healthcare workers reporting financial hacks.

Neil Jones, cybersecurity evangelist at Egnyte, remarked, “The findings regarding work location may surprise many. It’s often assumed that on-site offices provide better security. Still, our report suggests that organizations with remote workforces are more proactive in cybersecurity training, network security, and access control than those with only on-site employees.”

Security researchers from Cisco Talos have discovered multiple vulnerabilities in Adobe Acrobat, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code or access sensitive information. These flaws primarily stem from issues in the software’s font handling functionality.

The identified vulnerabilities include out-of-bounds read flaws and a memory corruption issue, which could be exploited through maliciously crafted PDF files.

CVE-2025-27163 & CVE-2025-27164 may lead to sensitive information disclosure. Attackers could leverage these weaknesses to gain unauthorized access to system data.
CVE-2025-27158 is a memory corruption vulnerability caused by an uninitialized pointer in Adobe Acrobat’s font processing. If exploited, this flaw could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code.

The susceptibilities affect various versions of Adobe Acrobat, though specific impacted versions have not yet been disclosed in detail. If successfully exploited, these exposure could allow attackers to steal sensitive data from affected systems. It can remotely execute malicious code and gain unauthorized system access.

Given the widespread use of Adobe Acrobat for PDF management, these security issues pose a significant risk to individual users and businesses alike.

To protect against potential exploits, users and organizations should take immediate action. Adobe has released patches addressing these harms. Users are urged to apply the latest security updates promptly. Avoid opening PDF documents from untrusted or unknown sources. Implement endpoint security solutions and intrusion detection systems to mitigate exploitation risks.

Littler, the largest law firm specializing in employment and labor law for management, has welcomed Tim McInturf back as a shareholder in its Houston office. He was part of Littler from 1999 to 2009, comes back after holding leadership roles at Quantlab Group and founding Tim McInturf Mediation.

“Tim’s unique combination of business executive experience and legal expertise offers valuable insights for our clients,” said Erin Webber, Littler’s managing director and president. His skill in tackling complex legal issues from a business perspective and his conflict resolution expertise add a lot to our team. We’re excited to have him back.”

McInturf brings years of experience in business leadership and dispute resolution. His legal career at Littler focused on employment litigation, including unfair competition, trade secrets, breach of contract, and wrongful termination. At Quantlab Group, a global trading company, McInturf spent 11 years in leadership. There, he worked as President, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel. In these roles, he guided the company’s strategy, culture, growth, and daily operations across multiple countries.

“Tim’s approach to client service focuses on strategic thinking, collaboration, and understanding the changing legal landscape in Texas and nationwide,” said Kelley Edwards, Littler’s managing shareholder in Houston. “With his background as a trial lawyer and trusted advisor, Tim will be valuable in addressing our clients’ biggest workplace challenges.”

Upon his return to Littler, McInturf will represent employers in cases involving unfair competition, non-compete agreements, and trade secrets. He will also defend clients against claims of discrimination and retaliation. With a background in helping businesses create strong workplace cultures, he will advise employers on managing workplace issues and developing policies for hiring, performance management, training, and employment contracts.

“I’m thrilled to rejoin Littler, a firm that has played a major role in shaping my career,” McInturf said. “The knowledge I have gained since then has deepened my understanding of business leaders’ challenges. I look forward to using that experience to help our clients solve their problems. It’s exciting to collaborate with both old and new colleagues to provide the effective solutions our clients expect.”

McInturf earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the University of Houston Law Center and his B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin. He has taught as an Adjunct Professor at the Graduate School of Business and Economics at Houston Christian University. He has previously served as president of the Texas General Counsel Forum, Houston Chapter.

About Littler

Littler has over 1,900 attorneys worldwide, offering local workplace solutions on a global scale. The firm’s diverse team and advanced technology foster a culture of innovation, helping employers prepare for current challenges and future changes.

Tokyo, Japan – Japanese hotel developer and bitcoin treasury firm Metaplanet has announced plans to borrow ¥2 billion ($13.5 million) to increase its bitcoin (BTC) holdings.

Metaplanet holds 2,888 BTC and has implemented a long-term acquisition strategy to accumulate 21,000 BTC by 2026. The firm claims it holds more bitcoin than any publicly traded Asian company.

Before adopting its bitcoin-focused investment strategy in 2024, Metaplanet experienced six consecutive years of financial losses. However, the company has since turned profitable, emerging as one of the best-performing equities in 2023.

CEO Simon Gerovich reaffirmed the company’s commitment to increasing its BTC holdings, stating that Metaplanet will be “buying the dip.”

This latest move underscores Metaplanet’s confidence in Bitcoin as a long-term asset and reflects a growing trend of corporate investments in cryptocurrency.

President Trump has urged a primary challenge against Representative Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) due to Massie’s opposition to a continuing resolution (CR) to prevent a government shutdown. The CR proposes increased defense spending and reduced non-defense spending below 2024 levels.

Massie, known for his conservative views, has pledged to vote against the Trump-supported CR. He argues that the measure perpetuates “waste, fraud, and abuse” in government spending.

Massie expressed his position on social media: “Unless I get a lobotomy Monday that causes me to forget what I’ve witnessed the past 12 years, I’ll be a NO on the CR this week.”

President Trump criticized Massie for his consistent opposition to CRs despite previous support for similar measures. Trump labeled Massie as an “automatic ‘NO’ vote on just about everything” and called for a primary challenge against him. He compared Massie to former Representative Liz Cheney, who lost her primary after opposing Trump. ​

The CR, backed by the conservative House Freedom Caucus, aims to prevent a government shutdown if approved by both the House and Senate. However, if more than two Republicans vote against the measure, it may not pass.

Representatives Tim Burchett (R-Tenn.) and Cory Mills expressed uncertainty about their votes, while Massie remains a firm “NO.”

Despite threats to his re-election, Massie remains defiant. He emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency, stating that previous challengers attempting to outflank him on MAGA grounds failed to gain significant support.

Massie asserted that his constituents value “transparency and principles over blind allegiance.” ​

The recent measles outbreak in West Texas has escalated, with cases nearing 230 across Texas and New Mexico. Healthcare professionals like Dr. Ana Montanez from Lubbock are actively working to dispel misinformation and encourage vaccinations. Some parents, influenced by anti-vaccine groups like Children’s Health Defense, have turned to high doses of vitamin A as a preventive measure.

However, experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, emphasize that vitamin A does not prevent measles and can be harmful in excessive amounts. The outbreak has resulted in hospitalizations and at least one death, underscoring the critical need for accurate information and immunizations to protect public health.

Former President Donald Trump recently made a striking claim regarding childhood cancer rates, stating they have surged by 40% since 1975. This statement has drawn attention to long-term trends in pediatric cancer cases, prompting discussions about the accuracy of the data and the factors influencing these statistics.

According to figures from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the incidence of childhood cancer has indeed risen significantly over the past decades. While improvements in medical diagnosis may partially explain the increase, researchers also point to potential environmental and genetic factors. The most common forms of childhood cancer, including leukemia and brain tumors, have seen notable growth in incidence rates.

Experts emphasize that while more children are being diagnosed with cancer, survival rates have also improved dramatically due to advancements in medical treatments. The five-year survival rate for pediatric cancer patients has increased substantially, offering hope amid the rising case numbers.

However, the discussion around this issue remains complex. Scientists continue investigating whether external environmental exposures, lifestyle changes, or unknown risk factors contribute to the rising cancer rates. Meanwhile, public health officials stress the importance of ongoing research and policy measures to protect children’s health and well-being.

As Trump’s statement fuels conversations about childhood cancer trends, the focus remains on addressing the causes behind these numbers and ensuring better prevention and treatment strategies for the future.

On March 4, 2025, Senators Ed Markey (D-MA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA) reintroduced the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0), aiming to enhance online privacy safeguards for minors. ​

COPPA 2.0 prohibits digital platforms from directing targeted ads at children and teenagers.​ This law requires companies to limit the collection of personal data from minors and mandates the deletion of such data. It restricts internet companies from gathering data from users aged 13 to 16 without explicit permission.​

Senator Markey has persistently championed this legislation since its initial introduction in 2011. In the previous Congress, COPPA 2.0 was incorporated into a broader children’s online safety bill, which the Senate approved with a 91-3 vote in July. However, the House of Representatives did not proceed with a vote on the bill.​

The reintroduction has garnered support from numerous children’s advocacy groups, teacher unions, privacy organizations, and medical associations. Senator Cassidy emphasized the bill’s significance: “COPPA 2.0 is the tool that will give parents the peace of mind they need and keep their children’s personal information secure.”​

Advocates highlight the increasing surveillance of children across social media and gaming platforms, where companies collect data to track, profile, and influence young users. Katharina Kopp, deputy director of the Center for

Digital Democracy, noted, “Children’s surveillance has only intensified across social media, gaming, and virtual spaces, where companies harvest data to track, profile, and manipulate young users.”​

The continuation of COPPA 2.0 underscores a continued legislative effort to strengthen online privacy protections for minors in the digital age.

The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has added five security vulnerabilities affecting Cisco, Hitachi Vantara, Microsoft Windows, and Progress WhatsUp Gold to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. This action signals that these flaws are actively exploited in the wild, posing significant risks to affected systems.

One of the vulnerabilities, CVE-2023-20118, affects Cisco Small Business RV Series Routers. This command injection flaw exists in the router’s web-based management interface, allowing authenticated remote attackers to gain root-level privileges and access sensitive data. Cisco has not provided a fix since these routers have reached their end-of-life status, leaving organizations vulnerable.

Two security flaws in the Hitachi Vantara Pentaho BA Server, CVE-2022-43939 and CVE-2022-43769, have also been flagged. The first vulnerability arises from an authorization bypass issue, enabling attackers to access resources through non-canonical URL paths. The second flaw allows attackers to inject malicious Spring templates into configuration files, leading to arbitrary command execution. Both issues were addressed in security updates released in August 2024.

An older vulnerability, CVE-2018-8639, affecting Microsoft Windows Win32k, has resurfaced as an active threat. This flaw, which allows local privilege escalation through improper resource handling, was initially patched in December 2018 but is still targeted in modern attack campaigns.

Another high-risk vulnerability, CVE-2024-4885, affects Progress WhatsUp Gold, a widely used network monitoring software. This path traversal vulnerability enables unauthenticated, remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems. The flaw was patched in June 2024 with version 2023.1.3, but ongoing exploitation attempts have been observed.

CVE-2023-20118 is being leveraged to conscript vulnerable Cisco routers into a botnet called PolarEdge. At the same time, the exploitation of CVE-2024-4885 has been detected globally. Security researchers from the Shadowserver Foundation and GreyNoise report that attack attempts have originated from Hong Kong, Russia, Brazil, South Korea, and the United Kingdom.

CISA has identified active exploitation of vulnerabilities. To ensure their systems are safeguarded, they have mandated that Federal Civilian Executive Branch (FCEB) agencies implement mitigations by March 24, 2025. Organizations using affected products are strongly urged to take action. They should apply the latest patches or implement alternative security measures, which will help prevent potential attacks.

On Monday, Bitcoin’s value experienced a significant surge, increasing by over 20% from its previous lows. This rise follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies will be included in a new U.S. strategic reserve. ​

In a Sunday Truth Social post, President Trump stated that his January executive order on digital assets would establish a stockpile comprising Bitcoin, Ether, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. This marks the first public disclosure of the specific cryptocurrencies to be included. Trump emphasized that Bitcoin and Ether would be central to this reserve. ​

The announcement led to a notable market reaction. Bitcoin rose from $78,273 on Friday to approximately $94,154 on Monday.​ Ether increased by 20% over the weekend, reaching $2,482.​ XRP surged by 38%.​ Solana climbed to 20% and Cardano jumped 78%.

Chris Weston, head of research at Australian online broker Pepperstone, commented that Trump’s disclosure provided a positive shock to the crypto market, offering a much-needed catalyst to counter recent bearish trends.
However, some analysts urge caution. Tony Sycamore, a market analyst at IG, noted that while the announcement has boosted prices, concerns remain about the funding sources for cryptocurrency purchases. The bullish impact might be limited if the reserve is funded through seized cryptocurrencies rather than new market purchases. ​

This development has reinvigorated a market experiencing declines due to unmet expectations regarding regulatory changes. The upcoming White House Crypto Summit, scheduled for Friday, is anticipated to influence market sentiment further.

A measles outbreak in West Texas has led to the first U.S. measles-related death in a decade, with over 130 reported cases across Texas and New Mexico. The outbreak began in early February in a rural Mennonite community in Gaines County, Texas, and has since spread to about ten counties, including nine cases in eastern New Mexico.

The majority of cases involve unvaccinated children. Patients have exhibited high fever, red, watery eyes, nasal congestion, cough, and a facial rash. Treatments have included supplemental oxygen, fever medications, and IV fluids. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), measles has a mortality rate of 1 to 3 deaths per 1,000 cases.

Health officials emphasize the importance of the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly in communities with low vaccination rates. Given measles’ highly contagious nature, additional cases are expected.

Ensuring children receive the MMR vaccine is crucial in preventing further spread. Communities should stay alert for measles symptoms and seek medical attention if needed. Coordinated efforts between state health departments and the CDC remain essential for managing and containing the outbreak.

President Donald Trump has introduced a new immigration initiative offering a ‘Gold Card’ visa for $5 million, granting permanent residency and a pathway to U.S. citizenship for affluent foreign nationals. This program attracts successful individuals who contribute economically through job creation and tax payments. The ‘Gold Card’ is set to replace the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, which has faced criticism for fraud and inefficiency.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick emphasized that the new visa will require thorough vetting to ensure applicants are exceptional global citizens. The administration anticipates selling up to one million of these visas, potentially generating significant revenue to reduce the national deficit.

This strategic move underscores the administration’s focus on leveraging immigration policy to stimulate economic growth and address fiscal challenges.

DBS Bank, Singapore’s largest financial institution, plans to cut 4,000 jobs over the next three years as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on tasks traditionally handled by humans.

According to a DBS spokesperson, the workforce reduction will occur through natural attrition as temporary and contract roles phase out over time. Permanent employees will not be affected by the workforce reduction.

Outgoing CEO Piyush Gupta announced that the bank will also create 1,000 AI-related jobs, positioning DBS as one of the first major banks to reveal specific AI-driven workforce changes.

DBS employs between 8,000 and 9,000 temporary and contract workers, with a total workforce of around 41,000. However, the bank has not disclosed how many job cuts will occur in Singapore or which specific roles will be affected.

According to Gupta, DBS has been integrating AI for over a decade. The bank now operates more than 800 AI models across 350 use cases, and its expected economic impact will exceed S$1 billion ($745 million) by 2025.
As part of its leadership transition, current Deputy CEO Tan Su Shan will replace Gupta, who will step down at the end of March.

The increasing use of AI has raised concerns about its impact on jobs worldwide. In 2024, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reported that AI could affect nearly 40% of global employment. IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva warned that AI might worsen income inequality.

However, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey expressed a different perspective, stating that AI is unlikely to become a “mass destroyer of jobs.” He emphasized that while risks exist, AI also offers significant potential for the future of work.

Apple is reportedly advancing its AI capabilities by planning to integrate Google’s Gemini AI into its Apple Intelligence platform. This development was hinted at in the recent iOS 18.4 beta update, which includes backend code referencing both “Google” and “OpenAI” as third-party models for Apple Intelligence.

Apple Intelligence allows Siri to utilize OpenAI’s ChatGPT for more contextual responses. The potential addition of Gemini would offer users an alternative AI model, aligning with Apple’s strategy to provide diverse AI options. Apple’s software executive, Craig Federighi, suggested this approach during an interview at WWDC24.

While the exact timeline for Gemini’s integration remains uncertain, the code findings in iOS 18.4 beta suggest it could arrive in a future update, possibly in iOS 18.4 or later. Apple is also looking for partnerships with other AI providers, including Anthropic’s Claude, to expand its AI.

In the meantime, iPhone users can access Google’s Gemini AI through a standalone app on the App Store. This app enables interactions with Gemini’s AI features directly from their devices.

Apple’s commitment to enhancing user experience through AI integration reflects its ongoing efforts to stay competitive in the evolving AI landscape.

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the dismissal of its case against SpaceX, the aerospace company led by Elon Musk, which was accused of discriminatory hiring practices against certain immigrants. This decision, filed in a Brownsville, Texas court, concludes the case with prejudice, preventing future similar claims.

In August 2023, during President Joe Biden’s administration, the DOJ filed an administrative complaint against SpaceX. The complaint alleged that from 2018 to 2022, the company discouraged asylum recipients and refugees from applying for jobs and refused to consider their applications.

According to the DOJ, SpaceX’s job postings and public statements showed a hiring preference for U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. The company cited U.S. export control laws as the reason for this restriction. However, the DOJ argued that these laws did not require hiring limitations. However, the DOJ contended that these laws did not mandate such hiring limitations.

SpaceX has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In a November 16, 2023 court filing, SpaceX stated that export control laws impose “strict limitations on whom it can employ.” The company emphasized following “strict policies and procedures” to comply with these regulations. It also asserted that these measures help prevent unlawful discrimination.

In response to the administrative complaint, SpaceX initiated legal action to block the proceedings, challenging the legitimacy of the DOJ’s administrative judges. The company argued that these judges were improperly appointed by the U.S. Attorney General and wielded powers that should be reserved for officials appointed by the President. A federal judge had temporarily halted the DOJ’s case to consider these arguments. Subsequently, in January 2025, the DOJ indicated a potential reevaluation of the case, leading to the recent decision to dismiss it entirely.

This development occurs amidst broader discussions regarding the authority of federal agencies and their internal enforcement mechanisms. Both Elon Musk and President Donald Trump have expressed criticism of federal agencies’ powers, including those related to immigration enforcement. Notably, Musk serves as a top adviser to President Trump. It leads a commission focused on identifying and eliminating inefficiencies within the federal government.

The dismissal of this case marks an important moment in the ongoing debate on corporate hiring practices. It also highlights discussions on federal regulatory authority and interpreting export control laws in employment.