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The Opposition to Crypto in 401(k) Plans Congressional Democrats are strongly opposing a US Department of Labor proposal that would allow 401(k) investments to include cryptocurrency, private credit and private equity assets, arguing the change will expose workers to riskier and more complex investments. The Risks of Volatile Assets In a letter shared exclusively with the Guardian, Senator Bernie Sanders, Senator Elizabeth Warren and House education and workforce committee ranking member Bobby Scott of Virginia, argued the rule would expose an estimated $14.2tn of 401(k) retirement savings to volatile assets and would probably not withstand a challenge in court. The proposed rule could expose workers to higher fees and erode their long-term returns. These high-risk assets can experience extreme volatility. The Data Analysis The Financial Industry Regulation Authority (Finra) cautions that crypto investments “have experienced higher levels of volatility relative to more traditional investment assets” and “the risk of losing all of your investment is significant”. The FBI reported cryptocurrency fraud complaints comprise some of the highest losses for Americans among cyber-enabled fraud, with over $11bn in losses reported in 2025. The Impact Analysis Consumer advocates argue the proposed rule only puts retirement savings accounts at higher risk while benefiting the crypto industry. “Opening 401ks to these products risks turning workers’ retirement savings into a Ponzi-like scheme that throws a lifeline to an industry scrambling for fresh cash,” Oscar Valdés Viera, a senior policy analyst at consumer advocacy group Americans for Financial Reform, said in a statement. The Prediction Democrats flagged Trump’s ties to the crypto industry and the conflict of interest it could present to the proposal. Trump’s adult sons have been managing the family’s crypto business, which includes a new Trump-based digital currency, as he carries out his second term in the White House. The ventures in crypto have potentially raised as much as $5bn for the family after the launch of its digital currency in September, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Getting a visa can be costly, frustrating, and often unsuccessful. A new investigation by Lighthouse Reports uncovers how governments outsource this process to private firms, creating a billion‑dollar business where profits soar even when visas are denied.The Rise of VFS Global as the World’s Largest Visa ProcessorVFS Global now handles more than 200 million visa applications annually for over 140 governments, making it the dominant player in a market previously managed by consular staff.Founded in 2001, the company expanded through contracts with the European Union, United States, and emerging economies.Its network spans 1,800+ service centers across 140+ countries.Financial Scale: Billions in Applications Translate to Multi‑Hundred‑Million Dollar RevenuesThe sheer volume of applications generates staggering revenue streams:Annual turnover exceeds $1.5 billion, with profit margins reported above 30%.Fees per application range from $20 for simple tourist visas to over $200 for complex work permits.Despite high denial rates, the firm earns fees at the point of submission, not on successful outcomes.Why Outsourcing Visa Services Is Reshaping Immigration Policy and Consumer CostsOutsourcing creates a conflict of interest: private profit motives can incentivize higher fees and longer processing times, while governments benefit from reduced administrative burdens.Travelers face increased costs and limited transparency about decision criteria.Governments off‑load staffing and infrastructure expenses, but lose direct control over service quality.Critics argue that the model undermines equitable access to mobility.Future Outlook: Consolidation, Digitalization, and Regulatory ScrutinyAnalysts expect the sector to evolve along three main trajectories:Consolidation: Larger firms may acquire regional competitors to deepen market dominance.Digital transformation: AI‑driven document verification and online portals could reduce processing times but raise data‑privacy concerns.Regulatory pressure: Consumer‑rights groups and some governments are calling for stricter oversight of fee structures and service standards.As the industry matures, the balance between efficiency, profit, and fairness will shape the next chapter of global mobility.

The LeadEverton is making moves to sign Championship star Hayden Hackney from Middlesbrough, but faces significant competition from several Premier League clubs for the highly-rated midfielder.The Transfer TargetHayden Hackney, 23, has emerged as one of the most promising midfield talents in English football after being named the Championship's player of the season. The versatile player, capable of operating as both a defensive and attacking midfielder, has one year remaining on his contract at Middlesbrough following the club's failure to secure promotion to the Premier League.Everton manager David Moyes has reignited interest in the player he considered signing 12 months ago, as the Toffees look to strengthen their central midfield options. The England Under-21 international inadvertently became part of the "Spygate" scandal when Southampton spied on Middlesbrough's training session to assess his fitness for a playoff match.The Competition LandscapeEverton is not alone in pursuing Hackney, with several Premier League clubs monitoring the player's impressive form last season. Brighton, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest, Leeds, and managerless Crystal Palace have all expressed interest in securing the midfielder's services.The competition underscores the high regard in which Hackney is held across the English football landscape, with multiple top-flight managers seeing him as a potential solution to their midfield needs.The Financial PictureMiddlesbrough is expected to command a fee of £10m-£15m for their prized asset, reflecting both his current contract situation and his proven performance at the Championship level. The relatively modest price tag could make him an attractive option for clubs looking for value in the current market.Everton has not yet submitted a formal bid but is understood to be working on a deal that could see the player move to Goodison Park this transfer window.The Strategic ImpactFor Everton, securing Hackney would represent a significant statement of intent as they look to rebuild their midfield. The versatile nature of his game would provide Moyes with tactical flexibility, while his experience in the Championship could translate well to the Premier League with proper development.Middlesbrough, meanwhile, faces the prospect of losing their best player after failing to achieve promotion, potentially setting back their own ambitions for another season in the second tier.The Transfer OutlookWith multiple clubs in the mix, the race for Hackney's signature is expected to intensify in the coming days. The player's preference could ultimately determine his destination, with Everton hoping their renewed interest and Moyes's previous admiration will give them an edge in the negotiations.Regardless of the outcome, Hackney's situation highlights the growing trend of Championship players attracting significant attention from Premier League clubs, particularly those with the versatility to impact games in multiple positions.

Nairobi, Kenya – In the past decade, African creators have moved from sharing art to living as on‑demand content machines, with brands paying to embed products into their everyday routines. The shift reshapes economies, civic discourse, and personal well‑being across the continent. From Artistry to Algorithm: The Rise of African Content Creators Former lawyers, photographers, and hobbyists now measure success by follower counts and algorithmic reach. Platforms such as Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook have become the primary stage where personal identity is packaged for public consumption. Early 2010s: Photographers in Nairobi were known for style and equipment. 2026: Influencers earn a living by integrating brand messages into daily moments. Monetising Life: Brands, Influencers, and the New Currency of Attention Brands allocate a growing share of marketing budgets to creators because attention is currency. A beverage launch, for example, now hinges on a creator’s breakfast post rather than traditional TV spots. Digital marketing specialist Grace Ndiege notes that most ad spend follows audiences to mobile feeds. Contracts often require seamless product placement within personal narratives. Social Media as a Civic Engine: From M-Pesa to #FeesMustFall Beyond commerce, the internet has become a civic space. In 2011, mobile money helped coordinate famine relief in northern Kenya; in 2015, South African students used hashtags to amplify the #FeesMustFall protests. Recent finance‑bill protests in Kenya saw TikTok explainers demystify complex legislation for millions. The Hidden Toll: Mental Health and Social Comparison Psychotherapist Maggie Gitu warns that constant connectivity flattens relationships and fuels envy. Curated feeds create unrealistic benchmarks—land purchases, vacations, fitness milestones—that can erode self‑esteem. Creators experience pressure to maintain an ever‑perfect online persona. Audiences receive only a filtered slice of reality, amplifying feelings of inadequacy. Future Outlook: Navigating Offline Balance in a Hyper‑Connected Africa Experts suggest intentional digital breaks to restore perspective. As algorithms evolve, creators who can authentically separate performance from lived experience may retain audience trust and protect mental health. Social media will remain a “school, market, stage, warzone, newspaper, courtroom, rumor mill, protest ground, diary, and weapon” for Africans, but its impact will depend on how individuals and brands manage the line between connection and community.

Executive Summary: A Deal Remains ElusiveIran’s leadership has not ruled out a settlement with the United States, but competing hawkish voices on both sides are raising demands that keep any understanding out of reach. The war‑driven environment, disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and lingering distrust make the path to a durable agreement uncertain.Divergent Stances Within Iran’s Power StructureKey figures and institutions express markedly different thresholds for negotiation:Mojtaba Khamenei – son of the late Supreme Leader, author of written messages that stress a “resistance economy” and a future without U.S. presence.IRGC commanders – Ahmad Vahidi, Ali Abdollahi, Majid Mousavi and Mohammad Ali Jafari demand no major concessions, emphasizing deterrence, control of the Strait of Hormuz and a set of five pre‑conditions for talks.Saeed Jalili and the Paydari Front – hard‑line parliamentarians who view any compromise as a loss, insisting on guarantees that do not rely on “trusting” the United States.Government pragmatists – parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signal openness to a pragmatic deal that ends hostilities.Financial Stakes and Strategic DemandsNegotiations are anchored by concrete economic and security requests:Control and classification of vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, including the right to levy transit fees.Access to at least 12 bn USD in frozen Iranian assets abroad.Removal of U.S. and United Nations sanctions linked to Iran’s nuclear programme.Release of frozen assets, war reparations and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over Hormuz as outlined by Mohammad Ali Jafari.Regional and Diplomatic ImplicationsThe internal split influences broader dynamics:Continued military exchanges between the U.S. and the IRGC raise the risk of accidental escalation.State‑run media and IRGC‑linked outlets amplify maximalist rhetoric, shaping public opinion against compromise.Hard‑line pressure could force the United States to offer stricter guarantees, potentially prolonging the stalemate.Any concession on Hormuz could alter global oil shipping routes and affect energy markets worldwide.Outlook: Scenarios for a US‑Iran AgreementAnalysts see three plausible trajectories:Stalemate – hard‑liners block a deal, extending the conflict and deepening sanctions.Limited Interim Accord – pragmatic leaders secure a cease‑fire and limited economic relief while broader issues remain unresolved.Comprehensive Settlement – a breakthrough that meets most of Tehran’s demands (asset release, Hormuz control, sanction lift) and includes security guarantees for the United States, leading to a gradual de‑escalation.The direction Iran ultimately takes will hinge on the balance of power between its hard‑line factions and the more moderate elements seeking an end to the war.

The Post-Settlement Legal BattleAttorneys for Blake Lively returned to a New York court on Monday to formally demand legal fees and damages from co-star Justin Baldoni, just a month after the parties reached a settlement in their years-long dispute.The Retaliation Argument and Legal HistoryLively’s legal team argued that Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit was a retaliatory move prohibited by California law. This claim contrasts with Baldoni’s previous insistence that neither he nor his studio, Wayfarer Studios, retaliated against the actor.Timeline of the Dispute: Lively filed her initial complaint in December 2024, alleging inappropriate discussions about sex life and attempts to alter the script.Counterclaims: Baldoni countersued for extortion and defamation, but a judge dismissed those claims last year.Current Status: While the judge dismissed some of Lively's claims, he upheld her allegations of retaliation.Box Office Success Amidst ControversyThe legal war surrounded the film *It Ends with Us*, which was based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Despite the high-profile conflict, the movie proved to be a massive commercial success.Revenue: The film grossed more than $350m at the box office in 2024.Production: Baldoni directed the film, which also stars Ryan Reynolds.The High Cost of Hollywood FeudsThe case highlights the intense scrutiny surrounding Hollywood productions and the potential for reputational damage through orchestrated PR and social media campaigns. The dismissal of Baldoni’s extortion claims suggests a significant legal victory for Lively, though the demand for fees indicates the financial burden of the litigation remains a point of contention.Future OutlookWith the full terms of the settlement undisclosed, the demand for legal fees signals that the resolution may not have been a total victory for either party. This case serves as a stark reminder of the financial and reputational risks involved in high-profile entertainment disputes.

An Indian citizen, Shabin Shaji, who arrived in the UK under the post‑Brexit skilled‑worker visa, was awarded nearly £30,000 after his employer, Swan Care Solutions Ltd, failed to provide any work for a year.Employment Tribunal Rules Swan Care Solutions Owed Wages for Unprovided ShiftsShaji paid £17,000 to recruiters before being interviewed via WhatsApp.Despite holding a certificate of sponsorship, he received zero shifts from May 2023 to April 2024.The tribunal ordered the company to pay £28,843.54 in wages and holiday pay, plus £8,700 in costs.Judge Kate Edmonds described the arrangement as an unauthorised deduction from wages.£28,844 Award Highlights Financial Toll on Migrant WorkersTotal compensation: £28,843.54 (wages) + £8,700 (costs) = £37,543.54 overall.Shaji’s personal outlay: £17,000 paid to agents plus living expenses while on a food bank.His visa restrictions prevented him from taking other jobs beyond 20 hours/week.Implications for UK Skilled Worker Visa and Recruitment PracticesThe case underscores vulnerabilities in the sponsorship system that lock migrants into a single employer.Charity Work Rights Centre calls for reforms to allow easier employer changes when contracts are breached.Swan Care Solutions’ licence to issue certificates of sponsorship was revoked in 2024 after similar complaints.What Future Reforms Could Protect Migrant Care Workers?Introduce a statutory right for sponsored workers to switch employers without excessive penalties.Strengthen oversight of recruitment agencies charging upfront fees.Mandate transparent contract terms and timely wage payments for care staff.

The Billionaire's Challenge to Women's FootballIt has been a bad week for Michele Kang, the billionaire women's football investor. On Wednesday the Uefa director of women's football, Nadine Kessler, was firm on the enforcement of rules prohibiting clubs with the same owner from playing each other in European competitions, dealing a blow to Kang, who has ambitions of taking London City Lionesses into Europe's premier competition, but also owns the tournament's most decorated side, OL Lyonnes.Then, across the weekend, Kang teams suffered two continental final defeats, with Lyonnes losing 4-0 to Barcelona in the Champions League final before her US outfit, Washington Spirit, fell short in the Concacaf W Champions Cup with a 5-3 reverse to the Mexican side Club América.Barcelona's Talent Pipeline vs. Financial MuscleSpeaking to the Catalan TV channel Esport3 in Oslo on Saturday evening, the Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll made some pointed remarks about money in football after their emphatic victory, and her words went viral. "There has been criticism but we have shown the team we are," she said. "Money isn't everything. We are privileged to have La Masia and all the girls that have come up to the first team: Aïcha Cámara, Carla [Julià Martínez], [Martine] Fenger, [Clara] Serrajordi, all of them. They are incredible. It says everything and that's why I say it."Many have assumed it was a jab at Kang and the use of her wealth to pursue glory in women's football, with Barcelona's talent pipeline apparently delivering an antidote to such an approach. There have been frustrations that Kang's teams have been sniffing at Barcelona's door in recent years, poaching the head coach Jonatan Giráldez, who led Barça to their second and third European titles, first planting him in post at Washington Spirit before switching him this season to Lyonnes, another of her Kynisca Sports International multi-club ownership group.The Financial Distortion in Women's FootballGiráldez isn't the only Barcelona employee to have been recruited by the big-spending Kang. The midfielder Ingrid Engen joined Lyonnes last summer and the defender Jana Fernández was acquired by London City from the Catalan club. Meanwhile, talk of potential rogue bids for Aitana Bonmatí have circulated in past seasons, while London City are believed to have made Alexia Putellas, soon to be out-of-contract, a large offer to play in the WSL.Clubs are seemingly irritated with Kang's spending because to entice superstars to fledgling projects she is offering fees and wages that are distorting the market, driving it beyond what many view as sustainable growth. Except, given the opportunity, every club would probably do it. Yes, huge men's clubs could do the same, given the large sums at their disposal, but often choose not to in the name of sustainability and gradual growth.Barcelona's Own Financial ChallengesHowever, while the constantly emerging talent from La Masia is both laudable and enviable, Barcelona are not a model women's football club, or a salve to the model being championed by Kang.Kang is one of many to have exploited the strict financial rules of La Liga, with the money trouble experienced by the men's side recently affecting every section of the club, from the women's team to the youth academy and basketball, handball and futsal teams. To lower the wage bill, players have been allowed to leave that may have been kept under different circumstances.The team that have powered Barça to four European titles contains several key players at the end of their contracts. Alongside Putellas, the quartet of Mapi León, Marta Torrejón, Salma Paralluelo and Caroline Graham Hansen are nearing the end of their deals. At some stage Barça will need to undergo their next evolution, but to what extent that is done on their terms, or forced by financial pressure, remains to be seen.The Future of Investment Models in Women's FootballSaturday's Champions League final was my eighth in nine years – the Covid-19 pandemic prevented me from attending the 2020 final between Lyon (now Lyonnes) and Wolfsburg in San Sebastián. The game has come a long way since my first, in Kyiv in 2018, when the host city was the same as the one for the men's Champions League final and the women's final cowered in its shadow.In Oslo the huge numbers pouring into Uefa's fan park, that featured a line of mini-pitches where girls' teams played all day, reflected the impact the final can now have on a city. Women's football has also changed a lot, but in some ways it is very similar. In 2018 Lyon lifted their fifth of what has become eight European titles, the efforts of the former club owner, men's and women's, Jean-Michel Aulas, repeatedly delivering for the French team. Aulas committed more resources to the women's team than most other European clubs and Kang is now doing the same sort of thing, but more aggressively, in a world where many of the top women's clubs are increasing investment.The problem is, there is no alternative model put forward by any of the biggest clubs. Each one walks the same path, in slightly different ways, perhaps getting annoyed at how others have gone the same route. Most men's Premier League clubs do not want an alternative funding model – because it might show fans there is another way of doing things. As it stands, those owners can take money out of clubs to boost their personal wealth.So, yes, Coll is right, but behaving like Barcelona are the morally superior club is misleading.

The Schreiber family, presiding over a nationwide commercial portfolio via the Midos Group, is at the center of a growing controversy involving two distinct business models: aggressive tax avoidance and the profiteering from the UK's housing crisis. The Dual Nature of the Schreiber Business Empire The investigation reveals a complex web of family-owned entities that appear to operate on opposite ends of the social spectrum. On one side, the Midos Group is accused of exploiting a controversial tax scheme to avoid business rates on empty commercial properties. On the other, a similarly named but ostensibly separate entity, Midos Management Co, is profiting from the UK's chronic shortage of social housing by arranging temporary accommodation for homeless residents. Midos Group: Accused of using the 'faith room' scheme to avoid rates on empty units. Midos Management Co: Collecting fees for arranging temporary accommodation for councils. Key Figures: David Schreiber (Midos Group) and Elizabeth Endzweig (Midos Management Co). Financial Impact of the 'Faith Room' Tax Loophole The core of the tax avoidance allegations centers on a provision that exempts property owners from paying business rates if the space is made available for religious worship. The 'faith room' scheme, marketed by Verity, allegedly involves minimal activity—such as placing a notice and a staff member reading scripture—to create the appearance of worship. Total Savings: Landlords have saved at least £18m through this scheme. Specific Case: Dover District Council is suing for £1.7m of unpaid tax. Properties Involved: Discovery Park in Kent and a disused pub in Clapham, London. Profiting from the Homelessness Crisis While the family allegedly avoids taxes on empty buildings, they are simultaneously capitalizing on the housing emergency. Midos Management Co acts as an intermediary, matching councils with private landlords to house homeless residents. Despite claims of separation, evidence suggests significant overlap between the two entities. Revenue Collected: At least £43m collected on behalf of landlords since 2019. Client Base: Lambeth council and at least four other councils. Directorship Overlap: Elizabeth Endzweig, daughter of David Schreiber, is a co-director of multiple companies sharing the same address as Midos Group. The Future of UK Property Tax Compliance The revelations highlight a growing tension between private profit and public service obligations. With MPs and councils increasingly scrutinizing these arrangements, the 'faith room' exemption is likely to face tighter regulatory oversight. The case sets a precedent for how closely connected family businesses can be without violating anti-avoidance rules, potentially leading to stricter audits of corporate structures in the property sector.