THE HOT STORY

Judge orders Voice of America to reinstate 1,000 employees cut under Kari Lake

A federal judge has mandated that over 1,000 Voice of America employees return to work by Monday, marking a significant setback for the Trump administration's attempts to diminish the news outlet. U.S. District Court Judge Royce C. Lamberth ruled that Kari Lake, who led Voice of America's parent agency for the past year, acted in a way that was “arbitrary and capricious” in her efforts to dismantle the network. He said that Lake had “repeatedly thumbed her nose” at statutory requirements and that the Trump administration had “made no effort to defend the merits” of its downsizing decision. “We are thrilled with Judge Lamberth's ruling and look forward to getting back to work," Voice of America Director Michael Abramowitz said after the ruling. "Voice of America has never been more needed.”

NBC News

NPR / National Public Radio

WORKFORCE

L.A. Teachers Union poised to strike

With contract negotiations stalled, the Los Angeles Teachers Union is expected to announce a strike date that could disrupt the education of approximately 390,000 students. The announcement will coincide with a significant rally in Gloria Molina Grand Park, involving three employee unions. The union's Vice President, Julie Van Winkle, emphasized the need for better wages, saying: “Our members aren't trying to buy one house in San Pedro and six houses in Florida. They're just trying to afford rent in the district in which they teach.” The union's latest proposal includes a 17% salary increase over two years, particularly benefiting early career teachers. Meanwhile, the district has offered an 8% raise over two years.

Los Angeles Times

Democrats push tax relief for low earners

On Thursday, a coalition of Senate and House Democrats introduced the Working Americans' Tax Cut Act, aiming to eliminate federal income taxes for individuals earning less than $46,000 and reduce taxes for those making between $46,000 and $80,500. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) stated: "Far too many Americans are working hard for their paychecks but still having trouble making ends meet." The bill, which has limited chances of passing due to Republican control, proposes significant tax breaks for nearly 130m people, including over 25m children. To fund these cuts, a tiered surtax on millionaires would be implemented, potentially raising $1.46tn over 10 years, according to the Yale Budget Lab. The bill has garnered support from various labor unions and organizations.

Accounting Today

TECHNOLOGY

Deloitte report highlights gap between AI ambitions and organizational readiness

Deloitte’s 2026 Global Human Capital Trends report finds that while business leaders are increasingly looking to technology - particularly AI - to solve workforce and operational challenges, most organizations lack the cultural and structural foundations to deliver on those ambitions. The report identifies three key issues: employees struggling to keep pace with constant change, widespread AI adoption without sufficient accountability or trust frameworks, and outdated organizational structures that hinder agility. While 60% of executives are already using AI in decision-making, only 5% believe they manage it effectively, with many failing to consider its impact on employees. Leaders are seeking AI-driven solutions that embed real-time learning, improve decision-making transparency, and enable more flexible, skills-based ways of working. However, progress remains limited, with only a small minority of organizations successfully adapting their workforce, governance models, and operating structures to support these changes.

HR Executive

Microsoft adds Anthropic's AI technology to its Copilot service

Microsoft is bringing Anthropic's Claude Cowork to its Microsoft 365 Copilot AI platform. The Copilot Cowork service, which the tech giant said it developed in close collaboration with Anthropic, can handle long-running, multistep tasks such as preparing for a customer meeting by assembling a presentation, pulling together financials, emailing the team, and scheduling prep time. “We really believe right now is an inflection point,” Jared Spataro, Microsoft’s chief marketing officer for AI at Work, told Fortune. “The inflection point for us is Copilot taking on these agentic capabilities and going from assistance to real doing.”

TAX

U.S. cuts citizenship renunciation fee, but tax complications remain

The U.S. State Department has reduced the fee to renounce citizenship from $2,350 to $450, lowering a major administrative barrier for Americans seeking to expatriate, though significant tax and legal complications still remain. While the lower fee - returning to the level first introduced in 2010 - may particularly benefit so-called “Accidental Americans,” many individuals who give up citizenship still face complex exit tax rules, potential taxation on unrealized gains, and ongoing implications for gifts, inheritances, and Social Security benefits. Individuals classified as “covered expatriates” may also trigger a 40% transfer tax on gifts or inheritances received by U.S. recipients. Experts note that although the fee reduction is symbolically significant, the financial and regulatory consequences of renouncing U.S. citizenship remain far more substantial than the administrative cost.

Forbes

STRATEGY

Danish obesity drugmaker plans Boston research hub

Danish obesity drugmaker Zealand Pharma plans to open a new research facility in Boston as part of its effort to expand in the US. Zealand CEO Adam Steensberg said the company will likely hire between 50 and 100 people at the new lab. Bloomberg notes that the plan is welcome news for Boston, which is home to one of the country’s largest biotech hubs, but the industry there has struggled in recent years.

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

Vietnam's landmark AI law is a major regulatory test for Southeast Asia

Vietnam has enacted a new law regulating AI, marking a significant shift from voluntary guidelines to binding regulations in Southeast Asia. The law requires AI providers to classify their systems by risk level and label AI-generated content. It aims to enhance accountability and transparency, similar to the European Union's AI Act. Analysts view the legislation as a potential model for the region. Saijai Liangpunsakul, the founder of Stop Online Harm, a coalition that combats online harassment campaigns, said: “Deepfakes and scams are already affecting people across the region, and governments are realizing that ethical guidelines alone are not enough.”

South China Morning Post

SNCF's dress code sparks outrage

French rail unions have been angered by a dress code from national rail operator SNCF which advises employees on dressing with "French elegance." The 40-page guide, which SNCF has said is now withdrawn, suggested ways to enhance body shapes while in uniform, including specific clothing recommendations for different body types. The Sud Rail union condemned the guide, saying it imposed unnecessary aesthetic standards and had no professional basis. SNCF acknowledged the document was shared without approval and is investigating its distribution. "The company has no right to judge its employees' bodies," the union said.

The Local

Thai government officials told to work from home to save fuel

Thailand's cabinet is telling most government agencies to adopt full work-from-home arrangements to curb energy demand. Ministers have also called on government officials to suspend non-essential overseas travel, and are seeking voluntary cooperation from the private sector to promote energy conservation. Thailand relies heavily on imported crude, particularly from the Middle East. Mandatory steps for the private sector are possible if the situation in the Gulf further deteriorates. The Philippines has also mandated a four-day work week for government offices in an attempt to save on energy.

Bloomberg

OTHER

Bondi subpoenaed to answer questions from Congress about Epstein files

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been subpoenaed by Congress to address questions regarding the Justice Department's investigation into convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein and the management of millions of related files. The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has scheduled her deposition for April 14, following a vote supported by five Republicans. Rep. James Comer emphasized the need for Bondi's insights, saying: “The Committee has questions regarding the Department of Justice's handling of the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.” The Justice Department has labeled the subpoena as “completely unnecessary” and has defended its actions, asserting that it has worked diligently to review and release documents as required by the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Critics, however, have accused the department of over-redacting files and mishandling sensitive information.

U.S. News

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