Featured Stories
Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital Makes Growth Investment in Viken Detection
NEW YORK, July 9 -- Morgan Stanley, a multinational financial services corporation, issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital Makes Growth Investment in Viken Detection
Morgan Stanley Investment Management announced today that funds managed by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital have made an investment in Viken Detection (Viken or the Company), a leading provider of advanced X-ray imaging and sensing technologies, to support continued growth and innovation.
Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Viken develops innovative handheld X-ray imagers,
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NEW YORK, July 9 -- Morgan Stanley, a multinational financial services corporation, issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital Makes Growth Investment in Viken Detection
Morgan Stanley Investment Management announced today that funds managed by Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital have made an investment in Viken Detection (Viken or the Company), a leading provider of advanced X-ray imaging and sensing technologies, to support continued growth and innovation.
Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, Viken develops innovative handheld X-ray imagers,vehicle scanning systems and material analysis solutions for border security, law enforcement, military, corrections and public safety organizations worldwide to improve threat detection, increase operational efficiency and enhance officer safety in a wide range of security environments. The Company's portfolio includes its next-generation Raven(R) handheld scanner, Osprey(R) vehicle inspection system and Harrier(R) multi-view vehicle scanner.
The growth investment aims to support Viken's continued growth by accelerating product innovation, expanding deployment of its advanced detection technologies and helping the Company address growing global demand for non-intrusive inspection solutions.
"We believe Viken has developed a highly differentiated platform with advanced X-ray imaging and sensing technologies that support mission-critical applications," said Nick Nocito, Managing Director of Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital. "We are excited to partner with the team as they continue to innovate across their product portfolio and expand deployment of their solutions to meet growing global demand for non-intrusive inspection technologies."
"From national security to substance abuse epidemics to environmental health hazards, Viken's technology shows up where it matters most. With the support of Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital, we're ready to do more of it, faster," said Jim Ryan, President & CEO of Viken.
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About Viken Detection
Viken Detection is a leading provider of advanced X-ray imaging and sensing technologies that enable customers to detect concealed threats safely, efficiently, and accurately. The Company's portfolio of handheld imaging systems, vehicle scanners, and material analysis solutions serves border security, law enforcement, military, corrections, and public safety organizations around the world. For more information, visit: https://www.vikendetection.com
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About Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital
Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital is the growth-focused private investment platform within Morgan Stanley Investment Management. Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital targets late-stage growth equity and credit investments within technology, healthcare, consumer, and other high-growth sectors. For nearly four decades, Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital has successfully pursued growth investment opportunities and has completed investments in over 220 companies, leveraging the global brand and network of Morgan Stanley. For further information please visit Morgan Stanley Expansion Capital.
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Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Morgan Stanley Investment Management, together with its investment advisory affiliates, has more than 1,300 investment professionals around the world and $1.9 trillion in assets under management or supervision as of March 31, 2026. Morgan Stanley Investment Management strives to provide outstanding long-term investment performance, service, and a comprehensive suite of investment management solutions to a diverse client base, which includes governments, institutions, corporations and individuals worldwide. For further information about Morgan Stanley Investment Management, please visit https://www.morganstanley.com/im.
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About Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) is a leading global financial services firm providing a wide range of investment banking, securities, wealth management and investment management services. With offices in 42 countries, the Firm's employees serve clients worldwide including corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. For further information about Morgan Stanley, please visit https://www.morganstanley.com.
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Original text here: https://www.morganstanley.com/press-releases/viken-detection-morgan-stanley-expansion-capital
[Category: BizFinancial Services]
Holland & Knight Advises MasTec on $1.65 Billion Acquisition of The Superior Group
MIAMI, Florida, July 9 -- Holland and Knight, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Holland & Knight Advises MasTec on $1.65 Billion Acquisition of The Superior Group
Holland & Knight advised MasTec Inc. (NYSE: MTZ) in its agreement to acquire Electrical Specialists Inc., d/b/a The Superior Group, a premier full-service electrical contractor focused on critical infrastructure, for approximately $1.65 billion. The purchase price consists of approximately $475 million payable in shares of MasTec common stock and approximately $1.175 billion payable in cash, subject to customary
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MIAMI, Florida, July 9 -- Holland and Knight, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Holland & Knight Advises MasTec on $1.65 Billion Acquisition of The Superior Group
Holland & Knight advised MasTec Inc. (NYSE: MTZ) in its agreement to acquire Electrical Specialists Inc., d/b/a The Superior Group, a premier full-service electrical contractor focused on critical infrastructure, for approximately $1.65 billion. The purchase price consists of approximately $475 million payable in shares of MasTec common stock and approximately $1.175 billion payable in cash, subject to customarypurchase price adjustments. The transaction was announced on July 7, with closing subject to customary conditions, including antitrust regulatory approval.
The acquisition will advance MasTec's strategy of building a scaled infrastructure capacity platform positioned to serve accelerating demand for data center, power and other mission-critical infrastructure. The combination will expand MasTec's infrastructure capabilities across a broader range of mission-critical requirements, extending its expertise from power generation and grid interconnection through electrical systems, connectivity and long-term maintenance services.
Headquartered in Coral Gables, Florida, MasTec is a leading North American infrastructure engineering and construction company focused primarily on engineering, building, installation, maintenance and upgrade of communications, energy and utility, and other infrastructure.
Holland & Knight's representation of MasTec was led by Partners Ibrahim Barakat and Kyle Hershey (M&A), along with Partner Ira Rosner (M&A and Capital Markets). Other key deal team members included Partner Marc Druckman and Associates Fay Shaulson and Gabrielle Engel (M&A); Partner Allison O'Garrow (Capital Markets); Partner John Dierking and Senior Counsel Ryan Kocse (Antitrust); and Partners Christopher Marotta and Jiyeon Barta (Tax).
More information on the transaction can be found here.
Recently recognized as the Private Equity Law Firm of the Year by the Global M&A Network and M&A Law Firm of the Year by M&A Advisor, Holland & Knight regularly ranks among the leading M&A and private equity law firms in reputable, benchmarking league tables published by Bloomberg, LSEG, Mergermarket, PitchBook and The Deal. Through the HK Deal Flow program, Holland & Knight facilitates deal leads for clients and prospective clients by matching acquisition or capital raising opportunities with buyers and investors.
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URL: MasTec Inc.
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Original text here: https://www.hklaw.com/en/news/pressreleases/2026/07/holland-knight-advises-mastec-on
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Hilton to Enter Thessaloniki Under Flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand
MCLEAN, Virginia, July 9 -- Hilton Worldwide Holdings posted the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Hilton to Enter Thessaloniki Under Flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand
New 184 room Hilton Thessaloniki will bring iconic hospitality to Greece's second largest city
* Hilton has signed its first property in Thessaloniki, bringing the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to Greece's second-largest city with the opening of the 184-room Hilton Thessaloniki, expected in 2029.
* Developed with leading real estate company DIMAND, Hilton Thessaloniki will form part of the landmark
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, July 9 -- Hilton Worldwide Holdings posted the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Hilton to Enter Thessaloniki Under Flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand
New 184 room Hilton Thessaloniki will bring iconic hospitality to Greece's second largest city
* Hilton has signed its first property in Thessaloniki, bringing the flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to Greece's second-largest city with the opening of the 184-room Hilton Thessaloniki, expected in 2029.
* Developed with leading real estate company DIMAND, Hilton Thessaloniki will form part of the landmarkregeneration of the historic FIX district, transforming the former brewery site into a vibrant mixed-use urban destination.
THESSALONIKI, Greece - Today, Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced the signing of a new Hilton Hotels & Resorts property in Thessaloniki, bringing the brand's world-class service and iconic hospitality to Greece's second-largest city.
The hotel, which is set to open in 2029, will be managed by Hilton following an agreement with DIMAND, one of Greece's leading real estate development companies. The signing further strengthens Hilton's presence in the country, where it now has a portfolio of more than 70 trading and pipeline hotels, and marks an important milestone in the ongoing regeneration of Thessaloniki's historic FIX district.
Hilton Thessaloniki will feature 184 guest rooms across two buildings, including a newly built main hotel with 154 rooms and a carefully restored heritage building with 30 rooms, celebrating the legacy of the former FIX brewery.
Alan Mantin, vice president, development, Southern Europe, Hilton, said, "We are delighted to be working with DIMAND to introduce the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand to the city as part of the landmark regeneration of the FIX district. This signing reflects our continued progress and confidence in Greece, a key strategic market for Hilton, and our commitment to growing our portfolio in key destinations to serve a wider range of traveller needs."
Designed to deliver the iconic experience for which Hilton Hotels & Resorts is known, the hotel will feature a vibrant communal area, two restaurants, two bars, modern fitness facilities, and conference and event space. A rooftop terrace with a swimming pool will offer sweeping urban and sea views. Adjacent to the hotel, a neighbouring building will host the Philharmonic Orchestra and art exhibitions, further anchoring the district as a new cultural hub.
Andreas Koukas, senior director, development, Greece & Cyprus, Hilton, said, "Thessaloniki is a city with a rich cultural identity, a growing business community and an increasingly compelling proposition for international travellers. Against this backdrop of growing travel demand, we're excited to announce our first project here and look forward to seeing this property brought to life."
Developed by DIMAND and delivered under a masterplan by internationally renowned architects Foster + Partners, the 184-room hotel will form part of the landmark transformation of the former FIX brewery site into a vibrant, mixed-use urban quarter, blending contemporary design with the preservation of industrial heritage.
Dimitris Andriopoulos, chief executive officer, DIMAND, said, "The arrival of an international hospitality brand such as Hilton is a strong indication of the growing maturity of Thessaloniki's market and of the city's increasing appeal as both an investment and tourism destination. The choice of the city's western gateway is no coincidence. It reflects the transformation of an area attracting ever-increasing investment interest and reinforces the strategy we have pursued from the very beginning: to invest not in individual assets, but in the regeneration of entire districts, creating long-term value for our shareholders, the local economy and the cities in which we operate. FIX marks another important step in that direction and, together with the other investments underway at the western gateway to Thessaloniki, will contribute to the creation of a vibrant new neighborhood that will significantly enhance the city's role and identity."
Nikos Trikourakis, head of hospitality, DIMAND, said, "Today marks a defining moment for Thessaloniki and Greek tourism. With Hilton Thessaloniki, we are bringing a new hospitality landmark to the city's western gateway, one that combines international standards and global brand recognition with architectural excellence and a meaningful contribution to the city's long-term development. Our partnership with Hilton is a strong vote of confidence in Thessaloniki's potential and reinforces our commitment to playing an active role in shaping the city's next chapter."
As Hilton's flagship brand, Hilton Hotels & Resorts blends global sophistication with local culture, placing guests at the heart of the world's most sought-after destinations delivering world-class service and genuine hospitality for more than a century. Hilton Thessaloniki will join the company's growing Greek portfolio, which currently has more than 50 trading hotels, including the recent openings of Conrad Athens The llisian, Sandblu Santorini, LXR Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Chania Old Town Resort & Spa.
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FAQ: Hilton to Enter Thessaloniki Under Flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts Brand
Where will Hilton Thessaloniki be located?
Hilton Thessaloniki will be located in Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, as part of the regeneration of the historic FIX district.
How many rooms will Hilton Thessaloniki have?
Hilton Thessaloniki will feature 184 guest rooms across two buildings, including a newly built main hotel and a restored heritage building.
When is Hilton Thessaloniki set to open?
Hilton Thessaloniki is expected to open in 2029.
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About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 28 world-class brands comprising more than 9,200 properties and over 1.3 million rooms, in 144 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 4 billion guests in its more than 100-year history. Named as the No. 1 World's Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune, Hilton aims to create the best culture for its 500,000 team members around the world. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 250 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can't buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone. Visit stories.hilton.com for more information, and connect with Hilton on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
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About Hilton Hotels & Resorts
For over a century, Hilton Hotels & Resorts has set the benchmark for hospitality around the globe, connecting people, cultures and communities. Offering striking design and vibrant communal spaces--from buzzing lobbies to lively bars, best-in-class restaurants, and iconic gatherings-- Hilton Hotels & Resorts is the place to see and be seen in the world's most sought-after destinations. With more than 600 hotels across six continents, Hilton Hotels & Resorts is where the world comes together, and travelers are masterfully hosted with expertise and care. Experience a legendary stay at Hilton Hotels & Resorts by booking at hiltonhotels.com or through the industry leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits. Learn more about Hilton Hotels & Resorts at stories.hilton.com/hhr, and follow the brand on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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Original text here: https://stories.hilton.com/releases/hilton-to-enter-thessaloniki-under-flagship-hilton-hotels-resorts-brand
[Category: BizTravel]
Fujifilm Adds Second Cinema Power Zoom to GF Lens Lineup: FUJINON GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR
VALHALLA, New York, July 9 -- Fujifilm North America issued the following news:
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Fujifilm Adds Second Cinema Power Zoom to GF Lens Lineup: FUJINON GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR
Widest angle of view available in GF format expands versatility for the GFX System
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FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division, today announced the release of FUJINON GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR ("GF19-35mmT3.5"), the second FUJINON cinema power zoom lens for the GFX System. With a native G Mount, GF19-35mmT3.5 provides the widest angle of view available in the GF format, offering filmmakers at all
... Show Full Article
VALHALLA, New York, July 9 -- Fujifilm North America issued the following news:
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Fujifilm Adds Second Cinema Power Zoom to GF Lens Lineup: FUJINON GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR
Widest angle of view available in GF format expands versatility for the GFX System
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FUJIFILM North America Corporation, Electronic Imaging Division, today announced the release of FUJINON GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR ("GF19-35mmT3.5"), the second FUJINON cinema power zoom lens for the GFX System. With a native G Mount, GF19-35mmT3.5 provides the widest angle of view available in the GF format, offering filmmakers at alllevels of production a large format cinema zoom with expanded cinematic versatility and exceptional optical performance in a compact, lightweight design.
GF19-35mmT3.5 pairs perfectly with FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55, particularly alongside FUJINON GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR, with which it shares identical exterior dimensions, enabling the use of shared accessories for seamless rig setups. In addition, the operability of zoom and focus functions is standardized between the two lenses. Used together, this combination enables a streamlined filming style that minimizes equipment requirements and crew workload, not only enhancing production efficiency, but significantly expanding creative flexibility, opening up new possibilities in filmmaking.
"GF19-35mmT3.5 not only continues Fujinon's legacy in optical design, but as the first expansion of the GF cinema zoom line, it emphasizes Fujifilm's commitment to products designed specifically for filmmaking," said John Blackwood, director, Brand & Product Marketing, Electronic Imaging & Optical Devices Divisions, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. "The expansive large format angle of view helps preserve natural perspective across the frame, allowing filmmakers to anchor their vision for cinematic storytelling."
Designed for immersive, location-based storytelling where scale, movement, and reliability matter, GF19-35mmT3.5 pairs an ultra-wide 19-35mm focal range (equivalent to 15-28mm in 35mm film format) with purpose-driven optics, consistent geometric rendering, and minimal focus breathing.
Maintaining the ability to cover the Open Gate recording of GFX ETERNA 55, GF19-35mmT3.5 reflects the practical demands of ultra-wide cinema work, where flexibility across filming setups is essential. Purpose-built for G Mount, its lightweight (approx. 4.6lbs/2.1kg) and compact (approx. 8.74 in./222mm) build supports more camera configurations while still providing the desirable focal lengths for wider shots.
Product Features
Fujifilm's second motorized power zoom lens[1] designed for filmmaking with a constant T3.5 aperture
* This cinema power zoom covers 19-35mm focal length (equivalent to 15-28mm in 35mm film format), from ultra-wide angle to standard, delivering the widest angle of view in a compact cinema zoom within GF format, for tight spaces and expansive views.
* Internally motorized focus enables the use of FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55's many autofocus modes - especially useful in documentary, handheld, and interviews - and internal servo operation allows focus, iris, and zoom control directly from GFX ETERNA 55's camera body.
* The lens consists of 23 lens elements in 15 groups including four extra-low dispersion (ED) elements and three aspherical elements, effectively suppressing aberrations, achieving a compact size while maintaining bright maximum aperture of T3.5 and consistent optical performance throughout the zoom range.
* Constant T3.5 expands possibilities, delivering footage with consistent exposure across the zoom range in real-world environments.
Combines cinema lens operability with compact, lightweight design
* Inheriting the optical performance characteristics of the widely praised FUJINON Premista Series[2] zoom lenses for cinema cameras, GF19-35mmT3.5 measures just over 8.74 inches (222mm) in length and achieves a lightweight design at approximately 4.6 pounds (2.1kg) by adopting an optical design and DC motor optimized for motorized power zoom.
* Equipped with a three-ring system that allows independent manual control of focus, iris, and zoom, all operating rings use the same 0.8M gear pitch[3] as the existing FUJINON cinema lenses. This standard gear pitch enables compatibility with essential filmmaking accessories such as follow focus systems and lens motors.
* The focus ring features a wide 200-degree rotation angle, allowing precise focusing with smooth torque even in shallow depth-of-field scenes.
Outstanding image quality supported by advanced optical design technologies
* Equipped with Nano GI coating to suppress flare and ghosting caused by light entering at oblique angles, reducing reflection loss and improving light transmission for clear, sharp images.
* By optimally positioning proprietary optical design and the internal lens barrel components, the lens suppresses sudden angle-of-view changes during focusing (breathing), enhancing framing stability while focusing.
* A 13-blade iris achieves a nearly circular bokeh. This improves the roundness of out-of- focus elements, even when slightly stopped down.
Powerful image stabilization and fast, smooth, high precision autofocus
* Powerful, built-in image stabilization is achieved through improved shake sensing accuracy and optimized stabilization mechanism design. This is especially effective in the situations such as documentaries and run-and-gun[4] style filming that require high mobility.
* By directly driving the motors at high speed in response to focus, zoom, and aperture (iris) ring operations, the lens achieves both excellent responsiveness and high accuracy of indicator position.
Pricing and Availability
FUJINON GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens will be available from July 23, 2026 at a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price of $5,699 USD.
For all product specifications and more information about this lens, visit https://www.fujifilm-x.com/en-us/products/lenses/gf19-35mmt35-pz-ois-wr/.
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[1] At the time of release, motorized power zoom control is supported only on the "GFX ETERNA 55". Support for other GFX series mirrorless digital cameras will be added sequentially through firmware updates.
[2] The "Premista" Series is a lineup of zoom lenses designed for high-quality filmmaking, compatible with cinema cameras featuring large-format sensors. The series includes wide-angle, standard, and telephoto types.
[3] The distance between the teeth on the gear engraved on the control rings.
[4] A shooting technique where the filmmaker moves around holding the camera, quickly adjusting framing and positioning according to the situation.
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About Fujifilm
FUJIFILM North America Corporation, a marketing subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings America Corporation, consists of six operating divisions. The Imaging Division provides consumer and commercial photographic products and services, including silver halide consumables; inkjet consumables; digital printing equipment, along with service and support; personalized photo products fulfillment; film; one-time-use cameras; and the popular instax(TM) line of instant cameras, smartphone printers, instant film, and accessories. The Electronic Imaging Division markets its GFX System and X Series lines of mirrorless digital cameras, lenses, and accessories to provide a variety of content creation solutions for both still and moving imagery. The Optical Devices Division provides optical lenses for the broadcast, cinematography, closed circuit television, videography, and industrial markets, and also markets binoculars and other optical imaging solutions. The Business Innovation Division offers a full lineup of digital print and toner technologies focused on enabling the digital transformation of businesses and print shops with its offerings of multifunction printers, digital inkjet presses, production toner printers, software, and more. The Industrial Products Division delivers new products derived from Fujifilm technologies including data storage tape products, including OEM and FUJIFILM Ultrium LTO cartridges, desalination solutions, microfilters and gas separation membranes.
For more information, please visit https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/about/region, go to https://x.com/fujifilmus to follow Fujifilm on X, or go to www.facebook.com/FujifilmNorthAmerica to Like Fujifilm on Facebook.
FUJIFILM Corporation is a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation. FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, leverages its depth of knowledge and proprietary core technologies to deliver innovative products and services across the globe through the four key business segments of healthcare, electronics, business innovation, and imaging with over 70,000 employees. Guided and united by our Group Purpose of "giving our world more smiles," we address social challenges and create a positive impact on society through our products, services, and business operations. Under its medium-term management plan, VISION2030, which ends in FY2030, we aspire to continue our evolution into a company that creates value and smiles for various stakeholders as a collection of global leading businesses and achieve a global revenue of 4 trillion yen (29 billion USD at an exchange rate of 140 JPY/USD). For more information, please visit: www.fujifilmholdings.com.
For further details about our commitment to sustainability and Fujifilm's Sustainable Value Plan 2030, click here.
FUJIFILM and FUJINON are trademarks of FUJIFILM Corporation and its affiliates.
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Original text here: https://www.fujifilm.com/us/en/news/fujifilm-adds-second-cinema-power-zoom-to-gf-lens-lineup-fujinon-gf19-35mm
[Category: BizPhotography/Optical Equipment]
Fredrikson and Byron: Bridget Penick Elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, July 9 -- Fredrikson and Byron, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Bridget Penick Elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
Fredrikson shareholder Bridget Penick has been elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (CLEL), Class of 2026. Penick is one of only five Fellows from Iowa.
She joins Fredrikson shareholder Anne Radolinski as a Fellow and Karen Schanfield, emeritus Fellow. CLEL Fellows are recognized as distinguished members of the labor and employment community who promote achievement, advancement and excellence
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, July 9 -- Fredrikson and Byron, a law firm, issued the following news:
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Bridget Penick Elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers
Fredrikson shareholder Bridget Penick has been elected a Fellow of The College of Labor and Employment Lawyers (CLEL), Class of 2026. Penick is one of only five Fellows from Iowa.
She joins Fredrikson shareholder Anne Radolinski as a Fellow and Karen Schanfield, emeritus Fellow. CLEL Fellows are recognized as distinguished members of the labor and employment community who promote achievement, advancement and excellencein the practice by setting standards of professionalism and civility, by sharing their experience and knowledge, and by acting as a resource for academia, the government, the judiciary and the community at large.
Penick is a leading litigator whose practice focuses on employment and labor law. She represents employers of all sizes in various state and federal courts and administrative agencies.
The CLEL is a non-profit professional association honoring the leading lawyers nationwide in the practice of Labor and Employment Law.
The collective experience, the intellectual range and the influence of its members underscore the significant contribution the College is making to the advancement of labor and employment law.
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Fredrikson & Byron is a leading Midwest law firm working collaboratively to help businesses achieve their goals regionally, nationally and globally. With a reputation as the firm "where law and business meet," our attorneys bring business acumen and entrepreneurial thinking to work with clients and operate as business advisors and strategic partners as well as legal counselors. The firm's 425 attorneys serve clients from offices in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Mexico and China. Learn more at fredlaw.com or LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://www.fredlaw.com/news-bridget-penick-elected-a-fellow-of-the-college-of-labor-employment-lawyers
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Fisher Phillips Partner Testifies Before the Privacy Committee of the California State Assembly
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 9 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news on July 8, 2026:
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Fisher Phillips Partner Testifies Before the Privacy Committee of the California State Assembly
Usama Kahf, Firm's Privacy Co-Chair, Provided Testimony in Support of SB 690 to Partially Reform CIPA
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On July 1, 2026, Usama Kahf, partner and Co-Chair of Fisher Phillips' Privacy and Cyber Practice Group testified before the Privacy Committee of the California State Assembly in support of Senate Bill 690 in an effort to thwart abusive lawsuits brought under the guise of protecting consumers.
The
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, July 9 -- Fisher Phillips, a law firm, issued the following news on July 8, 2026:
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Fisher Phillips Partner Testifies Before the Privacy Committee of the California State Assembly
Usama Kahf, Firm's Privacy Co-Chair, Provided Testimony in Support of SB 690 to Partially Reform CIPA
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On July 1, 2026, Usama Kahf, partner and Co-Chair of Fisher Phillips' Privacy and Cyber Practice Group testified before the Privacy Committee of the California State Assembly in support of Senate Bill 690 in an effort to thwart abusive lawsuits brought under the guise of protecting consumers.
TheBill as originally introduced by Sen. Anna Caballero (D-Merced) was designed to curb what supporters call a "shakedown" of businesses under the state's decades-old wiretapping law. The legislation was a push to partially reform the California Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA) to curb the flood of wiretapping suits being brought against websites for use of widely-accepted practices, such as cookies, which are legal and appropriate under other statutes.
Context:
By way of background, CIPA was enacted in 1967 to address wiretapping and eavesdropping and it contains broad language banning "intercepting" communications without consent and prohibits "pen registers" and "trap and trace devices" absent a court order. Because CIPA predates the modern internet, it contains no clear statutory provisions or legal guidance tailored to website tracking technologies or regulations. But, despite any clear statutory language, plaintiffs across the country have used CIPA to file thousands of lawsuits against websites visited by California residents. They argue that routine digital tools and software like cookies, pixels, session replay, chat widgets, search bars, and ADA accessibility tools fall into the category of illegal "pen registers" or "trap and trace devices" under CIPA because they capture information without consumer consent.
Testimony:
Usama testified that over 3,800 lawsuits have been filed involving businesses that complied with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) yet were still sued under the broad language of CIPA for using ordinary website cookies, including for analytics and cybersecurity. He noted that Fisher Phillips alone has handled about 250 of these type matters, and he explained that "[a]pplying CIPA to ordinary website technology does not protect consumers. Instead, it has become a shakedown of over 50,000 website operators, including small businesses, non-profits, and public agencies."
Ultimately, Usama urged for the passage of SB 690 to help decrease excessive litigation while still preserving California's strong privacy protections.
Why it Matters:
Plaintiffs argue that penalties under the wiretapping provision can stack at $5,000 per third-party cookie, per visitor, per session on the website, which means damages can escalate quickly even when a business uses common, widely available tools in good faith and in full compliance with the CCPA, the only law on the books with specific regulations addressing use of cookies on websites.
This is why a wide range of community interests also testified in favor of SB 690 and dozens of businesses, community activists, nonprofits, and industry associations showed up to express support, including Jeff Glasser, General Counsel of the LA Times.
Status:
At the end of the hearing the committee voted to advance SB 690, and the proposed legislation now heads to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for an August hearing.
Usama and the Fisher Phillips Consumer Privacy Team will continue to track SB 690 as it moves through the Legislature.
For more information on SB 690 and to listen to Usama's testimony, please visit: Bill to Curb California Wiretapping Lawsuits Makes Progress: 5 Takeaways from FP's Testimony Before the State Legislature
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About Fisher Phillips
The Fisher Phillips Consumer Privacy Team provides strategic, experienced defense for clients facing state or federal wiretapping and invasion of privacy claims arising from the use of tracking technologies - such as cookies, pixels, beacons, and similar tools - in websites, apps, and marketing communications. They have deep experience litigating claims under key statutes including CIPA and CCPA, and they have created a Digital Wiretapping Litigation Tracker to provide a comprehensive view of digital privacy litigation matters filed across all fifty states. It includes all litigation filed alleging a privacy claim involving the use of digital tracking technologies, such as cookies, pixels, and beacons, embedded in websites, apps, or marketing emails.
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Usama Kahf, CIPP/US
Partner
949.798.2118
ukahf@fisherphillips.com
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Original text here: https://www.fisherphillips.com/en/insights/news/fisher-phillips-partner-testifies-before-the-privacy-committee-of-the-california-state-assembly
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
Akin Lawyers Author Corporate Disputes Article on Appellate Review of ICSID Awards
WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
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Akin Lawyers Author Corporate Disputes Article on Appellate Review of ICSID Awards
Akin international arbitration partner Kabir Duggal and associate Radu Suciu have co-authored an article on the "Appellate Review of ICSID Awards: Inter Se Modification and WGIII Reform," published in Corporate Disputes.
In the article, the authors analyze the ICSID Secretariat's Updated Note on a potential "inter se" modification of the ICSID Convention, which outlines a possible pathway for introducing appellate review into
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WASHINGTON, July 9 -- Akin Gump, a law firm, issued the following news release:
* * *
Akin Lawyers Author Corporate Disputes Article on Appellate Review of ICSID Awards
Akin international arbitration partner Kabir Duggal and associate Radu Suciu have co-authored an article on the "Appellate Review of ICSID Awards: Inter Se Modification and WGIII Reform," published in Corporate Disputes.
In the article, the authors analyze the ICSID Secretariat's Updated Note on a potential "inter se" modification of the ICSID Convention, which outlines a possible pathway for introducing appellate review intoinvestor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) despite the framework's current prohibition on appeals.
They examine how the Note's proposed "opt-in" treaty mechanism could operate in practice and highlight the significant legal and practical challenges it raises, including the interaction with existing annulment procedures and the implications for enforcement across participating and non-participating states.
As the authors note, "the incorporation of appellate review into the existing ISDS architecture is not merely a question of institutional innovation, but one of delicate legal calibration within a highly integrated treaty system."
The piece builds on the authors' prior article analyzing reforms proposed by UNCITRAL Working Group III of the ISDS system.
To read the article, click here (https://www.corporatedisputesmagazine.com/appellate-review-of-icsid-awards-inter-se-modification-and-wgiii-reform) (subscription required).
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People Mentioned in This News
Dr. Kabir Duggal C.Arb
Partner
+1 212.836.2018
kduggal@akingump.com
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Radu Suciu
Associate
+44 20.7661.5544
radu.suciu@akingump.com
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Original text here: https://www.akingump.com/en/insights/media-mentions/akin-lawyers-author-corporate-disputes-article-on-appellate-review-of-icsid-awards
[Category: BizLaw/Legal]
