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Baker McKenzie has advised ARCH Capital on the acquisition of a seed data center asset in Manila, Philippines, part of ARCH’s broader strategy to expand its footprint in Asia’s growing digital infrastructure sector.
The deal marks one of the first steps in scaling Digital Halo, a regional data center platform founded by ARCH Capital in 2022.
The acquisition is tied to ARCH’s new partnership with global private markets investment firm Partners Group.
Together, the two firms plan to invest approximately USD 400 million into Digital Halo, with the goal of developing over 500 megawatts of data center capacity across key Asian markets.
“There is synergy in this partnership for ARCH Capital as we are present and local in many Asian markets,” said Richard Yue, Founder and CEO of ARCH Capital.
“The establishment of this strategic partnership with Partners Group is a validation of our efforts on the regional data centre landscape and confirms our vision for the demand and growth of this asset type in Asia.”
Digital Halo’s expansion will begin with two seed assets, one in Metro Manila and another in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.
The platform is positioned to meet the surging demand for reliable digital infrastructure as cloud adoption and data usage continue to accelerate across the region.
Jonathan Umali, Chief Investment Officer at ARCH Capital, added, “This transaction will be instrumental in accelerating the growth of the data center platform in the collaboration with Partners Group.
Our continued participation reflects our shared commitment to expanding critical data infrastructure across the Asia Pacific region, positioning us to meet the evolving needs of the digital economy.”
The Baker McKenzie deal team was led by Principal Theodore Heng in Singapore, supported by Senior Associates Alexa Jiang and Yong Wei Tan, along with Associate Precia Lian.
Philippine legal support was provided by Partner Charles Veloso and Associate Miguel Sanchez of Quisumbing Torres, Baker McKenzie’s member firm in the Philippines.
ARCH Capital will retain a minority stake in Digital Halo, enabling continued involvement in the platform’s strategic growth.
For ARCH, the deal reflects both a deepening commitment to digital infrastructure and the firm’s established strength in sourcing and developing strategic assets across the Asia Pacific region.
ARCH Capital is a Hong Kong-based, independently owned real estate private equity firm focused on the Asia Pacific region. It specializes in opportunistic, value-add, and core strategies across residential, office, retail, and mixed-use assets. Originally a joint venture with the Ayala Group, ARCH became fully independent in 2017 and has since partnered with global institutions like the Olayan Group and Manulife. The firm combines deep local expertise with active asset management to unlock value across diverse markets.
Baker McKenzie is a leading global law firm founded in 1949, with a presence in over 40 countries. With a team of 13,000 professionals, the firm advises corporations, governments, and institutions on complex legal matters across corporate law, litigation, tax, and more. Renowned for its cross-border capabilities and innovative approach, Baker McKenzie has handled over USD 600 billion in M&A transactions in the past five years, more than 65% of which span multiple jurisdictions. The firm is also recognized for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and sustainable business practices.
Praetorian Shield Reaches Settlement in Small Business Fraud Case
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The U.S. Department of Justice has reached a $221,000 settlement with Praetorian Shield Inc., a defunct Delaware company, and its owners Grady and Ranya Baker, resolving allegations that the couple improperly obtained federal contracts by misrepresenting the company’s eligibility for small business programs.
According to federal prosecutors, between 2016 and 2023, the Bakers falsely claimed that Praetorian Shield qualified as both a Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) - designations that carry preferential access to government contracts under federal set-aside rules.
Those claims, prosecutors allege, were part of a broader scheme to steer security contracts from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) toward Paragon Systems Inc., a major federal security contractor that employed Grady Baker as a senior executive during the period in question.
“The Bakers’ conduct in fraudulently obtaining government small business contracts thwarts the purpose of the small business program, which is meant to support small and disadvantaged businesses,” said U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes of the District of Maryland.
“This settlement demonstrates our office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of federal contracting programs and to holding accountable those who seek to gain an unfair advantage through deception.”
Praetorian Shield was presented to federal agencies as an independent, woman-owned and veteran-owned small business.
But in reality, prosecutors contend, the company was closely controlled by Grady Baker and other executives from Paragon, an arrangement that would have made it ineligible for the contracts it received.
As described in court filings, Grady Baker allegedly instructed his wife to incorporate the company under a variation of her name, using her middle and maiden names - names she did not customarily use in business or personal contexts.
This tactic was allegedly employed to help mask the couple’s connection to Paragon and to falsely qualify Praetorian for set-aside contracts.
Despite having no genuine operational independence, Praetorian obtained DHS contracts as a subcontractor to Paragon.
Prosecutors say the Bakers were aware the company did not meet eligibility requirements but moved forward with the scheme regardless.
In addition to the misrepresentation claims, the settlement resolves alleged violations of the Anti-Kickback Act.
The government contends that Praetorian and the Bakers provided more than $188,000 in illicit payments to Paragon executives in connection with contract awards.
Further, Ranya Baker allegedly received $98,000 in kickbacks from another security subcontractor, Patronus Systems Inc., suggesting a wider pattern of improper financial relationships within the federal contracting space.
While the full value of the contracts and kickbacks tied to the scheme may have been significantly higher, the $221,000 settlement was shaped by what officials described as the Bakers’ current financial means.
In other words, the amount reflects what the government believes it can realistically recover.
Importantly, the settlement includes no admission of wrongdoing by the Bakers or Praetorian Shield.
Delaware has seen similar enforcement actions in recent years. In 2019, E.M. Photonics, Inc., a Delaware-based company, and its CEO agreed to pay $2.75 million to resolve allegations under the False Claims Act after allegedly inflating labor costs and duplicating charges on federal contracts.
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More than 30 years after the fatal 1989 shotgun killings of their parents in Beverly Hills, a judge has re-sentenced Erik and Lyle Menendez to 50 years to life in prison, making them eligible for parole after serving nearly 35 years.
“I’m not saying they should be released, that’s not for me to decide,” said Judge Michael Jesic during the hearing.
“But I do believe they’ve done enough in the past 35 years that they should get that chance.”
In August 1989, the Menendez brothers shot and killed their parents, José and Kitty Menendez, inside their Beverly Hills mansion.
The killings were as gruesome as they were shocking: two affluent young men turning shotguns on the couple who raised them.
The trials that followed exposed disturbing family secrets and fueled national fascination. The courtroom became a stage for debates on wealth, abuse, and motive. The final verdict in 1996 sentenced them both to life without the possibility of parole, until now.
The resentencing stems from changes in California’s youthful offender law, which allows parole consideration for individuals who committed serious crimes before the age of 26. At the time of the killings, Erik Menendez was 18 and Lyle Menendez was 21.
While the law doesn’t erase the severity of their actions, it reflects a broader shift in the justice system, recognizing that young offenders may be capable of meaningful rehabilitation.
Over more than three decades in prison, both brothers have reportedly shown significant personal growth. Lyle earned a sociology degree and helped implement environmental programs.
Erik worked in hospice care and became an accomplished painter.
They’ve also served as mentors to fellow inmates, maintained close contact with family, and avoided major disciplinary issues during their incarceration.
The Menendez case was already back in the spotlight thanks to Netflix documentaries and a growing TikTok movement that questioned whether the brothers had been fairly treated.
But in 2023, the story took another sharp turn. Roy Rosselló, a former member of the boy band Menudo, publicly accused José Menendez of sexually abusing him in the 1980s while he worked as an RCA Records executive.
That revelation, if true echoes the Menendez brothers’ long-claimed defense: that they suffered years of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at home.
At the time, jurors and prosecutors largely dismissed those claims. Today, public opinion appears to be shifting.
The resentencing does not guarantee release. The Menendez brothers’ fate now lies with the California parole board, which is set to hold a formal hearing on June 13, 2025.
If the board recommends parole, the final decision will move to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has the power to grant or deny release in high-profile cases.
Supporters argue the brothers have demonstrated what the justice system is meant to offer: the opportunity to rehabilitate, take responsibility, and earn a second chance.
Detractors contend that the gravity of the crime, the planned killing of both parents - should permanently outweigh any claim to redemption.
As the parole hearing approaches, the Menendez brothers remain at the center of a national conversation about justice, trauma, and the limits of reform.
Universal Music Group (UMG) and Apple Music have announced the launch of Sound Therapy, a new audio wellness initiative designed to support focus, relaxation, and sleep through scientifically informed sound.
What Is Sound Therapy?
Sound Therapy is a curated collection of audio experiences now available exclusively on Apple Music.
It features reimagined, instrumental, and extended versions of popular tracks from globally recognized artists including Katy Perry, Imagine Dragons, Kacey Musgraves, Ludovico Einaudi, AURORA, Jhené Aiko, Chelsea Cutler, and Jeremy Zucker.
These tracks are intentionally engineered using principles from neuroscience and psychoacoustics to influence brainwave activity and promote specific mental states.
Scientific Approach to Sound Design
The Sound Therapy project was developed in partnership with Sollos, UMG’s wellness-focused subsidiary based in London. The initiative applies scientific methods to tailor music for three key areas of mental wellness:
Focus: Tracks incorporate gamma waves and white noise to enhance concentration and cognitive function.
Relaxation: Music is designed with theta waves to reduce anxiety and encourage calm.
Sleep: Audio includes delta waves and pink noise, comparable to natural elements like rainfall, to support restful sleep.
For example, a serene adaptation of Katy Perry’s “Double Rainbow” is structured to facilitate better sleep, while specific tracks from Imagine Dragons are optimized to support productivity.
Availability and User Access
Sound Therapy is accessible exclusively through Apple Music and can be found under a dedicated section within the app. It joins Apple Music’s growing catalog of wellness-oriented offerings, including the Apple Music Chill station and mindfulness playlists.
This initiative reflects the increasing demand for health-focused content and the evolving role of music as a tool for cognitive and emotional support.
Bridging Music and Mental Health
By combining artistic expression with neuroscience, Universal Music Group and Apple Music are redefining how music can serve mental and emotional well-being.
Sound Therapy is more than just background audio—it is a purpose-built resource for those seeking to enhance their daily routines through sound.
Subscribers can explore the full Sound Therapy collection now on Apple Music.
The Rise of Audio Wellness
The launch of Sound Therapy comes amid growing consumer interest in audio-based mental health tools. According to a 2024 report from Deloitte, over 40% of Gen Z and Millennial users actively seek out soundscapes, ambient playlists, and guided meditations to manage stress and improve sleep.
Major platforms like Spotify and Calm have also invested heavily in wellness content, but Apple Music's collaboration with UMG stands out for its use of major-label artists and rigorously designed sound technology.
With digital wellness becoming a $7 billion global market, initiatives like Sound Therapy suggest that the future of music may be just as much about healing as it is about entertainment.
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Sidley has strengthened its Capital Markets practice with the addition of Vladimir Mikhailovsky as a partner in its London office. He arrives from Latham & Watkins LLP.
Mr. Mikhailovsky brings extensive experience advising on high-profile international finance transactions, underscoring Sidley’s commitment to expanding its cross-border capital markets capabilities, particularly across Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
He advises issuers, underwriters, and financial institutions on transactions spanning the entire capital structure and is known for navigating complex, multi-jurisdictional deals with a strong focus on regulatory risk.
In addition to his capital markets work, Vladimir Mikhailovsky counsels clients on sanctions compliance and has handled matters involving restructuring, derivatives, and project finance, bringing added depth to Sidley’s growing London team.
“Vladimir is the second significant partner addition in the space of a few weeks, following the arrival of David Stewart, as we broaden our international capital markets practice across Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East” said Yvette Ostolaza, chair of Sidley’s Management Committee.
“Our Capital Markets practice in London has become a powerhouse, and Vladimir will add further strength to our capabilities in this area.”
"Vladimir has strong and close relationships with many leading investment banks, increasing our ability and bench strength to service capital market transactions for our sponsor clients,” added Tom Thesing, managing partner of Sidley’s London office.
“Vladimir is well-known to many of our clients, and he has worked closely with a number of Sidley partners that have joined our London office recently.
His addition demonstrates our continued investment in growing our elite platform.”
In the past year, Sidley added eight Leveraged Finance partners led by Jay Sadanandan and Sam Hamilton, including Capital Markets lawyers Scott Colwell and Patrick Kwak, and Global Finance partners Fergus O’Domhnaill, Joe Kimberling, Ben Wright, and Tania Bedi.
They’ve since been joined by:
David Stewart (Global Markets)
Ed Gander (Private Funds)
Ben Thompson (Infrastructure Finance)
Clive Gringras (AI and Tech)
Together, the new team reflects Sidley’s ambition to create a top-tier, cross-disciplinary legal platform in one of the world’s most competitive financial hubs.
Sidley Austin LLP is a premier global law firm with approximately 2,300 lawyers across 21 offices in key business and financial centers worldwide. With nearly 160 years of experience, the firm is renowned for delivering innovative legal solutions in complex transactional, litigation, regulatory, and advisory matters.
Sidley serves a broad range of clients, including leading corporations, financial institutions, and government entities, offering deep industry knowledge and cross-border capabilities. The firm is also deeply committed to public service, dedicating over 150,000 hours annually to pro bono work, making a meaningful impact in communities around the world.
Sidley’s longstanding reputation as a trusted advisor is underscored by its commitment to excellence, diversity, and community engagement, helping clients navigate an ever-evolving legal landscape.
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Hogan Lovells played a central role in advising Caixa Econômica Federal, the largest bank in Brazil by customer base, on the establishment of its Global Medium-Term Note (GMTN) Programme and the issuance of US$700 million in 5.625% Senior Notes due 2030.
The notes were successfully issued on May 15, 2025, and form part of Caixa’s expanding efforts to fund projects with social impact across Brazil.
The proceeds from the bond sale are set to be allocated to eligible social projects under Caixa’s sustainable finance framework, which was introduced in 2024.
The framework supports financing and refinancing for programs aimed at tackling Brazil’s most pressing socioeconomic and environmental challenges, from affordable housing to inclusive education and rural development.
The cross-border transaction brought together a broad Hogan Lovells team from across jurisdictions. Leading the effort were Isabel Costa Carvalho and Jonathan Lewis (Capital Markets, São Paulo), with key contributions from partners Sharon Lewis (Paris and London), Scott R. Lilienthal (Tax, Washington D.C.), and Ariane Mehrshahi Marks (Capital Markets, Luxembourg).
Additional support came from senior counsel Henry Kahn (Regulatory, Baltimore and Washington D.C.) and counsel Reza Mulligan (Capital Markets, Paris and London). A diverse team of associates was also involved, including Felipe Lacerda, Leah Mazzuco, and Pedro Meinberg (São Paulo), Ana Laura Pongeluppi (New York), Valerie Laskowski and Eszter Voros (Luxembourg), and Chasse Osborn (Tax, Boston).
The deal further cements Hogan Lovells’ reputation in global capital markets. In the past six months alone, the firm has advised on more than US$5.2 billion in cross-border debt and equity transactions.
While Caixa has not issued a public statement beyond its official securities filing, the bank confirmed via a May 8 material fact notice that the net proceeds from the bond will be directed toward social investment initiatives.
The filing, signed by Luiz Felipe Figueiredo de Andrade, Caixa’s Managing Director of Finance and Investor Relations, emphasized the bank’s continued commitment to sustainable development goals and its strategy of mobilizing international capital to support communities in need.
The bond offering is being conducted outside of Brazil and is not registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933.
Caixa Econômica Federal (CAIXA) is Brazil’s largest government-owned financial institution, founded in 1861 and headquartered in Brazil. It plays a key role in implementing federal public policies, managing major social programs like Bolsa Família, FGTS, and federal lotteries.
With over 4,000 branches, CAIXA reaches more than 99% of Brazilian municipalities. The bank offers a broad range of services including housing loans, rural credit, and consumer banking. In 2024, CAIXA adopted a sustainable finance framework to fund projects addressing Brazil’s socioeconomic and environmental challenges.
Hogan Lovells is a global law firm with over 2,600 lawyers across six continents, offering top-tier legal services in complex litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. Known for its deep industry knowledge and cross-border capabilities, the firm partners with clients to solve their toughest legal challenges and drive strategic growth. Hogan Lovells serves major players in life sciences, financial services, technology, energy, and beyond, combining local insight with global reach.
Goodwin Advises Chequers Capital on $1.2B Fund XVIII Closing
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Goodwin Procter LLP has advised Chequers Capital on the successful closing of Chequers Capital Fund XVIII S.L.P. at its €1.2 billion target.
Led by its Paris-based Private Investment Funds team, Goodwin provided legal counsel on fund formation, tax, and financing. The team was headed by Sarah Michel, with support from:
Maxime Hemled and Julie Louzeau (fund formation),
Marie-Laure Bruneel and Paul Fournière (tax),
Adrien Paturaud and Benjamin Filiatre (financing).
Asante Capital Group served as the exclusive global fundraising advisor.
The fund surpassed the size of its predecessor, backed by strong commitments from both long-standing and new institutional investors across Europe, the U.S., and Asia.
With over 30 years of experience in the European mid-market, Chequers Capital focuses on primary buyout transactions in Asset Light Industrials, Digital Services, and B2B Services across Western Europe.
Despite challenging market conditions, Chequers has continued to deploy capital at a disciplined pace, returning liquidity to investors while staying true to its sector-focused strategy.
Fund XVIII has already completed five platform investments, marking a strong start for the vehicle.
The successful raise reinforces Chequers’ reputation for consistent performance and trusted relationships with limited partners worldwide.
Chequers Capital is a leading European mid-market private equity firm, founded in Paris in 1972. It focuses on Asset Light Industrials, Digital Services, and B2B Services across France, Benelux, DACH, and Northern Italy. With over €3 billion under management and 18 funds raised over 50 years, Chequers is supported by a team of 23 investment professionals and a broad network of operating experts.
Goodwin Procter LLP is a leading global law firm known for its expertise in complex legal matters across various industries, including technology, life sciences, private equity, and real estate. Founded in 1912, the firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory affairs. With offices in major cities around the world, Goodwin Procter is committed to delivering high-quality legal solutions to clients, from startups to multinational corporations. The firm is recognized for its innovation, client service, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusion within the legal profession.
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Legendary French actor Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the 2021 film Les Volets Verts (The Green Shutters), according to a ruling handed down Tuesday by a Paris court.
The 76-year-old was sentenced to an 18-month suspended prison term and has been added to France’s national sex offender registry.
Gérard Depardieu, one of France’s most recognized international stars, was not present in court for the verdict, citing filming obligations in Portugal.
Despite his absence, the court found the evidence presented by the victims, both film crew members, credible and consistent.
The two women, a 54-year-old set decorator and a 34-year-old assistant director, accused the actor of groping and inappropriate touching during production. Witness testimonies corroborated their claims.
The one of the two plaintiffs, identified as Amélie K, gave detailed and emotional testimony.
She described how Depardieu trapped her between his legs, groped her, including her breasts and made explicit sexual remarks, all while laughing. She testified that the experience left her terrified.
“He touched everything, including my breasts,” she said. “I was terrified. He was laughing.”
Alongside the suspended sentence, Gérard Depardieu must undergo mandatory psychological treatment and pay financial compensation to the victims.
The court emphasized the gravity of his actions, noting that his behavior on set created a hostile and degrading work environment.
This conviction marks the first legal judgment against Depardieu, but it may not be the last.
The actor is still facing an ongoing rape case brought by actress Charlotte Arnould, who alleges Depardieu raped her in 2018.
At least a dozen other women have come forward with similar accusations dating from 2004 to 2022.
Depardieu’s sentencing is being hailed as a watershed moment for France’s #MeToo movement. Activists argue that the decision sends a strong message about accountability in the entertainment industry, especially in a country long accused of protecting its powerful figures.
The court ruling has sparked fierce debate across France. Some public figures who previously defended Depardieu are now distancing themselves.
Others argue he is the victim of a media witch hunt. Social media, meanwhile, has been flooded with calls for justice and support for the victims.
Depardieu’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the conviction. If the appeal fails, any future offense could activate his suspended sentence and lead to actual prison time.
Despite his legal troubles, Depardieu continues to work in film and television.
Morgan Lewis has expanded its global financial services capabilities with the addition of seasoned attorney Anthony “Tony” Zacharski, who joins the firm’s New York office as a partner from Dechert.
With more than 20 years of experience, Mr. Zacharski brings deep industry knowledge and a track record of advising registered open-end and closed-end funds, fund boards, investment advisers, and service providers. His work spans regulatory compliance, governance, enforcement, and litigation.
“As the asset management space evolves, Tony’s strategic insight advising across a wide range of fund products will strengthen our ability to guide clients through their most innovative product development initiatives.
Tony’s strong market reputation, legal and business acumen, and deep industry experience complement our financial services and investment management practices.” said Jami McKeon, Chair of Morgan Lewis.
Anthony Zacharski’s arrival comes as fund managers face rising pressure to innovate while staying in step with shifting SEC priorities.
Timothy Levin, leader of the firm’s investment management practice, noted that Zacharski joins at a pivotal moment.
“Tony’s arrival broadens our market-leading global investment management practice. A trusted adviser to clients on fund-related issues, Tony’s addition will enable us to expand client relationships and establish new ones, we are thrilled to welcome him to the team.”
Over his career, Mr. Zacharski has advised clients on everything from fund reorganizations and control transactions to regulatory disclosures and SEC investigations. He is also widely known for his focus on fund governance and his role advising independent trustees, an area that continues to attract scrutiny from regulators and investors alike.
Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP is a global law firm founded in 1873, with offices across the U.S., Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm offers a wide range of legal services, including corporate, litigation, labor and employment, intellectual property, and regulatory law. Known for its strategic counsel and practical solutions, Morgan Lewis serves diverse clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, and governments. The firm is committed to innovation, collaboration, and delivering exceptional service to meet clients’ evolving needs.
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Texas House Passes $315M Bill to Boost Early Reading and Math Skills
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Texas House has passed a major education bill that would invest $315 million into improving early literacy and math skills for young students across the state.
Known as House Bill 123, the legislation targets students in kindergarten through third grade, aiming to catch academic struggles before they become long-term setbacks.
The bill passed with bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate, where it will be reconciled with a similar measure, Senate Bill 2252.
According to state assessment results from the 2023–24 school year, more than 50 percent of Texas third graders did not meet grade-level expectations in reading or math.
“First, children learn to read, then they read to learn,” said Rep. Harold Dutton (D-Houston), the bill’s lead author.
“If they never learn to read, the rest of their education fails because they never learned how to acquire information.”
House Bill 123 introduces a number of initiatives designed to strengthen early learning and close achievement gaps.
All school districts will be required to administer literacy and math screeners up to three times per year for students in grades K–3. These assessments will evaluate phonics, spelling, vocabulary, and math comprehension.
“We simply cannot afford to wait past third grade to intervene,” said Amber Shields of Commit Partnership, an education nonprofit.
Students identified as significantly behind in reading or math will receive additional instruction in small-group settings.
The Texas Education Agency will develop a free screening tool for use statewide, although districts can choose to use existing resources.
By the 2030–31 school year, all K–8 math teachers, principals, assistant principals, and interventionists must complete a state-run Mathematics Achievement Academy. Educators working with struggling readers will also attend Reading Intervention Academies to strengthen instructional techniques.
“Third grade is a critical juncture for a student’s academic trajectory,” said Trista Bishop-Watts, director of government relations for Good Reason Houston.
“High-quality instruction in the early years is essential for long-term academic and career success.”
The bill also establishes Early Childhood Parental Support Programs to help prepare families for formal education. These efforts may include home visits and community outreach designed to equip parents with tools to support their child’s learning.
“The information from the screenings could bridge discrepancies between how students are performing in school and how their parents think they are performing,” said Gabe Grantham, an adviser at Texas 2036, a public policy think tank.
Districts and charter schools will have the option to apply for grants to extend the school year by up to 30 additional half-days, with a focus on early reading and math interventions.
This initiative will be supported through the Additional Days School Year Planning Grant Program.
The bill adjusts the state’s Foundation School Program, increasing funding weights for economically disadvantaged students and emergent bilingual learners.
New funding allotments will specifically support early literacy efforts and parental involvement.
With House approval secured, HB 123 now awaits reconciliation with SB 2252 in the Texas Senate.
If finalized, the bill will head to Governor Greg Abbott for signature.
Supporters say the bill represents a long-overdue investment in foundational skills that shape a student’s entire academic career.
With alarming numbers of young learners falling behind, House Bill 123 aims to give schools, teachers, and families the tools they need to reverse course—starting with the earliest years.
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