Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
Latham & Watkins LLP has advised StepStone Real Estate (SRE), the real estate investment arm of StepStone Group (Nasdaq: STEP), on the final closing of StepStone Real Estate Partners V (SREP V).
The fund secured $3.77 billion in primary commitments, making it the largest real estate secondaries fund ever raised.
Including co-investments and discretionary vehicles raised alongside SREP V, the total investment program exceeds $4.5 billion in capacity.
Despite a challenging market environment and a broad slowdown in real estate fundraising, SREP V was significantly oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence in SRE’s specialized secondaries strategy and track record.
To date, SREP V and related separate accounts have already committed $1.7 billion across 8 investments, with a strong pipeline of additional transactions in progress.
Founded in 2009 by Jeff Giller (Partner and Head of StepStone Real Estate), Josh Cleveland (Partner and Head of EMEA), and Brendan MacDonald (Partner and Chief Operating Officer), SRE focuses on providing liquidity solutions to real estate funds and investors, particularly during periods of market dislocation.
“We believe the combination of value declines, historically low transaction volume, increased borrowing costs, and a slow fundraising environment has created unprecedented illiquidity across real estate markets.Our strategy—providing liquidity solutions to real estate vehicles and investors when traditional liquidity avenues are challenged—has proven resilient through all phases of the market cycle, and it’s especially compelling today.” said Mr. Giller.
According to Josh Cleveland, SREP V attracted a diverse, global investor base, including sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies, and wealth management platforms.
Notably, SREP V saw higher participation from North American institutions than in prior fund vintages, along with increased commitments from investors across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America.
StepStone Group Inc. (Nasdaq: STEP) is a global private markets investment firm headquartered in New York City. Established in 2006, the firm specializes in providing customized investment solutions, advisory services, and data analytics across private equity, infrastructure, private debt, and real estate asset classes. With a presence in 16 countries and 26 offices worldwide, StepStone manages approximately $179 billion in assets under management as of December 2024. The firm's approach combines deep data analytics, a collaborative culture, and a global footprint to uncover and capitalize on private market opportunities for a diverse client base, including pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and family offices.
Latham & Watkins, founded in 1934, is a global law firm with more than 3,000 lawyers across major business and financial centers. The firm advises top companies, investors, and institutions on high-stakes transactions, regulatory matters, and litigation. Known for its collaborative culture and deep industry knowledge, Latham delivers practical, strategic legal solutions worldwide.
Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Claims Ozempic Caused His Blindness
Rosen Law Firm Files Class Action Against Everus Construction
Vancouver Car Attack: Suspect Charged After Pedestrian Death
UFC light heavyweight warrior Jiri Prochazka, 32, is back in the spotlight after delivering a jaw-dropping third-round TKO victory over Jamahal Hill, 33, at UFC 311. After a rough patch that saw him suffer back-to-back knockout losses to Alex Pereira, 37, Prochazka proved that champions are defined not by how they fall, but by how they rise.
The Czech samurai unleashed his signature unpredictable, high-pressure style, overwhelming Hill and reminding fans why he's one of the most electrifying fighters in the sport today.
The dominant win silenced critics and rocketed Prochazka back into the #2 spot in the light heavyweight rankings, setting up the possibility of more blockbuster fights in 2025.
One name already emerging? Rising knockout artist Zhang Mingyang. The Chinese prospect, fresh off a brutal first-round TKO of Anthony Smith at UFC Kansas City, boldly called out Prochazka, declaring, "I want to test myself against your warrior spirit."
Mingyang Zhang (@mingyang08 Instagram)
With a 100% finishing rate, Zhang represents a new and dangerous threat and fans are already buzzing about the potential fireworks if this matchup gets booked.
Jiri Prochazka’s journey has been nothing short of cinematic: from capturing the light heavyweight crown, to the heartbreak of injury and defeat, to now roaring back with a vengeance.
His warrior code and mental resilience have kept him at the top, and it’s clear he’s not done writing his legacy.
Interesting Facts About Jiri Prochazka:
Before joining the UFC, Prochazka was the Rizin FF Light Heavyweight Champion with an incredible 11-fight win streak.
He practices the ancient samurai philosophy of Bushido, often meditating in nature to sharpen his mental toughness.
His nickname "Denisa" comes from a Czech joke among his friends, showing his lighter, humorous side outside the Octagon.
Prochazka is known for finishing over 90% of his professional fights by knockout or TKO, making him one of MMA's most dangerous finishers.
He once lived in a forest for three days alone to "test his spirit" before a major fight.
Jiri Prochazka’s dominant TKO victory at UFC 311 reestablishes him as a top contender in the UFC light heavyweight division.
After setbacks against Alex Pereira, Prochazka’s comeback has reignited his path toward UFC gold. Fans can expect big fight news soon as Prochazka targets another title run.
SpaceX: 13 Years Ago — How Steve Riabov Became an Inspiration
Maryland Man Sues Novo Nordisk, Claims Ozempic Caused Blindness
A Maryland man who lost his vision after taking Ozempic is suing drugmaker Novo Nordisk, alleging the popular diabetes medication caused his irreversible condition.
Todd Engel, 62, has filed a lawsuit in New Jersey Superior Court, claiming that Ozempic caused him to develop non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) a rare and serious eye condition.
Mr. Engel says he was prescribed Ozempic in August 2023, and by December, he had lost his vision and is now legally blind.
Because of his blindness, Todd Engel says he had to give up his job and can no longer drive.
“We see this as a very important case," said Ashley Hornstein, one of Engel’s attorneys, in a statement to pharmaphorum. "An injury like this is incredibly severe, absolutely debilitating, and truly life-changing. We’re proud to represent Todd Engel and his family."
What is NAION?
NAION is the second-leading cause of optic nerve blindness after glaucoma. Though the exact cause isn’t fully understood, it is believed to stem from reduced blood flow to the optic nerve, often resulting in permanent vision loss. There is no approved treatment for the condition.
Did Ozempic Play a Role?
The lawsuit highlights several studies, including research published in JAMA Ophthalmology, suggesting a possible link between NAION and GLP-1 receptor agonists, the drug class Ozempic belongs to. Engel’s attorneys argue that Novo Nordisk should have warned users about this potential risk.
“This is a situation where, had Novo Nordisk done the appropriate work upfront, there could have been an appropriate warning," said Dan Lipinski, another attorney for Mr. Engel. "After the drug went on the market, there were markers adverse event reports and otherwise that could and should have prompted a label change."
Currently, no mention of NAION appears in Ozempic’s public labeling.
A Tough Legal Battle Ahead
Despite concerns, scientific evidence tying Ozempic to NAION remains limited. Even the studies cited in the lawsuit note that no statistically significant correlation was established in part because NAION is rare, making it hard to study in large enough numbers.
Mr. Engel is represented by Motley Rice, a law firm known for taking on major corporations, including those in the pharmaceutical industry. The lawsuit includes nine counts of alleged liability, negligence, and breach of warranty.
Novo Nordisk is no stranger to legal troubles. In 2023, the company was sued - alongside Eli Lilly, maker of Mounjaro, by patients who suffered severe gastrointestinal side effects. That case is still working its way through the courts, and Engel’s lawyers predict a similar outcome here.
"While this is the first complaint filed over Ozempic and NAION, we’re confident there will be more," Lipinski said. "We may ultimately see a coordinated proceeding where these cases are managed by a single judge."
The regulatory concerns around Ozempic are growing. Last year, Denmark’s drug authority requested a formal review by the European Medicines Agency into potential links between Ozempic and NAION.
About Ozempic and NAION
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable medication developed by Novo Nordisk to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is part of a drug class called GLP-1 receptor agonists, which also includes Wegovy and Mounjaro.
While Ozempic has gained widespread popularity, especially for off-label weight loss, safety concerns continue to emerge.
Non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) is a serious condition that causes sudden vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. Although rare, it is one of the leading causes of optic nerve-related blindness after glaucoma.
Some recent studies have raised questions about whether GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may increase the risk of NAION, but evidence remains inconclusive.
Patients taking Ozempic should consult with their healthcare provider immediately if they experience symptoms like blurred vision, partial vision loss, or sudden changes in eyesight.
Rosen Law Firm Files Class Action Against Everus Construction
How SpaceX and Steve Riabov Sparked Inspiration 13 Years Ago
Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of common stock of Everus Construction Group, Inc. (NYSE: ECG) between October 31, 2024 and February 11, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the pending securities class action lawsuit.
This reminder also applies to investors who held MDU Resources Group, Inc. ("MDU Resources") common stock as of October 21, 2024 and acquired Everus Construction common stock issued in connection with the spinoff of Everus Construction on or about October 31, 2024 (the "Spinoff").
A class action lawsuit has been filed alleging that during the Class Period, Everus Construction and certain of its executives made materially false and misleading statements and failed to disclose that Everus’s backlog conversion cycle had lengthened due to larger and more complex projects.
As a result, the company's revenue recognition was delayed, rendering its positive statements about business operations and prospects materially misleading and lacking a reasonable basis. When these facts came to light, investors reportedly suffered substantial damages.
Investors who purchased Everus Construction common stock during the Class Period, or who acquired Everus stock through the Spinoff, may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out-of-pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.
To join the class action, investors may submit information through Rosen Law Firm’s website. Additional information is available by contacting Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or by email at case@rosenlegal.com.
Investors seeking to serve as lead plaintiff must file their motion with the Court no later than June 3, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.
No class has yet been certified. Until certification occurs, investors are not represented by counsel unless they retain one. Investors may select counsel of their choice or take no action and remain absent class members. The ability to share in any future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.
Everus Construction Group, Inc. is a U.S.-based specialty contractor providing electrical, mechanical, and transmission and distribution (T&D) services nationwide. Headquartered in Bismarck, North Dakota, Everus serves clients across the utility, transportation, commercial, industrial, institutional, and renewable energy sectors. The company operates through two main segments: Electrical & Mechanical (E&M) and Transmission & Distribution (T&D). Everus became an independent publicly traded company in November 2024 following its spinoff from MDU Resources Group, Inc., and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ECG. With approximately 7,600 employees and annual revenues around $2.85 billion, Everus is committed to delivering complex infrastructure projects with a focus on safety, quality, and innovation.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. is a leading international law firm specializing in securities class actions, shareholder derivative litigation, and investor rights. Founded by Laurence Rosen, the firm has established a stellar reputation for its successful track record in recovering significant settlements for investors globally. With a focus on providing top-tier legal representation, Rosen Law Firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars for its clients in securities fraud cases and other complex legal matters.
Known for its commitment to transparency, aggressive litigation strategies, and client-centered approach, Rosen Law Firm has been consistently ranked among the top firms for securities class action settlements. The firm’s dedication to achieving justice for investors has earned it recognition from leading industry publications, including Law360 and Super Lawyers.
SpaceX: Reflecting on 13 Years Since Steve Riabov's Inspiration
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Files Securities Class Action Against Geron Corporation
Baker McKenzie has advised Zürcher Kantonalbank ("ZKB") and Luzerner Kantonalbank AG ("LUKB") in connection with a term and revolving credit facilities agreement provided to Axicom Holding AG ("Axicom").
The financing supports the (partial) refinancing of the purchase price paid by the Energy Transition Investment (ETI) fund of Trilantic Europe ("Trilantic") for the acquisition of all shares in Axicom HV AG.
Trilantic Europe is a leading international private equity firm, renowned for its expertise in investments across Europe and in the energy transition sector.
Ulrich Radlmayr, Managing Partner of RCP, said: “Under RCP’s tenure over the past four years Axicom’s management team developed Axicom into a superb stand-alone operation, strengthened its position as technology leader for high-voltage solutions and increased its revenues by almost 50%. For its next growth chapter Axicom will now benefit from Trilantic Europe’s energy expertise, industry network and capital base.”
Headquartered in Wohlen, Switzerland, Axicom is a key player in the energy transition, manufacturing critical grid components designed to transmit renewable energy safely and efficiently at high voltage levels.
With more than 60 years of industry experience, Axicom is recognized for its best-in-class engineering, reliability, and its high-quality solutions for complex power transmission applications. The company is a trusted partner to a global, blue-chip client base.
Baker McKenzie’s team advised ZKB and LUKB on all Swiss legal and tax aspects of the transaction. The team was led by Banking & Finance Partner Markus Wolf, with support from associates Sammy Guidoum and Felix Maier (Banking & Finance) and counsel Andrea B. Bolliger (Tax).
Axicom HV AG, based in Wohlen, Switzerland, is a leading manufacturer of high-voltage components and composite hollow insulators. With over 60 years of experience, Axicom supplies durable solutions for global power transmission markets. The company is known for engineering excellence, strict quality standards, and a strong commitment to sustainability under ISO 14001.
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.
On April 28, 2025, Elon Musk sent out a simple tweet:
"13 years ago."
Just two words — but for those who know the story, they unlock one of the most defining moments in modern space history.
13 years ago https://t.co/nY4TAKIVUH
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 28, 2025
Thirteen years back, in May 2012, SpaceX pulled off something that once seemed impossible: it launched the Dragon spacecraft aboard a Falcon 9 rocket and successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS).
It wasn’t just another space mission. It was the first time a private company had ever reached the ISS, a feat long dominated by government agencies like NASA. Until that moment, space had felt like an exclusive club. SpaceX kicked the door open.
The Dragon capsule took off from Cape Canaveral on May 22, danced carefully through orbital maneuvers, and was gently captured by the station’s robotic arm a few days later, on May 25. After unloading supplies and collecting research samples, it made a safe splashdown in the Pacific. Mission complete — and history rewritten.
This wasn’t just a win for SpaceX or Elon Musk. It shifted the whole conversation about who could explore space and who could build the future.
Around the same time Elon Musk was proving doubters wrong, Steve Riabov was fighting for his own piece of the American Dream.
A refugee from Ukraine, Riabov arrived in the U.S. with little more than hope and determination. Inspired by Elon Musk’s "anything is possible" attitude, he rolled up his sleeves and founded Musk Construction, a home renovation company in Silicon Valley.
The name wasn’t a coincidence. Steve Riabov saw Elon Musk as the ultimate symbol of grit, risk-taking, and big dreams, the kind of role model a young entrepreneur could really believe in.
Later, Riabov captured his incredible journey in a memoir, Hitchhiking to a Million, where he shared how he turned uncertainty into success, one step at a time.
Fast forward a few years, and the relationship between the entrepreneur and the inspiration started to shift. As Elon Musk’s political views became louder — and sometimes more polarizing — Riabov felt a growing disconnect.
He recently announced that Musk Construction would be rebranding. "I no longer align with all of his values. I have to change the name."
What was supposed to be a peaceful ferry ride turned into chaos Sunday night when a boat plowed into a ferry packed with more than 40 passengers near Clearwater's Memorial Causeway Bridge.
In the aftermath, one person lost their life and several others were rushed to the hospital, some with critical injuries.
The force of the impact pushed the ferry onto a sandbar. First responders moved quickly, pulling passengers to safety as flashing lights and helicopters filled the evening sky.
Clearwater authorities called it a "mass casualty incident" - a rare and chilling designation for an accident on the water.
Drivers were asked to steer clear of Memorial Causeway as emergency crews continued their rescue operations into the night.
Hours after the crash, officials found a damaged center-console boat abandoned at a boat ramp a few miles from the scene. Investigators believe it’s the vessel that fled after the collision.
No arrests have been made yet, and the identity of the person who was operating the boat remains a mystery. Meanwhile, authorities are working with the U.S. Coast Guard to piece together how a busy ferry route turned deadly in a matter of seconds.
The name of the victim has not been released out of respect for the family.
This tragic crash doesn’t just raise questions about safety — it also highlights some major legal consequences for whoever was behind the wheel of the fleeing boat.
Leaving the scene of a boating accident, especially one involving serious injury or death, is a felony in Florida. If caught, the person responsible could face:
Jail or prison time
Charges like vessel homicide or reckless operation
Major fines and a permanent criminal record
The fact that someone fled after such a serious crash could make penalties even harsher.
Beyond criminal charges, victims or the families of those hurt or killed may file lawsuits to recover damages. These could cover things like:
Medical expenses
Lost wages
Pain and suffering
Funeral costs
If the boater was uninsured or underinsured, victims might still be able to turn to their own policies under uninsured boater coverage.
The people of Clearwater are still grappling with the shock of what happened. A ferry ride that hundreds take without a second thought ended with lives forever changed.
Hospital rooms are now filled with victims fighting to recover, and many are wondering how something like this could happen.
Meanwhile, investigators are combing through evidence, looking for witnesses, and analyzing damage patterns to figure out exactly what went wrong and who will be held responsible.
For victims and their families, the days after a boating accident can be overwhelming. It’s important to document injuries, keep copies of all medical records, and speak to an attorney who understands maritime and personal injury law.
This tragedy reminds us all how quickly negligence can destroy lives and why strong legal protections matter.
On the evening of April 26, 2025, heartbreak unfolded at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day festival when a black Audi Q7 SUV slammed into a crowd of festivalgoers. Eleven people lost their lives, and more than 20 others were injured in the chaos.
Behind the wheel was 30-year-old Vancouver resident Kai-Ji Adam Lo, who was quickly apprehended at the scene. He now faces multiple counts of second-degree murder, with further charges likely to follow as the investigation deepens.
Police have ruled out terrorism as a motive. Instead, they pointed to Lo’s long-standing mental health struggles and previous encounters with law enforcement. As the city grapples with grief, the case raises pressing legal questions about criminal accountability, the use of mental health defenses, and the broader obligations of public safety officials.
Second-Degree Murder: What the Law Says
In Canadian law, second-degree murder refers to an intentional killing that lacks the planning and deliberation required for first-degree charges. It carries a mandatory life sentence, with eligibility for parole typically beginning after 10 years.
Prosecutors have so far filed eight counts against Lo, but as victim identifications are completed, more charges could be added.
To secure a conviction, the Crown will need to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Lo meant to cause death or serious bodily harm likely to result in death. The random and devastating nature of the attack aligns with second-degree murder criteria, although Lo’s defense team is expected to argue that his mental state played a significant role.
Mental Health and Criminal Responsibility
Lo’s background suggests that mental health issues could become central to his defense. Under Section 16 of the Canadian Criminal Code, individuals found incapable of understanding the nature or wrongness of their actions due to a mental disorder can be declared “not criminally responsible” (NCRMD).
An NCRMD finding would not mean Lo simply walks free. Instead, he would likely be held in a psychiatric facility, subject to periodic review by a provincial board.
Nevertheless, the defense will face an uphill battle: public anger following mass casualty incidents often makes mental health defenses difficult to advance in court. The Crown is expected to contest any such argument forcefully.
Beyond the Criminal Case: Event Liability and Safety Failures
While criminal proceedings move forward, questions are also swirling around how such a tragedy could occur at a public festival. How did a vehicle manage to breach what should have been a secure, pedestrian-only area?
Potential civil lawsuits may soon follow, targeting the City of Vancouver, festival organizers, or contractors responsible for event safety. Plaintiffs could argue that negligence played a role — that stronger barriers, better planning, or more robust oversight could have prevented the attack.
The incident has already spurred city officials to announce a sweeping review of public event security measures. It could also spark broader legal reforms around event management and municipal duty of care obligations under Canadian tort law.
A City Mourns as Legal Challenges Mount
“This is the darkest day in our city's history,” interim police chief Steve Rai said at a somber press conference. Prime Minister Mark Carney canceled political events to visit the scene, offering condolences and attending vigils alongside grieving families. International leaders, including King Charles III and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also expressed their sympathies.
As Vancouver mourns, its legal system faces a long and complicated road ahead. The coming months will not only shape the fate of Kai-Ji Adam Lo but could also reshape Canadian criminal law, the use of mental health defenses, and the safety protocols that protect public gatherings across the country.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Linked to Deaths of 3 American Women in Belize
5 Essential Steps After Suffering a Wrongful Death of a Loved One
Family Sues Oakland Deputies Alleging Negligence in Freezing Deaths of Mother and Sons
Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP Files Securities Class Action Against Geron Corporation
Nike is facing serious legal trouble. A $5 million class-action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, accusing the sportswear giant of misleading customers through its digital brand, RTFKT. Buyers claim they were sold non-fungible tokens (NFTs) that should have been registered as securities.
Back in 2021, Nike made headlines by acquiring RTFKT, a company known for creating sneaker-themed NFTs. The idea was bold: blend the world of collectible sneakers with the rising metaverse. Buyers could trade these digital sneakers, show them off online, and even "wear" them with their avatars.
But in late 2024, Nike abruptly announced RTFKT was shutting down. The news sent NFT values crashing almost overnight, leaving thousands of investors out of pocket.
Lead plaintiff Jagdeep Cheema, who lives in Australia, argues that Nike never properly warned customers about the risks involved.
The lawsuit says Nike broke consumer protection laws in New York, California, Florida, and Oregon by using deceptive marketing tactics.
Buyers believed their NFTs would climb in value alongside Nike's digital push. Instead, the sudden collapse blindsided collectors and caused major financial hits.
If the court rules that Nike's NFTs should have been treated as securities, it could change everything for the NFT industry. Companies would need to rethink how they market digital assets and possibly register them with regulators.
For lawyers, blockchain businesses, and corporate advisors, this case is one to watch closely. It could rewrite the playbook for how digital collectibles are handled legally.
Nike hasn't made a public statement about the lawsuit yet. Many legal analysts believe the company will argue that the NFTs were simply digital collectibles — not financial investments requiring regulation.
If Nike loses, businesses diving into NFTs could face major new hurdles, including:
Nike's legal battle isn't happening in isolation. Lately, other big brands have been stumbling in the NFT space too. Take Adidas, for example. They rolled out their "Into the Metaverse" NFT project with a lot of buzz, but soon found themselves flooded with customer complaints about delayed perks and confusion over what buyers actually owned.
At the same time, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has been turning up the heat on digital asset sales. Dapper Labs, the team behind NBA Top Shot, is already caught up in a legal fight over whether its NFTs count as securities.
Full Video Below.
Dr. Oz’s dedication to his medical expertise was evident once again during his recent swearing-in ceremony at the White House. While President Donald Trump was addressing questions about Iran in the Oval Office, a sudden commotion interrupted the proceedings.
Dr. Oz’s granddaughter, Philomena Bijou, fainted during the ceremony, prompting immediate action from him. In the background, his daughter, Daphne, could be heard calling out, "Phil fainted, Phil fainted, Dad, go." Without hesitation, Dr. Oz rushed to her side.
Fortunately, Philomena recovered quickly and was escorted out of the room by her mother, while Dr. Oz returned to his position behind President Trump.
Dr. Oz had just been sworn in as the head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, when the incident occurred.
This isn’t the first time Dr. Oz has demonstrated his quick thinking in medical emergencies. In June 2024, he assisted a passenger during a medical crisis on a plane, and in March 2021, he used a defibrillator to help revive a man who had collapsed at Newark airport.
You Might Also Like:
