Human Times

North American Edition

13th April 2026

THE HOT STORY

IBM to pay $17m in DEI settlement

IBM has agreed to pay roughly $17m to resolve allegations of illegal diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. The DOJ had said the company “knowingly” made “false claims” about its hiring and employment practices in its federal contracts. IBM allegedly identified “diverse” candidates for hiring or promotions, while developing race and sex demographic goals. “IBM is pleased to have resolved this matter,” an IBM spokesperson told CNN. “Our workforce strategy is driven by a single principle: having the right people with the right skills that our clients depend on.”

CNN

CBS News

TECHNOLOGY

Meta builds AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to interact with staff

Meta is building an AI version of CEO Mark Zuckerberg which could offer feedback to employees in real time. Zuckerberg is personally involved in training and testing his animated AI.

Financial Times

RISK

U.S. summoned bank bosses to discuss cyber risks posed by Anthropic’s latest AI model

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell summoned major bank chiefs to a meeting in Washington last week to warn of ‌cyber risks posed by Anthropic's latest AI model. Anthropic launched the powerful Claude Mythos model earlier in the week to a small number of businesses, including Amazon, Apple and Microsoft, but held back on a broader release, citing concerns that the model could expose previously unknown cybersecurity vulnerabilities. A blogpost published by Anthropic at the beginning of the month said that AI models had surpassed “all but the most skilled humans at finding and exploiting software vulnerabilities,” adding: “The fallout – for economies, public safety, and national security – could be severe.” The Treasury-hosted meeting aimed to ensure banks are aware of the risks posed by Mythos and similar models and are taking ‌steps ⁠to defend their systems, a source said.

Reuters

The Guardian

HEALTH & WELLBEING

Long Covid to cost up to $135bn a year over the next decade

Research suggests long Covid is likely to cost up to $135bn a year across OECD economies over the next decade. Direct healthcare costs combined with the wider effect of people leaving the workforce and lower productivity will have a lasting impact, the global forum said. The OECD found that only six countries have formal pathways for treating the illness. Some people are left unable to work, require changes to their jobs or become less productive.

Bloomberg

WORKFORCE

LAUSD strike deadline nears

Los Angeles Unified moved closer to avoiding a systemwide shutdown after reaching tentative agreements with both its administrators union and United Teachers Los Angeles, but a strike still looms unless SEIU Local 99 settles before Tuesday. The administrators deal includes an 11.65% raise over two years, with possible bargaining in a third year, plus new limits on uncompensated workload. The teachers pact would raise starting pay to $77,000, add student support staff, expand paid parental leave, and reduce some class sizes. Maria Nichols, president of Associated Administrators of Los Angeles, called the deal “a powerful testament to what unity, courage, and unwavering resolve can achieve.” Even with two agreements in place, solidarity actions remain likely if Local 99, which represents many low-paid campus workers, does not reach terms.

Los Angeles Times

JBS strike ends with deal

JBS and a Colorado union representing 3,800 workers have reached a new labor agreement after a three-week strike at the Greeley beef plant, one of the largest in the U.S. The deal includes an immediate $0.70 hourly wage increase plus $0.40 increases in 2026 and 2027, while also limiting healthcare cost increases and covering some protective equipment costs. Kim Cordova, president of the local union, called it “a testament to the incredible resolve of our members.” The agreement runs through April 2028.

Wall Street Journal

LEGAL

Musk's xAI sues Colorado over state's new AI law

Elon Musk’s xAI has filed a lawsuit challenging Colorado’s state-level initiative to impose protections against “algorithmic discrimination” in AI systems. The lawsuit, ‌filed in U.S. District Court in Colorado, challenges Senate Bill 24-205, which imposes disclosure and risk-mitigation requirements on developers of so‑called "high‑risk" AI systems used in decisions involving employment, housing, education, health care and financial services. The law is scheduled to take effect on June 30. "Government regulation that is applied at the state level in a patchwork across the country can have the effect to hamper innovation and deter competition in an open market," ‌xAI ⁠said.

HIRING

IRS staffing gaps strain filing

The IRS entered tax season with major staffing shortfalls in taxpayer-facing roles, according to a draft Treasury Inspector General report seen by POLITICO. The agency filled only 21% of planned hires in submission processing and 66% in accounts management during the early filing period, while phone wait times doubled to about eight minutes. To cope, the IRS reassigned more than 800 staff from other offices, though they will not be ready until after the filing deadline. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said the changes were “inefficient and wasteful.”

POLITICO

ECONOMY

U.S. consumer sentiment falls to record low amid inflation fears

U.S. consumer sentiment has dropped to a record low in April, with the University of Michigan's index falling to 47.6 from 53.3 in March, reflecting growing concern over rising inflation linked to the Iran conflict. Consumers now expect prices to increase 4.8% over the next year, the sharpest jump in expectations in a year, driven largely by surging gasoline prices, which have climbed above $4 per gallon and are eroding purchasing power. Both current conditions and future expectations deteriorated significantly, with financial sentiment at its weakest since 2009 and long-term outlooks at levels not seen since 1980. “Comments show that many consumers blame the Iran conflict for unfavorable changes to the economy,’’ Joanne Hsu, director of the survey, said in a statement. “Economic expectations will likely improve after consumers gain confidence that the supply disruptions stemming from the Iran conflict have ended and gas prices have moderated.”

CNN

Bloomberg

INTERNATIONAL

Pilots' union calls strikes at Lufthansa

Lufthansa pilots, represented by the Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) union, have announced a two-day strike starting today amid ongoing salary and pension disputes. The latest action follows four previous strikes this year. The last occurred on April 10. The strike will impact flights operated by Lufthansa, CityLine, and Eurowings, as well as Lufthansa Cargo. However, flights to certain Middle Eastern destinations will remain unaffected. The UFO union reported that a recent strike led to the cancellation of 90% of flights at Lufthansa and CityLine. "The Cockpit union feels compelled to take this step after the employers' side showed no real willingness to reach a solution ⁠in several collective bargaining disputes," VC President Andreas Pinheiro said. "Despite our deliberate decision not to take strike action over the Easter holidays, ⁠no serious offers have been made."

Hurriyet Daily News

Reuters

The Local Germany

Brazil blacklists BYD for slave labor conditions

The Brazilian Ministry of Labour and Employment has added BYD Auto do Brasil Ltda. to its "dirty list" of employers due to severe labor violations. This follows a December 2024 inspection that revealed workers were subjected to excessive hours and degrading living conditions. Inspectors found 107 passports locked away, restricting workers' access to their travel documents. Brazilian workers reported that their Chinese colleagues often worked seven days a week, with days off only granted during inspections. The ministry's actions limit BYD's access to state financing and heighten reputational risks in Brazil, its key market outside China.

The Nation

South China Morning Post

Singapore government offices told to restrict use of air-conditioning

Government offices in Singapore are being told to reduce electricity consumption in a bid to boost the nation’s energy resilience. Measures highlighted by the National Environment Agency include managing operating times and settings for air-conditioning, and turning off non-essential equipment when not in use. Singapore is just one of many countries which is taking steps to save energy as the conflict in the Middle East tightens global supplies. South Korea is considering curbs on driving to ameliorate the impact of the conflict, while government facilities in the Philippines have shortened their work week to save energy.

Bloomberg

OTHER

Apple's foldable iPhone set for September

Apple plans to launch its first foldable iPhone in September, coinciding with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max release. Despite concerns raised by a Nikkei Asia report about manufacturing delays, sources indicate that Apple is on track for the launch. The foldable model aims to compete with existing products from Samsung and other brands, featuring improved screen quality and durability. The expected price exceeds $2,000, which may impact consumer interest but could enhance Apple's revenue. Hardware chief John Ternus is leading the initiative as part of a broader three-year redesign strategy.

Nikkei Asia

Los Angeles Times

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