A hotly anticipated August 7, 2025, executive order, "Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors" ("EO"), aims to reduce regulatory barriers and significantly expand access to "alternative assets"—including private equity, real estate, digital assets, commodities, and infrastructure—for investors in 401(k) and other defined contribution plans ("DC Plans"). DOL Directed to Address Fiduciary Concerns and Litigation Risk While the Employee Retirement Income Security Act ("ERISA") does not prohibit alternative assets in DC Plans, uncertainty [...]

On August 7, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order, titled "Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors," that is intended to increase access for 401(k) plan investors to "alternative assets," including private equity, private credit, real estate, and digital assets. The executive order directs the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to propose reductions in any regulatory burdens and provide guidance to fiduciaries evaluating whether [...]

Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Oklahoma announced new workers' compensation benefit rates that are effective July 1, 2025. Kansas The maximum weekly benefit rate increased to $869.00 for the period of July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The mileage reimbursement rate increased to $0.70 per mile effective July 1, 2025. Missouri The maximum weekly benefit rate has increased to $1,280.84 for TTD, PTD and Death for the period of July 1, 2025 to [...]