Crypto Hack, Mosque Bombing, and Layoffs Rock News

A series of significant events unfolded recently, ranging from a cryptocurrency security breach to corporate restructuring and political tensions. Here's a breakdown of the key developments:

A malicious attack on open-source packages within the npm and PyPI repositories compromised the dYdX cryptocurrency exchange, leading to the theft of user wallet credentials and, in some cases, backdoored devices, according to security researchers from Socket. The compromised packages, including versions of dydxprotocolv4-client-js, put all applications using them at risk, resulting in complete wallet compromise and irreversible cryptocurrency theft.

In other news, Block Inc., the payments firm led by Jack Dorsey, began notifying hundreds of employees that their jobs may be eliminated as part of a broader business overhaul. According to sources familiar with the matter, up to 10% of Block's workforce was at risk of being cut. The company, which had fewer than 11,000 employees as of late November, has been retooling its business model and staffing since 2024, aiming for greater efficiency.

Meanwhile, Hims & Hers Health Inc. announced it would cease selling a copycat version of Wegovy, a new weight-loss pill. The decision came after the US Food and Drug Administration cracked down on copycat weight-loss treatments. Hims had planned to sell a cheaper version of Novo Nordisk AS's Wegovy pill, but after discussions with stakeholders, the company decided to discontinue the treatment.

On the political front, Republicans expressed concerns that President Donald Trump's slipping support on immigration and the economy could impact the midterm elections. The Super Bowl halftime show, featuring Bad Bunny, an outspoken critic of Trump's immigration policies, was expected to highlight the political and cultural divide over the administration's policies. Trump's border and immigration policies had been popular among the electorate over much of the past year.

Finally, a suicide bombing at an Islamabad mosque resulted in the deaths of 31 people. The attack occurred in Pakistan's capital, as reported by NPR.