Facing pressure from conservative activists and the White House, Target announced modifications to its “Belonging at the Bullseye” diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy. The changes include ending a program supporting Black employees and businesses, and discontinuing its three-year DEI goals focused on hiring and promoting underrepresented groups. This decision follows a Supreme Court ruling against affirmative action and mirrors similar actions by other major corporations. While Target’s commitment to inclusion predates recent controversies, the company will also cease participation in certain diversity surveys and review corporate partnerships.
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In Hartford, Connecticut, a 12-year-old boy sustained non-life-threatening injuries after being shot following a snowball fight. The shooting occurred when a car, reportedly chasing the children after being hit with a snowball, fired shots at the children. An 11-year-old companion was unharmed. Hartford Police are actively investigating the incident, reviewing area video footage and searching for the suspect vehicle.
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A CBC News investigation revealed that Loblaw, Sobeys, and Walmart grocery stores have been overcharging customers for meat by including the weight of the packaging in the price, violating federal regulations. This practice, discovered through customer complaints and CBC’s own purchases, has led to a proposed class-action lawsuit against the three grocers. While the companies claim to have addressed the issue and implemented corrective measures, concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s oversight, with former inspectors noting a decline in routine store inspections. The overcharging, even if seemingly small per purchase, could cumulatively represent millions in profit for the grocers.
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For a limited time, until February 27, 2025, readers can enjoy a 40% discount on a Standard Digital subscription. The introductory price is $319, reduced from $540. This offer provides access to the Financial Times’ in-depth and reliable news coverage. Subscribers can form well-informed opinions based on the FT’s trusted journalism.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez urges the Democratic Party to capitalize on President Trump’s hypocrisy, leveraging his appeals to the working class while simultaneously favoring billionaires and corporations. She emphasizes the need for Democrats to actively combat this by abandoning their own ties to wealthy interests and directly addressing the concerns of everyday Americans. Ocasio-Cortez highlights the issue of insider trading among lawmakers as an example of the party’s hypocrisy, urging a more forceful advocacy for working-class interests. This requires a shift away from courting affluent voters and instead embracing a more combative stance to protect the rights and interests of working people.
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Following an attempted entry by unidentified agents at Hamline Elementary School in Chicago, school staff adhered to established protocols, barring entry and refusing communication. Chicago Public Schools officials confirmed that the district only permits ICE access with a federal judicial warrant, rejecting administrative warrants or detainers. While ICE denied involvement, the incident occurred amidst a recent policy shift allowing federal immigration enforcement in sensitive locations like schools, sparking concerns among immigrant advocates. School officials emphasized their commitment to student safety and the district’s adherence to the Illinois Trust Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance.
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This week’s survey of state-level news begins with the firing of Milwaukee meteorologist Sam Kuffel from WDJT-TV after she criticized Elon Musk on social media. Next, Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ prioritization of social media pronouncements over a major snowstorm highlights the state’s political climate. Missouri grapples with the escalating costs of cleaning up a radioactive waste landfill, with costs rising to $392 million due to expanded cleanup efforts. Finally, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt’s proposal to re-establish the Oklahoma State Guard raises concerns about the creation of an unregulated state militia.
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ICE agents attempted to enter Hamline Elementary School in Chicago’s Back of the Yards neighborhood to conduct an enforcement action, but were turned away by school staff. This incident, which occurred on January 24th, highlights the growing tension between immigration enforcement and the safety and well-being of children in schools.
School officials immediately followed established protocols. They prevented the agents from entering the building and promptly contacted the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) Law Department and Office of Safety and Security for guidance. The agents were not allowed any interaction with students or staff, and teaching continued uninterrupted. This swift and decisive action by school personnel prevented a potentially traumatic situation for young children.… Continue reading
Anticipating a potential re-imposition of tariffs by President Trump, Canadian and Mexican steelmakers are halting new U.S. orders. This action, impacting major suppliers like Stelco Holdings Inc. and impacting distributors such as Flack Global Metals, stems from concerns that steel imports from Canada and Mexico will not receive an exemption from the threatened 25 percent tariffs. With Canada being the top foreign steel supplier to the U.S. and Mexico the third largest, this uncertainty significantly impacts the U.S. steel market, which relies heavily on imports. The situation reflects a wavering confidence among steel producers in the face of the unpredictable trade policy.
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Following a visit to flood-ravaged Asheville, North Carolina, President Trump announced plans for executive action to restructure or eliminate FEMA. He expressed dissatisfaction with FEMA’s disaster response, advocating instead for state-led disaster relief efforts. The President argued that state governors are better equipped to handle immediate disaster needs within their jurisdictions. This announcement came during a trip assessing damage from Hurricane Helene and precedes a visit to wildfire-stricken Los Angeles.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood