Costco shareholders overwhelmingly rejected (98% opposed) a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) to curtail the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The board recommended rejecting the proposal, citing its alignment with Costco’s commitment to respect and arguing that the DEI programs are legally sound and beneficial for business. This decision contrasts with other corporations that have scaled back DEI programs following the Supreme Court’s ruling in *Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard*. Costco maintains its DEI efforts enhance employee attraction and retention, despite NCPPR’s concerns about potential discrimination lawsuits.
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Fort Worth ISD’s newly approved strategic plan prioritizes addressing its critical literacy crisis, where half of its 70,000 students—primarily African American and Hispanic from underserved communities—read below grade level. The plan focuses on four key areas: academic excellence, family engagement, employee support, and operational efficiency. The plan’s development involved extensive community feedback, incorporating input from parents and city leaders who recognize the crucial link between literacy and Fort Worth’s future economic prosperity. This initiative follows previous unsuccessful attempts and aims to significantly improve student reading outcomes.
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Following the tragic death of CEO Brian Thompson in December, UnitedHealthcare has appointed company veteran Tim Noel as its new chief executive. Noel assumes leadership of the nation’s largest health insurer, serving over 50 million customers, during a period of intense public scrutiny. Thompson’s killing sparked a national conversation regarding healthcare affordability and the perceived unfairness of the US insurance system. This appointment comes at a critical juncture for the company amidst widespread public discontent.
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A new World Magnetic Model (WMM) has been released, updating the location of magnetic north, which is now closer to Siberia. This update, necessary every five years to maintain GPS accuracy, reflects the magnetic pole’s unusual recent behavior: a period of unprecedented rapid drift followed by an equally unexpected slowdown. While a high-resolution model is available, most users will experience a seamless transition with standard WMM updates. The model’s accuracy was confirmed, projecting magnetic north’s position accurately through 2025.
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A jury in Indianapolis found Bruce Mendenhall guilty of murdering Carma Purpura in 2007. Already serving two life sentences for the murders of two other women in Tennessee, Mendenhall, known as the “Truck Stop Serial Killer,” is a suspect in additional killings across state lines. The conviction followed testimony detailing the discovery of blood-soaked clothing and other evidence in his truck. Mendenhall’s sentencing for Purpura’s murder is set for February 13th.
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Newly revealed documents expose that two 2023 Utah Oath Keepers leadership meetings included former law enforcement, a current prosecutor, and a former elected official. These meetings, focusing on training and the role of armed responders, highlight the group’s ties to conservative politics and law enforcement. Despite Stewart Rhodes’s January 6th conviction (since commuted), the Utah chapter actively rebuilt, demonstrating the organization’s resilience. The involvement of individuals with law enforcement and legal backgrounds raises concerns about the group’s continued influence and potential for future activity.
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Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family have agreed to a $7.4 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits stemming from the opioid crisis caused by OxyContin. The Sacklers will pay up to $6.5 billion and relinquish company ownership, while Purdue will contribute nearly $900 million. This revised settlement, exceeding the previous offer by $500 million, requires court approval but avoids anticipated federal opposition. The funds will compensate victims, address the opioid crisis, and provide treatment resources.
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Following a Trump administration announcement permitting immigration arrests at schools, Worcester Public Schools (WPS) issued directives to protect students. WPS will not cooperate with ICE and requires a warrant for agent entry. A memo to bus drivers instructs them to keep students on board if immigration agents are present at bus stops, contacting transportation immediately. Teachers expressed concern for students’ safety and well-being amidst these heightened fears. Governor Healey clarified that Massachusetts will cooperate with federal investigations only for those accused of crimes, not undocumented immigrants without charges.
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Thailand launched its new same-sex marriage law on Thursday, becoming the first Southeast Asian nation to legalize same-sex unions. Over 200 couples participated in a mass wedding ceremony in Bangkok, while 2SLGBTQ+ groups aimed for over 1,448 registrations nationwide, a symbolic number referencing the amended civil code. This landmark legislation follows decades of activism and makes Thailand the third Asian territory to legalize same-sex marriage. While celebrated as a significant step towards equality, challenges remain regarding broader legal recognition of same-sex families.
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In Porter County, Indiana, Jennifer Lee Wilson received a six-year prison sentence for the reckless homicide of her 10-year-old foster son, Dakota Stevens. Wilson admitted to pinning Dakota to the ground for approximately five minutes, resulting in fatal mechanical asphyxia. This action followed Dakota’s attempt to escape his foster home and seek help from a neighbor. The significant weight difference between Wilson (340 lbs) and Dakota (90 lbs) contributed to the fatal outcome.
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John Q. Hosedrinker