NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, is reversing its diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, joining a growing list of major corporations that have done the same after being targeted by conservative activists. PUBLICIDAD The changes, confirmed by Walmart on Monday, are radical and include not renewing a five-year commitment to a racial equity center created in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of the police, to withdrawing from a prominent gay rights index. And when it comes to race or gender, Walmart will not give priority treatment to suppliers. PUBLICIDAD Walmart's measures highlight the increasing pressure that American companies are facing as they continue to navigate the consequences of the June 2023 Supreme Court ruling in the United States that ends affirmative action in college admissions. Emboldened by that decision, conservative groups have filed lawsuits with similar arguments against companies, targeting workplace initiatives such as diversity programs and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups. On the other hand, political commentator and conservative activist Robby Starbuck has been challenging corporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, calling out specific companies on the social media platform X. Several of these companies have subsequently announced that they are pulling back their initiatives, including Ford, Harley-Davidson, Lowe's, and Tractor Supply. But Walmart, which employs 1.6 million workers in the United States, is the one that has done it the most. "Starbuck wrote in X, 'This is the biggest victory so far for our movement to end certain overly progressive measures in American companies,' adding that he had been in conversation with Walmart." Walmart confirmed to The Associated Press that it will better control the items it sells through third parties to ensure they do not contain sexual and transgender products targeted at minors. This would include chest binders intended for young people going through a gender transition, the company said. The retailer based in Bentonville, Arkansas, will also review grants for Pride events to ensure they are not financially supporting sexualized content that may be inappropriate for children. For example, the company wants to make sure a family-friendly area is not next to a drag show at a Pride event, the company stated. In addition, Walmart will no longer consider race and gender as a litmus test for improving diversity when offering contracts to suppliers. The company stated that it did not have quotas and will not have them in the future. It will not collect demographic data when determining financial eligibility for those grants. Walmart also stated that it would not renew a racial equity center that was established through a five-year, $100 million philanthropic commitment from the company with the mandate, according to its website, of "addressing the root causes of the disparities experienced by Black and African American individuals in education, health, finance, and criminal justice systems." And they would stop participating in the annual Human Rights Campaign benchmark index that measures workplace inclusion for LGBTQ+ employees. "We have embarked on a journey and we know that we are not perfect, but every decision comes from the desire to promote a sense of belonging, to open doors to opportunities for all our associates, customers, and suppliers, and to be a Walmart for everyone," the company said in a statement. The changes come shortly after former President Donald Trump's electoral victory, who has criticized DEI initiatives and has surrounded himself with conservatives who share similar views, including his former advisor Stephen Miller, who leads a group called America First Legal that has challenged DEI corporate policies. Trump appointed Miller as deputy policy director in his new cabinet. A spokesperson for Walmart said that some of their policy changes have been in progress for some time. For example, they have been phasing out the use of the term DEI in job postings and communications, and have started using the term "belonging" instead. They have also begun making changes to their supplier program following the Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. Some have urged companies to maintain their DEI policies. Last month, a group of Democrats in Congress appealed to the leaders of the Fortune 1000, saying that DEI efforts give everyone a fair chance to achieve the American dream.
None
Oliver Glasner declared Crystal Palace are on the right path after they finally broke their away duck with a 1-0 win at Ipswich. Jean-Philippe Mateta struck in the second half with the only real piece of quality in a nervy encounter between two struggling teams. It is now two wins and three draws from the last six matches for Glasner’s side, whose winter revival is gathering pace nicely following a sticky start to the campaign. “I feel very happy, we’re all very pleased with the result, it was not the best performance but the result was more important,” said the Eagles boss. “Most of the time we controlled the game and we scored an amazing goal, a fantastic finish from JP. “We had more chances to decide the game but we couldn’t, but I think the win was well deserved. “We didn’t give them any chances from open play and with a clean sheet you can always take the win. “It’s a big win. Now it’s not time to sit back and relax but to keep going. In four days we face Manchester City. We stay humble. There are still many things to improve but we are on the right path.” Ipswich looked the likelier to score as a low-key first half drew to a close and were denied by a point-blank save by Dean Henderson from Harry Clarke’s near-post header. Shortly after the interval Wes Burns got clear down the right and lifted an inviting cross towards Liam Delap, whose header was straight at Henderson. However, from out of nowhere Palace conjured up a lightning counter-attack to go ahead on the hour. Eberechi Eze led the charge before feeding Mateta, who surged forward with a couple of stepovers before brushing off the attention of Jacob Greaves and finishing superbly past Arijanet Muric. It was the French forward’s sixth goal of the season, and his first away from Selhurst Park. Back came Ipswich with Leif Davis fizzing in another cross for Delap, who somehow mistimed his jump and completely missed the ball from six yards. As time ticked down Greaves looped a header against the far post, with the rebound just eluding substitute Ali-Al Hamadi. “Frustrating night,” said Town boss Kieran McKenna. “It was a tight first half, we weren’t fantastic in terms of the flow of the game and didn’t create as many opportunities as we wanted. But having said that neither did our opponents. “In the second half we conceded a really poor goal and that proved decisive. We can do better than we did tonight.”
Golf Central takes a look back on the 2024 LPGA season, highlighting the top players, performances and moments -- and what it could all mean for the game moving forward. Golf Today and several guests look ahead to this year's Hero World Challenge, discussing Tiger Wood's role as host and what he wants from golf in 2025, golfers who could contend at Albany Golf Course, and more. Facing the possibility of losing his PGA Tour card for 2025, 37-year-old American Joel Dahmen had a final round to remember at the 2024 RSM Classic, shooting a dramatic 64 to secure full-time status for next season. Jeeno Thitikul sits down with the Golf Central crew after winning the CME Group Tour Championship, discussing the importance of having her coach during the event and emotions going into the 18th hole. The Golf Central crew evaluates how Angel Yin is staying collected and unbothered with a huge opportunity ahead of her with the final round of the CME Group Tour Championship. Golf Central analyzes Jeeno Thitikul's performance in Round 3 of the CME Group Tour Championship, explaining why she's "trending in the right direction" going into the final round. Daniel Berger shot a 7-under 63 on Moving Day (presented by Penske) at the RSM Classic, tying the low round of the day and helping him in his fight for a spot in the top 125. Watch highlights from second-round action of the 2024 BMW Australian PGA Championship, part of the DP World Tour. Angel Yin addresses the media after having her drop reviewed by the officials, who ruled in her favor due to the placement of her shot. The Golf Central crew looks at how the players on the bubble performed during the second round of The RSM Classic. Nelly Korda got right back on track in Round 2 of the CME Group Tour Championship, posting a 6-under 66 -- largely fueled by her first six holes. Golf Central analyzes what went right in her bounceback day.None
Fianna Fail and Fine Gael eye independent TDs as option to secure Dail majority
Valladolid loses again and Getafe ends winless run in La LigaENGLEWOOD, Colo. — John Elway says any remorse over bypassing Josh Allen in the 2018 NFL draft is quickly dissipating with rookie Bo Nix's rapid rise, suggesting the Denver Broncos have finally found their next franchise quarterback. Elway said Nix, the sixth passer selected in April's draft, is an ideal fit in Denver with coach Sean Payton navigating his transition to the pros and Vance Joseph's defense serving as a pressure release valve for the former Oregon QB. "We've seen the progression of Bo in continuing to get better and better each week and Sean giving him more each week and trusting him more and more to where last week we saw his best game of the year," Elway said in a nod to Nix's first game with 300 yards and four touchdown throws in a rout of Atlanta. For that performance, Nix earned his second straight NFL Rookie of the Week honor along with the AFC Offensive Player of the Week award. "I think the sky's the limit," Elway said, "and that's just going to continue to get better and better." In a wide-ranging interview with The Associated Press, Elway also touted former coach Mike Shanahan's Hall of Fame credentials, spoke about the future of University of Colorado star and Heisman favorite Travis Hunter and discussed his ongoing bout with a chronic hand condition. Elway spent the last half of his decade as the Broncos' GM in a futile search for a worthy successor to Peyton Manning, a pursuit that continued as he transitioned into a two-year consultant role that ended after the 2022 season. "You have all these young quarterbacks and you look at the ones that make it and the ones that don't and it's so important to have the right system and a coach that really knows how to tutelage quarterbacks, and Sean's really good at that," Elway said. "I think the combination of Bo's maturity, having started 61 games in college, his athletic ability and his knowledge of the game has been such a tremendous help for him,'" Elway added. "But also Vance Joseph's done a heck of a job on the defensive side to where all that pressure's not being put on Bo and the offense to score all the time." Payton and his staff have methodically expanded Nix's repertoire and incorporated his speed into their blueprints. Elway lauded them for "what they're doing offensively and how they're breaking Bo into the NFL because it's a huge jump and I think patience is something that goes a long way in the NFL when it comes down to quarterbacks." Elway said he hopes to sit down with Nix at some point when things slow down for the rookie. Nix, whose six wins are one more than Elway had as a rookie, said he looks forward to meeting the man who won two Super Bowls during his Hall of Fame playing career and another from the front office. "He's a legend not only here for this organization, but for the entire NFL," Nix said, adding, "most guys, they would love to have a chat with John Elway, just pick his brain. It's just awesome that I'm even in that situation." Orange Crush linebacker Randy Gradishar joined Elway in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year, something Elway called "way, way overdue." Elway suggested it's also long past time for the Hall to honor Shanahan, who won back-to-back Super Bowls in Denver with Elway at QB and whose footprint you see every weekend in the NFL because of his expansive coaching tree. Elway called University of Colorado stars Travis Hunter and Shedeur Sanders "both great athletes." He said he really hopes Sanders gets drafted by a team that will bring him along like the Broncos have done with Nix, and he sees Hunter being able to play both ways in the pros — but not full time. Elway said he thinks Hunter will be primarily a corner in the NFL but with significant contributions on offense: "He's great at both. He's got great instincts, and that's what you need at corner." It's been five years since Elway announced he was dealing with Dupuytren's contracture, a chronic condition that typically appears after age 40 and causes one or more fingers to permanently bend toward the palm. Elway's ring fingers on both hands were originally affected and he said now the middle finger on his right hand is starting to pull forward. So, he'll get another injection of a drug called Xiaflex, which is the only FDA-approved non-surgical treatment, one that he's endorsing in an awareness campaign for the chronic condition that affects 17 million Americans. The condition can make it difficult to do everyday tasks such as shaking hands or picking up a coffee mug. Elway said what bothered him most was "I couldn't pick up a football and I could not imagine not being able to put my hand around a football." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Want a Job in the Trump Administration? Be Prepared for the Loyalty Test.YourUpdateTV speaks with the Travelers Institute: Putting the Brakes on Distracted Driving
Delaware Judge Rejects Musk's $56 Billion Tesla Pay - Again
The 37-year-old striker has scored 25 goals in all competitions since joining the club before the start of this season including 20 in Miami's record-breaking regular season campaign. After winning the Supporters' Shield for the best record in the regular season, with a new points tally record, Miami were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by Atlanta United. Since then Argentina head coach Gerardo Martino has left the club with his compatriot and Suarez's former team-mate at Barca, Mascherano appointed on Tuesday. "I'm very happy, very excited to continue for another year and to be able to enjoy being here with this fan base, which for us is like family. We feel very, very connected with them, and hopefully, next year, we can bring them even more joy," said Suarez. Miami's president of football operations Raul Sanllehi said Suarez had shown he remains an elite level forward but was also a key component in the dressing room. "Luis was not only our leading scorer this season, but also a leader for the group. His impact cannot be understated," he said. Suarez announced in September he was retiring from international duty with the Uruguay national team after scoring 69 goals in 143 games. The forward played in Europe for Ajax, Liverpool and Atletico Madrid and had a season in Brazil with Gremio before joining Miami. sev/mwBitcoin ETFs Showdown: BTCW Falls Short Against IBIT