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Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives Face Pushback From Investors

Apple shareholders rejected a proposal to discontinue the company's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, backing CEO Tim Cook's approach to inclusiveness. Although the proposition was among many that lacked investor approval, Apple emphasized its dedication to non-discriminatory recruiting, training, and promotions. The company stated that ending DEI initiatives would interfere with its business operations.

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Shareholders Are Showing Signs of DEI Fatigue As Activists Push for More Votes Δ1.84

Shareholders are increasingly showing signs of DEI fatigue as political heat around the issue intensifies across corporate America.Both champions and critics of diversity, equity, and inclusion policies are again pushing companies this annual meeting season to either bolster or diminish their DEI policies via shareholder proposals. But so far, none of these proposals have garnered support from investors at Apple (APPL), Costco (COST), and John Deere (DE).And that's not expected to change as more votes are tabulated at more company shareholder meetings in the coming weeks and months, according to experts who follow these votes.

DEI Is Under Attack in US, Might Live On Under Different Name Δ1.84

The US government's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs are facing a significant backlash under President Donald Trump, with some corporations abandoning their own initiatives. Despite this, there remains a possibility that similar efforts will continue, albeit under different names and guises. Experts suggest that the momentum for inclusivity and social change may be difficult to reverse, given the growing recognition of the need for greater diversity and representation in various sectors.

US Retailers Publicly Scrap Some 'DEI' Initiatives While Quietly Supporting Others Δ1.82

US retailers are walking a tightrope between publicly scrapping diversity, equity and inclusion programs to avoid potential legal risks while maintaining certain efforts behind the scenes. Despite public rollbacks of DEI initiatives, companies continue to offer financial support for some LGBTQ+ Pride and racial justice events. Retailers have also assured advocacy groups that they will provide internal support for resource groups for underrepresented employees.

DEI Rollback Sparks Backlash at AT&T Δ1.79

AT&T's decision to drop pronoun pins, cancel Pride programs, and alter its diversity initiatives has sparked concerns among LGBTQ+ advocates and allies. The company's actions may be seen as a response to the pressure from former President Donald Trump's administration, which has been critical of DEI practices in the private sector. As companies like AT&T continue to make changes to their diversity initiatives, it remains to be seen how these shifts will impact employee morale and organizational culture.

Diversity Backlash: Is 'Masculine Energy' Coming to the UK? Δ1.78

The UK government's silence on diversity initiatives in the wake of Donald Trump's attacks has left many wondering if the country is set to follow suit, abandoning efforts to promote inclusivity and equality. UK companies have been slow to respond to Trump's rhetoric, with some even scaling back their own DEI policies. However, experts argue that the UK's legal system will help protect these initiatives.

Google Backs Away From Underrepresented Language in Grant Website Δ1.77

Just weeks after Google said it would review its diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the company has made significant changes to its grant website, removing language that described specific support for underrepresented founders. The site now uses more general language to describe its funding initiatives, omitting phrases like "underrepresented" and "minority." This shift in language comes as the tech giant faces increased scrutiny and pressure from politicians and investors to reevaluate its diversity and inclusion efforts.

BlackRock’s ‘Woke’ Era Is Over Δ1.76

BlackRock has officially withdrawn from climate groups and eliminated diversity targets, signaling a significant shift away from its previous commitments to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) initiatives. This retreat comes amidst increasing pressure from conservative critics and legal risks, reflecting a broader trend among major corporations to distance themselves from "woke" policies in response to political backlash. Despite these changes, BlackRock has continued to report strong financial results, suggesting that the company may be prioritizing profitability over its earlier ESG commitments.

Google Scrubs Diversity From Responsible AI Team Webpage Δ1.76

Google has quietly updated its webpage for its responsible AI team to remove mentions of 'diversity' and 'equity,' a move that highlights the company's efforts to rebrand itself amid increased scrutiny over its diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The changes were spotted by watchdog group The Midas Project, which had previously called out Google's deletion of similar language from its Startups Founders Fund grant website. By scrubbing these terms, Google appears to be trying to distance itself from the controversy surrounding its diversity hiring targets and review of DEI programs.

Diversity Dismissals Begin at Top US Intelligence Agency, Lawyer Says Δ1.75

Officials involved in diversity, equality, inclusion and accessibility programs at the U.S. Office of the Director of National Intelligence have been ordered to resign or be fired, the lawyer for two of the officials said on Friday. This move has sparked concerns about the erosion of inclusivity and equity in the nation's top intelligence agency. The decision comes as part of a broader trend of rolling back diversity initiatives under President Donald Trump's administration.

Tech Giants Face Off in Ai and Quantum Chips Δ1.75

Apple's DEI defense has been bolstered by a shareholder vote that upheld the company's diversity policies. The decision comes as tech giants invest heavily in artificial intelligence and quantum computing. Apple is also expanding its presence in the US, committing $500 billion to domestic manufacturing and AI development.

Target Faces 40-Day Consumer Boycott Over Shift Away From Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies Δ1.75

A 40-day consumer boycott starting today is targeting Target over its shift away from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, which have sparked widespread protests and criticism from customers and community leaders. The boycott, led by prominent pastor Rev. Jamal Bryant, comes at a difficult time for the company as it faces an onslaught of tariffs in the middle of a challenging economy. Target's decision to eliminate hiring goals for minority employees and make changes to its diversity initiatives has drawn intense backlash from DEI supporters.

Apple Intelligence's True Potential Lies in Third-Party App Integration Δ1.74

Apple Intelligence is slowly upgrading its entire device lineup to adopt its artificial intelligence features under the Apple Intelligence umbrella, with significant progress made in integrating with more third-party apps seamlessly since iOS 18.5 was released in beta testing. The company's focus on third-party integrations highlights its commitment to expanding the capabilities of Apple Intelligence beyond simple entry-level features. As these tools become more accessible and powerful, users can unlock new creative possibilities within their favorite apps.

Activist Consumers Bring Wall Street to Its KNEES Δ1.73

A new wave of consumer activism is sweeping the nation, with protests and boycotts targeting controversial companies, forcing Wall Street to brace for impact. The Latino Freeze Movement has led to a growing trend of activist consumers calling out brands that value diversity, equity, and inclusion. As companies respond to these concerns, they risk damaging their reputations and bottom lines.

Apple Delays AI-Infused Siri Upgrade to Improve Features Δ1.73

Apple has delayed the rollout of its more personalized Siri with access to apps due to complexities in delivering features that were initially promised for release alongside iOS 18.4. The delay allows Apple to refine its approach and deliver a better user experience. This move may also reflect a cautionary stance on AI development, emphasizing transparency and setting realistic expectations.

Business News Roundup Faces Financial Dilemmas, Regulatory Challenges, and Competitive Pressures Δ1.73

Consumer Reports has released its list of the 10 best new cars to buy in 2025, highlighting vehicles with strong road test scores and safety features. The announcement comes as Eli Lilly & Co. is expanding its distribution of weight-loss drug Zepbound at lower prices, while Target is scaling back its DEI efforts amidst declining store visits. Meanwhile, Costco's luxury goods segment continues to grow, and Apple has secured President Trump's backing for its new investment plan.

Develop AI Device Ecosystem with Google and Qualcomm Δ1.73

Honor is rebranding itself as an "AI device ecosystem company" and working on a new type of intelligent smartphone that will feature "purpose-built, human-centric AI designed to maximize human potential."The company's new CEO, James Li, announced the move at MWC 2025, calling on the smartphone industry to "co-create an open, value-sharing AI ecosystem that maximizes human potential, ultimately benefiting all mankind." Honor's Alpha plan consists of three steps, each catering to a different 'era' of AI, including developing a "super intelligent" smartphone, creating an AI ecosystem, and co-existing with carbon-based life and silicon-based intelligence.

Anthropic Quietly Scrubs Biden-Era Responsible AI Commitment From Its Website Δ1.72

Anthropic appears to have removed its commitment to creating safe AI from its website, alongside other big tech companies. The deleted language promised to share information and research about AI risks with the government, as part of the Biden administration's AI safety initiatives. This move follows a tonal shift in several major AI companies, taking advantage of changes under the Trump administration.

The US Should Not Pursue a Manhattan Project for AGI Δ1.72

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, and Center for AI Safety Director Dan Hendrycks argue that the U.S. should not pursue a Manhattan Project-style push to develop AI systems with “superhuman” intelligence, also known as AGI. The paper asserts that an aggressive bid by the U.S. to exclusively control superintelligent AI systems could prompt fierce retaliation from China, potentially in the form of a cyberattack, which could destabilize international relations. Schmidt and his co-authors propose a measured approach to developing AGI that prioritizes defensive strategies.

Apple Delays Siri Upgrade Indefinitely as AI Concerns Escalate Δ1.72

Apple's delay in upgrading its Siri digital assistant raises concerns about the company's ability to deliver on promised artificial intelligence (AI) features. The turmoil in Apple's AI division has led to a reevaluation of its strategy, with some within the team suggesting that work on the delayed features could be scrapped altogether. The lack of transparency and communication from Apple regarding the delays has added to the perception of the company's struggles in the AI space.

AI-Powered 'More Personalized Siri' Is Delayed Δ1.72

Apple has postponed the launch of its anticipated "more personalized Siri" features, originally announced at last year's Worldwide Developers Conference, acknowledging that development will take longer than expected. The update aims to enhance Siri's functionality by incorporating personal context, enabling it to understand user relationships and routines better, but critics argue that Apple is lagging in the AI race, making Siri seem less capable compared to competitors like ChatGPT. Users have expressed frustrations with Siri's inaccuracies, prompting discussions about potentially replacing the assistant with more advanced alternatives.

Judge Denies Musk's Bid to Block OpenAI's For-Profit Shift, Fast Tracks Trial Δ1.71

A U.S. judge has denied Elon Musk's request for a preliminary injunction to pause OpenAI's transition to a for-profit model, paving the way for a fast-track trial later this year. The lawsuit filed by Musk against OpenAI and its CEO Sam Altman alleges that the company's for-profit shift is contrary to its founding mission of developing artificial intelligence for the good of humanity. As the legal battle continues, the future of AI development and ownership are at stake.

Intel Stocks Leap On Report Tied To Nvidia And Broadcom Δ1.71

Intel stock has added more than $20 billion in market value over the past month. Intel shares powered higher in early Monday trading following reports that both Nvidia and Broadcom are looking to test the chipmaker's advanced AI production techniques in what could be an early and important endorsement of its nascent turnaround plans. Intel's plan to separate its foundry division from its chip-design unit appears to have won the support of President Donald Trump, whose administration is reportedly working to bring Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co TSMC into a joint venture that would keep IFS based in the United States.

Former Intel Directors Strongly Oppose TSMC Takeover, Call for Intel Fabs Spinoff Δ1.71

The proposal to transfer Intel's manufacturing capacity to a Taiwanese company poses significant risks to the American semiconductor industry. Concentrating leading-edge production under foreign ownership could weaken domestic technology firms by creating a near-monopoly and reducing bargaining power in the market. A more strategic approach would be for Intel to separate its manufacturing division from its design business, with the U.S. government providing incentives to make this viable.

DBS Maintains Hold on Intel Corporation (INTC), Citing Progress and Profitability Challenges Δ1.71

DBS has decided to maintain a "hold" rating on Intel Corporation, acknowledging both the company's advancements in artificial intelligence and the profitability hurdles it faces. The report highlights Intel's positioning within the rapidly evolving AI market, emphasizing the need for continued investment in infrastructure to remain competitive. Despite the challenges, there is optimism regarding AI's transformative potential across various industries, which may benefit Intel in the long run.

How Big Tech Is Trying to Win Over Trump Δ1.71

Big Tech is actively working to align itself with the second Trump administration by making substantial investments in the U.S. and altering its corporate policies, particularly concerning diversity and inclusion. Major companies like Apple, Google, Meta, and Amazon are implementing strategies designed to curry favor with Trump, as reflected in their financial commitments and changes to corporate governance. This shift marks a significant departure from the previous administration's tense relationship with the tech sector, as companies seek to secure their interests in a potentially friendlier political landscape.