Showers, storms for morning commute – NBC Chicago

Costco shoppers in Texas, Michigan, and New York shared mixed opinions on the company's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies, with some supporting merit-based hiring practices while others advocating for DEI. Despite other corporations scaling back their DEI efforts, Costco remains firm in its stance, with shareholders rejecting an anti-DEI proposal. While some customers believe DEI is essential, others prioritize lower grocery prices over hiring practices. Full Article

UNRWA is a humanitarian agency established in 1949 to aid Palestinian refugees, providing services to 5.9 million people in various locations. Israel is banning UNRWA due to allegations of antisemitism, incitement of violence, and connections to terrorist activities. Israel is canceling the agreement, impacting operations in Gaza and the West Bank, potentially affecting aid distribution in the region. Full Article

European automakers are facing multiple challenges, including the threat of a trade war with the U.S. President Trump and stricter EU regulations on carbon emissions. To avoid hefty penalties, automakers are considering buying emissions credits from competitors like Tesla and Chinese companies. The decline in demand for electric cars in Europe, combined with competition from China, has created a difficult situation for European automakers. The industry is lobbying for relief from the regulations to prevent...

FBI director nominee Kash Patel rejects violence against law enforcement in response to President Trump's pardons for Jan 6 rioters, amidst reports of Trump administration ordering FBI officials promoted under former director Wray to resign. Patel assures Senate Judiciary Committee of no retribution if confirmed, as concerns arise over potential dismissals within the FBI prior to official confirmation of a new director. Full Article

St. John Bosco High School responded to a lawsuit by backing football coach Jason Negro and accusing plaintiff Brian Wickstrom of financial improprieties, leading to his termination. The lawsuit alleges Negro embezzled money and had assistant coaches pay players' tuition in cash, which the school denies. Wickstrom claims he was fired for trying to hold Negro accountable, while the school accuses him of unauthorized loans. The Salesians are conducting an investigation, with tensions rising over...

Julian Edelman, a key player in the New England Patriots' final three Super Bowl victories, retired as one of the team's most beloved players in 2021. Despite his impressive postseason performance, including a Super Bowl MVP win in 2019, his chances for the Hall of Fame are uncertain due to his regular-season stats and lack of Pro Bowl or All-Pro selections. Edelman, however, remains focused on his Super Bowl victories and family, stating that he...