Hezbollah ceasefire: The Israeli government was set to approve a plan for a ceasefire with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah today, according to Al jezeera citing unconfirmed reports. Israel’s security cabinet is expected to approve the plan, brokered by the United States and France, at a meeting on Tuesday, newswires reported, quoting unnamed officials. An agreement would pave the way for a truce that would halt Israel’s 14-month-long conflict with Hezbollah, which has killed thousands of people. However, the war rolled on Tuesday.
Walmart DEI: Walmart Monday confirmed it is rolling back its diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, including everything from not renewing a five-year commitment for an equity racial center set up in 2020 after the police killing of George Floyd, to pulling out of a prominent gay rights index. And when it comes to race or gender, Walmart won’t be giving priority treatment to suppliers. Walmart has been under pressure from conservative groups as it continues to navigate the fallout from the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in June 2023 ending affirmative action in college admissions. Conservative groups have filed lawsuits making similar arguments about corporations, targeting workplace initiatives such as diversity programs and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups.
Menendez brothers: A judge in California has delayed until Jan. 30 a resentencing hearing for Lyle and Erik Menendez at the brothers’ first hearing since they were sentenced to life in prison for murdering their parents in 1989, CNN reported. Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Jesic said at a Monday status hearing the resentencing date, originally scheduled for December 11, would be rescheduled to give the new district attorney time to review the case. Current Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón was voted out of office earlier this month and will be replaced by Nathan Hochman next week. Gascón recommended resentencing for the brothers in October, which could allow them to be released from prison after almost 30 years.
Anti-obesity drugs: U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday proposed expanding coverage of anti-obesity drugs for millions on Medicare and Medicaid, which could cut out-of-pocket expenses for some by as much as 95%, according to Reuters. Such an action would enable more Americans to afford new weight loss medications that can help prevent type 2 diabetes and lower the risk of death and heart attacks by up to 20%, but cost as much as $1,000 a month without insurance coverage.
