A white man named Randall Dill has filed a lawsuit against IBM, alleging that his termination was a result of the company's efforts to advance diversity hiring initiatives. Dill, who worked as a senior managing consultant at IBM, claims that despite his positive performance evaluations and strong relationships with major clients like the Pentagon, he was falsely accused of not generating enough business and placed on a performance improvement plan. This led to his termination in October 2023. Dill contends that his dismissal was intended to create space for the hiring of more women and minorities, aligning with the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies.

The lawsuit, filed in a Michigan federal court, argues that IBM's DEI practices violate the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Dill's attorney, Gene Hamilton, highlighted that the actions taken by IBM managers were motivated by financial incentives, as executives were reportedly pressured to meet diversity quotas to receive bonuses. Hamilton emphasized that decisions based on "immutable characteristics" like race or sex should not influence employment decisions, and that Dill's rights were unjustly violated in the process.

IBM has dismissed the lawsuit as "baseless," stating that neither race nor gender played a role in Dill's termination. The company insists that it does not use hiring quotas and maintains that discrimination has no place within its organization. This lawsuit is the second of its kind brought against IBM by America First Legal, a conservative legal group, which previously sued the company over similar allegations tied to its DEI initiatives. Dill is seeking reinstatement, back pay, and compensation for the emotional distress he has suffered due to the alleged discriminatory practices. (Full story)

An Uber Eats driver recently confronted a customer who reduced their tip after delivery, a practice known as "tip baiting." This controversial tactic involves customers initially offering a generous tip to ensure fast service, only to reduce or remove it after the delivery is completed. The driver, who recorded the encounter, expressed frustration over the deceptive practice, which even Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, admitted to falling victim to. The incident highlights growing concerns among delivery drivers about the fairness of tipping practices on platforms like Uber Eats. (Full story)

Starbucks, once a dominant force in the U.S. coffee market, is now facing a significant decline in customer satisfaction and orders, with a 6% drop reported in the quarter ending June 30, 2024. Rising prices, driven in part by increased labor costs and varying state pricing, have pushed many loyal customers to seek more affordable alternatives. Additionally, long wait times, even with mobile ordering, have further frustrated patrons. Compounding these issues are political controversies that have damaged the brand's image, leading to a backlash from both ends of the political spectrum. As Starbucks struggles with these challenges, its ability to adapt and regain customer trust will be essential for maintaining its industry leadership. (Full story)

Michelle Obama has faced criticism for hypocrisy after advising Americans not to "take more than they need" during a speech at the Democratic National Convention, despite her own wealth exceeding $70 million and ownership of a lavish Martha's Vineyard estate. Her comments, intended to honor her modest upbringing and her parents' values, sparked backlash online, with many pointing out the contrast between her words and her financial status. Critics also highlighted the wealth of other DNC speakers, calling out the inconsistency in condemning the wealthy while being affluent themselves. Additionally, Obama delivered a fiery rebuke of Donald Trump, further igniting debate as she endorsed Kamala Harris and invoked the theme of hope, reminiscent of her husband's presidential campaign.

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A federal judge in California dismissed a lawsuit alleging that X, formerly known as Twitter, discriminated against employees with disabilities following Elon Musk's acquisition of the company. The lawsuit, filed by former engineering manager Dmitry Borodaenko, claimed that Musk's mandate for in-person work disproportionately affected disabled employees who relied on remote work. However, US District Judge Araceli Martinez-Olguin ruled that Borodaenko had not provided sufficient evidence to prove this claim, though he was given four weeks to revise his complaint. This lawsuit is among several filed by former Twitter employees after Musk's takeover, with allegations ranging from discriminatory layoffs to breaches in corporate governance. Additionally, X was ordered to disclose its complete ownership structure, revealing investments from prominent Silicon Valley figures and other entities. (Full story)