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Apple's shareholders voted to continue the tech giant's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives on Tuesday, rejecting a proposal from the National Center for Public Policy Research (NCPPR) to end them. Predictably, President Donald Trump is mad about it.

The NCPPR's attempt to abolish Apple's DEI initiatives was shot down in a landslide during the company's annual shareholder meeting this week, garnering only 210.45 million votes compared to 8.84 billion against it. In its proposal, the self-described conservative think tank claimed that DEI programs pose "litigation, reputational and financial risks," and that their mere existence potentially breaches companies' duties to shareholders.

Apple's shareholders clearly didn't find the NCPPR's arguments compelling though, ultimately following the board's recommendation that the proposal be rejected. 

SEE ALSO: Google scraps diverse hiring targets following Trump's crusade against DEI

"The proposal is unnecessary as Apple already has a well‑established compliance program and the proposal inappropriately attempts to restrict Apple’s ability to manage its own ordinary business operations, people and teams, and business strategies," Apple wrote in its proxy statement. "Our Board and management maintain active oversight of legal and regulatory risks and compliance for our global business."

Further responding to the NCPPR's proposal, Apple CEO Tim Cook stated that the company has "never had quotas or targets," but that its DEI programs are key to its corporate culture guided by "dignity and respect for everyone."

"Our strength has always come from hiring the very best people and then providing a culture of collaboration," said Cook.

Despite Apple shareholders' decision to retain the company's DEI programs, Cook did acknowledge that changes in legislation may force adjustments to its policies regardless. But for now, Apple's commitments to equity remain in place.

"As the legal landscape around these issues evolves, we may need to make some changes to comply," Cook stated. "We’ll continue to work together to create a culture of belonging and we’ll remain committed to the values that have always made us who we are."

As of 2022, Apple reported that almost 65 percent of its global workforce was male, while approximately 42 percent were white, 30 percent were Asian, 15 percent were Hispanic/Latinx, and just nine percent were Black.

The NCPPR has sent similar anti-DEI proposals to over two dozen companies according to the Washington Post, including Airbnb and General Motors. Costco's shareholders voted on its proposal from the NCPPR during their own meeting in January, where it also failed.

Trump criticises Apple's DEI shareholder vote

Of course, Trump was not pleased by the results of Apple's shareholder vote. The president railed against Apple's decision to adhere to its shareholders' decision on his social media platform Truth Social, continuing his aggressive attacks on DEI programs.

"APPLE SHOULD GET RID OF DEI RULES, NOT JUST MAKE ADJUSTMENTS TO THEM," wrote Trump (emphasis original). "DEI WAS A HOAX THAT HAS BEEN VERY BAD FOR OUR COUNTRY. DEI IS GONE!!!"

Interestingly, Trump's close ally Elon Musk recently took to X to stress the sanctity of the shareholder vote in December. This was in response to a judge ruling that Tesla's shareholders couldn't reinstate Musk's $55.8 billion compensation package after the court had already ruled it unlawful.

Dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion has been one of Trump's primary concerns since his inauguration, with one of his first acts being to issue an executive order terminating all federal DEI programs. While this order only directly impacted government entities, tech giants have also been falling in line with Trump's directive of their own volition. After all, the U.S government is far more likely to grant lucrative contracts to companies whose values align with its own.

Meta preemptively scrapped its DEI initiatives just prior to Trump's inauguration in January, altering its Hateful Conduct policy to be more friendly to divisive and discriminatory content. Similarly, Amazon reportedly told employees it was "winding down" some DEI programs, and scrubbed mention of diversity and inclusion from its recent annual report. Google also got rid of its diverse hiring targets earlier this month — as well as deleted its pledge against using AI for weapons or surveillance.

Stop me if you've heard this one before: An underestimated woman takes over a failing sports team whose players include a gruff veteran, a talented but out-of-control diva, and a sweet newbie. That's Ted Lasso, right? Wrong! It's Running Point.

SEE ALSO: Kate Hudson and Mindy Kaling join forces in 'Running Point' trailer

Or what about this one: A dysfunctional group of four siblings — three brothers, one sister — fights over their father's lucrative empire. Is that Succession? No! It's Running Point!

All this is to say that Mindy Kaling, Elaine Ko, Ike Barinholtz, and David Stassen's basketball comedy Running Point feels like the love child of two of the biggest shows of recent years — and that's not a bad thing. (Ted Lasso definitely has the dominant genes.) The series mixes familiar storylines with a tone more akin to Kaling's other shows, resulting in a glossy sports comedy buoyed by a winning ensemble.

Running Point remixes the Ted Lasso formula with basketball. Kate Hudson in "Running Point." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / Netflix

Like Ted Lasso, Running Point brings us behind the scenes of a high-level sports team that's seen better days. This time around, it's the Los Angeles Waves, a fictionalized version of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Waves executive suite is a family affair, with the four Gordon siblings running the organization in the years since their father — the legendary but brash Jack Gordon — passed away. Eldest son Cam (Justin Theroux) is the president, former pro player Ness (Scott MacArthur) serves as the GM, and business-savvy Sandy (Drew Tarver) is the CFO. Meanwhile, the oft-excluded Isla (Kate Hudson) is left to manage the Waves charity, even though she knows more about the game than her brothers care to acknowledge.

SEE ALSO: 'Ted Lasso' Season 3 ending explained: One final game, and a whole lot of mess

Isla gets the chance to put her extensive basketball IQ to the test when Cam unexpectedly appoints her team president. (Isla is loosely based on current Lakers president Jeanie Buss, who serves as an executive producer on Running Point.) Suddenly, she finds herself at the head of a very male-dominated sports organization full of people — including her own family members — ready for her to trip up. Ted Lasso viewers may see quite a bit of Rebecca Welton (Hannah Waddingham) in her, from her competitive spirit to her high-profile position in men's sports. However, there are major differences, too, from Isla's bubblier personality to the fact that she doesn't start the series wanting to tank the Waves. Instead, she's tasked with the impossible: turning around a lifeless team.

That's easier said than done, especially when decorated team captain Marcus Winfield (Toby Sandeman) is checked out of the season and point guard Travis Bugg (Chet Hanks) courts controversy at every turn. They're not not similar to Roy Kent (Brett Goldstein) and Jamie Tartt (Phil Dunster), just as the players' himbo locker room antics don't not call to mind the Richmond Greyhounds. Yet the basketball elements keep the team dynamic feeling fresh, even if you don't understand much about basketball.

You don't need to watch basketball to love Running Point. Scott MacArthur, Kate Hudson, and Drew Tarver in "Running Point." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / Netflix

Sure, a bit of basketball knowledge may come in handy while watching Running Point's game sequences or boardroom scenes, where characters rattle off facts about salary caps, outside shooting, and player trades. Still, if you don't know your free throws from your three-pointers, don't worry. Running Point is much more interested in what's happening in interpersonal relationships off the court versus the details of what happens on it. That's because Running Point is, at its heart, the story of a screwed-up family who just happens to run a multi-billion dollar basketball team.

At the start of most episodes, Isla recounts stories about her father Jack in voiceover, recalling his casual misogyny, his judgmental nature, and the way he viewed his players as assets instead of people. Running Point explores the ways these qualities have trickled down into his children and how they're trying to unlearn them. It's as if Succession's Roy kids actually learned to open up emotionally and were way less intense. Plus, Running Point throws in a curveball in the form of Jack's secret son Jackie (Fabrizio Guido), who yearns for familial connection with the other Gordons.

The Gordon family ties allow for a number of laugh-out-loud story beats, including a squabble at an engagement party and an argument about player trades that devolves into a paintball shootout. It also allows Running Point's core cast to showcase their killer chemistry. Hudson leads the team with pitch-perfect comedic timing, committing totally to Isla's many pratfalls. As support, MacArthur and Tarver make for a delightful odd couple: Ness is loud and bro-y, and Sandy is more reserved yet cutting. Theroux is less present, but he's an absolute hoot whenever he shows up, and Guido rounds out the Gordons with an endearing innocence that contrasts nicely with the rest of his siblings' billionaire blunders. Closing out Running Point's all-star team are Brenda Song as Waves chief of staff Ali, Max Greenfield as Isla's fiancé Lev, and Jay Ellis as Waves coach Jay.

Running Point's endlessly watchable cast carries the show through some bumpier pacing moments since, like with many streaming comedies, Running Point feels like it would benefit from a longer season. That way, it wouldn't have to squeeze important events like the lead-up to playoffs into such a short amount of time.

Despite these pacing issues, Running Point remains a sharp comedy that skewers both professional basketball and dysfunctional families with glee. Here's hoping it joins Never Have I Ever as another multi-season Kaling Netflix series. It has all the right pieces, and with a little more time, it could cement itself as an absolute slam dunk.

Running Point is now streaming on Netflix.

A leader’s ability to inspire depends on how well they play three key roles: visionary, exemplar, and mentor. Here’s how to embody each one: Visionary. People rally around leaders who provide meaning, purpose, and optimism. Your message should be big-picture, values-driven, and simple yet vivid. For example, you might say, “Make our customers smile” instead […]

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TL;DR: Discover the joy of piano with a Skoove Premium Lifetime Subscription for £118.20 (reg. £236.40), giving you unlimited access to interactive lessons, real-time feedback, and music you love.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £118.20 at the Mashable Shop
£236.40 Save £118.20 Get Deal

Ready to tickle the ivories but tired of the hassle (and cost) of traditional piano lessons? Meet Skoove Premium, your personal piano coach that fits right in your pocket. For just £118.20 (reg. £236.40), you’ll get lifetime access to interactive online piano lessons that adapt to your pace and preferences.

No more rushing to weekly lessons or struggling through boring practice books. Skoove lets you learn piano on your own terms — at home or whenever inspiration strikes. The app offers over 400 lessons with real-time feedback, so you’ll always know if you’re hitting the right notes (literally).

Whether you’re a total beginner or an experienced player, Skoove’s AI-powered technology listens to your playing and tailors your learning experience accordingly. You’ll get to play chart-toppers from artists like John Legend, The Beatles, and Adele, as well as classical masterpieces by Bach and Beethoven.

And the best part? No fancy equipment required. Skoove works with any piano or keyboard — digital, acoustic, or USB/MIDI. Use it on your tablet, smartphone, or computer, and practice wherever you are. Plus, with one-on-one instructor support, you’ll never feel stuck.

Skoove keeps things fresh with monthly updates featuring new lessons and songs. So, whether you’re aiming to serenade your loved ones or just looking for a relaxing hobby, Skoove makes piano learning fun, easy, and accessible.

Pay £118.20 (a 50% discount for Mashable readers) for lifetime access to all Skoove has to offer — it’s a one-time investment in a skill that lasts forever.

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TL;DR: Get Microsoft Office for life and Windows 11 Pro for just £43.32 (reg. £345.16) if you buy this bundle before 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT. 

Tired of software subscriptions? Cancel them. You actually don't need a Microsoft 365 subscription to get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and all the other productivity tools you rely on. Instead, you can switch to a Microsoft Office lifetime device license that comes with the same apps for a one-time payment. And now, you also get Windows 11 Pro included, and the whole package is just £43.32 (reg. £345.16) at the Mashable Shop.

No more software subscriptions

Microsoft Office Pro gives you lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. There are no hidden fees or recurring costs of any kind. Download each of these apps onto your Windows computer, and your access lasts as long as you have your device.

Now, if you're used to Microsoft 365, these tools might look a little different (but not much). The 2021 Microsoft apps still work great, so you can keep relying on Excel for work or Word for school, minus the constant cost. 

Windows 11 Pro is a serious upgrade, even if you're just coming from Windows 11 Home. It gives you access to more advanced security tools like Bitlocker device encryption and TPM 2.0. You also get to use Windows Copilot, your own built-in AI you can use to generate text, conduct research, or just answer a quick question.

Gamers even get their own boost with DirectX 12 Ultimate, which is super useful for getting the most out of your hardware for graphically intense games. 

Remember: You only have until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT to get a lifetime license for Microsoft Office Pro 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for just £43.32 (reg. £345.16). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: UGR Tech The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle £43.32 at the Mashable Shop
£345.16 Save £301.84 Get Deal

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: To protect the catcher

• Green: Not a starter

• Blue: Events for NFL draft prospects

• Purple: After a flag or other penalty

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: A catcher's equipment

• Green: Backups

• Blue: NFL Draft tests and evaluations

• Purple: Results of a penalty

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #157 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• A Catcher's Equipment - CHEST PROTECTOR, GLOVE, MASK, SHIN GUARDS

• Backups - BENCH, DEPTH, RESERVES, SUBSTITUTES

• NFL Draft Tests and Evaluations - 40-YARD DASH, INTERVIEW, THREE-CONE DRILL, VERTICAL JUMP

• Results of a Penalty - FREE-THROW, LOSS OF YARDS, POWER PLAY, YELLOW CARD

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

I use YouTube Premium more than any other streaming service, which means there are certain great features of YouTube that I miss when I use other streaming services. In particular, I hope that Netflix will copy these five awesome YouTube features.

Turn-based RPGs are one of gaming's largest genres, yet they're also one of the most divisive. Many players struggle to see the appeal of the genre's strategic gameplay and stat-heavy systems. However, turn-based RPGs are more varied than most people realize, which is why at least one of these games will likely appeal to you.

Ad-supported Max memberships will lose access to B/R Sports and CNN Max on March 30th. These programmatic live channels now require an ad-free Standard or Premium subscription.

There's an undeniable thrill when it comes to buying the latest and greatest technology. Whether that's a brand-new graphic card or the latest OLED TV. However, the cost of being the first to the checkout is more than just money, and these days that hidden cost is too much in my opinion.

Even if you don't know it, there's a pretty good chance you've been to a millennial burger joint. As TikTok has recently noticed, there are numerous tell-tale signs, including, but not limited to, reclaimed wood, metal barstools, truffle fries, $25 burgers, and a menu with sections like "shareable" and "handhelds."

SEE ALSO: TikTok's My Emergency Contact trend, explained

The latest TikTok trend, for one reason or another, centers on poking fun at these restaurants.

It started with folks noticing this was a type of place at all.

It just so happened that Kyle Gordon — the popular TikTokker who often makes parody songs like "Planet of the Bass" — recently released a truly insufferable faux millennial anthem that effectively rips off "We Are Young" by Fun.

The Gordon track became the background audio to lots of TikToks of folks pointing out what defines a millennial burger place and showing examples IRL. And frankly, the TikToks have nailed it.

The burgers are typically pretty expensive, sitting on a brioche bun, and often with too many options for toppings. There's a chalkboard somewhere listing off craft beers or specials. The menu has non-threatening curses like "kick-ass." The decor is a mix of distressed wood and unfinished metal. There are truffle fries served in one of those little fryer baskets. The menu has sections like "handhelds," "shareables," and "sweet treats." The restaurant itself tells the story of how it was started by "two guys with a dream."

The trend itself is pretty harmless fun. Because the thing is, as much as folks poke fun at these places, we've all been to one — and I bet we'll be back, paying $23 for the Kickass, Fire It Up handheld.

Sometimes, you have to remove someone from your Family Sharing group. This could be due to a change in family dynamics, an individual wanting to control their purchasing power, or wanting to swap them out with someone else. No matter the reason, here’s what happens when you remove them from your group.

Smartwatches are not just for tracking your workouts, but they can also potentially be tools to save your life. The Pixel Watch 3 was missing a key feature pending FDA approval, and now, that's finally out of the way.

Many people swear by Samsung's SSDs as the best ones out there, but the company has been fashionably late to the PCIe 5.0 game—maybe because, for a lot of things, PCIe 4.0 is still enough. Still, if you've been waiting for one, they're finally here.

Few laptop makers are doing things as exciting as Framework and its modular devices. This week, the company announced a new desktop and an affordable 2-in-1 laptop with a touchscreen. Yes, the Framework Laptop 12 will be just like its larger modular siblings, but it will be more budget-friendly and portable.

Your phone bill is a monthly expense that can really add up over time if you are overpaying for it. There are ways to cut back on this cost, though, especially if you are looking to start a new phone plan with another carrier or are just getting a new phone. Follow these tips to save money.

Greek mythology and the WWE collide in the trailer for Dimension 20: Titan Takedown.

SEE ALSO: The 'Dimension 20' cast reveal which campaign they would most like to revisit

Headed up by Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan, the four-episode actual play campaign transports viewers to ancient Athens, where gods and heroes take part in the Titan Takedown, which Mulligan dubs "the battle of the millennium."

And who more fitting to play out this story than four WWE Superstars? The trailer introduces Titan Takedown's cast of righteous wrestlers with panache, starting out with Xavier Woods as Julius Mortem. Next up is Bayley, whose minotaur Thea Kittleroo is a barbarian through and through.

SEE ALSO: 'Dimension 20's 'Gauntlet at the Garden' was a euphoric experience for 'Dungeons and Dragons' fans everywhere

Joining them is Kofi Kingston, playing King Adonis Thanaformus. "Spoiler alert, he's a king!" Kingston informs his fellow players.

Rounding out the cast is Chelsea Green as tabaxi rogue Tabatha, or Tabby for short. She may or may not be singing the Pussycat Dolls' "Buttons" as she sneaks around, so brace yourself for cat puns galore.

The rest of the trailer for Titan Takedown teases a mini wrestling ring set, serious drama between the Greek gods, and Mulligan going full WWE announcer mode, complete with a sparkly jacket and drop-down announcer mic. Witness the righteous wrestlers in all their glory in the trailer above.

Dimension 20: Titan Takedown premieres April 2 on Dropout.

When you’re a buyer on a budget, there are a seemingly endless number of things that you have to consider when looking for a new car. Small crossovers, however, seem to tick a lot of boxes, delivering practicality, comfort, and affordable running costs, all at a price that is bearable.

TL;DR: A license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home that never expires is now available for a one-time price of A$206 through 30 March, giving you lifetime access to key productivity tools.

Why deal with subscription fees when you can own your productivity tools for life? Microsoft Office 2024 Home (licenses for Mac and PC are available) offers lifetime access with a one-time purchase of A$206 (reg. A$238), letting you unlock the full suite with no recurring payments: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote. Whether you’re managing projects for work, school, or personal life, this edition provides the tools you need.

What’s new in Office 2024? For starters, Excel now allows you to handle larger datasets and multiple workbooks at once, making it easier to work on complex projects and analyses. PowerPoint ups your presentation game with new features for recording presentations, including integrated voice narration and live camera feeds, which can help add a personal touch, especially during virtual meetings or remote work settings. Outlook now comes with an upgraded accessibility checker that ensures your emails are clear, readable, and meet accessibility standards, helping you communicate more effectively.

Office 2024’s streamlined interface is designed to be intuitive, with a unified look across apps, making it easier to jump between tasks and stay organized. Whether you're preparing financial reports, creating presentations, or simply managing everyday tasks, this suite works seamlessly across both Macs and PCs.

This one-time payment guarantees lifetime access for your device to all of these popular Microsoft tools.

Say goodbye to monthly fees and hello to a better way to work — score a lifetime device license to Microsoft Office 2024 Home for Mac or PC for A$206 until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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Google has secured FDA clearance for its first-to-market pulse detection feature intended to aid smartwatch wearers who may experience isolated medical emergencies.

Powered by an AI-based algorithm and a device "multipath heart rate sensor," the smartwatch can detect "pulselessness" caused by various medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, poisoning, or respiratory arrest. The watch will then automatically call and request a dispatch of emergency services. The feature was designed with input from cardiologists, global authorities on resuscitation, and Emergency Medical Service leaders, dispatchers, and paramedics, according to the company.

SEE ALSO: It's now easier to remove personal information from Google Search results

"When a loss of pulse event happens, it’s usually up to a bystander to give or get help," the company explains. "However, half of all loss of pulse events related to cardiac arrest, for example, are unwitnessed – leaving millions worldwide effectively no chance of receiving emergency care soon after losing their pulse."

Here's how it works: The Pixel Watch 3 harnesses integrated heart rate monitors to detect a loss of pulse, which then trigger additional sensors that search for other signs of pulse or motion. If none are detected, the watch then begins prompting the user with check-in alerts. If there is no response from the wearer, the watch will begin emanating a loud sound and display a countdown on its screen, after which it will call an emergency dispatcher through the LTE-enabled smartwatch or connected smartphone.

Google makes it clear in the fine print, however, that the feature is not intended for those with preexisting heart conditions or who require cardiac monitoring.

The Loss of Pulse Detector feature was first announced in August, available to select market across U.K, France, Austria, Denmark, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Switzerland. Since then, the feature has expanded to 14 countries. It will finally roll out to U.S.-based Pixel Watch 3 owners in March.