Business

Indianapolis, a city known for its vibrant sports culture and annual events like the Final Four and the NFL Draft Combine, is preparing for a new milestone. For the first time, the city will host the WNBA All-Star Game in the summer of 2025. Scheduled for July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the event will kick off with the 3-Point Contest and Skills Challenge the day before, July 18. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the choice of location, noting, “Bringing the AT&T WNBA All-Star to Indianapolis aligns perfectly with Indiana’s deep basketball history and rabid fan base. It’s an…

WASHINGTON AND SAN FRANCISCO — Following a final court ruling that Google violated antitrust laws by monopolizing the online search market, the U.S. Department of Justice, along with state prosecutors, is actively considering remedies. Possible strategies could include segmenting core Google components, such as the Chrome web browser and Android operating system, according to several sources familiar with the matter, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the ongoing discussions. Further measures under consideration force Google to provide competitive access to its valuable data and dismantle agreements that establish Google as the default search engine on…

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s presidential campaign has hit a major snag after a New York judge ruled that he does not meet the state's residency requirements to appear on the ballot. The decision stems from a legal challenge questioning the validity of Kennedy's New York address, which was critical to his eligibility to run for office in the state. The judge's ruling found that Kennedy's declared New York residence was a "false" address used solely to qualify to vote. Despite Kennedy's claims of maintaining ties to the state, including real estate and tax returns, the court ruled that his primary…

Sony Music Masterworks has strengthened its live entertainment division with the acquisition of a majority stake in Black Sky Creative. The Los Angeles-based company specializes in creating immersive experiences, retail activations and live events for a wide range of brands and intellectual properties. Led by founder Jeff Delson and partners Lee Rosen and Shannon Ramirez, Black Sky will continue to operate independently while aligning its expertise with Masterworks’ broader strategic goals. The partnership aims to create scalable, fan-centric experiences that bridge the gap between music, film, television and gaming. Black Sky’s impressive portfolio includes projects like the Stranger Things Official…

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) maker Zeekr has made waves in the industry by unveiling a new battery technology that promises ultra-fast charging capabilities. The company says its latest innovation can recharge a battery from 10% to 80% in just 10.5 minutes, beating the charging speeds currently offered by industry leader Tesla. Zeekr’s breakthrough comes as the electric vehicle market intensifies its focus on addressing range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations. By significantly reducing charging times, the company aims to appeal to consumers who have been hesitant to adopt EVs due to perceived inconveniences. The company’s new battery technology will initially…

Stocks rose on Tuesday, boosted by encouraging inflation data and a renewed sense of optimism among investors. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose more than 350 points, bringing the broader market closer to its all-time high. The producer price index (PPI), a measure of wholesale inflation, came in lower than expected, boosting investor confidence and fueling expectations of a less hawkish monetary policy stance from the Federal Reserve. The positive PPI reading set the stage for Wednesday's release of the consumer price index (CPI), a closely watched gauge of headline inflation. The S&P 500 led the rally, gaining more than…

Los Angeles is gearing up to host the 2028 Summer Olympics, marking its historic third time on the world stage. This article explores the city's plans and preparations for the upcoming games. Looking Back: Los Angeles' Olympic Legacy Los Angeles has a rich Olympic history, having successfully hosted the Games in 1932 and 1984. The 1932 Games, held during the Great Depression, featured iconic moments such as the gold medal performances of Babe Didrikson Zaharias. The 1984 Games, dubbed the "Good Olympics," were a financial and cultural triumph, with memorable events such as Rafer Johnson's torch lighting and a theme…

Cisco Systems, a leading developer of computer networking solutions based in San Jose, California, said it will reduce its workforce by 7 percent, marking its second significant reduction this year. The decision means about 6,000 job losses from its 84,900-person workforce as of July 2023. Earlier this year, Cisco had already cut its workforce by 4,000. Despite the job cuts, Cisco reported net income of $2.16 billion for the latest quarter, a 45 percent decline from the previous year, with revenue falling 10 percent to $13.64 billion. However, those numbers still beat expectations set by Wall Street, sending Cisco's stock…

The 96th annual Westfield Fair returns August 16-18, bringing a vibrant celebration of local agriculture, family-friendly entertainment and community spirit to Western Massachusetts. “We are all about supporting local farmers, small businesses and agricultural education,” says Andy Freniere, a board member of the Westfield Fair. The nonprofit event showcases the talents of local exhibitors through livestock, produce and craft competitions. The fairgrounds at 137 Russellville Rd. will be bustling with activity all weekend. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and children 12 and under are free with a paying adult. Highlights include: Mass trucks and tractors: On Friday…

Hurricane Ernesto has had a severe impact on Puerto Rico, having been upgraded to a Category 1 hurricane upon landfall. The storm's strong winds and heavy rains have caused widespread power outages, affecting thousands of residents in Puerto Rico and the neighboring Virgin Islands. Local authorities are working tirelessly to restore power and provide relief to those hardest hit by the storm. While emergency services are mobilizing to address immediate needs, the broader implications of Ernesto’s passage are becoming clear. Roads are blocked by debris and several communities are reporting significant flooding, complicating relief and recovery efforts. The local government…