Investments and Business

In the tangled corridors of government oversight, Dr. Jeffrey E. Shuren was a prominent figure, heading the Food and Drug Administration’s medical device branch for more than a decade. Leading a team of about 2,500 people, Dr. Shuren oversaw an expansive budget of about $790 million, according to U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee documents. Dr. Shuren’s tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments, including record approvals of innovative medical devices ranging from joint replacements to infectious disease diagnostics. His leadership was recently praised by FDA Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf, who highlighted the historic number of new device…

A recent survey by the New York Federal Reserve paints a bleak picture of the U.S. labor market, highlighting rising anxiety among workers. The study, conducted in July, revealed falling employment rates, a surge in job seekers, and widespread dissatisfaction with wages and benefits. These results add to growing concerns about the health of the U.S. economy. The unemployment rate, though historically low at 4.3%, has been steadily rising, fueling fears of a broader recession. Additionally, July’s nonfarm payrolls increase of just 114,000 was weaker than expected, further fueling anxiety. The Fed survey results go even deeper, highlighting a significant…

WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina — NASCAR has announced that the 2025 preseason Clash will be held at the iconic Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 2. This marks the return of the NASCAR Cup Series to the quarter-mile track for the first time since 1971. Bowman Gray Stadium, renowned for its racing history and as the backdrop for the docuseries "Madhouse," has been a fixture in the motorsports community. The track, which hosted NASCAR Cup events from 1958 to 1971, continues to be a venue for weekly races during the summer and various NASCAR regional and Modified events. Owned by the city…

In a recent long-term research study published Tuesday, Eli Lilly reported that its popular weight-management drug significantly reduced the incidence of type 2 diabetes by 94 percent among overweight or obese adults who had prediabetic symptoms, compared to a control group that received a placebo. The late-stage study explored the effects of tirzepatide, the active compound in both Eli Lilly’s Zepbound weight-loss shot and the diabetes treatment Mounjaro. Over about three years, participants who received the highest weekly dose of tirzepatide experienced an average reduction in body weight of 22.9 percent, while those who took a placebo saw only a…

The debate over whether electric vehicles (EVs) or traditional gasoline-powered cars offer better long-term value has intensified as EV prices have fallen and charging infrastructure has expanded. While EVs often come with a higher upfront cost, the potential savings on fuel and maintenance can make them an attractive option. However, the financial equation is far from simple, with factors such as location, driving habits and vehicle model playing crucial roles. A growing body of research indicates that the total cost of ownership (TCO) for electric vehicles can vary significantly depending on where you live. Studies have found that drivers in…

As the WNBA regular season nears its climax, the competition for playoff spots intensifies. Every team is jockeying for position, with less than a month left to solidify their position. Here’s an in-depth look at the current contenders, analyzing their strengths, potential weaknesses, and key challenges. New York Liberty: Keeping the Pace The Liberty have exceeded all expectations this season, echoing the Aces' previous dominance. Their primary concern is maintaining their stellar performance under the increasing pressure of the playoffs and effectively managing player fatigue. Minnesota Lynx: Needs Interior Score Known for their prowess from beyond the arc, the Lynx’s…

Estee Lauder Chairman and CEO Fabrizio Freda will retire, marking the end of an impactful era for the cosmetics giant. Estee Lauder forecast its annual sales and profits will fall short of expectations as the global beauty industry faces declining demand, particularly in China. The announcement comes amid news that CEO Fabrizio Freda, who has led the company since 2009, will step down on June 30, 2025, ending nearly 16 years of leadership. During her tenure, Freda, 66, has significantly expanded Estee Lauder’s skin care line, incorporating popular brands like Dr. Jart and Deciem, which owns The Ordinary. She has…

It was clear from the start that the penalty shootout would be long. As the game turned into a penalty shootout after a dramatic last-gasp equaliser by Panathinaikos, Argentine midfielder Daniel Mancini was the first to step forward. His effort was weak, easily picked up by Ajax's 40-year-old goalkeeper Remko Pasveer, setting the tone for a penalty shootout that was marked by a mix of errors and brilliance. With 34 penalties taken, a record in UEFA competitions, 25 were scored, two were completely missed and seven were saved by goalkeepers. Pasveer saved five impressively, while Panathinaikos' Bartlomiej Dragowski saved two.…

Goldman Sachs has lowered its forecast for a potential US recession to 20%, following a reassessment prompted by the latest employment and retail trade data. The change comes after it raised its recession probability earlier this month, initially pegged at 25% due to disappointing job growth figures in early August. Earlier, Goldman Sachs economic analysts had raised their recession risk estimates when the July jobs report showed nonfarm payrolls rose by just 114,000, significantly below expectations and down from the revised June figures. The disappointing report contributed to a temporary stock market downturn and raised alarms about the potential weakening…

Last season, there was much discussion about a possible sensational move that would have sent LeBron James to the Golden State Warriors, according to respected NBA analyst Marc Stein. Stein revealed that the talks had progressed to direct talks between Warriors majority owner Joe Lacob and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Jeanie Buss. James’s close associate Draymond Green reportedly said the NBA veteran would consider a move north. However, those discussions were abruptly cut short. Rich Paul, LeBron James’ longtime representative, was adamantly opposed to the move. According to Stein, Paul was concerned about the negative repercussions of another team change…