Economy

In the tranquil confines of the Morgan Library & Museum, a fascinating discovery took place in 2019. Associate Curator Robinson McClellan delved into Robert Owen Lehman’s collection of music manuscripts, revealing a treasure trove tied to the iconic Ballets Russes. Founded by Sergei Diaghilev in 1909 in Paris, the Ballets Russes are renowned for their sweeping influence on 20th-century performing arts. The collection, enriched by scores by luminaries such as Stravinsky, Debussy and Ravel, offers a rare glimpse into the creative processes behind the Ballets Russes' groundbreaking productions. These documents, heavily marked with notes and revisions, expose the dynamic evolution…

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States — As the Democratic National Convention unfolds in Chicago, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to step into the national spotlight. Although previously less well-known outside his home state, his nomination as Kamala Harris’s running mate has quickly elevated his profile. From Teacher to Vice Presidential Candidate A native of Nebraska, Tim Walz was a geography teacher and assistant football coach before entering politics. His political journey began when he defeated Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht in the 2006 congressional race. Known for his moderate views and advocacy for veterans, Walz moved into government politics, winning the…

Recent congressional actions have highlighted concerns about certain health insurance practices that could increase financial burdens for both patients and employers. At the center of these investigations is MultiPlan, a well-known data analytics firm known for its role in helping insurers determine medical claim payout amounts. On Tuesday, Reps. Bobby Scott (D-VA) and Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), who hold leadership roles on a key House committee that deals with employer-sponsored insurance, sent a detailed request to a senior Labor Department official. They asked for a full explanation of the measures being taken against what they called “disturbing practices” in the health…

Richard Childress Racing (RCR) is preparing to appeal Wednesday the penalty imposed on driver Austin Dillon. The appeal is in response to NASCAR’s decision to revoke Dillon’s automatic playoff qualification due to his controversial Richmond race win, as well as a 25-point deduction and a three-race suspension for team observer Brandon Benesch. Dillon’s aggressive maneuvers, which resulted in contact with Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin in the closing moments of the race, were deemed by NASCAR to compromise the integrity of stock car racing. Austin Dillon expressed optimism about the upcoming appeal, saying, "The appeals process is challenging, but we…

This year’s Bastille Day festivities in New York had a different feel, noted Violaine Huisman, artistic director of the prestigious Crossing the Line festival. Held at L’Alliance, the French cultural center in Midtown, the celebration came just a week after an unexpected snap election that left both President Emmanuel Macron and the nation reeling. Huisman, recently returned from France, noted the unique expression of this year’s festival attendees as they marched with empty signs. The gesture, he explained, was a tribute to an iconic 1960s demonstration conceptualized by choreographer Anna Halprin in the heat of the civil rights and anti-war…

As chants of “Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe!” filled the United Center on a Monday night, a visibly moved President Biden paused to acknowledge the crowd’s appreciation. It was clear that, despite his reluctance to accept it, they were expressing gratitude not only for his decades of public service, but also for his recent decision not to seek reelection. This touching moment highlighted the complex emotions faced by a president who has been in the public eye for more than five decades, and who now faces an unplanned exit. The outpouring of affection in Chicago, while sincere, only partially…

The Geneva-based World Health Organization (WHO) recently raised the mpox to a global health emergency. Shortly after this declaration, the Philippines confirmed its first case of the disease this year. Philippine health authorities announced the discovery of the disease, but did not disclose whether the individual was infected with the newer, more virulent Clade Ib strain that is currently predominant in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and is responsible for a surge in infections. The reported case involved the older Clade IIb strain that led to the global mpox outbreak in 2022. This development follows closely on the heels…

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…

Celebrated French cinema icon Alain Delon has died at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of seminal film roles and a life filled with both adoration and controversy. Alain Delon, celebrated for his performances in classics such as "Le Samourai" and "Purple Noon," died Sunday morning, his family confirmed to the French press. "With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of our father, Alain Delon. He passed away peacefully at his residence in Douchy, surrounded by his loved ones," the family said, referring to his final days in the small town located in north-central France. French President Emmanuel…

CHICO, California, United States — A significant portion of California’s largest wildfire this year has been brought under control as the initial flames have subsided, allowing for a period of relative calm. The Park Fire, which has ravaged several northern counties, is now 53 percent contained after burning nearly 650 square miles. The blaze has destroyed 637 structures and damaged 49 others, making it the fourth-largest wildfire in California's recorded history. Currently, many sections of the burned area are moving into a recovery phase, focusing on cleaning up and securing containment lines. Residents who had been evacuated are now cautiously…