Jordan Fletcher

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES — During the climactic night of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, former President Barack Obama joined former first lady Michelle Obama in a clarion call to action, endorsing Kamala Harris and issuing stark warnings about the challenges posed by Donald Trump. In a sharp departure from past rhetoric, Barack Obama emphasized a return to optimism. “America is ready to bounce back from the crisis,” he proclaimed, contrasting his hopeful tone with Trump’s 2016 convention speech that suggested a combative stance against adversaries. Barack Obama criticized Trump's worldview, suggesting it was distorted by his discomfort with the…

Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, former head of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) medical devices division, presided over a period of increased device approvals and public health concerns. Although Dr. Shuren is retired, his tenure raises questions about potential conflicts of interest due to his wife’s work as an attorney representing medical device companies. A decade of overlap For 15 years, Dr. Shuren has overseen the approval process for a wide range of medical devices. His wife, Allison Shuren, is a senior partner at Arnold & Porter, a high-powered Washington law firm that represents medical device makers. Dr. Shuren has signed…

Mike Greenberg has been confirmed as the new host of the popular game show “Sunday Football Countdown,” according to insiders and published Tuesday by The Athletic, in preparation for a major event set to air in 2027. Greenberg takes over for Sam Ponder, who was let go last week despite having more than $1 million and a year left on her contract. While Ponder will be paid out in full, her departure is in line with broader financial adjustments ahead of the fiscal year-end close in late September. The strategic move marks a promotion for Greenberg, a highly respected figure…

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…