For: August 21, 2025
>>Ahead Of The Bell
(New York, NY) -- The opening bell rings this morning on Wall Street after stocks closed mixed yesterday. At the closing bell, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 16 points to 44-938. The S&P 500 fell by 15 points to 63-95. The Nasdaq dropped by 142 points to 21-172.
>>Fed Tariff, Inflation And Labor Market Concerns
(Washington, DC) -- Federal Reserve officials are concerned over tariffs, inflation and labor markets. Recently released minutes from the Fed's July meeting show a divided board after two governors voted against the decision to hold rates steady, marking the first time multiple governors rejected a rate decision in more than 30 years. The governors also noted rising threats to the economy that would warrant monitoring as well as the possibility of facing "difficult tradeoffs" due to more persistent inflation and a weakened labor market. President Trump has pressured the Fed for months to cut rates, routinely criticizing Chairman Jerome Powell.
>>Federal Reserve To Meet In Jackson Hole
(Jackson Hole, WY) -- Investors may get a clue for any possible interest rate cut as the Federal Reserve's conference in Wyoming starts Thursday. That's where Jerome Powell will likely deliver his last address as Fed chair. Powell's speech on Friday in Jackson Hole will be dissected for any hints on possible interest rate cuts. The Fed meets in September, and many economists expect a rate cut. President Trump has been a harsh critic of Powell over his refusal so far to cut rates.
>>Target CEO Stepping Down After 11 Years
(Minneapolis, MN) -- The CEO of Target is stepping down from the position after more than a decade. Brian Cornell will depart from the retail giant after a continued decline in sales over backlash from its retraction of diversity, equity and inclusion hirings. Target has selected its current chief operating officer, Michael Fiddelke, as Cornell's replacement. However, Cornell will stay with the company in an executive chairman role.
>>Google Unveils New Pixel Models With AI Features
(New York, NY) -- Google is unveiling several new products. The tech giant used a star-studded event to showcase its new suite of products which includes four Pixel-Ten phones, the Pixel-Four Watch and a revamped set of Pixel ear buds. Products are set to include new AI features designed to help users retrieve information, automatically create videos and snap better photos. Google has steadily layered AI capabilities into its Pixel products since 2023 as it moves to compete with Apple.
>>Caremark Ordered To Pay 290-Million In Medicare Scheme
(Philadelphia, PA) -- CVS Health's pharmacy benefit manager, Caremark, will pay almost 290-million-dollars for overcharging Medicare for prescriptions more than ten years ago. A federal judge gave the order this week after the company was found liable in June. Caremark was accused of manipulating how drug costs were reported, leading to false reports back in 2013 and 2014.
>>Delta And United Windowless 'Window Seats' Lawsuit
(Undated) -- United Airlines and Delta Air Lines are facing class-action lawsuits for allegedly charging passengers more for "window seats" that were actually next to an opaque wall. While it's not uncommon for commercial airlines to fly planes that have at least one row with no window, the lawsuits say other companies including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines disclose the information to customers at checkout. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of passengers who said they wouldn't have paid extra had they known they wouldn't have a window. The law firm estimated both airlines are likely to have sold at least one million windowless seats each.
>>Sony Announces PlayStation 5 Price Increase
(San Mateo, CA) -- Starting today, it will now cost gamers more to buy a PlayStation 5. Sony says prices for each model of the popular video game console are going up by 50-dollars in the U.S. In a statement, the company said, "Similar to many global businesses, we continue to navigate a challenging economic environment." The standard PS5 model will now cost 550-dollars while the digital edition will be priced at 500-bucks and the PS5 Pro will cost 750-dollars. Sony noted the prices for PS5 accessories remain unchanged.
>>McDonald's to Slash Combo Meal Prices
(Undated) -- McDonald's is planning to slash combo meal prices in a bid to restore its reputation as an affordable fast-food option. The Wall Street Journal reports that eight of the chain's popular combo meals are expected to cost 15-percent less than if the items were bought separately. The price change will take effect next month. Corporate plans to subsidize franchisees losses if they agree to drop prices.
