As American Girl turns 40, Mattel grapples with bringing dolls into a new era

The original six American Girl historical characters — Kirsten Larson, Samantha Parkington, Molly McIntire, Felicity Merriman, Addy Walker and Josefina Montoya — are displayed at the brand’s flagship store, Luke Fountain The flagship American Girl Place at Rockefeller Center in New York City feels frozen in time. The air smells faintly of vanilla. Young girls … Read more

Under mounting toy pressures, Hasbro has a secret sauce that Mattel hasn’t matched

The gap is widening between rival toy makers Hasbro and Mattel — thanks in part to a 30-year-old trading card game. The toy giants have flip-flopped dominance in the space for decades, jockeying for the most coveted master licenses to put new fan favorites — Disney princesses and “Star Wars” characters among them — on … Read more

Microsoft Xbox chief Phil Spencer retires, replaced by AI executive Asha Sharma

Microsoft’s head of gaming, Phil Spencer, is leaving the software maker following a 38-year tenure, as the company’s Xbox business faces increased challenges. “Last year, Phil Spencer made the decision to retire from the company, and since then we’ve been talking about succession planning,” Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella wrote in a memo to employees that … Read more

The NBA wants to embrace content creators without degrading its golden goose of live sports rights

The future of the NBA’s media strategy was taking shape at this year’s All-Star weekend. The fanfare has always been about showcasing the league’s best players. But this year, the event was as much about the league’s partnership with content creators as it was about on-the-court talent. More than 200 global creators took part in … Read more

‘Crap’: Stephen Colbert blasts CBS for denying it blocked James Talarico interview from air

“Late Show” host Stephen Colbert on Tuesday night called CBS’s denial of his claim that it blocked the broadcast of his interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico “crap” — and urged the network and its parent, Paramount Skydance, to stand up to the “bullies” in the Trump administration. Colbert’s broadside came hours after CBS … Read more

Stephen Colbert says CBS blocked James Talarico interview from air

Democratic Texas state Rep. James Talarico speaks during a U.S. Senate campaign launch rally in Round Rock, Texas, Sept. 9, 2025. Brandon Bell | Getty Images Stephen Colbert ripped CBS for barring him from airing on his late-night TV show an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat running for the U.S. Senate. … Read more

Robert Duvall, Oscar-winning actor and ‘Godfather’ mainstay, dead at 95

Robert Duvall, the Oscar-winning actor of matchless versatility and dedication whose classic roles included the intrepid consigliere of the first two “Godfather” movies and the over-the-hill country music singer in “Tender Mercies,” has died at age 95. Duvall died “peacefully” at his home Sunday in Middleburg, Virginia, according to an announcement from his publicist and from a statement … Read more

Much ado about nothing? TikTok’s U.S. usership steadies after turbulent start

The TikTok Inc. sign in front of the building on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026 in Culver City, CA. Kayla Bartkowski | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images TikTok’s U.S. joint venture seems to have survived a turbulent rollout with minimal change in usership, as early narratives of a mass user exodus prompted by service outages … Read more

Warner Bros. may reopen sale talks with Paramount following new deal terms, Bloomberg reports

The Warner Bros. logo is displayed on a water tower at Warner Bros. Studio on September 12, 2025 in Burbank, California. Mario Tama | Getty Images Warner Bros. Discovery‘s board is considering reopening sales talks with Paramount Skydance after recently receiving an amended offer with sweetened deal terms, Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing unnamed … Read more

The NFL just wrapped a record-breaking season. Here’s why next year’s going to be even bigger

Seattle Seahawks Sam Darnold (14) in action, under center vs New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA on Feb. 8, 2026. Jamie Schwaberow | Sports Illustrated | Getty Images The Super Bowl is ended last week, but plans for the 2026 NFL season are already in place. In the days leading up … Read more