Business Briefs – June 19, 2017

Tech CEOS Visit White House to Talk Modernizing Government

WASHINGTON (AP) – Technology CEOs are being urged by White House officials to pitch in on President Donald Trump’s effort to modernize government. Trump senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner welcomed technology executives to the White House on Monday. They discussed issues like technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and visas for foreign workers.

Amazon-Whole Foods Tie-up Could Speed Grocery Transformation

NEW YORK (AP) – Grocers trying to compete with the threat of a combined Amazon and Whole Foods will have to make changes. They’ll have to make their stores more appealing, leverage their locations to offer delivery and do a better job of collecting shopper data. They may also need to seek innovative partners of their own.

China Propels Rise of Electric Ultra-High-Performance Cars

BEIJING (AP) – A group of startup automakers, all with Chinese investment, are driving the electric vehicle industry’s latest trend: ultra-high-performance cars that promise top speeds above 150 mph. Fledgling brands including NIO, Detroit Electric and Qiantu Motor aim to compete with Europe, Detroit and Japan in performance and luxury.

Justices Say Law on Offensive Trademarks Is Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Supreme Court on Monday struck down part of a law that bans offensive trademarks in a ruling that is expected to help a football team in their legal fight over the team name. The justices ruled that the 71-year-old trademark law barring disparaging terms infringes free speech rights. The ruling is a victory for an Asian-American rock band, but the case was closely watched for the impact it would have on a separate dispute involving the sports team.