Latest news with #Shelbyville
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kimura Foundry America Expands U.S. Operations with Acquisition of VIP Tooling
SHELBYVILLE, Ind., July 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimura Foundry America, a growing U.S. provider of rapid prototype castings, announced today the acquisition of VIP Tooling, a well-established precision tooling and CNC machining company also based in Shelbyville, Indiana. This strategic acquisition enhances Kimura's ability to provide customers nationwide with streamlined, full-service manufacturing solutions. With both operations located in close proximity, the integration brings together advanced casting and machining capabilities—enabling faster lead times, tighter process control, and cost efficiencies for customers in key industries including automotive, energy, and industrial manufacturing. "The addition of VIP Tooling to the Kimura family allows us to offer a truly all-in-one manufacturing service," said Michiya Kajiwara, President of Kimura Foundry America. "By combining our cutting-edge 3D-printed casting technologies with VIP's precision machining capabilities, we're simplifying the supply chain for our customers, improving lead times, and accelerating innovation across U.S. manufacturing." VIP Tooling, founded in 1973, is known for its commitment to precision and reliability in custom tooling and CNC machining. While both companies will continue to operate from their respective facilities, the shared location supports more efficient logistics and collaboration—enhancing Kimura's ability to serve a broad U.S. customer base from a central Midwest hub. "We're excited to join forces with a company that shares our focus on innovation, craftsmanship, and customer success," said Paul Nolting, COO at VIP Tooling. "This partnership strengthens our ability to serve existing clients while opening the door to new opportunities in advanced manufacturing." The acquisition reflects Kimura's continued investment in the North American market. As a subsidiary of Japan's Kimura Group—one of the world's most respected names in casting—Kimura Foundry America brings nearly a century of manufacturing heritage to its U.S. operations. Since establishing its Shelbyville facility in 2018, Kimura has focused on delivering high-speed, high-precision manufacturing solutions tailored to the needs of OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers. By combining the strengths of both companies, Kimura Foundry America now offers a competitive advantage for manufacturers seeking faster turnaround times, consolidated services, and improved cost control—all from a trusted partner with global expertise and a growing U.S. presence. About Kimura Foundry America Kimura Foundry America is a U.S. subsidiary of Kimura Group, Japan's leading casting manufacturer with nearly 100 years of experience. Established in 2018 in Shelbyville, Indiana, Kimura provides rapid prototype castings and advanced manufacturing solutions to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers across North America. For more information, visit: Media Contact:Michael NewellChief Marketing Officermnewell@ 530-8418 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Kimura Foundry America Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Fan Favorite Coal Battle Chasing 'Respect' In Indiana Derby
Fan Favorite Coal Battle Chasing 'Respect' In Indiana Derby originally appeared on Paulick Report. Nine 3-year-olds will enter the starting gate Saturday, July 5, for the 31st running of the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind. First post for the 13-race card is noon, with the Indiana Derby set as Race 12 with an estimated post time of 6:33 p.m. One horse that received a lot of attention during the Kentucky Derby is Coal Battle from the barn of 72-year-old trainer Lonnie Briley. The Coal Front colt was a winner in the G3 Rebel Stakes before finishing third in the G1 Arkansas Derby and heading on to the Kentucky Derby (where he finished 11th). He comes into the Indiana Derby off a third-place finish in the G3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs. Bethany Taylor, assistant trainer to Lonnie Briley, trainer of Coal Battle said, 'Lonnie and the other owner (Rob Norman) made the decision to run him in the Indiana Derby. We needed a race between the Matt Winn and the Ellis Park Derby. He's doing great. He's very happy, bucking and playing. He's his normal self.' Advertisement Coal Battle was third by a total of 1 1/4 lengths in Churchill Downs' G3 Matt Winn behind Grade 1 winners East Avenue and Burnham Square in his last start. He's ready to go for a start in the Indiana Derby. 'It was super tough,' noted Taylor, who also serves as the colt's exercise rider. 'There wasn't quite enough pace in there for us, so he didn't show that closing kick he normally does. He's not always gotten a ton of respect in the races we've put him in. Maybe now he'll get a little more respect.' Trainer Brad Cox will attempt to win his third straight Indiana Derby title with Instant Replay, who has drawn post nine. The Maximum Security colt comes into the race off a win in the Texas Derby at Lone Star. Overall, the sophomore, owned by Mary and Gary West, has won four of eight starts in his career and is two for two at the Indiana Derby distance of one and one-sixteenth miles. 'It's a good spot for him,' noted Cox. 'Obviously, we don't have to ship quite as far. It's a solid race, but I think he fits with them. Hopefully he takes the next step. I think he ran a really good race in Texas and beat a decent group. I think the water is a little deeper here, that this is a little better group of horses.' On going for third straight win and fourth overall in the Indiana Derby, Cox noted: 'It's a race that has been good to us. We're hoping this horse can be right there and move forward to some bigger and better things down the road.' Joining Instant Replay as a contender for the Indiana Derby title is Publisher from the Steve Asmussen barn. The American Pharoah colt, who was a $600,000 purchase as a yearling, was on the Derby trail earlier this year, competing in the top three-year-old races en route to a start in the Kentucky Derby his last outing. He comes back to the track off a two-month layoff and will be ridden by Hall of Fame Jockey Mike Smith from post one. The field for the Grade 3, $300,000 Indiana Derby Publisher (Mike Smith); Master Controller (Chris Emigh); Coal Battle (Corey Lanerie); Shan (Evin Roman); Chunk of Gold (Jareth Loveberry); Tip Top Thomas (John Velazquez); Big Truzz (Declan Cannon); Brotha Keny (Joe Ramos); and Instant Replay (Luan Machado). Advertisement Both Evin Roman and Joseph Ramos, a two-time leading jockey at Horseshoe Indianapolis, are members of the local jockey colony at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Also on the Saturday card is the 30th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks, presented by Daily Racing Form. The race features six three-year-old fillies. Deloraine, Graded Stakes placed entry for Godolphin and trainer Eoin Harty, will begin from post three with Mike Smith aboard. The Candy Ride filly finished third in both the Grade 3 Florida Oaks and Grade 3 Gazelle at Aqueduct, her last two races before the Indiana Oaks. The Indiana Oaks will be run at approximately 5:55 p.m. as Race 11 just before the Indiana Derby. A total of eight premier races will be featured on Indiana Derby Day. The afternoon program is complemented by numerous activities including a $3,000 Derby Megabet, $2,500 Derby Legends Handicapping Contest, courtesy of the Indiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, $1,000 Derby Hat Contest, courtesy of the Indiana Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association, cigar rolling station, strolling entertainment, food trucks and more. Free parking and general admission are available for the Indiana Derby, which is open to guests of all ages on the racing side of the property. The 23rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing. This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Affinity Interactive's Daily Racing Form Partners with Horseshoe Indianapolis to Launch Groundbreaking AI Handicapping Technology for 2025 Racing Season
SHELBYVILLE, Ind., June 23, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Affinity Interactive, through its flagship brand, Daily Racing Form (DRF), is partnering with Horseshow Indianapolis Racing & Casino to introduce a cutting-edge suite of artificial intelligence and data-driven handicapping tools for the 2025 racing season. The collaboration will debut an industry-first virtual AI handicapper, "A.I. Alan", and expand DRF's leading-edge analytics, offering fans deeper insight and engagement throughout the meet. A pioneer in horse racing analytics since 1894, Daily Racing Form has been at the forefront of developing next-generation technology to betters. This latest partnership reflects DRF's continued evolution under Affinity Interactive, combining data science and proprietary content to deliver innovative wagering experiences across the sport. "We are very excited to take this next step in horse racing with our new technology abilities and Horseshoe Indianapolis is a great place to unveil our new package," said Rich Rosa, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for DRF. "We have been working closely with Eric Halstrom and his team in Indiana to perfect our graphics and information implemented into the racing production." Building on the success of DRF's TimeformUS Pace Graphs and DRF Projected Odds—introduced at Horseshoe Indianapolis in 2024—the 2025 season will showcase a full suite of enhancements including: Runner and Race Profile Data, AI Generated Insights by DRF Statline, DRF Formulator Facts, and a custom digital website landing page dedicated to Horseshoe Indianapolis. These tools are designed to empower bettors with intuitive, actionable information, driving deeper engagement with every race. "We could not be prouder to partner with DRF on this project," said Halstrom, Vice President and General Manager of Racing. "We have worked closely with DRF to customize their offering to what we feel our customers need and will be most beneficial to them. I believe they will be so excited to have all of this added information right at their fingertips for every Thoroughbred race we run this year at Horseshoe Indianapolis." One of the most anticipated additions to the new platform is A.I. Alan, a virtual on-air handicapper powered by DRF's proprietary artificial intelligence models. A.I. Alan will appear during daily simulcast coverage with auto-generated insights tailored specifically to Horseshoe Indianapolis races. "A.I. Alan is our new on-air virtual handicapper," explained Halstrom. "He will be featured daily with auto generated facts from DRF's new AI data system. This information is specifically tailored to our racing product. We expect to have A.I. Alan fully functional by early June and his presence on our simulcasting program will be the first in the industry powered by AI." To further celebrate the partnership, Daily Racing Form will serve as title sponsor of the Grade 3, $200,000 Indiana Oaks, taking place on Indiana Derby Day, Saturday, July 5. As Indiana's first-ever graded stakes race, the Oaks continues to attract top three-year-old fillies from across the country. "Having DRF as the title sponsor of the Oaks adds so much validity to the race," observed Halstrom. "We feel their association with the Oaks will catapult exposure and accelerate the race into the next level of competition beginning in 2025." The 23rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing. About Horseshoe IndianapolisHorseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall to wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,600 slots and 72 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. In addition, Horseshoe Indianapolis offers the only live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing in the state showcased on a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course. Simulcast and sports wagering is offered year-round at Caesars Race & Sportsbook, also located on the casino floor, with additional gaming provided at Caesars Race & Sportsbook in Clarksville, Ind. Players can reap benefits from Caesars Rewards, the industry's most lucrative bonus program now offered at more than 50 destinations. Please visit for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing at racetracks and 21 or older to gamble at sports books and casinos. Please play responsibly. If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, call 1-800-9-WITH-IT (1-800-994-8448). ©2025 Caesars License Company, LLC. About Affinity InteractiveAffinity Interactive is an omni-channel media, online, and gaming industry leader with an expanded suite of casino and online gaming offerings. Combining leading regional casinos in Nevada, Missouri and Iowa with advanced technology, digital and media platforms, and an online betting presence, Affinity Interactive has nearly 1 million combined customers and is positioned to capitalize on the continued momentum in sports betting and iGaming globally. Affinity Interactive companies also include: the iconic Daily Racing Form, "America's Turf Authority since 1894" for horse racing and sports enthusiasts throughout North America, one of America's fastest-growing online and mobile wagering platforms; and DRF Sports, which provides fans with exclusive up-to-date sports betting stats, insights and analysis on all major U.S. sports and leagues. For more information, please visit and Affinity Interactive is a portfolio company of ZCG Private Equity, the private equity fund arm of ZCG ( a leading, privately held merchant bank comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, and technology development and solutions. About Daily Racing FormFounded in 1894, Daily Racing Form (DRF) is the most trusted source for premium horse racing data, news, and analysis. For over 130 years, DRF has provided horseplayers and industry professionals with exclusive past performances, expert handicapping insights, and real-time coverage of the sport. Today, DRF continues to evolve, delivering innovative digital products and AI-powered tools that enhance the horse racing experience for bettors of all levels. As part of its expansion, DRF has entered the sports affiliate business, leveraging its multi-channel platform to connect sports bettors with leading sportsbook operators. By combining its deep expertise in horse racing analytics with a growing presence in the broader sports betting market, DRF remains at the forefront of the gaming industry. For more information, visit About ZCGZCG is a leading, privately held global firm comprised of private markets asset management, business consulting services, and technology development and solutions. For nearly three decades, ZCG has invested tens of billions of dollars in private equity and credit-related strategies, through multiple economic cycles and across many industries, including consumer products, steel, steel processors, agriculture, consumer food, gaming, hospitality, manufacturing, specialty services, and automotive. ZCG's investors include prominent global sovereign wealth funds, endowments, pension funds, insurance companies, foundations, family offices, wealth management firms, and other financial institutions in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. ZCG has a global team comprised of approximately 400 professionals. The company is headquartered in New York, with affiliate offices located in Pune and Mumbai, India, and Riyadh, KSA. For more information, please visit View source version on Contacts Media Daily Racing Forum Tammy KnoxOffice: (317) 421-8979tknox2@ Affinity Interactive Tim Ragones / Kate Thompson / Madeline JonesJoele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher212-355-4449 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Guardian
21-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘Wolves in sheep's clothing': how a neo-Nazi cell infiltrated a martial arts school in Tennessee
A neo-Nazi fight club that secretly infiltrated a Tennessee martial arts school where young children train has been banned from the facility, after an inquiry by the Guardian. Last month, the South Central Tennessee Active Club published video footage on the messaging app Telegram showing its members participating in combat training at Shelbyville BJJ Academy, a Brazilian jiu-jitsu school in Shelbyville, Tennessee, that offers classes to students as young as three years old. The group is part of the wider Active Club network, which consists of dozens of decentralized cells across the US and abroad that use combat sports to lure people into white nationalist and neo-Nazi causes. While lesser known than other far-right groups like the Proud Boys, experts warn Active Clubs are acutely dangerous because they recruit boys and young men into violent white nationalist circles by using notions of fraternity as a gateway to extremism. 'What makes them unique is the 'wolves in sheep's clothing' approach, which aims at fooling law enforcement into believing Active Clubs are just about sports,' Alexander Ritzmann, a political scientist and senior advisor at the Counter Extremism Project who studies the movement, told the Guardian. In a 2023 report, Ritzmann warned that the ultimate goal of Active Clubs 'is the creation of a stand-by militia of trained and capable [right wing extremists] who can be activated when the need for coordinated violent action on a larger scale arises'. At one point in the video posted by the Tennessee cell, an Active Club flag featuring a sonnenrad, a symbol of Nazi Germany that has been adopted by neo-Nazis and other far-right extremists, can be seen hanging on the wall where young children would normally gather. After it was presented with the video of the Active Club training at its facilities, Shelbyville BJJ Academy told the Guardian 'that type of behavior at our gym is a direct violation of our code of ethics and goes against our community offering as a safe place for children and adults. 'The situation has been remedied promptly and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention,' the school continued, in a statement. 'We can assure you, this will not be happening again. Ever.' The academy also rejected the Active Club's extremist ideology, emphasizing: 'We accept and welcome all people. We all belong. No matter background, skin color, creed, nationality, or status.' As for how the group gained entry, the school said it provides keypad access to members so they can train outside regular class hours. It believes the Active Club entered using this method and said the access code has been changed. While the South Central Tennessee Active Club blurred the faces of most of its members shown in the video taken at Shelbyville BJJ Academy, the face of one man was left uncensored. His name: William Chase May. Records on Smoothcomp, a software used to organize and record combat sports events, show he was awarded his blue belt by Shelbyville BJJ Academy in 2023. The school confirmed that May was a member, though said his attendance was infrequent and that he only showed up from 'time to time'. He was banned after the Guardian brought his identity to its attention and, the academy said, an internal investigation into whether any other members made unauthorized use of the facility is ongoing. Riztmann told the Guardian that the Active Club's presence at the Tennessee academy is especially concerning because the movement's architect, the white supremacist Robert Rundo 'laid out the principle recruiting strategy, which includes reaching out to minors at schools'. In April, the Guardian reported on Telegram accounts which showed many Active Clubs in the US had participants between the ages of 16 and 18. Multiple images posted to the Google reviews page of Shelbyville BJJ by May, under the alias 'Chase Odinson' show he had trained and interacted with young children at the school as far back as 2023. May viewed a request for comment sent to him on Telegram by the Guardian, but did not reply. Images of the Active Club chapter training at the Shelbyville school were first discovered in September by a pseudonymous independent researcher who tracks Tennessee Active Clubs, according to chat logs they shared with the Guardian. In December, they began posting some of their findings on the social media network Bluesky, where they use the alias Inteltwink. 'It was through Chase May that I identified Shelbyville BJJ,' they told the Guardian, adding that they identified him after they 'infiltrated TAC's private telegram chat'. While it is unclear how frequently or for how long the Active Club used the school's facilities, the latest video confirms the group was sharing documentation of its activities there for months. The seat of Bedford County, Shelbyville is a city of 23,000 located 50 miles southeast of Nashville, the state capital. Tennessee has been identified in recent years by researchers and journalists as a hotbed for violent white nationalist activity. In 2023, the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) revealed a statewide Tennessee Active Club was holding networking events and fight clubs at a Nashville area general store owned by a self-declared 'actual literal Nazi'. Last month, the SPLC reported that the statewide Active Club was being secretly controlled by the Patriot Front, a racist and neo-fascist hate group. In March, News Channel 5 reported Patriot Front had established a 122-acre compound in Tellico Plains. And, last fall, the Daily Beast reported that one of the men Channel 5 identified as a leader of that compound, Ian Elliott, had infiltrated another child-friendly Tennessee grappling school in Athens (the school kicked him out). Meanwhile May, who was part of the Active Club that infiltrated Shelbyville school, appears to be acquaintances with Elliott. An image he posted to his personal Telegram account on 26 October 2024 shows him and the Patriot Front leader posing alongside a third man whose face is obscured with a sonnenrad.
Forbes
10-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
The World's Best Bourbon, According To America's Top Bartenders
Uncle Nearest Master Blend It's not surprising that America's top bartenders would pick Uncle Nearest as their top bourbon choice. Since its debut less than a decade ago, the brand has garnered a world-class reputation, winning numerous medals along the way. Below is a brief description and tasting notes on America's bartender's top pick for World's Best Bourbon! Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 is a premium Tennessee whiskey crafted by Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennessee. This limited-release expression is part of Uncle Nearest's Master Blend Edition series, which honors Nathan "Nearest" Green, the first known African American master distiller in the United States. Green taught Jack Daniel the art of distilling and developed the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing technique that defines Tennessee whisky. Tennessee whisky is considered a variant of bourbon, as it meets all the statutory requirements for being labeled a bourbon, but also undergoes a charcoal filtration process to be classified as a Tennessee whiskey. Victoria Eady Butler, a fifth-generation descendant of Nearest Green and the first known African American female master blender in the American whiskey industry, curated the Master Blend Edition series. Since joining Uncle Nearest in 2019, Butler has overseen the blending of select barrels to create exceptional small-batch whiskeys that pay tribute to her ancestor's legacy. Each expression in the series is bottled at cask strength, hence the ABV differs slightly between bottlings, and is available exclusively at the distillery. Batch 032 is the latest bottling in the series. The Uncle Nearest Whiskey Range The whisky is complex and aromatic on the nose, featuring ripe bananas, caramel, milk chocolate, espresso, strawberries, and a subtle aroma of cooked cereal. On the palate, the whiskey is robust and full-bodied, featuring notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, red berries, coffee, and a hint of vanilla. The finish is medium in length and creamy, with lingering notes of cinnamon, caramel, and red berries. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 is best enjoyed straight up or with a few drops of water to open up its complex flavors. Its robust profile also makes it a suitable base for classic whiskey cocktails, such as the Old Fashioned or Manhattan. Pair it with rich foods such as grilled meats, sausages, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts. The International Bartender Spirits Awards is a renowned global competition that showcases the world's best spirits. Selection is based on quality, innovation, value, and craftsmanship. Judged by an expert panel of bartenders and industry professionals, the competition is highly regarded in the spirits industry and serves as a benchmark for quality. Uncle Nearest Master Blend Edition – Batch 032 is a testament to the rich heritage of bourbon, Tennessee whiskey and the legacy of Nearest Green. Under the deft hand of Master Blender Victoria Eady Butler, this expression showcases the complexity and craftsmanship that define Uncle Nearest's premium offerings. With its nuanced, layered flavors and its signature smooth finish, Batch 032 is a must-have whiskey and deserves a place in every home whisky collection.
