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Business News

Business news, market updates, and economic developments

WEF CEO Borge Brende Quits Amid Jeffrey Epstein 'Distractions'

WEF CEO Borge Brende Quits Amid Jeffrey Epstein 'Distractions'

Summary

Borge Brende, the CEO and president of the World Economic Forum (WEF), announced he is stepping down from his position. His decision comes amid scrutiny over his past connections to Jeffrey Epstein. An independent review found no further concerns beyond those already known.

Key Facts

  • Borge Brende is leaving his role as CEO and president of the World Economic Forum.
  • His decision to leave is linked to recent attention on his connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • An independent review looked into Brende's links with Epstein and found no new concerns.
  • The World Economic Forum hosts an annual event in Davos, attended by notable global figures.
  • Brende previously served as the foreign minister of Norway.
  • The WEF board of trustees includes André Hoffmann and Larry Fink, who commented on the review's findings.
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Starbucks Announces New Drink

Starbucks Announces New Drink

Summary

Starbucks will launch a new drink, the Pink Cannon Ball, on March 3 as part of its Spring menu. The drink combines coconut milk with mango and strawberry flavors and includes pieces of freeze-dried fruit. Several other drinks and customization options will also be introduced.

Key Facts

  • Starbucks is releasing the Pink Cannon Ball drink on March 3.
  • The Pink Cannon Ball includes flavors of sweet strawberry, juicy mango, and hints of berry.
  • This drink mixes coconut milk with Mango Dragonfruit and Strawberry Açaí Refresher flavors.
  • The drink is topped with freeze-dried strawberry and dragonfruit pieces.
  • The original Cannon Ball drink, a Refresher with strawberry and mango flavors, became permanent after being launched in January.
  • Starbucks collaborated with MrBeast for the original Cannon Ball drink for a promotional event.
  • The Spring menu will also offer new chai tea customization options and coconut-based drinks.
  • Seasonal items, like lavender-infused drinks and frog-face cake pops, are also part of the menu.
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Five tips to help you get your first job

Five tips to help you get your first job

Summary

The article offers advice for young people in the UK trying to find their first job. It shares tips on focusing on skills, using AI tools to help with applications, making personal introductions at businesses, being authentic in cover letters, and finding resources for job seekers.

Key Facts

  • The UK has a high unemployment rate among 16 to 24-year-olds, the highest in over a decade.
  • Nearly one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training.
  • Careers experts suggest focusing on gaining transferable skills in any first job.
  • Using AI can help prepare job applications and interview questions.
  • Personal introductions to small businesses can increase job prospects.
  • A cover letter is a chance to show personality and dedication to potential employers.
  • Young people can access free online resources to aid in their job search.
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Veterans Could Get Employment Boost As Proposal Gains Momentum

Veterans Could Get Employment Boost As Proposal Gains Momentum

Summary

A bipartisan bill, called the Veterans Energy Transition (VET) Act, is being supported by industry groups to encourage companies to hire veterans. The proposal offers grants to help cover the costs of hiring and training veterans in technical and electrical jobs. The bill aims to ease workforce shortages and help veterans transition to civilian careers.

Key Facts

  • The VET Act is a bipartisan bill introduced in June of the previous year.
  • It provides financial grants to employers for hiring and training veterans.
  • Each veteran hired can bring a company up to $10,000 in grants, with a maximum of $500,000 available annually for training and other costs.
  • The program prioritizes veterans who face employment challenges, including those with disabilities.
  • The bill is supported by representatives from both the Republican and Democratic parties.
  • The Department of Labor would manage the program, ensuring coordination with existing federal efforts.
  • Industry groups highlight a shortage of skilled workers in energy and manufacturing as a reason for supporting the bill.
  • About 200,000 veterans leave the military each year, which the proposal aims to integrate into the workforce effectively.
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Uptick in young people out of work, training and education

Uptick in young people out of work, training and education

Summary

The number of young people in the UK who are not in education, employment, or training, known as Neet, has increased to nearly one million. This rise is linked to a weak job market, especially affecting young people due to cuts in sectors like hospitality and graduate programs.

Key Facts

  • About 957,000 young people aged 16 to 24 in the UK were Neet from October to December 2025.
  • This number represents 12.8% of young people in that age group.
  • The increase is attributed to a weak job market, with job cuts affecting young people.
  • The Office for National Statistics stated the number of Neet individuals slightly increased from the previous quarter.
  • A Neet is a person who is neither in education nor actively seeking work or training.
  • Young people in formal education or training programs are not considered Neet.
  • The UK Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has promised a guaranteed paid work placement for young people out of work or education for 18 months.
  • Those who refuse the work placement offer might lose their benefits.
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Video Goes Viral After Toyota Pickup Starts ‘Touch of the Key’ at 635,000 Miles

Video Goes Viral After Toyota Pickup Starts ‘Touch of the Key’ at 635,000 Miles

Summary

An Arkansas electrician posted a viral video showing a Toyota pickup with 635,000 miles that still runs smoothly. The truck has original parts and demonstrates Toyota's reputation for vehicle longevity. The video sparked admiration for Toyota's reliability and discussions about maintaining vehicles.

Key Facts

  • An electrician in Arkansas shared a video of his Toyota pickup truck successfully starting with 635,000 miles.
  • The truck's major parts, like the engine and transmission, are original.
  • The video was posted on Facebook and quickly gained popularity.
  • It received nearly 50,000 likes and over 2,400 comments.
  • Viewers commented both on the truck's mechanical reliability and its less-than-clean interior.
  • Toyota is recognized as a top brand for reliable vehicles, according to Consumer Reports.
  • The video reinforces the idea that regular maintenance contributes to vehicle longevity.
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Royal Mail bosses to be called to Parliament over letter delivery failures

Royal Mail bosses to be called to Parliament over letter delivery failures

Summary

Royal Mail executives are being called to speak to UK Parliament about problems with their letter delivery service. The company is accused of prioritizing parcel deliveries over letters, causing delays in important mail like hospital appointments and bank statements.

Key Facts

  • Royal Mail executives must meet with Parliament to discuss delivery issues.
  • The Business and Trade Committee gave Royal Mail two weeks to respond to claims about prioritizing parcels before letters.
  • The committee believes the current service quality is poor and needs explanation.
  • Many people reported to the BBC that late deliveries led to missed appointments and important documents not arriving.
  • Royal Mail staff reported that delivery rounds are often missed and parcels are prioritized.
  • The company was recently bought by the Czech EP Group, which promised to focus on employees and customers.
  • The committee expressed concern that even first-class mail deliveries are failing.
  • Royal Mail stated that most mail is delivered as planned but blamed poor weather and staff sickness for disruptions.
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Ocado to axe 1,000 jobs in cost-cutting drive

Ocado to axe 1,000 jobs in cost-cutting drive

Summary

Ocado Group plans to cut 1,000 jobs, which is about 5% of its workforce, to reduce costs. Most job losses will occur in the UK, particularly at their main office in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. The company aims to save £150 million through this restructuring.

Key Facts

  • Ocado Group will cut 1,000 jobs to save money.
  • This reduction is about 5% of its employees worldwide.
  • Most job cuts will happen in the UK, especially at its Hatfield headquarters.
  • Ocado employs around 20,000 people globally.
  • The company provides technology for grocery distribution and partners with Marks & Spencer online.
  • Last year, Ocado's share value dropped when its North American partners decided to close some centres.
  • The job cuts are expected to save about £150 million.
  • Affected positions are mostly in tech and support roles.
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The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles

The family-owned soda firm that still uses returnable glass bottles

Summary

Twig's Beverage, a family-owned soda company in Wisconsin, continues to sell its Sun Drop soft drink in returnable glass bottles. The company has maintained this tradition despite the widespread move to plastic bottles in the industry. Twig's plans to expand its own-brand soda sales across the Midwest, though new bottles will not be returnable.

Key Facts

  • Twig's Beverage sells its core drink, Sun Drop, in returnable glass bottles.
  • Customers in Shawano County, Wisconsin, pay a deposit, which they get back when returning the bottles.
  • Twig's is the last Sun Drop producer using returnable glass bottles.
  • The company offers a range of sodas with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup.
  • Twig's plans to expand its non-returnable bottled sodas across the Midwest.
  • Twig's started in 1951, founded by Floyd Hartwig after the Korean War.
  • The business remains family-run, now managed by Floyd's grandsons.
  • Twig's employs 20 people and makes about $6.5 million annually.
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Aldi shop staff to receive two pay rises this year

Aldi shop staff to receive two pay rises this year

Summary

Aldi has announced two pay raises for its store assistants in the UK, with increases in March and April. These changes make Aldi store assistants the highest paid among UK supermarkets. The company is growing its presence in the competitive UK grocery market.

Key Facts

  • Aldi will increase store assistants' pay to £13.50 per hour in April, following a March raise.
  • In London, assistant pay will rise to £14.88 per hour.
  • 28,000 staff members will benefit from these wage increases.
  • These rates are higher than the current Real Living Wage of £13.45 per hour.
  • Aldi claims to be the only major supermarket offering paid breaks to all its staff.
  • Lidl, Waitrose, and Sainsbury's have also recently announced pay increases above inflation.
  • Aldi plans to open 40 new stores in the UK this year, employing around 45,000 people.
  • High grocery costs are partly due to increased energy prices following global events.
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Popular College Majors With the Highest Unemployment Rates

Popular College Majors With the Highest Unemployment Rates

Summary

A report states that popular college majors like computer science, engineering, and social sciences have high unemployment rates. Despite many students graduating in these fields, they face challenges finding jobs because of factors like automation and AI.

Key Facts

  • Computer science, engineering, and social sciences have high unemployment rates among their graduates.
  • More than 100,000 students graduate in these fields in the U.S. annually.
  • Computer science graduates face a 6.1% unemployment rate.
  • Computer engineering has a 7.5% unemployment rate.
  • Anthropology majors experience a 9.4% unemployment rate.
  • Automation and AI are impacting job opportunities in fields like computer science.
  • Over 40 million Americans hold $1 trillion in student loan debt.
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Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard during review of Epstein ties, university says

Larry Summers will resign from teaching at Harvard during review of Epstein ties, university says

Summary

Larry Summers, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary, will resign from his teaching position at Harvard University. This decision comes as the university reviews his connections to Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.

Key Facts

  • Larry Summers will stop teaching at Harvard University.
  • He is a former U.S. Treasury Secretary.
  • Harvard is reviewing Summers' ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender.
  • Summers had been on leave from Harvard since November.
  • Summers' name was mentioned many times in new files related to Epstein.
  • He will step down at the end of the school year.
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'We don't know where we are going': Asian businesses brace for more Trump tariff turmoil

'We don't know where we are going': Asian businesses brace for more Trump tariff turmoil

Summary

Asian businesses are uncertain about their trade future with the U.S. after a recent Supreme Court decision affected President Trump's tariff policy. This uncertainty arose because President Trump quickly imposed a new tariff despite the court ruling. As a result, companies are unsure about their costs and are considering changes to their business strategies.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the emergency powers law used by President Trump to impose tariffs, causing confusion among Asian businesses.
  • President Trump reacted by signing an executive order for a new 10% global tariff that can last for 150 days without needing Congress's approval.
  • Trump hinted at a possible tariff increase to 15%, but the current rate remains at 10%.
  • The tariffs are part of a strategy to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing.
  • Asian exporters worry the new tariffs could actually strengthen China's role in global production.
  • Business leaders express concern over the lack of clear guidance from U.S. trade policies.
  • Some companies, like those in Singapore and Thailand, are facing increased costs and are altering their market strategies due to this uncertainty.
  • Businesses now focus on efficiency and exploring markets outside the U.S. due to trade uncertainty.
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AT&T Settlement Update: Payout for $177M Data Breach

AT&T Settlement Update: Payout for $177M Data Breach

Summary

AT&T customers who claimed part of a $177 million settlement due to two data breaches in 2024 are closer to getting paid. The breaches involved personal data showing up on the dark web and illegal downloading of call and text records. The final court approval process is underway, and payments will start after this approval and any appeals.

Key Facts

  • The settlement amount is $177 million for two separate data breaches involving AT&T customers' information.
  • A breach in March 2024 released data from 2019 or earlier on the dark web, affecting approximately 73 million people.
  • Another breach in July 2024 saw illegal downloads of call and text records from a third-party cloud platform.
  • Customers could claim up to $5,000 for the dark web breach and up to $2,500 for the cloud platform breach, with a total maximum of $7,500.
  • Eligibility for the settlement is based on whether a customer was affected by one or both data breaches.
  • The deadline to file claims was December 18, 2025, which has now passed.
  • Settlement payments will begin after court approval and once all appeals are resolved.
  • AT&T has not admitted to any wrongdoing in these cases.
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Cottage Cheese Recall Sparks New Warning to Walmart Shoppers

Cottage Cheese Recall Sparks New Warning to Walmart Shoppers

Summary

Saputo Cheese USA, Inc., is recalling certain cottage cheese products sold under the Great Value label at Walmart. The products might contain dairy that wasn't fully pasteurized. The recall affects stores in 24 U.S. states, but no illnesses have been reported.

Key Facts

  • Saputo Cheese USA, Inc., is recalling certain cottage cheese products.
  • The recall is due to possible incomplete pasteurization.
  • The affected products were sold at Walmart under the Great Value label.
  • The recall involves three types of cottage cheese with specific UPC numbers and expiration dates.
  • Products were distributed to 24 states, including California, Texas, and Illinois.
  • No illnesses or hospitalizations have been reported due to the recall.
  • Consumers can return the products for a refund or dispose of them.
  • Saputo's contact for questions is 1-888-587-2423, available on weekdays.
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Faisal Islam: Is Reeves right in saying we're turning a corner?

Faisal Islam: Is Reeves right in saying we're turning a corner?

Summary

The UK Chancellor highlighted a plan to reduce household energy bills, with the largest domestic energy supplier, Octopus, demonstrating how clean energy efforts contribute to this change. Rachel Reeves, referencing improved economic indicators, suggested that the UK economy might be experiencing positive changes, though energy bills are still higher than before the energy crisis.

Key Facts

  • UK household energy bills will decrease in April due to changes in charges.
  • The Chancellor visited Octopus, the UK's biggest domestic energy supplier, to underline energy cost cuts.
  • The cut to energy bills is part of a government strategy to reduce inflation.
  • Energy companies are expected to pass on a £150 bill reduction to all customers.
  • Green levies on bills have shifted to general taxation, affecting energy costs.
  • The budget includes an income tax threshold freeze, potentially increasing tax rates as incomes rise.
  • Economic indicators, such as consumer spending and borrowing costs, show improvement.
  • Official forecasts on the economy will be released in the upcoming Treasury Spring Statement.
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Prediction market Kalshi fines MrBeast editor over insider trading

Prediction market Kalshi fines MrBeast editor over insider trading

Summary

Kalshi, a prediction market company, fined a MrBeast video editor and a former California governor candidate for insider trading. Kalshi reported these cases to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and highlighted the issue of betting with inside information on prediction markets.

Key Facts

  • Kalshi is a company where people can bet on various events, including politics and sports.
  • The company fined Artem Kaptur over $20,000 and banned him for two years for betting with information not available to the public.
  • Kaptur's role as a video editor for MrBeast helped him gain this insider information.
  • Kyle Langford, a former governor candidate, was fined over $2,000 and banned for five years for betting on his own election outcome.
  • Both cases were reported by Kalshi to the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
  • Prediction markets are gaining popularity but lack stringent regulations compared to traditional stock markets.
  • During President Trump's term, the industry received more favorable reception, with his son in advisory roles at related companies.
  • Concerns persist about the use of inside information in placing bets in prediction markets.
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'One-off' Led Zeppelin album photo sells for £16k

'One-off' Led Zeppelin album photo sells for £16k

Summary

A photograph that inspired the cover of Led Zeppelin's fourth album sold for £16,000 at an auction after intense bidding. The image, originally a Victorian photo of Lot Long from Wiltshire, England, is a rare large print connected to a 1971 album that featured the hit song "Stairway to Heaven."

Key Facts

  • The photograph that inspired Led Zeppelin IV's album cover sold for £16,000.
  • The photo is a Victorian image of Lot Long, originally from Wiltshire, England.
  • The auction took place in Horsham, West Sussex, UK.
  • The image fetched nearly £15,000 more than its initial listing price.
  • There was strong demand from collectors in the UK and the US, leading to a competitive bidding process.
  • Brian Edwards from the University of the West of England discovered the origins of the image.
  • The sold photograph is the largest and best-quality example of its kind known.
  • Led Zeppelin IV was released in 1971 and has sold over 37 million copies worldwide.
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John Lewis pulls out of housebuilding business

John Lewis pulls out of housebuilding business

Summary

John Lewis is closing its housebuilding and property management business due to higher building and borrowing costs. The company will focus on its retail brands, John Lewis and Waitrose, to simplify operations. The decision comes amid a challenging economic environment and issues within its retail division.

Key Facts

  • John Lewis will stop plans to build 1,000 homes and exit its property management business.
  • The company cites increased costs for borrowing and building as reasons for this decision.
  • John Lewis plans to focus on its retail brands to improve finances.
  • The company faced economic challenges, making the housebuilding business less viable.
  • It had challenges obtaining permission and faced local opposition for some projects.
  • John Lewis will complete existing management contracts before exiting property management.
  • The decision is part of a broader trend affecting other housebuilders due to high costs and regulatory changes.
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Tesco to cut 180 jobs within its head office

Tesco to cut 180 jobs within its head office

Summary

Tesco plans to cut 180 jobs at its headquarters in Welwyn Garden City as part of a business restructure. The company will also create 250 new roles at the same site and is working with the union Usdaw to discuss these changes.

Key Facts

  • Tesco will cut 180 head office jobs.
  • The job cuts are part of a reorganization in response to changing shopping habits.
  • The affected jobs are at the Welwyn Garden City headquarters in Hertfordshire.
  • Tesco plans to create 250 new roles at the same site.
  • The company is consulting with the union Usdaw about the job changes.
  • Last year, Tesco cut about 400 jobs across bakeries, phone shops, and head office.
  • Tesco expects to have a profit between £2.9 billion and £3.1 billion in the latest financial year.
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