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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The cottage featured in the TV show "Heated Rivalry," located in Muskoka, Ontario, will soon be available for rent on Airbnb. The cottage, designed by architect Trevor McIvor, will initially rent for a special rate, with general bookings opening in June.
Key Facts
The cottage is part of the TV show "Heated Rivalry" and is located in Muskoka, Ontario, Canada.
It will be available for rent on Airbnb starting March 3.
The initial rent price is C$248.10 per night, reflecting jersey numbers from the show.
The cottage features include floor-to-ceiling windows, a private dock, and a home gym.
Designed by architect Trevor McIvor, it fits within the natural scenery of the area.
General bookings will open in June at a new price.
The identity of the cottage owner is kept private.
Other famous properties available on Airbnb include sites from the Harry Potter and Twilight series.
Bill Gates spoke to staff at his charitable foundation about his past connections with Jeffrey Epstein and addressed questions related to newly released files by the U.S. Department of Justice. He apologized to the staff, took responsibility for meeting Epstein, and discussed his past affairs, stating he saw nothing illegal. Gates emphasized it was a mistake to spend time with Epstein and addressed the impact of these actions on his ex-wife, Melinda.
Key Facts
Bill Gates addressed his links to Jeffrey Epstein during a meeting with the Gates Foundation staff.
Gates apologized for his past interactions with Epstein and said meeting him was a "huge mistake."
Gates confirmed having two affairs with Russian women which Epstein later found out about.
Gates stated he was unaware of any illegal activities during his encounters with Epstein.
He admitted to not thoroughly checking Epstein's background despite knowing some limitations on Epstein’s activities.
Gates said Epstein suggested he could help with fundraising for charitable causes.
The Gates Foundation spokesperson said the discussion occurred during a scheduled employee town hall.
Gates' ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, expressed relief at distancing from the situation, noting its impact on their marriage.
The U.S. Department of Energy has approved a $26.5 billion loan to support Alabama Power and Georgia Power, which are subsidiaries of Southern Company. This loan is expected to save over $7 billion in electricity costs for millions of customers in Georgia and Alabama over three decades. The plan aims to improve the electricity grid and create jobs.
Key Facts
The DOE's $26.5 billion loan supports Alabama Power and Georgia Power.
The loan aims to save customers over $7 billion in electricity costs.
It will help enhance grid reliability in Georgia and Alabama.
The initiative includes modernizing energy systems like hydropower and battery storage.
Alabama Power customers currently pay the highest average electricity bills in the U.S.
The financing package is the largest ever by the DOE.
Improvements will affect 4.3 million customers across the two states.
Southern Company expects to reduce borrowing costs and maintain stable rates.
Zimbabwe has stopped exporting raw minerals and lithium concentrates immediately. This decision aims to encourage local processing of minerals. The government wants to add more value to its resources before export.
Key Facts
Zimbabwe banned exports of all raw minerals and lithium concentrates immediately.
The ban includes minerals that were already in transit.
This measure aims to encourage local processing and add value to minerals before exporting.
Originally, the export ban on lithium was planned for January 2027.
The government cited concerns about export malpractices as part of the reason for the immediate ban.
Zimbabwe has Africa's largest lithium reserves and exported over 1 million metric tonnes of lithium concentrate in 2025.
Most lithium concentrate from Zimbabwe is usually sent to China for further processing.
The country is aiming to benefit more from the global demand for green energy resources.
Mining is the second-largest contributor to Zimbabwe's economy, making up 14.3% of GDP.
Larry Summers will leave his roles at Harvard University at the end of the academic year. This decision is linked to past emails showing his connection with Jeffrey Epstein, which has led to increased scrutiny and a review of Harvard's history with Epstein.
Key Facts
Larry Summers will resign from his academic roles at Harvard University by the end of the academic year.
Summers will not be teaching or advising students before his departure.
Summers was Treasury Secretary under President Bill Clinton and worked with President Barack Obama’s National Economic Council.
Emails revealed Summers had a long-standing relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
The controversy led to Harvard reviewing its ties to Epstein and caused Summers to step down from other high-profile positions.
This is ongoing breaking news with potential updates to follow.
McDonald’s is introducing the Big Arch Burger, which features two quarter-pound beef patties, in the United States for a limited time starting March 3, 2026. The burger is already a permanent menu item in the U.K. Its U.S. price will vary by location.
Key Facts
McDonald’s will offer the Big Arch Burger in the U.S. from March 3, 2026, for a limited time.
The burger includes two quarter-pound beef patties, cheddar cheese, onions, lettuce, pickles, and a special sauce.
It is already a permanent menu item in the United Kingdom.
The calorie count for the burger in the U.K. is around 1,057.
The price in the U.S. is not fixed, but it might range from $10 to $11.
Strong sales could make the burger a permanent menu item in the U.S., as it did in the U.K.
Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that after Jeffrey Epstein's 2008 conviction, he maintained significant connections with powerful financial figures. These connections, including ties with prominent bankers, helped him stay influential in financial circles. Epstein was later charged with sex trafficking in 2019 before his death.
Key Facts
Jeffrey Epstein made a plea deal in 2008, serving less than 13 months for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Despite being a registered sex offender, Epstein kept connections with influential financial figures and institutions.
U.S. Department of Justice released documents showing Epstein's continued financial activities and connections until 2019.
Jes Staley, a banker with JPMorgan Chase, maintained a relationship with Epstein even after his conviction.
Emails suggest Staley and Epstein communicated frequently, with personal and at times suggestive content.
JPMorgan Chase eventually ended its relationship with Epstein in 2013.
Epstein’s financial dealings, and relationships with banks and billionaires, were central to investigations.
