A linguistics analysis published by The Conversation and highlighted by PBS News traces how Americans came to use three rival generic terms for carbonated soft drinks—“soda,” “pop” and “coke.” The study links the variation to the 19th-century rise of soda fountains, regional migration patterns and the outsized cultural influence of Coca-Cola in the South.

Carbonated water was first marketed as a health tonic in the late 1700s and reached U.S. pharmacies by 1806, when Yale chemist Benjamin Sillman installed the nation’s first soda fountain in New Haven. “Soda,” derived from the sodium salts once added for medicinal effect, spread through the Northeast and later the West with migrating settlers. The Midwest adopted “pop” after bottled ginger-pop drinks became popular in the 1840s, the name echoing the cork’s release sound. In the South, Coca-Cola’s 1886 debut in Atlanta turned “coke”—lower-case—into a catch-all, despite the company’s later efforts to protect its trademark.

Although the terminology differs, Americans’ appetite for sweetened fizz is nationwide: the average person drinks almost 40 gallons a year. Linguists say the debate over what to call it is likely to persist as a marker of regional identity as long as the country keeps consuming the beverage.

Auckland City FC, the only non-professional side at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, has arrived in the United States with a squad made up largely of players who balance full-time jobs with football. Goalkeeper Conor Tracey, 28, supervises a veterinary-pharmaceutical warehouse in New Zealand and said he patched together annual leave and unpaid days off to accept the call-up. Several teammates followed a similar path, with defender Adam Mitchell working as a real-estate agent, midfielder Mario Ilich selling Coca-Cola products, centre-back Christian Gray training to become a teacher and playmaker Dylan Manickum employed as an assistant site engineer.

Interim coach Ivan Vicelich and other staff have also taken unpaid leave, while a handful of squad members were unable to secure time away from their employers and did not travel. Club officials estimate that competing in the expanded tournament will cost more than twice Auckland City’s annual turnover, underscoring the financial gulf separating the Oceania champions from the sport’s elite.

The New Zealanders open their campaign on Sunday against six-time European champion Bayern Munich, with potential matches against Benfica and Boca Juniors to follow. Tracey, who has already recorded seven saves in an earlier outing, said the sacrifices were worthwhile for the chance to test themselves on a global stage: “To play against Bayern, Benfica and Boca, 100% it’s worth it.”

A recent study by Ithylo reveals that drug and alcohol consumption in the workplace in France has increased by 107% over the past eight years. The percentage of workers testing positive for substances rose from 2.6% in 2017 to 5.3% in 2024. Cocaine use has seen a particularly sharp rise, with reports indicating that on some construction sites, one-third of workers tested positive. Meanwhile, in the United States, marijuana use among adults aged 65 and older has surged by nearly 46% between 2021 and 2023, driven by broader legalization, changing social norms, and attempts to manage chronic health conditions.

The steepest increase in cannabis use has been observed among older women, a demographic previously less likely to use marijuana. This trend has raised concerns among geriatricians about the effects of cannabis on aging bodies. Concurrently, alcohol consumption patterns show a decline among younger people in the US, with non-alcoholic beer sales increasing by 22% annually from 2019 to 2024, while alcoholic beer sales dropped by 3%. In France, 15% of the population reportedly abstains from alcohol entirely, causing growing concern within the spirits industry. Additionally, major beverage companies like Coca-Cola have expressed worries after experiencing a 3% drop in North American sales in the first quarter of 2025, partially attributed to fears of deportations affecting consumer behavior.

Recent immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have led to a marked decline in shopping activity among Hispanic consumers, particularly in Latino communities such as Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Fear of deportation and increased enforcement has caused many Hispanic shoppers to stay home, resulting in reduced foot traffic and sales for major brands, including Coca-Cola. Hispanic consumers represent a purchasing power of approximately $2.1 trillion in the United States, making this shift impactful for consumer goods companies. Business owners and immigrant workers in affected areas have reported operating in secrecy due to fear of ICE raids, further illustrating the chilling effect on economic activity within these communities.

Coca-Cola's personalized bottle campaign in Estonia has sparked controversy due to the prominence of Russian first names such as Alexander, Olga, and Irina on the labels. Many Estonians have expressed discontent, demanding the removal of these bottles from store shelves, citing concerns over national identity. Coca-Cola defended the campaign by stating that the names were selected based on official statistics from Estonian authorities, reflecting the country's most common names. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Turkish authorities have initiated an investigation into Coca-Cola over a potential competition violation.

The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, published on 12 June, shows Brazil’s women’s national team climbing four places to fourth, its best standing since December 2013. The surge follows recent victories over the United States and Japan and makes Brazil the highest-ranked CONMEBOL side.

Colombia continued its steady rise by moving up three spots to 18th, marking the country’s first appearance inside the top 20. It is now the region’s second-highest representative behind Brazil.

Egypt registered the largest upward movement in the new list, gaining seven places, while Luxembourg also achieved a notable jump. Canada slipped one slot to eighth.

The United States retained the No. 1 position, with Spain and Germany holding second and third respectively.

Coca-Cola is set to reintroduce Diet Cherry Coke, a flavor discontinued in 2020, starting in mid-July. The beverage will be available for a limited time exclusively at Kroger outlets and Kroger-affiliated stores. The company confirmed the return of the product along with its 'retro'-style packaging, though additional details about the release will be provided later. This move revives one of Coca-Cola's popular diet flavors, accompanied by branding that reflects its original look.

The Turkish Competition Board has initiated an investigation into Coca-Cola over allegations that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices by potentially restricting the sales of its competitors in the market. The probe aims to determine whether Coca-Cola's distribution unit violated Turkey's Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition. Preliminary findings suggest that Coca-Cola may have implemented practices that hindered or obstructed the sales of rival products at points of sale. The investigation follows complaints and signals received by the competition authority regarding Coca-Cola's market behavior.

Coca-Cola has issued a recall for certain batches of its Topo Chico mineral water distributed in the United States, including at select Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana, due to potential bacterial contamination. Routine quality tests conducted on June 2 detected the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which could pose health risks, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems. Concurrently, Draper City in Utah experienced a boil water order affecting over 1,000 residents following concerns about contaminated drinking water linked to the local WaterPro system. The order, which began on June 5, was lifted on June 6 after tests confirmed no traces of Total Coliform or E. coli bacteria in the water samples. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the government authorized the resumption of production at a Coca-Cola manufacturing plant in Ceará that had been suspended due to contamination risks.

The Brazilian government has suspended production at a Coca-Cola manufacturing facility in Ceará due to concerns over possible contamination. Authorities detected a leak in the plant's cooling system, which raised suspicion of ethanol presence in the beverages produced. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the suspension and stated that there is no risk to the general population. The affected factory is one of the largest Coca-Cola product manufacturers in Brazil. The decision to halt production aims to allow for thorough analysis and ensure product safety.

A viral trend on TikTok suggests that consuming Coca-Cola and salty French fries can alleviate migraines and headaches. This claim has attracted attention internationally, with media outlets such as BBC, Jornal O Globo, and Al Arabiya reporting on the phenomenon. Neurologists, including American specialist Jessica Lowe who experiences migraines herself, have addressed the topic, explaining that while some individuals report relief from these foods, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness as treatments. The trend, sometimes referred to as the 'McMigraine meal,' has sparked discussions about self-treatment methods for chronic headaches, which affect over 10 million people in the UK alone. Medical professionals caution that traditional treatments and medications remain the primary approach, as the viral remedy lacks robust clinical validation.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) has found that consuming sugary drinks, including sodas and juices, is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to consuming sugar through solid foods. The research suggests that certain forms of dietary sugar may actually reduce the risk of diabetes, highlighting a distinction between the health impacts of sugar intake from beverages versus food. This study adds to growing evidence linking high consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages to increased health risks, including premature mortality and metabolic diseases.

Ross Chastain, the winner of the Coca-Cola 600, was seen wearing his winner's ring during a press conference at Nashville Superspeedway ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400 weekend. Although not typically a jewelry wearer, Chastain has a collection of rings commemorating important victories. He plans to remove the Coca-Cola 600 ring once he begins racing in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports at Nashville. Additionally, Chastain mentioned losing his cool shirt amid the celebrations following his recent win.

A retro technology company, 1-Bit Rainbow, has developed the Pico-mac-nano, a fully functional replica of the original 1984 Macintosh computer. Measuring just 2.4 inches tall, this miniature Macintosh is powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico, enabling it to emulate the classic Mac experience in a device small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. The Pico-mac-nano has attracted attention for being potentially the smallest working Macintosh replica available, combining nostalgic design with modern microcomputer technology.

Prime Video streamed the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race exclusively for the first time in the event's 77-year history, drawing an average of 2.72 million viewers according to Nielsen and Big Data figures. This viewership was down 16% from last year's rain-shortened broadcast on Fox, which attracted 3.103 million viewers, but it surpassed all NASCAR cable broadcasts since 2022 in the key 18-49 demographic with 800,000 viewers. The post-race show on Prime Video averaged 1.04 million viewers. While the streaming numbers align with the series' cable average, the debut was considered a strong performance for a streaming platform.

In comparison, the Indianapolis 500's 109th edition, broadcast on Fox, averaged 7.05 million viewers. Additionally, Prime Video has been promoting its NASCAR content, including the documentary series "Earnhardt," with the final episodes available for streaming. Meanwhile, other sports markets such as soccer are seeing growth in U.S. cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco Bay Area, and Houston, with notable investments and events planned, including the 2026 World Cup matches.

The U.S. Department of Defense, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has launched a new military recruitment advertisement titled "Peace Through Strength," emphasizing a return to war-fighting capabilities and a warrior ethos. This campaign, unveiled during the weekend of May 24-25, 2025, reflects the Trump administration's focus on strengthening the Armed Forces' combat readiness. Concurrently, Hegseth has implemented a series of internal reforms and restrictions, including limiting media access to the Pentagon and imposing new rules on Department of Defense contracting for IT consulting and management services.

These measures follow a comprehensive internal review aimed at reducing nonessential personnel and restructuring offices such as the weapons testing division. Critics, including PEN America, have expressed concerns that the tightened media restrictions prioritize secrecy over national security. Hegseth, who has also addressed domestic military issues such as countering diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, is expected to outline his vision for U.S. defense policy in the Indo-Pacific region soon. The overall approach signals a shift toward restoring traditional military values and reducing Pentagon bureaucracy.

The Pentagon has launched a new military recruitment campaign under President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasizing a return to a 'war-fighting' mission and the principle of 'peace through strength.' The advertisement, aired during the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, features both Trump and Hegseth and highlights the Department of Defense's shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. A task force led by Hegseth confirmed that DEI programs have been removed from the Pentagon.

Read more

Ross Chastain secured a remarkable victory at the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, overcoming a last-place start to finish first. This win marked Chastain as the 15th active full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver to claim one of NASCAR’s prestigious Crown Jewel races. Driving for Team Trackhouse in a backup car, Chastain praised the teamwork that contributed to the success. The race was notable for Kyle Larson’s unsuccessful attempt to complete the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double, which ended in crashes at both events.

Larson indicated that the logistical challenges of attempting the double are considerable and suggested this might be his final attempt, although he did not rule out future participation in the Indy 500. The double attempt sparked debate among NASCAR insiders and fans, with some, including Kevin Harvick, advising Larson to cease pursuing the double. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks expressed hope that more drivers would attempt the double despite the difficulties. Following the race, NASCAR power rankings saw Chastain rise dramatically to second place, reflecting his strong performance. Other notable performances included AJ Allmendinger finishing fourth, narrowly outside the playoff field. The Coca-Cola 600 was described as a highly competitive event, reinforcing its status as a key race in the NASCAR calendar.

Carrefour and The Coca-Cola Company have signed a pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) agreement focused on sustainability initiatives. The contract, signed in Paris with Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey traveling from Atlanta, includes measures to reduce Coca-Cola's plastic footprint. Key components of the agreement involve the introduction of reusable glass bottles in 4,000 Carrefour stores and the electrification of Coca-Cola's delivery fleet. Additionally, Coca-Cola has started installing reverse vending machines to support recycling efforts. This partnership marks a unique collaboration between a major distributor and an industrial company to advance environmental goals.

Colombia's Council of State has ruled against Coca-Cola in a legal dispute that lasted nearly eight years concerning the trademark registration of "La Brisa Alvisa," a beverage by Alvisa Alcohol Group. Coca-Cola had opposed the registration since 2015, arguing that the name could cause confusion with its own "Agua Brisa" brand. The Council determined that the term "Brisa" is a common expression and cannot be exclusively monopolized by Coca-Cola, emphasizing that the addition of "Alvisa" provides a distinctive element sufficient to differentiate the product. As a result, Coca-Cola was compelled to suspend its franchise expansion related to this dispute.

Separately, in Colombia, the court also approved the commercialization of "Aguardiente Amarillo de Manzanares" in Antioquia. Meanwhile, in Spain, Coca-Cola remains one of the most popular brands alongside ElPozo and Campofrío, according to Kantar data. In the retail sector, Mercadona has seen notable success with a snack priced under one euro, gaining popularity primarily through social media, while Carrefour, Dia, and Alcampo are leveraging loyalty cards to adapt to changing consumer habits.

A linguistics analysis published by The Conversation and highlighted by PBS News traces how Americans came to use three rival generic terms for carbonated soft drinks—“soda,” “pop” and “coke.” The study links the variation to the 19th-century rise of soda fountains, regional migration patterns and the outsized cultural influence of Coca-Cola in the South.

Carbonated water was first marketed as a health tonic in the late 1700s and reached U.S. pharmacies by 1806, when Yale chemist Benjamin Sillman installed the nation’s first soda fountain in New Haven. “Soda,” derived from the sodium salts once added for medicinal effect, spread through the Northeast and later the West with migrating settlers. The Midwest adopted “pop” after bottled ginger-pop drinks became popular in the 1840s, the name echoing the cork’s release sound. In the South, Coca-Cola’s 1886 debut in Atlanta turned “coke”—lower-case—into a catch-all, despite the company’s later efforts to protect its trademark.

Although the terminology differs, Americans’ appetite for sweetened fizz is nationwide: the average person drinks almost 40 gallons a year. Linguists say the debate over what to call it is likely to persist as a marker of regional identity as long as the country keeps consuming the beverage.

Auckland City FC, the only non-professional side at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, has arrived in the United States with a squad made up largely of players who balance full-time jobs with football. Goalkeeper Conor Tracey, 28, supervises a veterinary-pharmaceutical warehouse in New Zealand and said he patched together annual leave and unpaid days off to accept the call-up. Several teammates followed a similar path, with defender Adam Mitchell working as a real-estate agent, midfielder Mario Ilich selling Coca-Cola products, centre-back Christian Gray training to become a teacher and playmaker Dylan Manickum employed as an assistant site engineer.

Interim coach Ivan Vicelich and other staff have also taken unpaid leave, while a handful of squad members were unable to secure time away from their employers and did not travel. Club officials estimate that competing in the expanded tournament will cost more than twice Auckland City’s annual turnover, underscoring the financial gulf separating the Oceania champions from the sport’s elite.

The New Zealanders open their campaign on Sunday against six-time European champion Bayern Munich, with potential matches against Benfica and Boca Juniors to follow. Tracey, who has already recorded seven saves in an earlier outing, said the sacrifices were worthwhile for the chance to test themselves on a global stage: “To play against Bayern, Benfica and Boca, 100% it’s worth it.”

A recent study by Ithylo reveals that drug and alcohol consumption in the workplace in France has increased by 107% over the past eight years. The percentage of workers testing positive for substances rose from 2.6% in 2017 to 5.3% in 2024. Cocaine use has seen a particularly sharp rise, with reports indicating that on some construction sites, one-third of workers tested positive. Meanwhile, in the United States, marijuana use among adults aged 65 and older has surged by nearly 46% between 2021 and 2023, driven by broader legalization, changing social norms, and attempts to manage chronic health conditions.

The steepest increase in cannabis use has been observed among older women, a demographic previously less likely to use marijuana. This trend has raised concerns among geriatricians about the effects of cannabis on aging bodies. Concurrently, alcohol consumption patterns show a decline among younger people in the US, with non-alcoholic beer sales increasing by 22% annually from 2019 to 2024, while alcoholic beer sales dropped by 3%. In France, 15% of the population reportedly abstains from alcohol entirely, causing growing concern within the spirits industry. Additionally, major beverage companies like Coca-Cola have expressed worries after experiencing a 3% drop in North American sales in the first quarter of 2025, partially attributed to fears of deportations affecting consumer behavior.

Recent immigration raids conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have led to a marked decline in shopping activity among Hispanic consumers, particularly in Latino communities such as Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. Fear of deportation and increased enforcement has caused many Hispanic shoppers to stay home, resulting in reduced foot traffic and sales for major brands, including Coca-Cola. Hispanic consumers represent a purchasing power of approximately $2.1 trillion in the United States, making this shift impactful for consumer goods companies. Business owners and immigrant workers in affected areas have reported operating in secrecy due to fear of ICE raids, further illustrating the chilling effect on economic activity within these communities.

Coca-Cola's personalized bottle campaign in Estonia has sparked controversy due to the prominence of Russian first names such as Alexander, Olga, and Irina on the labels. Many Estonians have expressed discontent, demanding the removal of these bottles from store shelves, citing concerns over national identity. Coca-Cola defended the campaign by stating that the names were selected based on official statistics from Estonian authorities, reflecting the country's most common names. Meanwhile, in a separate development, Turkish authorities have initiated an investigation into Coca-Cola over a potential competition violation.

The latest FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking, published on 12 June, shows Brazil’s women’s national team climbing four places to fourth, its best standing since December 2013. The surge follows recent victories over the United States and Japan and makes Brazil the highest-ranked CONMEBOL side.

Colombia continued its steady rise by moving up three spots to 18th, marking the country’s first appearance inside the top 20. It is now the region’s second-highest representative behind Brazil.

Egypt registered the largest upward movement in the new list, gaining seven places, while Luxembourg also achieved a notable jump. Canada slipped one slot to eighth.

The United States retained the No. 1 position, with Spain and Germany holding second and third respectively.

Coca-Cola is set to reintroduce Diet Cherry Coke, a flavor discontinued in 2020, starting in mid-July. The beverage will be available for a limited time exclusively at Kroger outlets and Kroger-affiliated stores. The company confirmed the return of the product along with its 'retro'-style packaging, though additional details about the release will be provided later. This move revives one of Coca-Cola's popular diet flavors, accompanied by branding that reflects its original look.

The Turkish Competition Board has initiated an investigation into Coca-Cola over allegations that the company engaged in anti-competitive practices by potentially restricting the sales of its competitors in the market. The probe aims to determine whether Coca-Cola's distribution unit violated Turkey's Law No. 4054 on the Protection of Competition. Preliminary findings suggest that Coca-Cola may have implemented practices that hindered or obstructed the sales of rival products at points of sale. The investigation follows complaints and signals received by the competition authority regarding Coca-Cola's market behavior.

Coca-Cola has issued a recall for certain batches of its Topo Chico mineral water distributed in the United States, including at select Costco locations in Texas and Louisiana, due to potential bacterial contamination. Routine quality tests conducted on June 2 detected the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, which could pose health risks, particularly to individuals with weakened immune systems. Concurrently, Draper City in Utah experienced a boil water order affecting over 1,000 residents following concerns about contaminated drinking water linked to the local WaterPro system. The order, which began on June 5, was lifted on June 6 after tests confirmed no traces of Total Coliform or E. coli bacteria in the water samples. Meanwhile, in Brazil, the government authorized the resumption of production at a Coca-Cola manufacturing plant in Ceará that had been suspended due to contamination risks.

The Brazilian government has suspended production at a Coca-Cola manufacturing facility in Ceará due to concerns over possible contamination. Authorities detected a leak in the plant's cooling system, which raised suspicion of ethanol presence in the beverages produced. The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed the suspension and stated that there is no risk to the general population. The affected factory is one of the largest Coca-Cola product manufacturers in Brazil. The decision to halt production aims to allow for thorough analysis and ensure product safety.

A viral trend on TikTok suggests that consuming Coca-Cola and salty French fries can alleviate migraines and headaches. This claim has attracted attention internationally, with media outlets such as BBC, Jornal O Globo, and Al Arabiya reporting on the phenomenon. Neurologists, including American specialist Jessica Lowe who experiences migraines herself, have addressed the topic, explaining that while some individuals report relief from these foods, there is limited scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness as treatments. The trend, sometimes referred to as the 'McMigraine meal,' has sparked discussions about self-treatment methods for chronic headaches, which affect over 10 million people in the UK alone. Medical professionals caution that traditional treatments and medications remain the primary approach, as the viral remedy lacks robust clinical validation.

A recent study conducted by researchers at Brigham Young University (BYU) has found that consuming sugary drinks, including sodas and juices, is associated with a higher risk of developing Type 2 diabetes compared to consuming sugar through solid foods. The research suggests that certain forms of dietary sugar may actually reduce the risk of diabetes, highlighting a distinction between the health impacts of sugar intake from beverages versus food. This study adds to growing evidence linking high consumption of ultra-processed foods and sugary beverages to increased health risks, including premature mortality and metabolic diseases.

Ross Chastain, the winner of the Coca-Cola 600, was seen wearing his winner's ring during a press conference at Nashville Superspeedway ahead of the Cracker Barrel 400 weekend. Although not typically a jewelry wearer, Chastain has a collection of rings commemorating important victories. He plans to remove the Coca-Cola 600 ring once he begins racing in the Xfinity Series with JR Motorsports at Nashville. Additionally, Chastain mentioned losing his cool shirt amid the celebrations following his recent win.

A retro technology company, 1-Bit Rainbow, has developed the Pico-mac-nano, a fully functional replica of the original 1984 Macintosh computer. Measuring just 2.4 inches tall, this miniature Macintosh is powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico, enabling it to emulate the classic Mac experience in a device small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. The Pico-mac-nano has attracted attention for being potentially the smallest working Macintosh replica available, combining nostalgic design with modern microcomputer technology.

Prime Video streamed the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race exclusively for the first time in the event's 77-year history, drawing an average of 2.72 million viewers according to Nielsen and Big Data figures. This viewership was down 16% from last year's rain-shortened broadcast on Fox, which attracted 3.103 million viewers, but it surpassed all NASCAR cable broadcasts since 2022 in the key 18-49 demographic with 800,000 viewers. The post-race show on Prime Video averaged 1.04 million viewers. While the streaming numbers align with the series' cable average, the debut was considered a strong performance for a streaming platform.

In comparison, the Indianapolis 500's 109th edition, broadcast on Fox, averaged 7.05 million viewers. Additionally, Prime Video has been promoting its NASCAR content, including the documentary series "Earnhardt," with the final episodes available for streaming. Meanwhile, other sports markets such as soccer are seeing growth in U.S. cities like Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco Bay Area, and Houston, with notable investments and events planned, including the 2026 World Cup matches.

The U.S. Department of Defense, under Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has launched a new military recruitment advertisement titled "Peace Through Strength," emphasizing a return to war-fighting capabilities and a warrior ethos. This campaign, unveiled during the weekend of May 24-25, 2025, reflects the Trump administration's focus on strengthening the Armed Forces' combat readiness. Concurrently, Hegseth has implemented a series of internal reforms and restrictions, including limiting media access to the Pentagon and imposing new rules on Department of Defense contracting for IT consulting and management services.

These measures follow a comprehensive internal review aimed at reducing nonessential personnel and restructuring offices such as the weapons testing division. Critics, including PEN America, have expressed concerns that the tightened media restrictions prioritize secrecy over national security. Hegseth, who has also addressed domestic military issues such as countering diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, is expected to outline his vision for U.S. defense policy in the Indo-Pacific region soon. The overall approach signals a shift toward restoring traditional military values and reducing Pentagon bureaucracy.

The Pentagon has launched a new military recruitment campaign under President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, emphasizing a return to a 'war-fighting' mission and the principle of 'peace through strength.' The advertisement, aired during the Coca-Cola 600 NASCAR race, features both Trump and Hegseth and highlights the Department of Defense's shift away from diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. A task force led by Hegseth confirmed that DEI programs have been removed from the Pentagon.

Read more

Ross Chastain secured a remarkable victory at the 2025 Coca-Cola 600 held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, overcoming a last-place start to finish first. This win marked Chastain as the 15th active full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver to claim one of NASCAR’s prestigious Crown Jewel races. Driving for Team Trackhouse in a backup car, Chastain praised the teamwork that contributed to the success. The race was notable for Kyle Larson’s unsuccessful attempt to complete the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 double, which ended in crashes at both events.

Larson indicated that the logistical challenges of attempting the double are considerable and suggested this might be his final attempt, although he did not rule out future participation in the Indy 500. The double attempt sparked debate among NASCAR insiders and fans, with some, including Kevin Harvick, advising Larson to cease pursuing the double. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks expressed hope that more drivers would attempt the double despite the difficulties. Following the race, NASCAR power rankings saw Chastain rise dramatically to second place, reflecting his strong performance. Other notable performances included AJ Allmendinger finishing fourth, narrowly outside the playoff field. The Coca-Cola 600 was described as a highly competitive event, reinforcing its status as a key race in the NASCAR calendar.

Carrefour and The Coca-Cola Company have signed a pioneering corporate social responsibility (CSR) agreement focused on sustainability initiatives. The contract, signed in Paris with Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey traveling from Atlanta, includes measures to reduce Coca-Cola's plastic footprint. Key components of the agreement involve the introduction of reusable glass bottles in 4,000 Carrefour stores and the electrification of Coca-Cola's delivery fleet. Additionally, Coca-Cola has started installing reverse vending machines to support recycling efforts. This partnership marks a unique collaboration between a major distributor and an industrial company to advance environmental goals.

Colombia's Council of State has ruled against Coca-Cola in a legal dispute that lasted nearly eight years concerning the trademark registration of "La Brisa Alvisa," a beverage by Alvisa Alcohol Group. Coca-Cola had opposed the registration since 2015, arguing that the name could cause confusion with its own "Agua Brisa" brand. The Council determined that the term "Brisa" is a common expression and cannot be exclusively monopolized by Coca-Cola, emphasizing that the addition of "Alvisa" provides a distinctive element sufficient to differentiate the product. As a result, Coca-Cola was compelled to suspend its franchise expansion related to this dispute.

Separately, in Colombia, the court also approved the commercialization of "Aguardiente Amarillo de Manzanares" in Antioquia. Meanwhile, in Spain, Coca-Cola remains one of the most popular brands alongside ElPozo and Campofrío, according to Kantar data. In the retail sector, Mercadona has seen notable success with a snack priced under one euro, gaining popularity primarily through social media, while Carrefour, Dia, and Alcampo are leveraging loyalty cards to adapt to changing consumer habits.