Americas

PepsiCo to cut about 1,000 jobs as North American business struggles

• PepsiCo plans about 1,000 North American job cuts.
• The company is restructuring amid weak home-market sales.
• North American beverage volumes fell 2% in the third quarter.

PepsiCo plans to cut about 1,000 jobs across North America as it works to revive sluggish sales in its home market. The company says the reductions, expected over the coming week, will streamline operations and help teams work more closely together. PepsiCo had about 306,000 employees worldwide, including…

3 Pop Songs From the 2020s That Prove the Second Verse Can Be Better Than the Chorus

• Second verses can hold a song’s sharpest writing.
• “Deja Vu” adds detail and emotional bite.
• Swift and Carpenter use verses for introspection and wit.

The article argues that some of the most memorable writing in pop songs is tucked into the second verse rather than the chorus. It highlights three 2020s tracks where those verses add sharper character, emotional depth or wit to songs whose hooks are already prominent. In Olivia Rodrigo’s…

4 Unforgettable Hard Rock Hits From 1980 That Take Generation X Back in Time

• Four memorable rock songs arrived in 1980.
• Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” reached No. 1 in the US.
• AC/DC, Motörhead and Journey also feature.

The article looks back at four rock songs released in 1980 that remain nostalgic favourites for Generation X. It highlights how the tracks crossed styles, from hard rock and speed metal to funk rock, and went on to become enduring anthems. AC/DC released “Back in Black” with new…

Nvidia investigates Jensen Huang affair amid China espionage concerns

• Nvidia is investigating Jensen Huang’s affair with a Megaspeed executive.
• US intelligence reports reportedly identified Alice Huang as a suspected Chinese spy.
• Nvidia says it has no reason to believe secrets or national security were compromised.

Nvidia is investigating chief executive Jensen Huang’s acknowledged affair with Alice Huang, an executive at AI computing company Megaspeed, after US intelligence reports reportedly identified her as a suspected Chinese spy. The case has raised national security concerns because Nvidia is central to US efforts to advance AI…

“It Is Nothing New”: Dolly Parton’s Sister Stella Shares Her Experiences Amid CMA Awards Red Carpet Debate

• Stella Parton says veteran artists have faced exclusion for years.
• She says the issue affects CMA Fest as well as the awards.
• The CMA says it is discussing the matter with Sammy Kershaw’s team.

Stella Parton has criticised the Country Music Association’s treatment of veteran artists after several country singers said they were not allowed to walk the CMA Awards red carpet. She said the exclusion was longstanding and extended to CMA Fest, arguing that the industry now gives priority to corporate…

Waymo Said It Fixed Its School Bus Problem. The US Government Says It Didn’t Work

• US regulators are investigating Waymo’s school bus software fix.
• Most reported incidents occurred after the fix and recall.
• The inquiry could have financial consequences.

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has opened a formal investigation into whether Waymo’s software update stopped its robotaxis from illegally passing school buses loading or unloading children. The inquiry matters because the company announced a fix and later issued a voluntary recall, yet the agency says…

Democrats pledge cost cuts; panda return offers a bridge to China

The party plans to tackle food and healthcare bills, raise wages and curb corporate power after a strong midterm result. Meanwhile, pandas are back at Washington’s National Zoo, while a New York heiress sues relatives over her money.

Jessica Lange on Bringing ‘Long Day’s Journey Into Night’ Back to the Big Screen, Returning to ‘American Horror Story’ and Retirement Rumors

• Lange calls Mary Tyrone the greatest role she may ever play.
• Her film adaptation took nearly a decade to reach the screen.
• She has returned to American Horror Story and awards contention.

Jessica Lange says she could imagine ending her acting career with Mary Tyrone in Long Day’s Journey Into Night, a role she considers unmatched. At 77, she has returned to the character for a film adaptation after playing it on stage in London and Broadway, and is promoting…