Today in History: May 8, Allies celebrate Nazi surrender in World War II
In 1846, US forces led by General Zachary Taylor defeated Mexican forces near modern-day Brownsville, Texas, in the first major battle of the Mexican-American War.
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In 1886, the first serving of Coca-Cola, which contained cocaine, was sold at a pharmacy in Atlanta, Ga. (The drink became fully cocaine-free in 1929.)
In 1945, President Harry S. Truman announced in a radio address that Nazi Germany's forces had surrendered, stating that 'the flags of freedom fly all over Europe' on V-E (Victory in Europe) Day.
In 1973, members of the American Indian Movement and the Oglala Lakota tribe, who had occupied the South Dakota hamlet of Wounded Knee for 10 weeks, surrendered to federal authorities.
In 1978, David R. Berkowitz pleaded guilty in a Brooklyn courtroom to murder, attempted murder, and assault in connection with the 'Son of Sam' shootings that claimed six lives and terrified New Yorkers. (Berkowitz was sentenced to six consecutive life prison terms.)
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In 1984, the Soviet Union announced it would boycott the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
In 2020, US unemployment surged to 14.7 percent, a level last seen when the country was in the throes of the Great Depression; the government reported that more than 20 million Americans had lost their jobs in April amid the economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
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Miami Herald
24 minutes ago
- Miami Herald
Warren Buffett & Squishmallows: How these cute toys are making the renowned investor richer
Not many shareholder meetings provide investors with the chance for retail therapy-but then again, not many companies are Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.A) . Typically, shareholder meetings are staid events where investors discuss financial reports and vote on proposals, but Berkshire Hathaway, founded by the 'Oracle of Omaha,' Warren Buffett, has taken its annual meetings up a notch-by offering investors the chance to get to know the products they are investing in while they participate in company affairs. In fact, Warren Buffett's $1.1 trillion investment conglomerate is revered for its awesome shareholder meetings, even earning the nickname "Woodstock for Capitalists," since thousands of investors flock to Omaha for a few days to not only learn the latest in company news, but also to hear Buffett share his personal views on the market, investing, and life in general. Buffett is famous for solely investing in companies he believes in that make products he actually uses. This includes eating breakfast at McDonald's (MCD), drinking five cans of Coca-Cola (KO) a day, and often visiting his local Dairy Queen for a sundae with cherry syrup and nuts. He believes these products-and their companies-will stand the test of time, and in fact, they have already made him very, very rich. Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting took place May 2–3, 2025, at the CHI Health Center in downtown Omaha. Festivities included a 5k run, a shareholder picnic, and the "Berkshire Bazaar of Bargains"-a 20,000-square-foot shareholder-only shopping event that featured products from the conglomerate's holdings. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Shareholders could purchase everything from Brooks Sports' clothing to chocolate coins from See's Candies to a limited-edition trio of Squishmallows in the likenesses of Buffett, Berkshire's Vice Chairman, the late Charlie Munger, and "Omaha," a plush pit bull. These adorable toys weren't the first time Squishmallows immortalized Buffett and Munger, either. To commemorate Berkshire's acquisition of Alleghany Corporation, the parent company of Squishmallows' manufacturer, Jazwares, the company released an exclusive set of Buffett and Munger plushies in time for Berkshire's 2023 shareholder meeting. CNBC reported that in a mere few hours, 10,000 sets of the toys had been sold. Today, the original, limited-edition set of Buffett and Munger Squishmallows can be found on eBay for as much as $480. But Buffett's 2025 edition Squishmallow already has special significance, since during his shareholder address, the famed investor revealed that he would be stepping down as Berkshire's CEO and Chairman at the end of the year. Social media was immediately flooded with images of the cuddly collector's item. View the original article to see embedded media. Squishmallows have not only captivated Buffett; they've also taken the world by storm. Jazwares' ultra-soft collectibles are woven from a unique fabric that's said to feel like marshmallow-hence its name. Squishmallows range in size from tiny 3.5" keychains to life-sized, two-foot dolls. There are a whopping 3,000 varieties of Squishmallows, each with its own name, charming backstory, and collector number. Their relatively wallet-friendly prices ($10 to $100+) have made them the must-have toy of the decade. As of the end of 2024, Jazwares had sold more than 400 million Squishmallows. Related: Charlie Munger's net worth: The late Berkshire Hathaway vice chair's wealth The egg-shaped toys are so popular, Squishmallows are even doing their own crossover collabs with Berkshire Hathaway's other 70 companies. For example, not only did Jazwares produce plush toys in Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger's likeness, it also created a line of Halloween toys through a partnership with See's Candy, a Berkshire Hathaway holding since 1972. The collab, which launched in October 2024, featured Squishmallows' popular bat, Emily, tricked out in a See's logo and carrying a treat bucket. In addition, Emily-shaped boxes of See's Candies were filled with lollipops and chocolates. The set retailed for $40. Squishmallows caught Buffett's attention back in 2021. The famed investor had lamented in a letter to shareholders that Berkshire was sitting on $44 billion in cash because "we find little that excites us" in the markets. Then he discovered Squishmallows-and the rest is history. Squishmallows' parent company, Jazwares, is part of a diverse set of business interests that make up Alleghany Corporation (Y), a New York-based holding company that also includes insurance, hotels, and heavy industrial manufacturers under its umbrella. In March 2022, Berkshire Hathaway made a $11.6 billion offer to purchase Alleghany, and the deal was sealed in October 2022. Buffett himself has amassed a $155.5 billion fortune by identifying companies trading below their intrinsic value, buying them, and then holding onto them for decades as shares ascend skyward. It seems Buffett's endorsement has already raised Jazwares' profile, too. While the company remains privately held, its 2022 sales were estimated to be around $59 million; by 2023, that number had risen to $1 billion, largely driven by demand for Squishmallows. In interviews, Buffett has called Jazwares "a gem" and Judd and Laura Zebersky, the husband-and-wife team behind Jazwares, the "ideal Berkshire managers." The love, it appears, is mutual. Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger were actually the first humans to appear as Squishmallows. Their debut set featured Buffett and Munger wearing suits: Buffett held a popsicle, in testament to his notorious sweet tooth, while Munger carried a copy of a book of Benjamin Franklin quotes, since the value investor frequently cited his admiration for the Founding Father. The Zeberskys both left jobs in the legal profession to pursue their passion for toys. In addition to Squishmallows, Jazwares also makes popular lines for Hasbro (HAS) as well as the Disney (DIS), Star Wars, Marvel, and Pokémon franchises. Overall, Squishmallows make up an impressive 40% of Jazwares' total revenues. Anyone can make a squishy soft toy - savvy marketing is what elevates Squishmallows to greatness. Co-founder Laura Zebersky is known for seeking out nontraditional advertising channels to sell her company's products, such as on social media and through influencer marketing. The fact that Squishmallows appeal to both kids and adults is another reason for their enduring popularity. Jazwares has even admitted that the Squishmallows' biggest buyers are adults 18 and up. More on smart investors: Bill Gates' net worth: Just how much has he made-and given away?LeBron James' net worth: New records, unparalleled wealthBarbara Corcoran's net worth: The 'Shark Tank' star's wealth & investments Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic may have been Squishmallows' biggest boon. Everyone was stuck at home, giving many adults the chance to play with toys again. The cuddly nature of Squishmallows helped ease the feelings of anxiety and isolation that people were experiencing-just hug a Squishmallow and you'll see for yourself! You can pick up a Squishmallow at nearly every major retailer from CVS to Walmart, but if you've got your eyes on a specific squad member, you'd best do your homework before you head out, because stock can change quickly. Some stores also have exclusive rights to sell certain Squishmallows: Jazwares was intentional in selecting a "curated list" of retailers it licensed with, which helped to spur near-obsessive levels of demand. You can literally feel the difference between an authentic Squishmallow and one of its many knockoff counterparts. Squishmallows have a soft polyester fiber and spandex fabric that is unique to the brand, which also imparts a sense of exclusivity. Some online retailers, like Amazon AMZN, are so certain of the plush toys' appeal that they have opted to offer specific deals on Squishmallows instead of site-wide holiday sales. Collectors should be sure to keep their eyes peeled. Or, you could always invest in BRK and have the chance to go shopping at its annual shareholder meetings. As of June, 2025, Class A shares are going for a mere $740,396 each. Related: The 10 most reliable car brands in 2025 according to Consumer Reports The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Root Beer: Global Market Analysis, Opportunities and Revenue Forecast to 2030 - Growing Popularity of Craft and Premium Root Beer
Root Beer Market Dublin, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Root Beer Market - Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, 2020-2030F" report has been added to Root Beer Market was valued at USD 2024 in 0.98 billion, and is expected to reach USD 1.31 billion by 2030, rising at a CAGR of 4.97%. Its appeal is growing in tandem with rising global consumption of carbonated beverages. Increased demand for flavorful, low-alcoholic drinks, a rising interest among millennials, and the growth of the international foodservice industry are major contributors to this market's growth. Despite a 5% decline in overall U.S. beer production and imports in 2023, the share of small and independent brewers rose to 13.3%, highlighting a shift in consumer preferences toward niche and craft beverages, including root beer. Key Market Drivers: Rising Consumer Preference for Craft SodasThe surge in interest for artisanal and craft beverages is playing a pivotal role in boosting the root beer market. Consumers are gravitating toward more unique, high-quality drink experiences, prompting root beer brands to offer handcrafted, premium products made with natural ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. This movement away from mass-produced soft drinks resonates particularly well with health-conscious and exploratory consumers. Craft root beer manufacturers often emphasize small-batch production, locally sourced ingredients, and sustainable practices - attributes that appeal to younger demographics seeking authenticity and ethical consumption. These characteristics have positioned craft root beer as a standout in the broader beverage market, driving its rising popularity and opening opportunities for new market Market Challenges: Competition from Other Soft Drinks and BeveragesThe root beer market faces strong competition from a wide range of beverage categories including mainstream sodas, energy drinks, flavored waters, teas, and sports beverages. Major global players like Coca-Cola and PepsiCo dominate shelf space and marketing, making it challenging for niche beverages such as root beer to stand out. Additionally, shifting consumer preferences toward healthier drink options - such as low-sugar, plant-based, or functional beverages - are diverting attention from traditional sodas. While root beer retains a loyal customer base, particularly among those who enjoy its distinct flavor, expanding that base is challenging amidst a saturated and health-focused beverage landscape. Root beer brands must focus on innovation, unique flavor profiles, and targeted branding strategies to remain Market Trends: Craft and Premium Root BeerThe growing popularity of craft and premium root beer represents a significant trend shaping the market. These offerings cater to consumer preferences for high-quality, authentic beverages and are typically crafted with all-natural ingredients and minimal processing. They often feature unique and enhanced flavor profiles such as vanilla, spice, or cherry. This trend is particularly popular among millennials and Gen Z, who are drawn to artisanal and small-batch products with a story behind them. The premium positioning of these beverages is further supported by broader interest in the craft beverage movement across sodas, beers, and spirits. As a result, craft root beer is seeing increased shelf space and consumer attention, contributing to ongoing market Market Players Keurig Dr. Pepper Inc. Anheuser-Busch Companies, LLC Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Co. Dad's Root Beer Sprecher Brewing Co. Inc. The Berghoff Bundaberg Brewed Drinks Boylan Bottling Co. Henry Weinhard's Root Beer Jones Soda Co. Report ScopeIn this report, the global Root Beer Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:Root Beer Market, By Type: Alcoholic Root Beer Non-Alcoholic Root Beer Root Beer Market, By Form: Carbonated Non-carbonated Root Beer Market, By Distribution Channel: Supermarket/ Hypermarket Specialty Stores Online Departmental Stores Others Root Beer Market, By Region: North America Europe Asia-Pacific Middle East & Africa South America Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $0.98 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $1.31 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.9% Regions Covered Global For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Root Beer Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
Axios
2 hours ago
- Axios
Four common text scams and how to spot them
Text scams have grown exponentially over the past few years. Why it matters: These scams have gotten harder to identify, and more costly — last year, consumers reported losing $470 million to scams that began with text messages, per the Federal Trade Commission — five times the amount in 2020. Here are some to watch out for: 1. Unpaid tolls and traffic tickets The big picture: State governments across the U.S. have reported a rise in scam texts about unpaid tolls or traffic violations. States that have issued alerts include New York, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Florida, New Jersey, Georgia, Colorado, Vermont, Texas, and North Carolina. The exact nature of these scams varies state-by-state, but they typically threaten the suspension of vehicle registration and driving privileges and include links to submit a payment. Those scams extend to claims about specific toll collection systems as well. 17 states use E-Z Pass, for example, and some of them, including New York, New Hampshire and Virginia, have warned residents about phishing attempts. What they're saying: Steve Grobman, the Chief Technology Officer for McAfee, told a local North Carolina ABC affiliate that people should avoid clicking on any links in these texts. "It's either your personal information that can then be sold on the dark web, or in some cases it's more direct where they're trying to get your credit card or debit card," he said. "They can try to use that to make a purchase and ultimately you're then stuck fighting that with your credit card or debit card company on the other side." 2. Package deliveries State of play: The most commonly reported type of text scam was mail carrier impersonations, the FTC said in its April report. Scammers send alerts about supposed issues with impending deliveries, the agency said. FedEx, UPS, and the USPS have all put out warnings against impersonation scams. FedEx said"unexpected requests for money in return for delivery of a package," "requests for personal and/or financial information," and "links to misspelled or slightly altered website addresses" were all red flags to watch out for. The USPS said"common lures include 'your account has been suspended', 'there is suspicious activity on your account', 'there is a problem with your shipping address' and 'there is a package waiting for you at the Post Office.'" 3. Phone providers Some people have reported text scams in which people impersonate phone service providers. AT&T, for instance, put out a notice in April warning customers about "AT&T Rewards scams," in which scammers infiltrate AT&T accounts "so they can make changes, order equipment, or steal personal information. The company gave this example of a scam message: " - Simply sign in to your account to redeem your $620. At AT&T we care about you. Thank you and have a nice day." Across the internet, people have also reported text scams from people impersonating Verizon representatives. Flashback: This type of phone provider scam has existed for the last few years. The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell in 2023 put out a notice warning residents about scammers "impersonating Verizon Wireless technical support and fraud agents using spoofed Verizon Wireless phone numbers and SMS text messages." 4. Job offers The FTC also said that phony job opportunities are common. How it works:"Task scams" involve promises of online work "requiring people to complete a series of online tasks and end up with requests for people to invest their own money," the agency says on its website. In a note to consumers, the New York Department of State warned that people should be wary of potential employers who request personal information prior to an interview, offer to hire you without an interview or meeting, or ask you to download any applications. "Don't trust anyone who says they'll pay you to rate or like things online. That's illegal and no honest company will do it," the FTC said in December. What to do about text scams The FTC advises people to report suspicious messages. Forwarding messages to 7726 (SPAM) helps wireless providers spot and block similar messages. You can report messages as spam on either the Apple iMessages app or Google Messages app for Android users. You can also report directly to the FTC at The FTC also has advice on how to avoid accidentally giving a scammer your information.
