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New Champions Emerge in Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Amid Chestnut Controversy

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New Champions Emerge in Nathan’s Hot Dog Contest Amid Chestnut Controversy

There’s a new top dog in the frankfurter eating world.

Patrick Bertoletti won Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, the annual competition held on July 4, marking the end of an era after 16-time winner Joey Chestnut’s falling out with the event’s organizer, Major League Eating (MLE).

Bertoletti, 39, from Illinois, consumed 58 hot dogs in this year’s 10-minute event, earning him the Mustard Yellow Belt in the men’s category. Miki Sudo set a new record in the women’s division with 51 wieners downed.

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After the dispute between Chestnut and MLE, MLE announced last month that it was parting ways with Chestnut, citing a rule that participants cannot strike endorsement deals with rivals of hot dog maker Nathan’s. MLE alleged that Chestnut had partnered with a plant-based meat alternative company. Chestnut, also known as “Jaws,” has recently begun posting images on Instagram that feature Impossible Foods.

“For nearly two decades we have worked under the same basic hot dog exclusivity provisions,” MLE said in a statement in June. “However, it seems that Joey and his managers have prioritized a new partnership with a different hot dog brand over our long-time relationship.”

Chestnut responded in a statement at the time that he was “gutted to learn from the media” of his banishment after 19 years. The 40-year-old claimed he did not have a contract with MLE or Nathan’s and said the endorsement ban was a departure from the organization’s rules around partnerships in prior years.

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“I love competing in that event, I love celebrating America with my fans all over this great country on the 4th, and I have been training to defend my title,” he said last month.

During ESPN’s broadcast of the 2024 contest, the channel frequently mentioned Chestnut and what the competition looks like without him. In one reference, Chestnut was referred to as the “Warren Buffett of the buffet.”

Chestnut fans can still see him in action this holiday.

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He’s livestreaming a hot dog eating contest from the Fort Bliss Army Base in Texas as a fundraiser for charity, according to a recent Instagram post. The show begins at 5 p.m. ET on Thursday.

“The 4th wouldn’t be the same if I wasn’t celebrating by eating a whole lot of all-beef hot dogs,” he wrote.

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Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings

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Iceland Demands Supermarket Rivals Stop Selling Prawn Rings

Supermarket chain Iceland has filed a trademark application for its well-known “King Prawn Rings,” urging rival supermarkets to stop selling similar products. Iceland, headquartered in Flintshire, claims it has faced increasing imitation since introducing its prawn rings in 1991.

In a bold open letter shared on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Iceland called out major competitors Aldi, Tesco, Lidl, and Asda, accusing them of selling “copy crustaceans.” The letter cheekily asserted, “The King Prawn Ring is ours, and we won’t be letting you off the hook.”

Lidl humorously responded, “Here was us thinking it was a classic 1970s party dish.”

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Iceland’s letter, signed by “Iceland Foods,” warned other retailers to cease selling prawn rings, especially ahead of Christmas. The chain emphasized its intent to pursue legal action if competitors don’t comply, declaring, “Our lawyers are more than ready to dive into legal waters.”

The prawn ring battle has sparked social media buzz, with consumers eagerly watching how rival supermarkets will respond to Iceland’s trademark claim.

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Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says

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Boeing Workers Reject Latest Pay Offer Despite 30% Rise, Union Says

The union representing striking Boeing workers has stated that its members are not interested in the company’s latest pay proposal, which includes a 30% raise over four years. According to the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), a survey revealed overwhelming dissatisfaction with the offer, labeling it as “inadequate.”

This rejection follows Boeing’s new “best and final” offer, which also included a performance bonus reinstatement, improved retirement benefits, and a one-time $6,000 signing bonus. The company set a deadline for the deal to be ratified by union members by midnight on September 27.

However, IAM criticized Boeing for sending the offer directly to workers and the media without consulting union leaders and stated that the time frame was insufficient to organize a proper vote. Boeing has denied the union’s claims and said it would allow more time and provide support to facilitate the vote.

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China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns

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China Unveils Bold Measures to Revive Economy Amid Growth Concerns

China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), has launched a significant package of measures aimed at revitalizing its struggling economy. PBOC Governor Pan Gongsheng announced plans to lower borrowing costs and allow banks to expand lending to stimulate economic activity.

With recent economic data raising concerns that China may miss its 5% growth target this year, the central bank will cut the reserve requirement ratio (RRR)—the amount of cash banks must hold in reserve—by half a percentage point, releasing around 1 trillion yuan ($142 billion) into the economy. Additional cuts may follow later in the year.

The package also addresses China’s property market crisis by cutting interest rates for existing mortgages and reducing minimum down payments for all homes to 15%.

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Asian stock markets responded positively to the news, seeing a boost after Mr. Pan’s announcement, which came during a rare joint press conference with officials from two other financial regulators.

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