Cadbury lost its royal warrant after 170 years after King Charles III decided not to renew the chocolatier’s endorsement. The decision marks the end of an era for Cadbury, which received its first royal warrant in 1854 under Queen Victoria and was reportedly a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II.
Unilever, another chocolatier affected by the decision, also lost its royal warrant. Buckingham Palace has not disclosed the reasons behind the changes, following standard royal protocol.
Controversy over Mondelez’s operations
The move has fueled speculation, especially as Cadbury’s parent company, U.S.-based Mondelez International, faces backlash over its continued operations in Russia. Earlier this year, the campaign group B4Ukraine called for King Charles to strip Mondelez of its royal warrant.
The group criticized the company for continuing its Russian business amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Unilever has faced similar scrutiny over its operations in the region.
What does losing a royal warrant mean?
Royal warrants are a mark of prestige awarded to companies that supply goods or services to the royal household. These warrants also allow brands to display the royal coat of arms on their packaging and branding, which enhances credibility and boosts consumer trust.
A spokesperson for Mondelez expressed disappointment over the loss but respected the decision. They told the BBC, “Whilst we are disappointed to be one of hundreds of other businesses and brands in the U.K. to not have a new warrant awarded, we are proud to have previously held one, and we fully respect the decision.”
Unilever echoed the sentiment, with a company representative saying, “We are very proud of the long history our brands have supplying the royal household and of the warrants they have been awarded during this time.”
Some chocolatiers stayed on the royal list. Bendicks and Prestat Limited retained their royal warrants, along with the renowned winery Moët & Chandon.
Queen Elizabeth II statue sparks backlash, critics say it misses the mark
A newly unveiled statue of the late Queen Elizabeth II is sparking controversy in the United Kingdom. While officials in Northern Ireland described the bronze statue as capturing her grace and dedication, reactions online were anything but flattering.
The statue, created by artist Anto Brennan, stands alongside Prince Philip and their corgis in Antrim Castle Gardens. Brennan is known for his political caricature work, and some feel his style didn’t translate well in this tribute to the late monarch.
Some compared the statue to the movie character Mrs. Doubtfire, while one critic suggested it should be “removed and melted down.” Even British art historian Richard Morris called it a “very poor representation,” saying he couldn’t identify the queen until reading the plaque.
With social media reactions turning hostile, comments were later turned off on the official online post. The local council is standing by the statue, saying it is being “warmly received by most who have seen it in person.” The council is now encouraging visitors to see it for themselves.
Kate Middleton opens up about cancer battle, chemo and focus on recovery
Princess of Wales Kate Middleton has opened up about her health six months after revealing her cancer diagnosis. The 42-year-old mother of three shared a video message on Monday, Sept. 9, speaking candidly about her journey.
Kate said she is focused on staying cancer-free and gradually returning to her royal duties after completing chemotherapy. In her message, she expressed her relief in completing her treatment. She went on to describe the last nine months as incredibly tough for her family.
Kate’s message also reflected on how this experience has shifted her perspective saying, “life as you know it can change in an instant.” The newly released video also captures the family playing games together and embracing.
Kate Middleton reveals cancer diagnosis, urges solidarity
Catherine, Princess of Wales, also known as Kate Middleton, said in a video statement released on Friday, March 22, that she has been diagnosed with cancer. The diagnosis comes after what she described as “an incredibly tough couple of months,” according to the BBC.
In January, Kate had abdominal surgery in London, which was originally thought to be non-cancer related. However, further tests showed the presence of cancer.
Kate is undergoing chemotherapy and said she is improving and growing stronger every day. There are no further details on the type of cancer she was diagnosed with, but the royal family said that they are confident in her recovery.
The cancer was discovered after her abdominal surgery earlier this year. Kate and Prince William said that they are taking time for their family, as they work to explain Kate’s diagnosis to their young children.
Kate is not expected to return to her royal duties anytime soon. She asked for privacy during her cancer battle, and expressed gratitude for the support she has received.
The royal family has recently faced questions due to her absence from the public eye. Meanwhile, Kate has urged solidarity with those impacted by cancer and encouraged them to keep hope.
King Charles III diagnosed with cancer: The Morning Rundown, Feb. 6, 2024
Buckingham Palace announces King Charles III is being treated for cancer. And country music superstar Toby Keith passes away after his own cancer battle. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.
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Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III began outpatient treatment after being diagnosed with cancer. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said on Tuesday, Feb. 6, during an interview with the BBC that he was “shocked and sad” to learn of the King’s diagnosis but is thankful the cancer was caught early.
The BBC reported King Charles would continue regular treatment and postpone his public duties under doctors’ advice. Still, the King looks forward to returning to his full public responsibilities as soon as possible.
Charles is less than 18 months into his reign, becoming King following the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, after her 70 years on the throne. You can read Lauren Taylor’s full report now.
Toby Keith dies at age 62
Country music star Toby Keith has died. A statement was posted to his official “X” account early this morning, saying Keith passed away peacefully Monday night, Feb. 5, surrounded by family. Keith announced he’d been diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2022 and was receiving treatment. The statement read, “he fought his fight with grace and courage.”
The country star, known for songs such as “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” and “Red Solo Cup,” was named Artist of the Decade at the American Country Awards in 2011 and received the Country Music Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards.
“I want to thank the almighty for allowing me to be here tonight. You’ve been riding shotgun with me for a little while,” Keith said during his acceptance speech in September. He also thanked his team, adding “Most of all I want to thank the fans for still allowing us to do what we do.”
Heavy rainfall led to flooding and mudslides throughout the region, with about 38 million people under flood alerts from California to southwest Arizona. In Los Angeles, firefighters rescued 16 people from mudslides on one street.
In a 24-hour period, nearly a foot of rain was measured at the University of California at Los Angeles. According to the White House, President Joe Biden has pledged federal aid to California Gov. Gavin Newsom and L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.
Biden threatens to veto House GOP’s standalone Israel aid bill
Haley remains the last remaining opponent to former President Donald Trump for the 2024 GOP nomination. Nevada holds its Republican and Democratic primary elections today. On Thursday, the Nevada Republican Party will host a caucus.
Most Americans consider football to be ‘America’s sport’
Baseball has long been considered to be America’s pastime, but now it appears that baseball’s time has passed as the top sport in the nation. According to a recent Pew Research Center survey of 12,000 adults, 53% said football is “America’s sport.”
Baseball came in second with 27%, followed by basketball and soccer. But while football was the top choice of those surveyed, most do not consider themselves diehard sports fans. In fact, 60% said they do not closely follow professional or college sports. But there’s probably still a good chance most will be watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, Feb. 11, even if it’s for the commercials.
President Biden, world leaders react to King Charles III cancer diagnosis
Royal U.K. officials announced that King Charles III is being treated for cancer. The diagnosis, disclosed Monday, Feb. 5, comes just over a year into his reign after the passing of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II.
President Joe Biden and other world leaders reacted to the announcement of King Charles III’s cancer diagnosis. According to the BBC, President Biden told reporters that he is concerned about the diagnosis and went onto say he would talk to King Charles III.
U.K. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also reacted to the news on social media.
“Wishing his majesty a fully and speedy recovery,” Sunak wrote. “I have no doubt he’ll be back to full strength in no time, and I know the whole country will be wishing him well.”
The cancer diagnosis was announced by Buckingham Palace. Royal officials said the cancer was discovered during treatment for an enlarged prostate, which is a separate issue from the cancer. Officials emphasized the enlarged prostate is benign but did not disclose the type of cancer King Charles III discovered.
Charles’ prostate treatment was announced on Jan. 17, which involved a three-day stay at a London Hospital. Charles was released from the hospital on Jan. 29, according to CNN.
If Charles were to abdicate the throne, his son, Prince William, would become king. However, the palace said there is no plan for Charles to postpone his state duties. Buckingham Palace did say that King Charles III will postpone his public duties, under the advisement of doctors. According to the statement from Buckingham Palace, Charles “looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible.”
King Charles is said to have chosen to publicly disclose the diagnosis to avoid speculation and raise awareness for those impacted by cancer around the world. His announcement is unlike his grandfather’s, King George VI, who died of lung cancer in 1952 but did not share his diagnosis with the British public. King George VI died at the age of 56.
Buckingham Palace said that King Charles III has begun a schedule of “regular treatments.” The statement added, “The King is grateful to his medical team for their swift intervention, which was made possible thanks to his recent hospital procedure.”
Georgia grand jury report to be released: The Morning Rundown Sept. 8, 2023
The Georgia special grand jury investigating the 2020 election will release their report, and a viral internet challenge turns deadly. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Friday, Sept. 8, 2023.
Georgia special grand jury report to be released
The special grand jury report in Georgia that ultimately led to an indictment of former President Donald Trump is expected to be released Friday. The grand jury spent seven months, heard from 75 witnesses and closed their investigation in December.
Their job was to compile any recommendations regarding potential charges and give those to Georgia prosecutors. Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis used report to indict former President Trump and 18 others on charges related to the 2020 presidential election in the state.
North Korea unveils nuclear-armed submarine
North Korea announced Friday it has launched its first “tactical nuclear attack submarine.” Leader Kim Jong Un said the submarine will be one of the main “underwater offensive means” of the North Korean Navy.
The submarine has been assigned to the fleet that patrols the waters between the Korean peninsula and Japan. It has 10 launch tube hatches, most likely armed with ballistic and cruise missiles.
A former U.S. government weapons expert told Reuters the submarine won’t add much value to North Korea’s more robust, land-based nuclear forces. He said it is based on an aging submarine model that is relatively noisy, slow and has limited range.
South Korea’s military said the submarine did not appear to be read for normal operations, adding that there were signs the North was attempting to exaggerate it capabilities.
17 arrested in Cuba human trafficking ring
Cuban authorities have arrested 17 people in connection to an alleged human trafficking ring. The goal of the ring was to lure young Cuban men to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine.
According to authorities, the group’s “internal organizer” was one of the 17 arrested. The leader relied on two people living in Cuba to handle the recruiting. Charges the group members are facing include:
Human trafficking
Fighting as a mercenary
Hostile action against a foreign state.
Potential sentences from these charges range from up to 30 years in prison to the death penalty.
Despite its close ties to Russia, Cuba has maintained that it has no part in the war in Ukraine. Cuba said it rejects the use of its citizens as mercenaries.
CIA releases Russian spy recruitment video
The CIA has renewed its push to recruit Russians to become spies against their own government. The agency posted a video in Russian on social media on Thursday, Sept. 7.
In the video, the CIA made an appeal to tell the truth about a system the agency has said is riddled with lying sycophants. In July of 2023, CIA Director William Burns said dissatisfaction from some Russians over the war had created a rare opportunity to recruit spies.
‘One Chip Challenge’ pulled from shelves after teen’s death
Paqui has pulled its “One Chip Challenge” spicy tortilla chip from store shelves. Last week, 14-year-old Harris Wolobah of Massachusetts died after taking the challenge.
Wolobah ate the chip at school, went to the nurse complaining of a stomach ache and passed out at home before being pronounced dead at the hospital. A report is pending on the official cause of death.
In a statement, the company said the chip is intended for adults only, adding that it’s “not for children or anyone sensitive to spicy foods or who has food allergies, is pregnant or other underlying health conditions.”
One year since the death of Queen Elizabeth II
The royal family honored the late Queen Elizabeth II and her 70-year reign on the first anniversary of her death Friday. King Charles III released a statement saying he is remembering his mother’s “long life, devoted to service.”
Charles and Queen Consort Camilla will mark the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s death privately at Balmoral Castle. She was 96 years old.
Ukraine NATO membership on agenda at summit: July 10 rundown
President Joe Biden is set to discuss Ukraine’s potential NATO membership with world leaders at the annual NATO summit this week, and the FDA may take a second-look at a popular energy drink on the market. These stories and more highlight the rundown for Monday, July 10, 2023.
Biden to meet with King Charles ahead of NATO summit
President Biden arrived in Europe for a series of meetings this week, including the annual NATO summit in Lithuania. Ukraine has been heavily lobbying to gain membership into NATO, but ahead of the summit, Biden said it would be premature to allow Ukraine to join.
Biden’s first stop in Europe is England, where he will meet with King Charles III for the first time since his coronation. They are expected to discuss the war in Ukraine.
Biden’s final stop will be in Finland, which joined NATO earlier this year. In addition to Ukraine’s NATO membership, Biden will also be in discussions regarding Sweden joining the alliance at the summit.
Also on the table, Biden’s decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine. It’s a move that has been scrutinized because of the threat to civilians. The weapon has been banned by more than 100 countries.
For more on why this weapon is so controversial, read our in-depth report here.
U.S. drones used to kill ISIS leader
The three U.S. drones Russia was accused of harassing over Syria last week were the same drones the U.S. used to carry out an airstrike that killed a top Islamic-State group-leader on Friday, June 7. Usamah al-Muhajir was killed while he was riding a motorcycle in northwestern Syria in an area where the U.S. has carried out other strikes against terrorist leaders.
Appeals court overturns hold on TN gender-affirming care ban
A Tennessee law that bans doctors from providing puberty-blockers or other gender-affirming care for minors can now go into effect immediately. A U.S. appeals court voted 2 to 1 to reverse a lower court’s decision that had blocked the law from going into place while it was being challenged.
The law is part of a wider effort by Republican states looking to ban medical procedures that alter a child’s gender assigned at birth. Federal judges have blocked five laws similar to Tennessee’s from taking effect. Those judges found the laws violated the constitution’s guarantee of equal protection.
Intense flooding disrupts the South, Northeast
Intense storms swept across the U.S. over the weekend. Flash flooding and life-saving water rescues were reported in Oklahoma after heavy rains poured down.
In Orange County, New York, rushing flood waters turned roadways into rushing rapids, and a woman was killed after being swept away. Nearly a foot of rain fell, prompting a state of emergency.
In Norfolk, Connecticut, the rain washed away portions of a bridge. And in Reading, Pennsylvania, drivers on a major highway were left stranded in flood waters as an underpass became impassable.
Farmers Insurance limits home policies in California
Farmers Insurance has announced it will limit new home insurance policies in the state of California. The announcement makes Farmers the latest insurance company to do so due to the high likelihood of wildfires and severe weather events in the state.
State Farm announced last month it would stop writing new policies in California and Allstate made the same decision in late 2022. For many Californians, their home insurance policies have skyrocketed in price within the past few years, or they’re being dropped by their insurance companies completely.
Schumer calls on FDA to look into Prime Energy
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) has called on the FDA to look into PRIME, an energy drink brand founded by famous influencers Logan Paul and KSI. PRIME’s launch in 2022 was an immediate success among the duo’s millions of predominantly younger followers.
What Sen. Schumer is trying to bring attention to is what’s in the drinks, specifically caffeine. While advertising itself as sugar-free and vegan, PRIME energy drinks contain 200 milligrams of caffeine per 12 ounces. That’s equal to six cans of Coke or nearly two Red Bulls.
The high caffeine content has led to bans from some schools in the United Kingdom and Australia. Pediatricians have warned of an increased risk of heart problems, anxiety and digestive issues in kids.
Representatives for PRIME have defended the drink, saying it’s clearly labeled as not recommended for children under 18. They added that PRIME also sells a sports drink, PRIME Hydration, that has no caffeine at all.
3 soldiers dead in Alaska helicopter collision: April 28 rundown
A collision between two military helicopters in Alaska has left three Army soldiers dead. And Ticketmaster is once again in the hot seat over its latest ticket sale debacle. These stories and more highlight the daily rundown for Friday, April 28, 2023.
3 U.S. soldiers killed after Army helicopters collide
Two U.S. Army helicopters collided and crashed in Alaska, Thursday, April 27, while returning from a training flight. Three soldiers were killed.
Two of the soldiers died at the scene of the crash and a third died on the way to a hospital. Another soldier was injured and is in the hospital.
Each of the helicopters had two people aboard.
The Army said the cause of the crash is under investigation.
This is the second crash involving military helicopters in Alaska this year where two soldiers were injured in a rollover accident.
It also follows the deadly crash of two U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopters which killed nine soldiers in Kentucky last month.
Pence testifies in 2020 presidential election probe
Former Vice President Mike Pence appeared before a grand jury investigating the aftermath of the 2020 election and the actions of then-President Donald Trump and others.
The vice president testified for more than seven hours on Thursday, April 27.
It marks the first time in modern history a vice president has been compelled to testify about the president he served beside.
Russia fires barrage of airstrikes on Ukraine, killing 12
Russia fired a barrage of more than 20 cruise missiles and two explosive drones at Ukraine, killing at least 12 people. The deadliest strike of many launched Friday, April 28, was a missile that tore into an apartment building. Ten people died as a result. The timing of the airstrike came as residents were asleep.
The capital of Kyiv, also came under attack, for the first time in about two months. Officials said there were no casualties there as the country’s air defenses were able to intercept 11 missiles and two drones.
The head of the United Nations says each civilian killed constitutes a potential war crime against the Kremlin.
China flies combat drone around Taiwan
A new type of Chinese combat drone has been spotted flying around Taiwan. It is seen as the latest uptick in military tensions there, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry.
In its daily update on Chinese military activities, the Defense Ministry reported 19 aircraft had entered the island’s air defense identification zone. One of which was the aircraft Chinese state media has referred to as the Twin-Tailed Scorpion. It’s capable of high-altitude, long-range missions, and is equipped to carry a heavy-weapons-payload.
The latest tension comes the same month that China retaliated against the island following Taiwan president Tsai ing Wen’s meeting in Los Angeles with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif.
Ticketmaster’s debacle in coronation ticket sales
Ticketmaster is being accused of creating another debacle in ticket sales, issuing tickets for King Charles’ coronation concert.
The ticketing giant was tasked with distributing around 20,000 tickets, which were allocated by geographic spread of the U.K.’s population, instead of on a first come, first served basis.
Angry fans took to social media to complain they had received messages that they’d won tickets only to find that the tickets were all gone when they attempted to claim them.
Ticketmaster ran into trouble in November when the site couldn’t handle the heavy demand for Taylor Swift’s tour. Since then, members of Congress have been looking into whether Ticketmaster is too big of a monopoly in the ticket sale space.
NFL draft enters second round
The Carolina Panthers chose Alabama quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick of this year’s NFL draft.
The Houston Texas chose Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud second overall. Then, surprisingly, traded back up to the third pick, where they went to the other side of the ball and nabbed Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr.
Florida district board calls out Disney over Disney World agreement
The new members of a Florida board overseeing Disney World said on Wednesday, March 29, that Disney pulled a fast one on them, rendering them essentially powerless. The members were appointed to the board by Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., on Feb. 27, 2023.
In 2022, Gov. DeSantis and Disney clashed over the corporation’s opposition to the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law limits classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in public schools.
On Wednesday, lawyers for the district said the original Disney-allied board members had quietly pushed through a 30-year development agreement ahead of their departure from the board. The agreement transferred most of the district’s power to Disney.
This includes approval to build new theme parks along with smaller parks. Under the agreement, the decision to build new parks is solely Disney’s.
The agreement also gives Disney the right to sell or assign project development rights to other district landowners in Florida without the board having any say. The new district is not able to make any changes to Disney buildings, including regulating how tall they are, without Disney’s approval.
The district is also not able to use the well-known Disney name, its characters or other intellectual property without the company’s permission. This leaves the district unable to even identify itself by the massive brand it is tasked with regulating.
“This essentially makes Disney the government,” current board member Ron Peri said. “This board loses, for practical purposes, the majority of its ability to do anything beyond maintain the roads and maintain basic infrastructure.”
In response to the board’s complaints, Disney released a statement saying that “all agreements signed between Disney and the district were appropriate and were discussed and approved in open, noticed public forums in compliance with Florida’s Government in the Sunshine law.”
The document states the agreement is in effect until perpetuity. If the agreement is deemed to violate rules against perpetuity, it is valid until “21 years after the death of the last survivor of the descendants of King Charles III, king of England.” Charles is the king of all of the United Kingdom, not just England.