Australia’s December Trade Surplus Expands but Falls Short of Expectations 
Australian Scandium Project Backed by Richard Friedland Poised to Support U.S. Critical Minerals Stockpile 
Prudential Financial Reports Higher Q4 Profit on Strong Underwriting and Investment Gains 
Vietnam’s Trade Surplus With US Jumps as Exports Surge and China Imports Hit Record 
Uber Ordered to Pay $8.5 Million in Bellwether Sexual Assault Lawsuit 
Global PC Makers Eye Chinese Memory Chip Suppliers Amid Ongoing Supply Crunch 
Alphabet’s Massive AI Spending Surge Signals Confidence in Google’s Growth Engine 
Fed Governor Lisa Cook Warns Inflation Risks Remain as Rates Stay Steady 
U.S.-India Trade Framework Signals Major Shift in Tariffs, Energy, and Supply Chains 
Missouri Judge Dismisses Lawsuit Challenging Starbucks’ Diversity and Inclusion Policies 
Trump Endorses Japan’s Sanae Takaichi Ahead of Crucial Election Amid Market and China Tensions 
OpenAI Expands Enterprise AI Strategy With Major Hiring Push Ahead of New Business Offering 
Trump Signs Executive Order Threatening 25% Tariffs on Countries Trading With Iran 
Instagram Outage Disrupts Thousands of U.S. Users 
Nasdaq Proposes Fast-Track Rule to Accelerate Index Inclusion for Major New Listings 
Bank of Japan Signals Readiness for Near-Term Rate Hike as Inflation Nears Target 
Oil Prices Slip as U.S.–Iran Talks Ease Supply Disruption Fears 
Pepsi Dig In was created by PepsiCo to support Black-owned restaurants and the people behind them. Now the brand is launching its first-ever culinary residency program to bring exclusive signature dishes from Black-owned dining places across the United States to MGM Resort's Mandalay Bay and Las Vegas’ Luxor Resort.
Pepsi Dig In will start the residency program by featuring the first chef - JJ Johnson, of New York City’s FIELDTRIP fast-casual restaurant. The residency will bring Black chefs and restaurateurs to the Las Vegas Strip through the said hotels.
It was reported that the scheme was introduced to elevate Black chefs and restaurateurs. Moreover, in partnership with MGM Resorts International, this PepsiCo’s initiative aims to make the country become aware of the next generation of chefs from the Black community.
Pepsi Dig In was described as a purpose-driven platform that was developed with the intention of driving access and business acceleration for Black-owned diners as well. PepsiCo chose Las Vegas for the chef residency since it is the largest culinary destination in the country.
As per Las Vegas Review-Journal, Pepsi Dig In chose five restaurants to bring their signature dishes to Mandalay Bay’s Libertine Social and Luxor’s Public House. The limited-edition menus are set to be served in the said restaurants for four weeks.
The chef residency officially started last weekend and offered food prepared by Chef JJ Johnson, an award-winning culinary artist. He will introduce his exclusive braised oxtails with jollof rice to customers in the said diners at the Las Vegas Strip.
"It is an honor to usher in Pepsi Dig In's Restaurant Royalty Residency and continue to support a platform that's dedicated to increasing the visibility of the Black culinary community," Chef JJ said in a press release. "Black restaurateurs and chefs often don't have access to opportunities to help grow their businesses and move the needle forward. That's why I'm passionate about supporting Pepsi Dig In and programs like this MGM residency."
PepsiCo’s global food service’s chief marketing officer, Scott Finlow, added, "Bringing in partners, like the world-renowned MGM Resorts, is how we leverage our platform to amplify these fan-favorite establishments. Las Vegas is a city for revelers and foodies alike and serves as the perfect stage to spotlight talented Black restaurateurs and chefs, highlight their food, and grow their audiences."
