On September 27, 2024, Hurricane Helene slammed into Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee, and the subsequent flooding claimed six victims who were among the employees working at the plant despite a state of emergency issued by the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency the previous day.

Impact Plastics is facing lawsuits from at least one family following claims that workers were not allowed to leave despite worsening conditions, allegations the company denies.

PFAs, or “forever chemicals” as they’re often called, have persisted their way into water, air, fish, soil, people and animals all over the country. They’ve been linked to several serious health problems including cancer. It’s a widespread problem that’s led many states to pursue legislation that would block their continued use.

Minnesota’s Amara’s Law, which was passed in 2023 and took effect at the beginning of 2025, is one of the most aggressive examples of pushing back against PFAs. The law bans all non-essential use of PFAs and requires manufacturers to disclose if PFAs are present in any products they plan on selling in Minnesota.

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Pabst Brewing Company has announced a new brewing contract agreement with Anheuser-Busch InBev. The contract comes after a two-decade long contract agreement with Molson Coors came to an end in December 2024.

Beginning in the first quarter of 2025, Pabst will begin production using several AB InBev facilities.

Since the closing of Pabst’s Milwaukee brewery in 1996, the company has relied on third-party plants to brew legacy brands like Pabst Blue Ribbon, Old Style, and Old Milwaukee. Now, AB InBev will give Pabst the space for greater supply, as well as the potential to grow its portfolio as the consumer market shifts.

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