With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Coca-Cola To Install Vending Machines In Venice
Listen
• 0:00
RENEE MONTAGNE, Host:
Our last word in business is about another alliance between Italy and an American corporation. The word is fizz fight. Officials in the Italian city of Venice have struck a deal with Coca-Cola. In return for about $2.7 million, Venice is allowing Coke to install dozens of vending machines around the city. The money will go towards preserving Venice's cultural heritage, but some residents of that city and retailers are furious. They say it's tacky and unfair competition, and they don't want the city known for gondolas to be swamped by vending machines.
STEVE INSKEEP, Host:
I'd be more interested if the...
Support for LAist comes from
MONTAGNE: Swamped.
INSKEEP: ...gondolas were swamped themselves by a vending machine, up in the bow or something.
MONTAGNE: Well, city officials do insist the vending machines will be discreet. They won't even bear the Coca-Cola logo. Well, I would kind of wonder what's the point. But that's business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.
INSKEEP: And I'm Steve Inskeep. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures. -
It will be the second national day of protest against President Donald Trump. -
The university says the compact, as the Trump administration called it, could undermine free inquiry and academic excellence. -
This is the one time you can do this legally! -
Metro officials said it will be able to announce an opening date “soon.” -
While working for the county, the DA’s office alleges that 13 employees fraudulently filed for unemployment, claiming to earn less than $600 a week.
Best of LAist