July 23, 2025

China’s electric vehicle (EV) market has grown exponentially over the last decade thanks in large part to the country’s commitment to advanced automation. For example, this video begins with a look at “dark factories” where so few humans are needed on the floor that lights can be dimmed or turned off entirely. While this has allowed Chinese manufacturers to churn out hundreds of cars per day, critics are questioning if global tensions and potentially oversaturated markets will stall the growth Continue reading

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July 16, 2025

Artificial food dyes like Red 3 are on their way out, and that’s creating big challenges for U.S. food companies. Health officials and consumers are pushing for natural alternatives, citing possible health risks linked to synthetic colors, especially for children. Federal agencies want artificial dyes removed from the food supply by the end of 2026, and while major brands like PepsiCo and General Mills are responding quickly, making the change isn’t easy. Natural dyes are more expensive, harder to produce, Continue reading

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The peak of summer travel season is upon us as millions of Americans will hit the road this Fourth of July weekend. According to the roadside assistance service AAA, a record 72 million people will travel 50 miles or more over the Independence Day holiday period, a nine-day span between June 28 to July 6. 62 million Americans will travel over the weekend alone, representing an increase of 1.3 million over last year. “The top 10 heaviest travel days in Continue reading

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June 18, 2025

At the beginning of the year, we looked at how the Department of Justice accused Ticketmaster of potentially holding a monopoly on live music. This video examines the issue further by taking a detailed look at Ticketmaster’s parent company Live Nation, which earned $24 billion last year by having a hand in nearly every aspect of the live music industry. 

Questions:

  1. Why do independent operators see Live Nation as a threat to their businesses? 
  2. Do you think Live Continue reading
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June 11, 2025

Handmade watches might seem old-fashioned in the age of smartphones, but a new generation is bringing the craft of watchmaking back in style. Gen Z consumers are showing renewed interest in analog objects, especially ones that combine design, tradition, and precision. That shift has helped revive a profession many thought was dying. Watchmaking schools are expanding, and independent brands are launching as young makers share their work on platforms like TikTok and Twitch. Students are drawn to the slow, hands-on Continue reading

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In 2015, Nike set out to transform how sneakers are made. Hoping to bring manufacturing closer to home, the company invested millions in a high-tech factory in Mexico that would rely on machines instead of low-wage workers overseas. But the project quickly ran into unexpected problems. Robots struggled with the soft, flexible materials used in sneakers, which expand and contract with temperature changes. Tasks like gluing soles and stitching fabrics proved much harder to automate than expected. Rather than shrinking Continue reading

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April 30, 2025

When Rayne Heath, a tech worker in Ohio, started shopping for a stroller, she planned to wait until after her baby shower. But after hearing about new tariffs on Chinese imports, she rushed to buy a $1,200 Nuna stroller before the price jumped by nearly $200. Heath’s story is increasingly common among expectant parents. Essential baby gear like strollers, car seats, and cribs—already costly—are becoming even more expensive due to new tariffs as high as 145% on products from China. Continue reading

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April 15, 2025

Korean beauty products have exploded in popularity in the U.S. thanks to their high quality formulas and affordable prices. Brands like Laneige, Cosrx, and Innisfree are now household names, especially for their sunscreens and serums that use cutting-edge ingredients not available in American-made skincare. In 2024, the U.S. imported $1.7 billion worth of cosmetics from South Korea—more than even France. But that could change fast. Under a new trade plan, these imports could be hit with a 25% tariff. Business Continue reading

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April 10, 2025

For a company whose guacamole has become a signature item, Chipotle can’t afford to take avocados for granted. Each year, the fast-casual chain uses over 130 million pounds of the fruit across its more than 3,700 locations—nearly 5% of all avocados consumed in the U.S. But climate variability, pandemic-era disruptions, and trade tensions have exposed the fragility of global food systems. As a result, Chipotle recognized the risks of relying too heavily on a single source country. Mexico, which once Continue reading

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April 4, 2025

In 1995, Costco took a big risk by creating its own private label, Kirkland Signature, to compete against name brands in numerous product categories. As this video explains, though, the warehouse retailer’s gamble paid off handsomely. Kirkland earned more than $86 billion in sales last year, and now other retailers are following Costco’s lead by expanding their own private labels. 

Questions:

  1. What are some advantages that private label products give to retailers? What are some drawbacks?  
  2. Why did Continue reading
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