Price Increases at The Happiest Place on Earth
In the wake of opening new Star Wars themed attractions in their parks, Disneyland and Walt Disney World recently announced a price increase on tickets to visit their theme parks.…
Coronavirus Outbreak Could Have Major Economic Impact
Last week, the world learned that a deadly, fast-moving disease called the coronavirus had appeared in several Chinese cities. The mysterious illness has already killed more than a hundred people…
LAist: “Kobe Bryant Sneakers Are Worth Big Bucks: But Not Everybody’s Cashing In”
The tragic and unexpected death of Kobe Bryant has caused a large spike in demand for his autographed and game-worn memorabilia. Some collectors are choosing to hold on to their…
Small Potatoes
In early December 2019, media outlets across the US warned of a potential French fry shortage in 2020. These warnings came after the US Department of Agriculture estimated that the…
Immigration or Innovation in Agriculture?
American agriculture has long depended on immigrant labor. Many of these workers are undocumented. In recent years, the US government has increased its immigration enforcement activity, identifying, arresting, and deporting…
Plastic Pollution Problems
Each year, millions of tons of discarded plastic makes its way into the world’s oceans. Approximately 80 percent of that waste was originally discarded on land, with the remaining 20…
Fishy Pricing
In December 2019 the CEO of Bumblebee Tuna was convicted of price-fixing in the packaged seafood market. With this conviction the CEO faces up to 10 years in prison and…
A Spirited Trade War
In the 20 years between 1997 and 2017, US exports of Kentucky bourbon whiskey tripled to a value of $450 million. However, in the second half of 2018 exports of…
Retail Apocalypse
Nearly 10,000 retail stores announced closures in 20191. Payless ShoeSource alone accounted for 2,500 closures as part of the company’s complete liquidation. Other large retailers, like J. C. Penney, are…
Will The Robots Take All Our Jobs?
The past ten years have seen widespread concern about the effect that artificial intelligence (AI) and sophisticated robotics might have on employment. The most pessimistic prognosticators assert that strong and…