Latest news
Last week
DTC
eyewear
retail
Warby Parker's Journey to a $1.8B Valuation
- Warby Parker, founded by MBA classmates, disrupted the $150 billion eyewear industry.
- The company's revenue reached $670 million in 2023, with a market value of $1.79 billion.
- Brick-and-mortar stores now account for over two-thirds of Warby Parker's revenue.
- The company aims to become profitable by expanding its physical store presence.
- Warby Parker plans to become a holistic vision-care company, offering in-store eye exams.
6 months ago
stocks
interest rates
Federal Reserve
Asian stocks follow Wall Street rally after Fed rate decision
- Asian markets surge following Wall Street's rally after Fed's first rate cut in four years.
- Japan's Nikkei 225 soars 2.1% as inflation data exceeds central bank's target.
- China keeps key lending rates unchanged, refraining from additional monetary stimulus.
- Fed's rate cut shifts focus to maintaining job market stability and avoiding recession.
- Some critics argue Fed's delayed rate cut may have already impacted the economy.
6 months ago
leadership change
sportswear industry
workforce restructuring
Nike CEO John Donahoe to step down, Elliott Hill named successor
- Elliott Hill appointed as new CEO of Nike, replacing John Donahoe.
- Hill returns to Nike after retiring in 2020 from leadership roles.
- Nike recently announced 2% workforce reduction to cut costs.
- Company stock surged 8% following the leadership change announcement.
6 months ago
Federal Reserve
interest rates
stock market
Wall Street surges to records as Fed signals rate cuts
- Federal Reserve cuts interest rates for the first time in over four years.
- S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq reach new record highs following the rate cut announcement.
- Fed projects additional rate cuts in 2024 and 2025.
- Lower rates expected to boost economy and various investment markets.
- Some analysts warn of potential inflationary risks from aggressive rate cuts.
7 months ago
Siren's Curse
tilt coaster
thrill ride
Cedar Point announces record-breaking 'tilt' roller coaster for 2025
- Cedar Point unveils Siren's Curse, a new roller coaster with a 90-degree tilt mechanism.
- The coaster will reach 160 feet high and speeds of 58 mph.
- Siren's Curse features on-board audio and LED lights, firsts for Cedar Point.
- The ride is designed with multiple safety precautions and extensive testing.
- Opening is planned for early summer 2025, adding diversity to the park's attractions.
11 months ago
Dunkalatte
Rhode Island
regional drink
Coffee milk gains national popularity
- Coffee milk, a Rhode Island staple, gains attention through Dunkin's new Dunkalatte.
- The drink combines coffee syrup with milk, similar to chocolate or strawberry milk.
- Coffee milk has been popular in New England for generations, especially among children.
- Rhode Island officially adopted coffee milk as its state drink in 1993.
- The beverage is now attracting interest beyond its traditional New England market.
0 year ago
drought
agriculture
commodity prices
Brazil drought threatens coffee production and prices
- Severe drought in Brazil is damaging coffee crops and impacting future harvests.
- Global coffee prices are rising due to potential supply shortages in Brazil and Vietnam.
- Wildfires in Brazil have destroyed coffee plantations, further exacerbating the situation.
- Smallholder farmers are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of drought and fires.
- Coffee prices have increased by 55% compared to the previous year.
1 year ago
labor
supply chain
retail
US retailers prepare for potential longshoremen's strike
- Dockworkers' strike may close East and Gulf coast ports from October 3rd.
- Strike could affect holiday shipments and fuel inflation if prolonged.
- Retailers and manufacturers accelerate shipments to mitigate potential disruptions.
- Biden administration urged to intervene, but faces political sensitivities.
- Some businesses better prepared after learning from pandemic supply chain issues.
1 year ago
fall travel
family vacations
mountain towns
Fall Family Destinations in Mountain Towns Across US
- Dahlonega, Georgia offers gold mining history, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly attractions.
- Haywood County, North Carolina provides elk viewing and scenic leaf-peeping opportunities.
- Washington, Virginia features Blue Rock Inn with nearby caverns and national park access.
- Allegany County, Maryland boasts scenic railroad trips and rail biking experiences.
- Ulster County, New York's Shandaken Inn provides a luxurious mountain retreat with nearby activities.
- Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania offers outdoor adventures and cultural attractions like Fallingwater.
- Tahoe City, California provides water sports and mountain activities for thrill-seeking families.
1 year ago
Medicare
health insurance
enrollment
Guidance for shopping Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicare Advantage plan enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7.
- Major insurers are reducing coverage, prompting many to seek new plans.
- Begin reviewing coverage options before the enrollment window opens.
- Consider factors beyond premiums, such as network coverage and prescription costs.
- Utilize resources like plan finders and insurance assistance programs for help.
1 year ago
Stock Market
Economy
Manufacturing
Stock markets suffer worst day since early August
- US stocks plummeted due to weak manufacturing data and tech sector struggles.
- Nasdaq fell 3.3%, Dow Jones dropped 1.5%, and S&P 500 slid 2.1%.
- Manufacturing sector shows signs of contraction, sparking recession fears.
- Technology stocks, particularly semiconductors, faced significant declines.
- August jobs report fell short of expectations, adding to economic concerns.
- Federal Reserve expected to consider interest rate cuts in upcoming meeting.
1 year ago
lithium
mining
endangered species
US agency review supports Nevada lithium mine
- BLM's environmental impact statement suggests lithium mine can coexist with endangered flower.
- Ioneer Ltd. plans to begin production at Rhyolite Ridge mine as early as 2028.
- Environmentalists argue the project violates Endangered Species Act and threatens Tiehm's buckwheat.
- Mine could potentially produce lithium for nearly 370,000 electric vehicles annually.
- Controversy surrounds flower propagation plan and impact on biodiversity.