May 27, 2024

Why’s my coffee so expensive?

Noam Galai/Getty Images for SharkNinja

It has to do with drought in Vietnam and Brazil, but also with rising global demand.

Segments From this episode

Core capital goods spending rose in April, a positive sign for future production

by Stephanie Hughes

May 27, 2024

The measure, which also increased year over year, tracks big, one-off purchases like machinery for manufacturing.

The core capital goods category tracks big, one-time purchases made by businesses, like machinery.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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A Warmer World

The Mexico City water crisis, explained

by Amy Scott and Sean McHenry

May 27, 2024

The most populated North American metro area is facing a "Day Zero" scenario, and longstanding issues with infrastructure and water management are part of the problem.

"One of the things that really jumps out to me about Mexico City is the way this is exacerbating inequality," said Vox's Caroline Houck. "There's obvious tensions around who does get water, whose pipes regularly work, but also when they don't work, who has the money to pay for that increasingly expensive use of water."

Alfredo Estrella/AFP via Getty Images

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All dressed up with no sales to show for it

by Maria Hollenhorst

May 27, 2024

A day in the life of a struggling, but hopeful, entrepreneur.

Taylor Nesiah Jenkins, owner of a secondhand boutique called Haus of Vestige, with some of her inventory at a bridal fair in Phoenix, Arizona.

Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

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Why the cost of coffee beans is climbing

by Lily Jamali

May 27, 2024

Higher global demand for the drink and climate change's effect on supply are behind the upward trend.

A coffee producer in Minas Gerais, Brazil, holds up a handful of robusta beans. Vietnam and Brazil, the top growers of robusta, are suffering droughts.

Douglas Magno/AFP via Getty Images

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Zoom cashiers may signal a new era of digital offshoring and remote work

by Amy Scott and Sarah Leeson

May 27, 2024

With advancements in tech and AI, outsourcing looks different now.

Cashiers of the future may actually be taking your order from thousands of miles away.

Miguel Medina/AFP via Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Hi-Fidelity Lava La Rue, Biig Piig

Summer Nights Raaginder, Wisechild

Manhattan Cat Power

Policy of Truth Depeche Mode

Ordinary Pleasure Toror y Moi

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Andie Corban Producer I

Sarah Leeson Producer I

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Sofia Terenzio Assistant Producer

Jordan Mangi Assistant Digital Producer

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