The Economics of Everyday Things

They expose fraud, catch cheating spouses, and track down missing assets — but they don’t come cheap. Zachary Crockett takes the case.   SOURCES:Ashley Wardlow, chief operating officer at Nathans Inve...

There are now nearly 12,000 satellites orbiting Earth. What does it cost to put them there, and how do they make money? Zachary Crockett launches an investigation.   SOURCES:Tim Farrar, president of T...

How does a museum place a value on a priceless work of art? And how much does it cost to keep it safe? Zachary Crockett appraises the situation.   SOURCES:Glenn Lowry, director of the Museum of Modern...

Performing for passersby takes more than talent. Buskers have to cope with hecklers, civic regulations, aggressive competitors — and uncertain pay. Zachary Crockett passes the hat.   SOURCES:Brett Dal...

They’ve long been associated with crime and blight. Now, the investors are moving in. Zachary Crockett follows the trail.   SOURCES:Paul Bradley, president of ROC USA.Blaer Roberts, former chef and mo...

What goes into creating an episode of The Economics of Everyday Things? And how do shows like this one make money? Zachary Crockett turns the mic on himself.   SOURCES:Gabe Tartaglia, vice president o...

We send 10 billion of them every day. Where do they come from? Zachary Crockett hearts this topic.   SOURCES:Jennifer 8. Lee, co-founder of Emojination.  RESOURCES:"Apple Removes The Gun Emoji, Replac...

When security cameras and facial recognition tools fail, law enforcement investigators fall back on a witness's memory and an artist's hand. Zachary Crockett's nose was a little bigger than that.   SO...

How does an industry built on roadside pop-ups make billions of dollars in two weeks of the year? Zachary Crockett gets pyrotechnical.   SOURCES:Alex Zoldan, vice president of Phantom Fireworks.  RESO...

Why are these sudsy roadside stops one of the fastest growing industries in America? Zachary Crockett takes a look under the hood.   RESOURCES:"Private Equity Wants to Wash Your Car," by Miriam Gottfr...