From Bulk to Bougie Costco’s New Luxury Play

Think video podcasts are taking over? Not so fast, says iHeartMedia CEO Bob Pittman. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he explains why audio is still king, calling video a niche trend rather than the future of podcasting.

Did you know your favorite NFL team might be tracking your every move? The Wall Street Journal's Patrick Coffee reports that teams are collecting detailed consumer data—from purchases to online habits—without clear notice or a way to opt out. While this fuels marketing and sponsorships, the lack of transparency could put teams under regulatory fire.

Big news for TikTok fans—its desktop experience just got a serious glow-up! With a sleeker design, better search, and an upgraded video feed, Fast Company reports that it’s now easier than ever to scroll without picking up your phone. This could be TikTok’s move to take on YouTube in the web space.

Duolingo just pulled off the ultimate plot twist—its famous green owl is dead (well, sort of). Jess Ruderman of Campaign Live reports that as part of a Super Bowl stunt, the language app rolled out cryptic messages and a fake news report about Duo’s demise, leaving the internet both entertained and puzzled. Was it brilliant or just bizarre?

AI just got an upgrade—OpenAI has launched GPT-4.5, a smarter, faster, and more capable version of its language model. Mark Sullivan for Fast Company reports that with better reasoning and a longer attention span, it’s set to shake up the AI landscape, though we’re still waiting on details about when and how we can use it.

Could OpenAI’s AI assistants one day feel as human as Samantha from Her? Fast Company’s Mark Sullivan explores this possibility, highlighting Sam Altman’s belief that advancements in voice, memory, and reasoning could make AI more intuitive and emotionally intelligent. But while the tech is progressing fast, big questions around ethics and feasibility remain.

Think Costco is just for bulk toilet paper and cheap rotisserie chickens? Think again. Fast Company’s Rob Walker explores how the retailer is now selling Rolex watches, 10-carat diamonds, and gold bars—and they’re flying off the shelves. He breaks down why even the wealthy love a good deal.

Is LVMH too big for its own good? Some investors think so. As the luxury giant continues to grow, questions are emerging about whether breaking it up could boost efficiency and value. The Business of Fashion dives into the debate, weighing the pros and cons of restructuring one of the industry’s most dominant players.

Trying to shop less but keep getting pulled back in? The New York Times highlights how people are fighting back—muting ads, deleting apps, and unsubscribing from marketing emails. While these tricks help, AI-powered marketing and one-click checkouts make it harder than ever to resist.

Remember when coffee shops and libraries were more than just places to grab a drink or check out a book? These “third places” used to be the heart of social life, but The New York Times reports they’re vanishing fast due to economic shifts and digital distractions. Experts say bringing them back could help combat rising loneliness and strengthen communities.