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In Other News: McDonald’s Bet On China, Spy Dolphins, And AI Layoffs Vs. Stocks

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CNBC In Other News brings you stories that missed the spotlight.

AI-driven layoffs have become a defining theme across the tech industry over the past year, with some sources estimating more than 112,000 U.S. jobs being lost to AI since the start of 2025. While major companies like HP and Amazon have often framed these cuts as a way to boost efficiency and shift focus toward new technologies, investors themselves don’t appear convinced that these layoffs will improve companies’ bottom lines in the long run.

Software companies like Twilio and Datadog are starting to prove their case as winners in artificial intelligence. Investors say the performance from Datadog and Twilio underscores how companies that can deploy AI-native solutions while also articulating their path to monetization can ease disruption fears, for now. CNBC’s Seema Moody explains.

Since 1959, the U.S. Navy’s Marine Mammal Program has trained bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions to detect mines and other underwater threats. Reporter Sophie Caldwell spoke with Scott Savitz, senior engineer at global policy think tank Rand Corporation and an expert on mine countermeasures, to understand the history, challenges and possibilities of marine mammals in the military.

While many foreign consumer brands in China, including Starbucks, Nike, and LVMH, face slowing growth and tougher competition, McDonald’s is expanding aggressively. The company plans to open 1,000 new stores a year and reach 10,000 locations in China by 2028. About half of McDonald’s new stores last year opened in China. The company also recently bought back a stake from Carlyle Group after previously selling control of its China business to Carlyle and a Chinese state-owned firm. CNBC’s Eunice Yoon looks at why McDonald’s continues to bet big on China.

Chapters:
0:00 Why AI layoffs aren’t helping stocks
3:44 How Twilio and Datadog are winning back investor confidence
6:29 Pete Hegseth says Iran doesn’t have ‘kamikaze dolphins’
8:18 Why McDonald’s is supersizing in China

Reporters: Liz Napolitano, Seema Mody, Sophie Caldwell, Eunice Yoon
Produced by: Juhohn Lee, Meline Rosales
Edited by: Andrea Miller, Erin Black, Christian Nunley
Camera by: Tasia Jensen
Animation: Emily Park, Christina Locopo
Additional Production: Charlotte Morabito
Manager Video Distribution: Divya J. Verma
Senior Directors of Video: Jeniece Pettitt, Jessica Leibowitz, Lindsey Jacobson
Additional Footage: Getty Images
Additional Sources: Scott Savitz

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In Other News: McDonald’s Bet On China, Spy Dolphins, And AI Layoffs Vs. Stocks

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How dating became a financial luxury

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Half of single Americans say they are going on fewer dates or choosing less expensive activities because of rising costs, according to BMO’s 2026 survey.

But, the cost of dating itself is only part of the story. For millions of users, finding a date means paying for the apps.

Watch the full story in related video.

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The Megadonors Funding The 2026 Midterms

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Billions of dollars have been raised for this year’s midterms elections, with a significant portion coming from big name tech billionaires in the cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence and online gambling sectors. Megadonors’ contributions are overwhelmingly behind Republicans in the 2026 midterm election, with 14 of the 20 largest donor groups exclusively or nearly exclusively backing GOP candidates or outside groups. CNBC’s Luke Fountain reports.

Chapters:
00:00 – 00:56 Introduction
00:57 – 03:37 Chapter 1 – Republican-aligned donors
03:38 – 05:07 Chapter 2 – Democrat-aligned donors

Reporter: Luke Fountain
Produced and Edited by: Romy Tarantino
Animation: Jason Reginato, Emily Park
Additional Camera: Macklin Fishman, Andrew Evers
Supervising Producer: Shawn Baldwin
Additional Footage: Getty Images

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The Megadonors Funding The 2026 Midterms

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Why It’s So Expensive To Run An Auto Repair Shop

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Auto repair prices have risen far faster than overall inflation. Mechanics say one key reason is the new software, parts, and safety technology. Shops are spending more on software access and safety calibration equipment. While the number of auto repair shops has grown, some who work in the business say it is getting harder to keep up, especially for smaller ones.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
02:09 Chapter 1: Complicated and expensive
04:02 Chapter 2: Access to vehicle data

Produced by: Robert Ferris
Edited and shot by: Darren Geeter, Natalie Rice
Additional Camera: Ryan Baker
Post production support: Erin Black
Animation: Jason Reginato, Emily Park
Senior managing producer: Tala Hadavi
Addition footage: Getty Images

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Why It’s So Expensive To Run An Auto Repair Shop

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How circuit boards could be the next AI chokepoint

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Printed circuit boards are a quiet but crucial part of every electronic, and the U.S. can’t make enough for Nvidia and others in the AI boom.

Some 60% of the world’s PCBs come from China, creating national security and supply chain risks.

CNBC’s Katie Tarasov explains.

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How Walmart Is Hoping Its New Tech Will Help Shoppers And Employees

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TBWalmart, the world’s largest retailer, has been rolling out digital shelf labels in thousands of U.S. stores since 2024. The company says the technology streamlines price changes, frees up employees’ time and helps shoppers find what they need. But as the labels expand, so do concerns about dynamic pricing. CNBC’s Laya Neelakandan visits a Walmart store in New Jersey.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
2:07 Chapter 1 – New tech
4:28 Chapter 2 – Tech fears

Reporting by: Laya Neelakandan
Produced and shot by: Natalie Rice
Additional Camera and edited by: Darren Geeter
Animation: Jason Reginato
Senior Managing Producer: Tala Hadavi
Additional Images: Getty Images

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How Walmart Is Hoping Its New Tech Will Help Shoppers And Employees

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