When it comes right down to it, are all these corporate scandals the result of a lack of intelligence? Specifically, of the artificial variety?

Since its inception, the internet has been a souped-up, digital version of the global logistics system. It has seamlessly connected parties across the world, allowing them to transport information in the form of data to anyone, anywhere — only without the trucks, boats or planes required of traditional logistics. In its early days, the internet even earned itself the name “information superhighway” as a fitting tribute to the industry.

Brick-and-mortar retailers that have seen their businesses upended, and some literally destroyed, by the rise of e-commerce finally had a moment of vindication last week: The U.S. Supreme Court, in a landmark 5-4 ruling, basically gives states the green light to have online retailers collect sales tax just like any local retailer.

At least three U.S. coal shipments on their way to China may end up casualties of the escalating trade dispute after Beijing said it would impose steep tariffs that may kick in before the ships reach their destinations.

Few people consider used plastic to be a valuable global commodity. Yet China has imported 106 million tons of old bags, bottles, wrappers and containers worth $57.6bn since 1992, the first year it disclosed data. So when the country announced last year that it finally had enough of everybody else's junk, governments the world over knew they had a problem. They just didn’t know exactly how large it was.