What's up, sunshine?
Welcome to the show.
I'm Coy Wire.
This is CNN 10, where I simply tell you the what, letting you decide what to think.
We have a lot of fascinating, even scintillating stories to tell you about.
So let's get right to it.
We begin today in Guatemala, where a months-long CNN investigation is highlighting a concerning trend in the country's textile industry.
Thousands of workers, mostly women, pack the country's garment factories or maquillas, to make their clothes for some of the biggest brands in the United States.
But many say they face impossible quotas, grueling conditions, and even threats of violence.
Our Stefano Potsaban investigates the truth behind those made in Guatemala labels we find on so many pieces of clothing.
There are 5,000 to 6,000 pieces a day.
Some of my colleagues have to make an effort to leave, even if they are mistreated.
In recent years, the garment industry has boomed in Guatemala.
Thanks to its proximity to the US, hundreds of Korean fast fashion companies expanded here to supply big American brands.
But what happens inside these factories called maquilas across the region rarely sees the light of day.
Advocacy groups say the vast majority of maquila workers are women who are paid less than 30 a day and are forced to meet impossible quotas.
Rutiliacano worked for a Korean-owned factory providing to major US retailers like Target, a company worth billions of dollars.
¿Cuánta ropa hacías en un día?
Pedían 300 por hora, pero no podía sacar las 300.
Solo sacaba 150, 175.
¿Y cuántos días de trabajo te costaría comprar una blusa acá?
The disparity of what these people are producing and their purchasing power, it's just striking.
In this complex supply chain, Korean manufacturers subcontract Guatemalan workers to benefit American consumers with affordable clothing.
When her factory suddenly closed, the employer denied Rutilia's wages and her pension benefits.
Target, as a third-party client, was not bound to pay.
They decided to part ways with the factory after concerns surfaced over working conditions.
Elsewhere, CNN spoke with dozens of Makita workers.
Seeking protection, Alexandra decided to join a union.
We met a group outside Ermakilla.
The products are destined for export to the United States.
A household named Carhartt used to be among their clients. but cut ties in 2019.
The workers told CNN the quotas imposed on them are thousands of pieces a day, almost two t-shirts every minute.
If we don't get what they ask for, as they spend an hourly fee, they say we're in a hurry, they can't pay us.
They exploit us so much.
And then they say they won't pay us.
These women reported their allegations to local authorities.
But when the labor inspectors showed up, all the members of the union were laid off, opening a dispute that is yet to be resolved.
CNN contacted factory owners and did not receive a response.
Most of these factories do not even tolerate a workers union, and getting access to them it's been even harder for us as journalists.
Only 76 out of more than 800 makilas tolerate a union, but they employ tens of thousands of workers and are a crucial part of the economy For local authorities.
Enforcing rules without risking jobs is a fine line.
We had a rare opportunity to put our findings to the Guatemalan president.
We are, for example, committed to the rights of labor.
We have increased the minimum salary 10% which is more than... 6% for Makila workers.
6 for Makila workers, but it is precisely in the line of recognizing that there is a need to support their well-being and we are going to continue to observe the situation.
Bernardo Arevalo is the first progressive leader elected in Guatemala in decades.
His government raised hopes to tackle the rampant corruption that allowed workplace abuse to proliferate.
The jury is still out.
We go to Italy next, where there is an elite sprinter so prolific that scientists are studying her body to learn her secret.
And get this, she is 92 years old.
That's right, she's no ordinary granny.
This nonagenarian Nona is Ferrari level fast.
Our Antonia Mortensen had the chance to catch up with the record-breaking runner to see just how she does it.
Emma Madenga is no ordinary 92-year-old.
She's an Italian elite sprinter who has broken multiple world records.
It's her personal best.
What did you do for the 200 meters?
The best time was last summer in June.
I did 50 and 34.
Born in 1933, Emma made headlines when she broke the indoor 200-meter world record in her age group in 2024, with a time of 5447.
She's a real testament that it's never too late to start again.
Emma stopped training after college, where she ran track.
She became a high school teacher, got married, started a family and then, at the age of 53, after a 25-year hiatus, dusted off her running shoes.
I started training in 1986.
I also had a coach.
And I always trained three times a week.
Initially a couple of hours, now one hour.
This is my first European gold medal.
Yes, this was the first world title.
And how was the feeling when you won the first world title?
Well, I think it's beautiful because then you go on the podium, they play the national anthem and that's always a very exciting thing.
The nanogenarian's uniqueness attracted the attention of a team of Italian and American scientists, and she is now part of an ongoing international study trying to understand how someone her age can not only run, but so fast.
So far, they found that Mazenga's cardio-respiratory fitness is similar to that of someone in their 50s, and her muscle's mitochondria function is as healthy as a 20-year-old's.
What would be your advice for others who want to stay in shape?
First of all control your diet and then do a constant physical activity, a rather challenging physical activity in particular.
Pop quiz, hot shot.
What's the world's oldest national public museum?
The Smithsonian, the Louvre, the British Museum, or the Guggenheim?
If you said the British Museum, your intellect is on exhibit.
The museum was founded in 1753 and opened its doors in 1759, making it older than the United States.
If you've ever wanted to dine with a samurai, the British Museum has dished up the next best thing.
Some visitors had the chance to dine alongside ornate exhibits in Museum's Japan Wing.
It was part of a partnership with a popular noodle chain to help promote ohitorisama, the Japanese word for solo dining.
And it's just one way some museums are using unique after-hours events to attract new visitors.
While these nights at the museum may not feature exhibits coming to life and chasing you like that movie, we may all know there's plenty of quirky offerings on tap.
That includes silent discos or dino sleepovers at the Natural History Museum and even glamping with the lions at the London Zoo.
Staffers say it's been a great way to help bring the museum to new audiences and foster a sense of community.
Sign me up for one of each.
Yes, please.
Today's story getting a 10 out of 10.
My daughters are gonna love this one.
The global phenomenon known as La Boo Boo, but make it bread.
Feast your eyes on this seven foot 300 pound sculpture currently on display in front of a California bakery.
It's part of the annual Scarecrow Fest just outside of San Francisco.
The bakery owner says they came up with this idea thanks to one of her grandkids.
They're calling this giant labubu levanvan as a play on the word leavening or the process of making dough or batter rise.
Which brings us to the fascinating way they made its face.
This is something called dead dough and dead dough has no leavening agent.
It's nothing that's going to pop it up and it bakes really hard.
So we were able to sand it a bit and sculpt it and get it that actual look.
Yeah, definitely not clipping that labubu to your backpack or your belt.
But if you ate it, you'd have to loosen your belt.
Huge.
All right, superstars, it is time for some shout outs now.
And this first one goes to Coach Clark at Lindale High School in Lindale, Texas.
We got so many messages from your students saying that you are an amazing teacher and they are so grateful for all you do for them.
And this shout out goes to Mr Pinto at Furness Horace High School in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, my home state.
Rise up.
Have an awesome day, everyone.
Let's do it again tomorrow, shall we?
I'm Coy Wire and we are CNN 10.
