Wing Wagon

From Zero to Wing Hero!

Round

1 / 10

Cash

$0

Debt

$0

Net Worth

$0

Wings

0

Sauce

0

Fries

0

Ice Cream

0

Welcome to Wing Wagon!

You're starting with nothing but a food truck and a credit card. Buy supplies, pick smart locations, and sell wings to pay down your debt. Can you build a wing empire in 10 days? Good luck!

Round : Buy Supplies

Use your credit card to stock up. Supplies carry over between rounds!

Wings ($3/unit)

0 50 units 200

Sauce ($2/unit)

0 25 units 100

Fries ($2/unit)

0 25 units 100

Ice Cream ($2/unit)

0 0 units 100

Hire Temporary Staff for the Day?

More hands can mean more sales, but it's a risky expense.

0 Workers

Just you

+$0

1 Worker

A helping hand

+$150

2 Workers

A full crew

+$300

New Debt This Round: $250

Choose Your Location

End of the Line!

Your final score is:

$0

Enter your name to save your score to the leaderboard!

High Scores

Loading scores...

Round 1 Results

Here's what happened.

Available Cash

$0

Current Debt

$0

How much debt to pay down?

$

6% interest will be charged on remaining debt.

Song Vote

🎵 Vote for Your Favorite Songs!

📢 Listen to each song and vote! You can change your vote anytime - only your latest vote counts.

Google Slides - Unit 1 and 2 - 2025-2026

American Government & Economics

• Unit 1 Google Slides
• Unit 2 Google Slides

News Brief 10.15.2025 — Government Shutdown

As the U.S. government shutdown enters its third week, a bitter political stalemate between Congress and President Donald Trump has left federal services shuttered and hundreds of thousands of workers without pay. The impasse centers on a budget dispute, with Republicans claiming that Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is backtracking on a previous agreement due to pressure from within his party to appear strong against President Donald Trump. Democrats have forcefully denied this, arguing that they are blocking the current Republican proposal because it includes unacceptable policy provisions. This claim is disputed by the fact that Democrats approved these same policies in a budget framework months prior. With neither side showing any sign of compromise and negotiations stalled, the shutdown continues indefinitely, causing widespread disruption for federal employees and the American public.

Based on the data from the Kalshi prediction markets, the ongoing government shutdown is forecasted to last approximately 35.6 days, creating a severe outlook for critical food assistance programs. As of October 15th, with the shutdown already in its third week, the market indicates a 63% probability that the impasse will continue for more than 30 days. A shutdown of this projected length would cross the critical threshold for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), meaning the federal government would not have the funding authority to issue the entire round of November benefits to millions of families. The impact on the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is even more immediate; a shutdown lasting over a month would see its services, which operate on more fragile, short-term funding, almost entirely exhausted, leading to widespread clinic closures and the inability to serve new or existing recipients long before the shutdown reaches the market's forecasted end.

It's not blue collar or white collar. It's NEW Collar!

As we look at the job market of 2025, two powerful forces are reshaping the future of vocational work: a surge in new talent and the rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI).1 The successful and vital promotion of vocational education is increasing the supply of workers with foundational trade skills (high supply = low prices). This is good for companies and bad for workers because the high supply of vocational workers results in lower wages. Simultaneously, AI is boosting efficiency in every sector, which will inevitably lower the overall demand for employees (low demand = low prices). This isn't just for office jobs; AI is impacting hands-on fields many believed were protected, creating a dual pressure where more workers are entering a market that will soon require fewer people.

The belief that hands-on jobs are immune to AI is a dangerous misconception. AI-powered diagnostic systems are already allowing one master auto technician to do the work of several mechanics, while AI-driven logistics software streamlines construction projects, reducing the need for a large workforce.2 This reality makes it critical for workers to differentiate themselves. In a market where AI and a surplus of entry-level candidates are squeezing opportunities, an associate's or bachelor's degree becomes the essential tool for advancement. This higher education provides the skills to design, manage, and leverage AI-powered systems, ensuring a worker is the one directing the technology, not competing with it for a job.

The necessity of this advanced education is underscored by the recent embrace of vocational studies by elite institutions like Harvard University. When a top academic university launches workforce development initiatives and invests in practical skills training, it signals a major shift: the future of all work, including the trades, will require a higher level of analytical and strategic thinking. This move suggests that the most valuable professionals will be those who can blend hands-on competence with the advanced problem-solving and leadership skills honed in a degree program. A degree is what elevates a worker from a technician in a trade to a leader who can manage the increasingly complex and technology-driven future of that industry—a future that even Harvard now recognizes is worthy of investment.

The Restaurant Business

 Dreaming of opening your own restaurant is exciting, but the reality is far from glamorous. It's one of the most challenging businesses to launch and sustain, demanding far more than just a passion for food. The work involves incredibly long hours, often 12-16 hours a day, six or seven days a week. You're not just cooking; you're the manager, the janitor, the repair person, and the customer service representative all at once. The physical and mental stress is immense, from dealing with supplier issues and equipment failures to managing staff and handling unhappy customers. It's a high-pressure environment where a single bad night can have serious financial consequences.

The unfortunate truth is that the vast majority of new restaurants fail. Industry statistics paint a grim picture: studies have shown that around 60% of restaurants close within their first year, and nearly 80% go out of business within five years. This high failure rate isn't usually because the chef can't cook. Restaurants fail for business reasons. They run out of money due to poor financial planning, choose a bad location with no foot traffic, suffer from ineffective management, or fail to market themselves properly. The competition is fierce, and a small mistake can quickly snowball into a catastrophe that forces you to close your doors for good.

Ultimately, a successful restaurant is more about economics than it is about cooking. While delicious food is essential, it's useless if the business isn't profitable. You must master the financial side of the operation. This means understanding concepts like food cost percentages, labor costs, profit margins, and inventory control. You could have the best burger in town, but if it costs you $10 in ingredients and labor to make and you only sell it for $11, your business is doomed. Success depends on your ability to manage a budget, price your menu correctly, minimize waste, and make smart financial decisions every single day. Being a great chef might get customers in the door once, but being a great businessperson is what keeps the lights on.

Shutdown Showdown

The government is shut down over ACA expansion funding. Can you build a coalition of 60 senators to end the shutdown?

Choose Your Side

Democrat Coalition Day: 1 Republican Coalition

50 Senators

50 Senators

The Senate is deadlocked 50-50 as the shutdown begins. You need 60 votes to break the impasse.

What's Your Next Move?