Economy

A CVS store on Eighth Avenue in Manhattan, N.Y.

Repeat Violators Of Health Privacy Laws Often Go Unpunished

3:35pm December 29, 2015

Regulators have logged dozens, even hundreds of complaints against some health providers for violating federal patient privacy law. Warnings are doled out privately, and sanctions are rarely imposed.

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José Anzaldo, the son of migrant farmworkers, has been to seven schools in three years. He's the subject of a documentary premiering Dec. 28 on PBS.

Bright, Young, In Limbo: Film Sees Migrant Farm Life Through A Child's Eyes

4:48pm December 28, 2015

by Maria Godoy

José Anzaldo is a third-grader who is a math whiz. He's also the son of itinerant lettuce pickers. A new documentary explores what might become of this promising boy.

Economy

Paid Family Leave Gains Ground For Private, Public Sector Workers

2:01pm December 28, 2015

by Yuki Noguchi

This was a big year in paid leave policies, especially among private firms. Some cities and states also passed bills to expand parental leave ahead of Congress, which is considering the Family Act.

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Sticking with a single color scheme — like glittery gold — is one simple way to keep your guests from noticing that champagne came from the discount aisle.

Economy

Procrastinate! And Other Tips For Doing New Year's Eve On The Cheap

4:04pm December 27, 2015

by NPR Staff

Before ushering in a fruitful New Year, toss a frugal New Year's party — while still keeping things lavish. Kyle Taylor, of The Penny Hoarder, explains how to keep your wallet from losing weight.

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Shoppers walk out of Uniqlo on 5th Ave. in New York City on Black Friday, Nov. 27.

Brick-And-Mortar Stores Go Further To Get You In The Door

3:03pm December 27, 2015

While online shopping grows, traditional retailers are amping up their in-store experiences to draw in customers. But online stores are realizing they have something to gain from physical stores too.

Pedestrians are reflected in the glass of a window showing share prices at the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Dec. 17. At least five business stories had major impacts in 2015. They involved everything from crashing oil prices to merging beer companies.

Arguably, These Are The 5 Business Stories That Shaped 2015

1:13pm December 27, 2015

by Marilyn Geewax

Compared with the Great Recession years, 2015 was a fairly tame time. Still, at least five stories had major impacts. They involved everything from crashing oil prices to merging beer companies.

In Cambodia, 'Lucky' Iron Fish For The Cooking Pot Could Fight Anemia

8:48am December 25, 2015

by Michael Sullivan

Iron deficiency, which can lead to anemia, is a huge problem in Cambodia. A social enterprise wants to prove that adding a little iron fish to a pot on the stove will make a dent in the problem.

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Not All Santa Costumes Are Created Equal: A Tariff Dispute Over Red Suits

4:18pm December 24, 2015

by Jacob Goldstein

Not all Santa costumes are equal under the eyes of the law. U.S. trade regulations draw a line between costumes and clothing. But it's a fuzzy line with real business consequences. Jacob Goldstein of the Planet Money podcast dons the red suit and black boots for this story.

Going to an out-of-network emergency room can be costly.

ER Docs Say Rule Change Could Raise Patients' Out-Of-Network Bills

2:42pm December 24, 2015

by Michelle Andrews

Two physicians groups say federal government regulations for out-of-network emergency care payments will cost consumers more because insurers will pay less.

Alaska's Pot Cafes Will Give Patrons A Taste Of Cannabis

7:39am December 24, 2015

by Elizabeth Jenkins

Alaska is about to become the first state to have pot cafes where people can buy and consume marijuana. The state's marijuana control board recently approved on-site consumption at retail stores.

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