Business

Disgraced Wall Street financier Bernard Madoff leaves US Federal Court after a hearing on March 10, 2009 in New York. Ten years later, victims of his scam are still rebuilding their lives.

Economy

For Madoff Victims, Scars Remain 10 Years Later

6:00am December 23, 2018

by Jim Zarroli

Two of Bernie Madoff's victims share how their lives were affected by the Ponzi scheme that imploded ten years ago. They recovered much of what they invested, but were still harmed by the scam.

Many in the parkour community are resisting attempts by the International Gymnastics Federation to bring the sport under its umbrella. Here, Johan Tonnoir practices parkour in Paris in May.

Parkour Resists 'Hostile Takeover' By International Gymnastics

3:11pm December 21, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

An art as much as it is a sport, parkour's urban ethic is one of bold, practiced risk-taking. Now its adherents say it is having to fight against encroachment by powerful interests.

Economy

Friends Of The Indicator, Pt 2

3:05pm December 21, 2018

by Cardiff Garcia

Our pals Josh Barro of New York Magazine and Jennifer Doleac from Texas A&M tell us what they're keeping an eye on in 2019.

Selling short-term health plan is lucrative for brokers and insurers.

Health & Safety

Short-Term Health Plans Boost Profits For Brokers And Insurers

2:52pm December 21, 2018

by Julie Appleby

Trump administration efforts to undo Obama-era health insurance rules have helped increase sales of limited health plans that cost consumers less than traditional coverage.

Clearly, this generation just can't help itself with killing things like starter homes and canned tuna. What's next?

Millennials Strike Again: This Time We Are Killing Cash And 'Merry Christmas'

2:40pm December 21, 2018

by Alina Selyukh

It's the holiday edition of everyone's favorite trope! A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist Poll tracks cultural changes in shopping and celebrating. But why not keep attributing them to generational whims?

Seattle's Voucher Test Tried To Flood Local Politics With Small Money

11:30am December 21, 2018

Seattle tried an experiment to increase citizen participation in elections by mailing out thousands of vouchers good for donating to local campaigns. How did the Democracy Vouchers work out?

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National

There's Always A Cost Associated With Free Shipping

5:58am December 21, 2018

by David Schaper

Many online retailers are extending holiday free shipping, but how free is it? It still costs retailers to deliver the goods, there's greater traffic congestion, thefts and a toll on infrastructure.

Queue Listen Now

Signs in a Chicago shop window advertise e-cigarettes and pods from Juul in September. Altria, the parent company of Philip Morris, announced Thursday it would buy a 35 percent stake in the company.

Health & Safety

Altria Buys 35 Percent Stake In E-Cigarette Maker Juul

6:18pm December 20, 2018

by Laurel Wamsley

The $12.8 billion deal gives the parent company of Philip Morris a way to hedge its bets as U.S. cigarette smoking declines. And it gives Juul a powerful partner as it faces scrutiny over teen vaping.

President Trump is expected to sign into law the farm bill Thursday. Ahead of the signing, the USDA unveiled a rule change calling for more able-bodied adults to work in exchange for food benefits.

Trump Signs Farm Bill, Backs Rule Sidestepping Congress On More Work For Food Stamps

6:15pm December 20, 2018

by Brakkton Booker

The Agriculture Department wants to limit states' ability to apply for exemption waivers. It wants more able-bodied people to work in exchange for federal food benefits.

Economy

Friends Of The Indicator, Pt 1

4:50pm December 20, 2018

by Cardiff Garcia

What are the best indicators for 2019? Some of our best friends tell us what they'll be watching.