Week of December 30th, 2019

Some analysts say Iran’s most likely initial target for retaliation? Oil facilities in Iraq.

Plus: global spending on video games hit a high in 2019, a new industry that’s helping adults make friends and economic opportunities that lie on the hiking trails.

Corporate lobbyists won big under the Treasury Department’s rules and regulations to implement the bill.

Apps, dating services, even matchmakers are trying to help adults find friends, for a price.

The industry is growing its audience and finding new ways to monetize games.

Marketplace could be your accountability partner this year.

Cities around the country have long had to worry about roads. Now, with the help of volunteers, they’re also investing more heavily in trails.

2019 was the year the United States began tearing down the rules-based system for international trade in earnest.

Green card and citizenship application fees could go up roughly 80%.

What does the U.S. assassination of an Iranian military leader mean for America’s allies? The strong job market isn’t translating to more pay. Board games remain extremely popular in the era of ubiquitous screens.

Oil prices spike after the U.S. kills an Iranian military leader. The Fed predicts nine state economies will shrink in 2020. Labor unions continue their uphill battle with the Trump Administration. The air taxi race is on.

Oil prices spike after Iran vowed to take revenge on the U.S. for killing its top military general. Companies have added ping-pong tables, beer fridges and even saunas to their offices, but is having fun at work good for business?

We took a ride over Los Angeles as part of a demonstration of an urban air taxi experience.

The Trump administration wants to make organizing more difficult.

Facial recognition prompts ethical concerns, but has its merits

Plus: the fourth quarter election fundraising numbers are in, a new Nevada law that bans employers from denying jobs to applicants who test positive for marijuana, and the story of an international consultant who finally landed at home.

Two reporters document the emotional and financial costs to teachers on strike.

Things are changing in Nevada, where a new law restricts employer drug tests.

The tax prep industry, including companies like TurboTax, was essentially hiding free filing software, Justin Elliott of ProPublica says.

The weakened currency means imports get more expensive, but U.S. goods and services sold overseas become more affordable.

A new law requires greater disclosure when companies use artificial intelligence technology to sift through job candidates.

Stern died of complications stemming from a brain hemorrhage he suffered on Dec. 12.

Small-scale designers and boutique owners in the nation’s capital are trying to build the city’s fashion industry from the ground up.

The new year is bringing clarity on some major trade deals. States are taking on consumer data protection. Designers are making Washington D.C. a fashion destination.

In tight labor market, businesses say parking can be a factor in whether employees stay or go.

In the cutthroat world of professional classical music, Eric Abramovitz was headed towards a shining career. Until something — or someone — got in the way.

Illinois aims for transparency in A.I.-assisted job interviews. Google vows to stop the use of the “Double Irish Dutch Sandwich.” Remembering the late David Stern’s tenure as NBA commissioner. How the lack of parking is affecting hiring in Austin.

As Australia’s bush fires rage, economic and psychological costs mount. Google ditches a controversial tax. How English is changing the world. 

Money matters when it comes to digital advertising and the 2020 election.

A tabletop game designer shares what it’s like to work in the booming game industry.

Plus: A look back at this decade in the workplace, the story of a security guard who just turned 80 and a conversation about the board game industry. 

Ever look around and realize you have 17 bottles of hand lotion?

The longest economic expansion brought confidence for some, insecurity for others.

Dan Hartman became a security guard when disaster struck West Virginia. Now he’s the oldest guard in the company.

Economic experts weigh in on their New Year’s resolutions for the U.S. economy.

Plus: How academics are trying to reduce their carbon footprint and what to expect from Big Tech this decade.

Now they want their institutions to lend some support.

The group’s legal defense fund has raised more than $24 million.

A new federal salary level for low-paid managers to be eligible for overtime pay kicks in Jan. 1.

What a new overtime pay rule could mean for low-paid managers and ringing in the new year with … solar panels. 

An economist and a financial planner break down the most important changes in the SECURE Act, which goes into effect Jan. 1.

Plus, if you thought board games were a thing of the past, think again. 

Lawmakers seem hesitant about Big Tech wading into global finance.

The negative effects of tariffs outweigh any protection the manufacturing industry gets, a Federal Reserve report says.

Many U.S. workers aren’t getting the mental health support they need. Employers are trying to step up, but is it enough?

Blamed for everything from decreased productivity to increased flu cases, the majority of workers hate them, a survey says.

Plus: an update on U.S. trade relations, how a retired government contractor is winding down on the vineyard and a look at this decade in housing. 

For Chip Hunter, the instinct to work can’t be kicked.

Out of one crisis and into another.

A new NBER paper finds that taxes on e-cigarettes create barriers for adults looking to use e-cigarettes as a safer alternative to smoking.

A look back at what shook markets in 2019. Gen-Zers are turning to resale apps to get rid of unwanted gifts. What accounts for the shortage of female heart surgeons?

Financial planners give their best advice for setting and achieving realistic goals.

We revisit a conversation about the school-skills-jobs pipeline and Kai reviews his prediction for 2019: “Nothing will change.”

Nissan’s former chief Carlos Ghosn flees Japan for Lebanon. Taxing e-cigarettes is having unintended consequences. What does economic uncertainty spell for emerging markets in 2020?

Carlos Ghosn jumps bail in Japan and flees to Lebanon. A stake in Universal Music Group is being sold to Chinese internet giant Tencent. Live music gigs in emerging markets like India take off with its rising middle class.

Ninety-four percent of practicing thoracic surgeons are men — and that’s an improvement on recent years.

Second-hand marketplaces like Depop, Mercari and Poshmark have gained popularity with young consumers.

Employee activism is growing and evolving in interesting ways.

The causes? The trade war and a slowing global economy.

That was challenging. Now for tech’s next act…

Plus: the trade deficit in goods shrank for the third straight month, California’s new data privacy law kicks in at the start of the new year and a nurse navigates finances in her semiretirement. 

After a busy life as a registered nurse, Patricia Carney is taking time for herself.

The U.S. trade deficit narrows. Getting a green card is about to get a lot more expensive. Tensions between Greek business owners and refugees are growing.

They say overcrowded camps of migrants are driving away tourist business.

Ukraine is slowly climbing out of recession, but there are bumps in the road.

The German automaker gets serious about EVs.

Tesla begins delivery of its China-made vehicles. VW is betting big on electric cars. Ukraine deals with its own non-impeachment problems.

Tesla continues its rapid push into the world’s largest car market. Outgoing Bank of England governor Mark Carney is taking on a new climate-focused role at the UN. Paternity leave grows in popularity.

To make this market really go, range anxiety needs to be put to rest.