Looking Ahead

Dec. 25

Canadian pop star Justin Bieber releases his new concert film Believe today in time for Christmas. The film, a follow-up to the Canadian star’s 2011 Never Say Never, portrays the seemingly troubled Bieber as a victim of media scrutiny and his difficulty transitioning away from his image as a squeaky clean teen idol.

Dec. 25

The Christmas tree lighting up your Christmas morning probably cost you a fair sight more this year than last. According to research firm International Strategy & Investment, demand for large, real Christmas trees rose 16 percent the week after Thanksgiving compared to last year. But that increased demand, the firm says, came after retailers had made their orders for the year.

Dec. 31

The European Union flexes its political muscle today when it imposes a continent-wide ban on pesticides that scientists blame for declining bee populations. A majority of EU nations supported the ban, but the European Commission, the seat of EU executive power, made the final decision. EU critics say the pesticide ban will be just the first of many future continent-wide bans on commercial products.Jan. 1 Shoppers fortunate enough to complete the enrollment process on healthcare.gov or a corresponding state exchange website will theoretically see health insurance coverage begin today—the first official day of Obamacare. Big changes are in store for insurers too. Beginning today, health insurers are prohibited by law from declining coverage to customers based on pre-existing medical conditions.

Jan. 1

Beginning today, The Boy Scouts of America membership policy on gay youth changes. Stemming from a 2013 decision, homosexuals will be able to join Boy Scout troops beginning in 2014. The organization’s prohibition against homosexual adult leaders remains in effect.

Jan. 1

Shoppers fortunate enough to complete the enrollment process on healthcare.gov or a corresponding state exchange website will theoretically see health insurance coverage begin today—the first official day of Obamacare. Big changes are in store for insurers too. Beginning today, health insurers are prohibited by law from declining coverage to customers based on pre-existing medical conditions.