“How can a hospital charge exorbitant fees for simple items that would cost a few bucks at CVS?” In other words, why would the hospital charge each new mother $100 for a $1 bedpan? The answer is found by examining the economics of the payment system and pseudo price controls found in the industry.

Dr. Michael Kirsch, a practicing physician and newspaper columnist, has lamented that there are questions he can never answer satisfactorily for his patients. Understanding the economics behind his first question, “Why are drugs in Canada so much cheaper than the same drugs purchased here?” should help everyone understand how legislation could improve the situation rather than making it worse.

Today in open session of the Legislative Government Operations and Audit Committee (GOAC), South Dakota Attorney General Jackley provided a summary of the Division of Criminal Investigation’s (DCI) investigation into allegations of individual financial misconduct at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED).

The marketing people at Chipotle Mexican Grill have a new promotional idea called “cultivating thought.” They invited selected authors to write something designed to be read in two minutes. These pieces are printed on the sides of Chipotle takeout bags as well as drink cups.

This is welfare reform? The way out of poverty? Have Paul Ryan and House Republicans given up on creating jobs? Do they accept the new normal of slow growth and therefore the necessity of an ever-expanding welfare state?

In 1776, Adam Smith in “The Wealth of Nations” theorized that “When institutions protect the liberty of individuals, greater prosperity results for all.” Institutions are significant national practices, rules or organizations that frame the environment in which goods are produced. Institutions help determine acceptable behavior and establish the incentives that stimulate or prevent economic growth.

When it comes to economics, there usually are no easy answers. Neither side has the ultimate solution. Although, a capitalist system is one in which most can benefit, as it ultimately enables the individual with some knowledge, a strong work ethic, and a level of ingenuity to build a business from the ground up. At least that’s the way it has traditionally worked in this country. Of course, there is also a need for some form of industry regulation and consumer safeguards, but often, this becomes a breeding ground for ‘payoffs’ and ‘by-backs.’

Writing for Mother Jones, Molly Redden and David Corn try to discredit Brat’s critique of government policies that led to the financial crisis. But those pesky historical facts don’t line up well with their contention.

Anyone sending their kids to college nowadays or paying off their student loans has probably noticed that the costs are out of control. The risk of going to college is that increasingly you might not find a job that pays for it at the end of the rainbow. The reason for the skyrocketing costs? The student loan program.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new regulations that place at risk something Americans all now take for granted—turning the lights on.