A year after President Obama signed the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act into law, many Americans are still struggling to get their insurance to cover basic medical treatments. And now, they are increasingly exploring less expensive alternatives to traditional Western medicine -- like acupuncture.

Japan's domestic food supply faces plenty of threats, including nuclear radiation, a crippled distribution infrastructure and a shaky electric grid. But there's some good news for U.S. suppliers: A shortage of domestic beef and pork could increase the market for imported meat.

One of Japan's best-known exports, its unique style of animation, faces a new crisis -- a disruption in production following the recent earthquake and tsunami. The multi-billion-dollar "anime" industry has already been challenged by overseas competition and high employee turnover at home.

The delivery of a Chinese-built, Spanish-backed offshore oil rig to Cuban waters has been delayed until summer. But when drilling does begin 90 miles off the Florida coast, it could mean a host of problems -- and opportunities -- on the energy and the political fronts.

With oil prices soaring on the region's turmoil, alternative energy such as wind is again gaining attention. But wind technology hasn't been standing still: Its power output worldwide jumped by 22% last year. However, it's still nowhere near ready to compete with oil.

American labor unions have been in decline for a half-century now. About the only large unions still growing have been those in the public sector. Until now. Cash-strapped states are attacking unions where it hurts by trying to strip them of the right to collectively bargain.

The boom in U.S. microdistilleries comes in part from many Americans reinventing their careers in a dire economy. That entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in some of Colorado's newly minted microdistilleries. And industry giants, like Jim Beam, are also welcoming these new makers of American liquor.

The country's troubled history with alcohol -- particularly Prohibition -- had a huge impact on what consumers expect from their alcoholic beverages. The bland, blended spirits that became popular after Prohibition ended are finally giving way to today's thirst for unique and locally made alcoholic beverages.

The American beef market has rebounded since the dark days of 2003, when a report of "mad cow disease" virtually shut down U.S. beef and pork exports. Now, thanks to strong demand from Asia, industry officials say 2010 was the best year ever for U.S. beef exports.

This year's NFL championship will set records both for stadium attendance and for event fund-raising, and North Texas corporations haven't been shy to put out the welcome mat for their favored clients. How much will communities and local businesses score from the big game?