PRI: Global Economy

Critics argue that EPA regulation is costly to business and the US economy. But a new report from OMB shows that the financial benefits of environmental regulation outweigh the costs ten-fold. Harvard Professor Joe Aldy talks with host Steve Curwood about benefits of EPA rules.

For people in a poor neighborhood of Santiago, Chile, money can be so tight that it’s a hardship to buy something as basic as a box of laundry detergent. Chilean student protester turned social entrepreneur decided to build a simple vending machine made out of wood that sells small amounts of powdered detergent at a 40 percent discount.

When Warrior began her career in technology at Motorola, she was one of only a handful of women working at her office. Two decades later, still only around a quarter of the employees at Cisco are women. As a wife and mother in addition to her high-powered career, Warrior is like many other women juggling the demands of her home life and work life. "The important thing to remember is that it isn't about balance, it's about integration," insists Warrior.

Japan's society has been roiled by the tsunami and disaster at the Fukushima nuclear plant. At one credit union, the CEO has decided that it will do its part to help eliminate nuclear power in the country. And he's rewarding his customers who do the same.

A group of Democratic officials and shareholder activists has petitioned the Security and Exchange Commission to require corporations to disclose their political donations to their shareholders. Advocates of the rule say shareholders should have the right to know where company resources are being spent, and to evaluate executives based on this information.

With pension plans nearly obsolete and most employees relying on their companies' 401k plans to prepare for retirement, many Americans may not know how to invest their money into these plans and the associated costs and fees that go along with that. In the new Frontline special, "The Retirement Gamble," Frontline correspondent Martin Smith investigates how to best navigate the country's retirement crisis. 

After last week's attacks around Boston, the common household pressure cooker has become associated with death, destruction and the Boston Marathon. But this fairly simple pot is a crucial cooking tool around the world. And it's going to need an image makeover.

Some of the most well-known companies in corporate America have recently landed at the center of some pretty rough and tumble fights between their board of directors and activist investors.

Spain now says its economy will shrink more than expected this year, as banks struggle, the government slashes spending, and consumers spend less and less, especially on luxury items. One example: horses.

Paternity leave is often under-utilized, even in the countries where it's offered. But a new report finds that countries that are changing the way parental leave must be taken are finding striking success in boosting their economies, changing home roles and even opening up new opportunities for women.