PRI: Global Economy

1) When Michigan's auto factories started to close, many wondered what to do with them. The state decided to try and turn them into movie studios, which worked for a time. Until the tax credits ran out. 2) Two British-based banks are going to pay record fines under settlements announced by the US Justice Department.

1) Denver group turns abandoned barn into collaboration space for fighting global poverty: In the fight against global poverty, little is easy. A Denver group is recognizing that and trying to bring groups in that field together to leverage each other's strengths and make it easier for them to work together. They're turning to an abandoned horse barn to do so. 2) In India, economic growth hasn't led to food security: Millions of people in India go hungry every day. And it has long-lasting effects o...

1) New U.S.-Mexico Agreement Promises to Restore Water to Colorado River Delta: The Colorado River Delta runs dry before it reaches the ocean in Mexico. It's meant that a once-lush habitat has turned into a large, dry mud flat. But a new water-use agreement between the United States and Mexico seeks to change that. 2) Jollibee Fast Food Brings Taste of Philippines Diaspora: For Filipinos looking for a taste of their homeland, Jollibee is ubiquitous. For Filipinos living abroad, it has becom...

1) After Public Outcry, Spain Reviews Eviction Laws: In cities across Spain on Monday, protesters banged on pots and pans in front of offices of the ruling Popular Party. They want Spain’s draconian eviction law changed. 2) American Energy in the Age of the Superstorm: After Hurricane Sandy, it's become pretty clear that major storms are here to stay… and the old antique that is the American power grid seems powerless against the recurring forces of mother nature.

1) Europe's Identity Crisis: What, precisely, is the nature of the crisis in Europe right now? Is it strictly to do with banking and debt? Or does the financial crisis expose a more deep-rooted problem...

In an effort to reduce climate vulnerability and stabilize energy costs, hospitals nationwide are investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Living on Earth host Steve Curwood checks out the innovative design of the new Spaulding hospital with John Messervy Director of Capital and Facilities Planning for Partners' HealthCare.

Low taxes, minimal regulations, and simple licensing procedures make Austin, Texas one of the nation’s friendliest environments for starting a business. America Abroad's Andrew Uhler reports on how the "Keep Austin Weird" campaign has made the city a hub for American entrepreneurship.

1) The US Commerce Department is considering pulling the plug on a 16-year-old trade agreement regulating Mexican tomato imports. 2) As many as five deep water ports in Washington and Oregon are considering building terminals to export American coal to Asia. The coal would come from mines in Wyoming and Montana and would travel by train through the Northwest.

The revival of American manufacturing has been a constant refrain in presidential campaigns, and 2012 is no exception. But does American manufacturing have a future?

J.P. Morgan Chase, America's biggest bank, is being sued for allegedly defrauding investors who lost more than $20 billion on mortgage-backed securities sold by the investment bank Bear Stearns. JP Morgan bought Bear Stearns in 2008.