Author Charles Mann explains the crisis beneath our feet The soil in the American Midwest is among the most fertile ground on the planet, but the world's supply of soil is changing. To find out how, Tom Crann sat down with author Charles Mann, who's wrote about the soil crisis in the September issue of National Geographic.4:50 p.m.
Local bankers work to calm customer fears The financial crisis that has brought the nation's biggest investment banks to their knees is creating an image problem for banks far away from Wall Street.5:15 p.m.
Senate candidates weigh in on Wall St. bailout The major party U.S. Senate candidates are weighing in on the proposal to give the Treasury Department $700 billion to buy bad debt from Wall Street investment banks.5:20 p.m.
Obama Ad Targets McCain's Health Care Plan
A key element of John McCain's health care proposal is deregulation of the health insurance system. But a campaign ad for Barack Obama likens the plan to the deregulation of Wall Street and calls it a "prescription for disaster."
McCain, Obama Scrutinize Bailout Plan
Republican John McCain has called for greater oversight of the Bush administration's proposed $700 billion bailout of the U.S. financial markets. His Democratic rival, Barack Obama, said the bailout plan is forcing a renewed look at federal spending.
Gingrich On Why Bailout Plan Is 'Just Wrong'
As Congress debates bailing out the U.S. financial system, House Speaker Newt Gingrich says saddling taxpayers with a $700 billion bill is a "very, very bad idea." He also says it could "create a bureaucratic control of our financial system in a way that will cripple us for 20 years."
Amid Uncertainty, Oil Prices Surge
Oil prices have surged in futures trading, climbing $25 a barrel at one point before falling back. The dollar was down sharply against the euro as traders weighed the implications of the U.S. government's $700 billion bailout plan.
In San Francisco, Making Art At The Dump
San Francisco recycles or diverts 69 percent of its trash, but sends 1,800 tons of garbage to the landfill each day. One way the city makes a dent in its landfill load is through an unusual program — sponsoring artists who turn garbage into art.
Illinois Renters Given Time To React To Foreclosures
Some Chicago renters don't know their building has been foreclosed on until the eviction crew arrives. Cook County, Ill., authorities have encountered this so often that they've now come up with a plan to give unsuspecting renters more time to move.
Listeners' Economic Questions Answered
The past week has seen the collapse of Lehman Brothers, the sale of Merrill Lynch, the government's rescue of AIG and the $700 billion bailout. Listeners had questions on various aspects of the meltdown. Robert McTeer, distinguished fellow at the National Center for Policy Analysis and former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, and NPR's John Ydstie offer their insight.
In Europe, Excesses Blamed For Money Meltdown
Europe has yet to experience the same problems as the U.S. with its financial system. Europeans credit greater regulation and more conservative fiscal policies. Financial experts blame the excesses of the "Anglo-Saxon" model of capitalism.
Iranian President Sounds Off On Israel
Morning Edition's Steve Inskeep has interviewed Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Ahmadinejad explains his comments that he would like to see Israel wiped off the map. The full interview will run on Morning Edition Tuesday.
Solar Streetlights Come To Baghdad
Baghdad has introduced solar streetlights. It's a remarkable achievement for a country with a war-ravaged infrastructure. But some residents are asking why the government is spending its resources on this while it can't provide electricity to their homes.
Amid Bailout, Value Of Assets Debated
The Treasury Department's bailout plan will turn on how it values billions of dollars of securities backed by troubled subprime mortgages. There is little agreement on how to value those assets. How the question is resolved will determine whether the plan succeeds.
With Change, Era Of Investment Banks Ends
Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, the last two big independent investment banks, announced Sunday night they are scrapping the old business model and becoming commercial bank-holding companies. The news came as a shock for those who work on Wall Street.
Congress Eyes Oversight In Wall Street Cleanup
Congress takes up the massive bill to bail out the nation's financial institutions this week, where the theme might be "anything but clean." So far lawmakers are focusing their concerns on oversight, helping homeowners and questioning CEO salaries.
Burning Spear: Reggae On Course
Reggae music has gone a lot of places over the years, from minimalist dub to culture-warring dancehall. Almost 40 years on, Spear still hews to the reggae basics: a deep, easy groove; brassy R&B flavorings; and a mystical take on history. His new CD is Jah is Real.
Looking for ways to ensure your students are doing quality research from credible sources? Sound Learning is a launching point to Minnesota Public Radio's content on the Web.