Business

Economy

Do Unions Still Have Clout In Michigan?

7:27am December 12, 2012

The contentious fight over labor rights has been unfolding throughout the Midwest in the last couple years. Michigan becoming a right-to-work state is only the latest example. Over the past two years in Wisconsin and Ohio, Republican governors took on labor unions.

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Is California Up Next For An Oil And Gas Boom?

6:05am December 12, 2012

by Lauren Sommer

The Bureau of Land Management is auctioning off 18,000 acres of oil leases in California Wednesday. The state has one of the largest deposits of shale oil in the country. And it's attracting new attention because of the drilling technique known as hydraulic fracturing – or fracking.

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A model at the front entrance to the Abercrombie & Fitch flagship store in New York City.

Mystery On Fifth Avenue: A Constant Line Outside Abercrombie & Fitch

9:34pm December 11, 2012

by Margot Adler

For years, shoppers in Manhattan's Fifth Avenue have lined up in front the store everyday before it opens. The question is why.

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Economy

What Changes In Right-To-Work States?

4:26pm December 11, 2012

The Michigan House approved two measures that would make the state the 24th in the nation to enact right-to-work legislation. Protesters continue to gather at the State Capitol in opposition to legislation that will likely weaken unions in the home of the United Auto Workers.

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Detroit Tries To Stave Off State Takeover Of Finances

10:55am December 11, 2012

by Quinn Klinefelter

If the mayor and City Council can't agree on a plan to reduce the budget deficit, state officials are poised to take away their power over Detroit's purse strings. The mayor and the council blame each other for the impasse. And with the deficit deepening, residents' frustration continues to mount.

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A boy jumps into the sea from high above in the harbor of Mousehole, Cornwall, England.

What Happens If We Fall Off The 'Fiscal Cliff'?

10:55am December 11, 2012

by Tamara Keith

President Obama and congressional Republicans have been trying to negotiate a deal to avert the automatic tax hikes and spending cuts known as the "fiscal cliff." But what happens Jan. 1 if no agreement is reached? Some experts say not much will happen — at least not immediately.

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Politics & Government

The Lost Art Of Budget Negotiations

10:55am December 11, 2012

Congress and President Obama have yet to reach a budget deal, despite an impending deadline. It's just the latest episode that has caused folks in Washington to reflect that it wasn't always this difficult to make deals inside the beltway. Renee Montagne talks to former Missouri Senator John Danforth about his experience in past budget negotiations, and what lessons they offer for today's discussions.

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A demonstrator shouts during a protest against housing evictions in Madrid last month. The sign to his right reads, "Stop evictions."

Spain's Crisis Leads To Rise Of Grass-Roots Groups

8:44pm December 10, 2012

by Sylvia Poggioli

The country's protest movement has evolved into a broad range of groups now filling the gaps left by the eroding welfare state. From doctors to teachers and homeowners to judges, Spaniards are organizing.

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HSBC Reaches $1.9B Deal Over Money Laundering

8:44pm December 10, 2012

HSBC bank has reached a record $1.9 billion settlement with federal and state authorities over money laundering. All Things Considered host Robert Siegel talks to NPR's Jim Zarroli.

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Jenny Adams in the Wayland Bar in Alphabet City, where she stored piles of relief supplies to distribute. Adams raised $10,000 through a crowdfunding website to help her neighbors affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Everyone Chip In, Please: Crowdfunding Sandy

7:40pm December 10, 2012

by Alex Goldmark

Crowdfunding is a simple way for anyone to ask for money online from friends, family and even strangers. One woman raised $10,000 to help her neighbors affected by Hurricane Sandy. She's been hand-delivering checks to owners of damaged businesses and people who just need the extra lift.

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