Business

U.S. Authorities Investigate, Sony Reels From Computer Hack

8:22am December 19, 2014

by Steve Henn

The White House has stopped short of naming North Korea as the aggressor in the cyberattack against Sony Pictures. That hack resulted in the cancellation of the film The Interview.

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Sugar, coffee, fruit juice for babies, oil and salt inside a market subsidized by the government in Havana on July 11, 2013.

What The Change In U.S.-Cuba Relations Might Mean For Food

8:14am December 19, 2014

by Eliza Barclay

The decision to normalize relations is driving all kinds of speculation about American food companies opening up shop in Cuba. But analysts say: Don't expect to see McDonald's there anytime soon.

Russian President Vladimir Putin at his annual news conference in Moscow on Thursday, where he blamed Western sanctions and falling oil prices for his country's economic troubles.

Putin: Sanctions, Falling Oil Prices Causing Ruble's Tumble

8:32pm December 18, 2014

by Scott Neuman

In a year-end news conference, the Russian president said the worst-case scenario for his country's economy would involve two more years of unease.

Critics Say More Oil Industry Royalties Should Go Into U.S. Coffers

7:23pm December 18, 2014

by Jeff Brady

Rules for oil and gas companies drilling on federal land allow them to use some of the gas free of charge. Critics say taxpayers should get royalties for that gas and any that is vented or flared.

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Risky Comedies Could Be In Jeopardy After 'Interview' Is Pulled

6:32pm December 18, 2014

Audie Cornish talks with John Horn of KPCC's The Frame, about what Sony's decision to cancel The Interview means for Hollywood, freedom of speech and future artistic expression.

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President Obama announces changes to U.S. policy on Cuba, including relaxing restrictions on U.S. banking in the country, in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday.

Opportunity, Caution Seen For U.S. Banks As Cuba Rules Ease

6:32pm December 18, 2014

by Jim Zarroli

President Obama eased restrictions on Cuba this week, including a relaxation of rules barring U.S. banks from doing business there. But banks are awaiting details and are likely to proceed cautiously.

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Damaged olives hang in the grove belonging to Augusto Spagnoli, an oil producer from Nerola, near Rome. Producers and experts declared Italy's 2014 olive harvest the worst in history, due to adverse climatic conditions that helped the olive fly proliferat

World News

Olive Oil Producers In 'Crisis' From Weather, Pests And Disease

6:15pm December 18, 2014

by NPR Staff

Global olive oil production is down. Italian groves have been especially hard hit by a disease that killed 1 million trees. Audie Cornish speaks with Curtis Cord, publisher of the Olive Oil Times.

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Too much partying at the office holiday bash can lead to lawsuits, firings or just plain awkwardness.

Mischief Under The Mistletoe: Office Partygoers Behaving Badly

6:14pm December 18, 2014

by Yuki Noguchi

Partying with co-workers can lead to awkwardness and worse. And, HR experts say, alcohol is often to blame. "If people used common sense, I wouldn't have a job," says employment attorney Jon Hyman.

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White House Says Any Response To Sony Attack Needs To Be 'Proportional'

3:26pm December 18, 2014

by Laura Sullivan

The White House won't confirm North Korea is behind the attack, citing an ongoing investigation. Nevertheless, it is mulling over its options.

Rapprochement With Cuba: What It Includes And Excludes

12:31pm December 18, 2014

by Tom Gjelten and Lourdes Garcia-Navarro

President Obama's move to restore diplomatic ties with Cuba does not lift the trade embargo. That jurisdiction belongs to Congress, but do the upcoming changes all but undermine the embargo?

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