Episode 674: We Cooked A Peacock
In the 1600s, a good spice rub was the ultimate display of wealth. People would risk their lives for a sack of cloves. On today's show, we cook a recipe from the spice trade days.
ECONOMY
Record Water Levels Shut Down Miles Of Mississippi River
NPR's Audie Cornish talks to Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, about the effect of historic flooding on the Mississippi River on corn and soybean farmers.
Puerto Rico Faces Uncertain Future Amid Debt Crisis
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Puerto Rico Rep. Luis Vega Ramos about what will happen when the commonwealth defaults on its nearly $37 million worth of debt.
Higher Gas Prices, Long Lines: What Cheap Oil Means For Saudi Arabia
The deal in Saudi Arabia has been no taxation and no representation. Bottom-of-the-barrel crude prices changed the first half of the equation this week, as officials cut utility and gas subsidies.
Puerto Rico Says It Will Miss $37 Million In Bond Payments This Week
The island's government warns that time is running out for Congress to address its fiscal problems. Puerto Rico has been reeling from the effects of declining population and a long recession.
Highflying 'Emerging Markets' Had Their Wings Clipped In 2015
A weakening commodities market, hindered largely by the slowdown in China, has hurt economies in Latin America, Africa and elsewhere.
Despite 'Star Wars' Success, Disney Stock Drops
NPR's Robert Siegel talks with Ben Fritz of the Wall Street Journal about Disney stock dropping, despite enormous Star Wars success.
Puerto Rico Calls On Congress For Help In Billion Dollar Debt Crisis
Puerto Rico has a billion dollars in debt payments due January 1 and the U.S. territory's governor says the island may default. If forced to choose between making debt payments or paying for vital public services, Gov. Alejandro Garcia Padilla says he will choose Puerto Ricans. The heightening crisis has spurred Congress to take action, but it might not come until the island is insolvent.
Tax Breaks, Falling Costs Are Boosting Wind And Solar
Congress has extended tax credits for clean energy as part of a $1.8 trillion spending bill. Solar and wind power companies say it will catapult the industry at a time when costs are already falling.
Bright, Young, In Limbo: Film Sees Migrant Farm Life Through A Child's Eyes
José Anzaldo is a third-grader who is a math whiz. He's also the son of itinerant lettuce pickers. A new documentary explores what might become of this promising boy.