Saturday, March 18, 2023

Could multiple bank failures lead to a recession? President Biden asks Congress to make it easier to punish bank executives. And Iraq, 20 years after the U.S.-led invasion.

Lenders contribute $30 billion to rescue First Republic Bank, French President Emmanuel Macron pushes his pension reform through Parliament and seven Virginia sheriff's deputies face murder charges.

Financial markets are on edge over troubles at Credit Suisse, new CDC data shows the maternal mortality rate jumped over 40% in 2021 and the Biden administration is demanding that TikTok be sold.

Small regional banks face pressure after two such institutions failed, a Texas federal judge hears arguments over a key abortion drug and major storms wreak havoc on both U.S. coasts.

The U.S. releases February inflation numbers, the federal government's move to fully cover depositors at two failed banks triggers debate, and construction for the Willow oil drilling project gets underway in Alaska.

Federal officials seek to restore public confidence in the banking system after Silicon Valley Bank collapses, ex-president Donald Trump campaigns in Iowa, Hollywood elite score trophies at Oscars.

Three years ago, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The virus had spread across the globe, and the WHO announcement triggered unprecedented measures – governments ordered people to quarantine, borders were closed and mandatory masking became commonplace. Today, science reporter Ari Daniel tells us about a new series from NPR: "Hidden Viruses: How Pandemics Really Begin." From bats in Bangladesh to dogs in Malaysia, NPR's Global Health and Development team traveled far and wide to learn how scientists are studying spillovers – when a disease crosses from animals to humans – and what makes some viruses more deadly than others.

Heavy rains in California have flooded roads and caused two deaths. Silicon Valley Bank, which catered to venture capitalists and tech investors, collapsed on Friday. Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a new five-year term with a trusted ally as the country's new Premier.

The U.S. releases February job numbers, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets President Biden in Washington to discuss trade and the war in Ukraine, and California braces for severe weather.

The latest on Russian missiles strikes in Ukraine, President Biden outlines his annual budget blueprint, U.S. intelligence chiefs brief lawmakers on global threats and the U.S. Justice Department says Louisville police violate human rights.