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Thursday

Doubts Emerge In Case Against Former IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the former head of the International Monetary Fund, and his wife, Anne Sinclair, leave a Manhattan court on June 6. Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Timothy A. Clary/AFP/Getty Images

The Two-Way

Doubts Emerge In Case Against Former IMF Chief

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is charged with assaulting a hotel maid in Manhattan, is due in court Friday for what's being described as a proceeding that could ease his bail conditions. Sources say government officials have uncovered inconsistencies by his accuser.

On 'Morning Edition': Carrie Johnson talks with Steve Inskeep

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National

Greek Americans React To Turmoil Abroad

WBEZ Chicago

In Greece Thursday, lawmakers passed a bill clearing the way for international financial aid that is crucial to solving the country's debt crisis. As the country's Parliament debated austerity measures this week, thousands of Greek protesters took to the streets — sometimes clashing with police. In Chicago, Greek Americans and immigrants watch the turmoil in their home country with dismay.

Greek Americans React To Turmoil Abroad

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Thousands Strike In U.K. As Debt Crisis Festers

Public sector workers marched through the center of Manchester in northwest England on Thursday during a one-day strike to protest pension cuts. Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty Images

Thousands Strike In U.K. As Debt Crisis Festers

Thousands of British teachers and civil servants walked off the job for a day to protest pension cuts as Greece passed a final austerity bill and debt-saddled Italy and Portugal announced austerity measures of their own. The financial problems have sparked debate over whether the European Union has a long-term future.

Economy

Economic Crisis Could Undo Unified Europe

Strikes in Britain are the latest in a series of protests sweeping Europe over the imposition of tough austerity measures aimed at controlling debt and spending. The result: a crisis of confidence. The airwaves are awash with gloomy debates over whether the European Union even has a long-term future.

Economic Crisis Could Undo Unified Europe

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Wednesday

Member Of Greek Parliament Discusses Austerity Vote

Greece's Parliament approved tough austerity measures Wednesday, prompting more protests and clashes in the streets. For some members of Parliament, the move is politically risky. Robert Siegel speaks with Spyros Kouvelis, a member of Greece's Parliament who voted for the austerity measures, about the decision — and what it means to those Parliament members whose "yes" vote may have put their political careers on the line.

Member Of Greek Parliament Discusses Austerity Vote

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Business

France's Lagarde Named To Head IMF

Christine Lagarde, France's finance minister, is the new managing director of the International Monetary Fund. Lagarde will take the place of Dominique Strauss-Kahn who resigned after being arrested on rape charges in New York City.

France's Lagarde Named To Head IMF

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Greece's Parliament Approves Austerity Measures

Lawmakers in Greece approved a key austerity bill Wednesday that clears the way for billions of dollars in aid and will prevent the country from defaulting on its debts. Mass demonstrations against austerity measures have been going on in Greece for weeks.

Greece's Parliament Approves Austerity Measures

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Tuesday

Economy

What Can Greece Learn From Argentina's Past Woes?

What happens when a country with a big foreign debt defaults? That's the question hanging over Greece. On a much bigger scale, it's a question some people fear is hanging over the U.S. Argentina may have the answers. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Argentina had hyperinflation, high unemployment, economic contraction, a run on the banks and a mounting national debt. Robert Siegel talks to former Argentine Bank president Martin Redrado about what lessons Argentina can offer Greece regarding its financial crisis.

What Can Greece Learn From Argentina's Past Woes?

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World

Former Extremists Discuss De-Radicalization

Google has invited former extremists — gang members, religious radicals and neo-Nazis — to meet with activists, survivors, academics and public sector officials in Dublin to discuss ways of "de-radicalizing" violent extremists using modern technology. Melissa Block speaks with Allen McDuffee, a Washington Post reporter and blogger who has been covering the Google Ideas Conference this week.

Former Extremists Discuss De-Radicalization

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Monday

Protest Against Italy's High-Speed Rail Line Leaves Dozens Hurt

A demonstrator uses a slingshot during a protest against a planned high-speed rail line running through the Susa valley in Chiomonte, northern Italy. STR/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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The Two-Way

Protest Against Italy's High-Speed Rail Line Leaves Dozens Hurt

Upset that a planned high-speed railroad line might disrupt a mountainous environment, around 2,000 demonstrators gathered late Sunday for a protest that erupted into violence early Monday. More than two dozen police officers were hurt, along with four protesters, according to reports.

Russian Women Prove It's Hip To Be A Babushka

The "Buranovo Babushkas" watch video, for the first time, of two of their members appearing on Russia's Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? program. David Greene/NPR hide caption

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David Greene/NPR

Hidden World Of Girls

Russian Women Prove It's Hip To Be A Babushka

A group of babushkas, or elderly women, who live in Buranovo, Russia, have become a musical sensation. They sing Beatles tunes and songs by iconic Russian rocker Viktor Tsoi. They fly around the country for concerts. And it all started because they turned to music during tough times.

Russian Women Prove It's Hip To Be A Babushka

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Sunday

Tipping Point For European Union?

Countries such as Greece are hanging on to the European Union by a thread. Economist Simon Johnson says if EU politicians want to reel the country back from the edge of default, they'll need to create a United States of Europe.

Tipping Point For European Union?

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Saturday

Has Greece Been Prescribed Bad Medicine For Crisis?

Greek police unions, coast guards and firemen protest outside the finance ministry in Athens against the new austerity package. Loisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images hide caption

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Loisa Gouliamaki/AFP/Getty Images

Has Greece Been Prescribed Bad Medicine For Crisis?

Next week, the Greek government will reveal a five-year austerity plan drafted by the EU, IMF and European Central Bank. The new measures include even deeper spending cuts and tax hikes. Many economists believe Greece's international lenders are prescribing a harmful and inefficient medicine.

Has Greece Been Prescribed Bad Medicine For Crisis?

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Friday

Greece's Debtors Will Have 'To Take A Haircut'

The Greek parliament will vote on more austerity measures next week. European leaders are demanding sacrifice as a condition of giving aid to Greece. In theory, all the debate involves avoiding default. Zanny Minton Beddoes, of The Economist, talks Steve Inskeep about the options for Greece to default on its debt.

Greece's Debtors Will Have 'To Take A Haircut'

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