Oil

In the most recent issue of Harper's, Eric Janszen, founder of iTulip.com, calls for a broad re-industrialization of the American economy. Kai Ryssdal talks with him about putting strength back into the country.

Ethanol's future as alternative fuel isn't looking so bright right now. Goldman Sachs has abandoned analysis of the industry and the largest publicly traded producer has filed for bankruptcy protection. Steve Henn has more.

When gas prices increased, so did noble things like public transportation ridership and sales of fuel-efficient cars. Now that gas prices are sliding, have bad habits returned? Senior Business Correspondent Bob Moon reports.

As oil prices increased, so did Russia's stock and status. Now that oil is slumping, Russia's position and power on the international stage are diminishing. Stephen Beard has the story.

The price of corn is falling with the price of oil. While this is good news for developing countries that integrate corn into their diets, U.S. consumers may not see the price drop so quickly. Steve Henn reports.

OPEC ministers meeting in Vienna announced a 1.5-million barrel cut in oil production to try to drive up prices on the international market. Washington Bureau Chief John Dimsdale reports.

The days of gas below $3 a gallon are fast returning, but this doesn't necessarily bode well across the board. Sarah Gardner reports falling oil and gas prices undercut the incentive for renewable energy projects.

Russia met with OPEC to discuss ways of leveling out the cost of oil, as oil is now so low it could make production and investment unprofitable. Megan Williams reports it's unlikely Russia would agree to cut production.

From the Marketplace mailbox, Kai Ryssdal pulls out some of the letters sent in by listeners. In the selection: comments on calculating the poverty line, food fraud, the financial crisis and the dropping price of oil.

The recent drop in oil prices might have us smiling at the pump now, but those lower prices could head back up. OPEC is expected to cut production during an emergency meeting next week. Nancy Marshall Genzer has more.