To the Point
Slumping Stocks and a Government Crackdown: China at a Crossroads?
China's stocks tumbled once again today, after bad news from the manufacturing sector. Is the world's second largest economy in a free fall? Can Beijing rebuild confidence while cracking down on dissent?
By Barbara Bogaev • • 51m ListenChina's stocks tumbled once again today, after bad news from the manufacturing sector. Is the world's second largest economy in a free fall? Can Beijing rebuild confidence while cracking down on dissent? Guest host Barbara Bogaev explores why China's economy is rattling the world.
Also, a Kentucky county clerk again defies the same-sex marriage law. On today's Talking Point, Pope Francis says priests can forgive women who've had abortions. Is this a temporary olive branch in a divided church or sign of a significant re-alignment of Vatican priorities?
Photo: Rafael Matsunaga
In this episode
3 storiesKentucky County Clerk Defies Marriage Law
A standoff over gay marriage in Kentucky has kicked up a notch. Today, the elected county clerk of Rowan County, Kim Davis, refused yet again to issue marriage licenses to several gay couples. She's citing "God's authority." This came just hours after the US Supreme Court declined to excuse her from her sworn duty.
Read the story6 minIs China's Economic Instability a Political Crisis?
Since the 2007 global recession, China has remained an economic powerhouse, the hallmark of reliable growth and stable investment. But this summer Chinese stocks have plunged almost 40 percent, rattling investor confidence in Beijing's ability to control the market and guide the world's second largest economy.
Read the story34 minPope Francis Expands Forgiveness for the "Sin of Abortion"
Pope Francis says priests can forgive women who've had abortions, considered a grave sin by the Catholic Church. Over the next Holy Year, women who repent and confess can be absolved by any ordained priest. Reformers within the church see this as an olive branch in the divisive debate over abortion.
Read the story9 min
