A Chicago start-up has found a way of turning microbes into edible protein, part of a growing trend towards a microbial revolution in food. Leslie Hook discusses why investors are increasingly interested in this area with Emiko Terazono, commodities correspondent, and Clive Cookson, science editor.

Contributors: Leslie Hook, environment correspondent, Emiko Terazono, commodities correspondent, and Clive Cookson, science editor. Producers: Fiona Symon and Persis Love

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Catalonia erupted this week after a Spanish Supreme Court decision to jail a group of separatist leaders for their part in organising an illegal independence referendum. The regional government attacked the sentences and thousands took to the streets in protest. Katie Martin discusses what happens next, with Daniel Dombey, FT correspondent in Madrid.

Contributors: Katie Martin, capital markets editor, and Daniel Dombey, Madrid correspondent. Producer: Fiona Symon

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An experiment in urban planning backed by the UK’s health service has shown how even small changes can have a big impact on the health of communities. Darren Dodd discusses what’s been learnt so far with some of the project’s backers.

Contributors: Darren Dodd, editor of FT Health, Emily Hough, strategy director for NHS England,

Christian Norris, of PA Consulting and Ellen Halstead of Peabody Housing Association> Producers: Fiona Symon and Persis Love

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Last weekend thousands of people took to the streets of Chile in an outburst of anger at a rise in the price of the metro fare. But as Benedict Mander tells Michael Stott, the roots of the unrest go much deeper.

Contributors: Michael Stott, Latin America bureau chief and Benedict Mander, Chile and Argentina correspondent. Producer: Persis Love.

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The US Federal Reserve has begun to consult the public, particularly in poorer parts of the country about monetary policy. As a result, policy wonks at the central bank have begun to reconsider the impact of their decisions on communities far from the centres of power. Brendan Greeley discusses the so-called Fed Listens sessions with Patrick Jenkins.

Contributors: Patrick Jenkins, Deputy Editor and Brendan Greeley, US economics editor. Producers: Fiona Symon and Persis Love. Photo credit: Alex Wong/Getty

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Investors have begun to shun companies that make their money from fossil fuels because of concerns about global warming. So what does this mean for the oil and gas companies whose future profits depend on continuing to exploit the hydrocarbon assets they have acquired around the world? Pilita Clark discusses the implications with Lex columnist Alan Livsey and energy editor David Sheppard. Read Alan's analysis here

Contributors: Pilita Clark, business columnist, Alan Livsey, Lex columnist, and David Sheppard, energy editor. Producer: Fiona Symon

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Introducing the FT News Briefing. It is a rundown of the global business stories you need to know for the coming day, from the newsroom of the Financial Times. If you enjoy it, subscribe to the FT News Briefing wherever you get your podcasts, or listen at FT.com/newsbriefing.

Monday, March 16

The Federal Reserve cut interest rates to zero and joined forces with other central banks in a bid to prevent a severe economic downturn caused by the coronavirus outbreak. The FT’s Gillian Tett unpacks the sweeping measures. Plus, the rapid spread of the coronavirus and the ensuing travel restrictions have led to one of the worst months on record for the airport industry, and French industrials group Air Liquide is asking would-be buyers of its hand sanitiser unit to offer a higher sum in the wake of the outbreak. 

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Finance minister tells FT that government has rejected counter-offer from BlackRock-led group of creditors

Stimulant given as ‘likely’ reason for lower infections but authorities stress health risks

Start every week on the front foot with a preview of what’s on the global agenda

Partnership that would prioritise UK could produce 100m doses by year-end if treatment is effective

Energy, water and other utility groups keep services going despite lockdowns and cuts

Potential cost cuts should not be used as justification for a UK telecoms tie-up

Investors demanded too high a price to lend to US carrier reeling from coronavirus shutdown

Mike Mackenzie’s daily analysis of what’s moving global markets

Higher education should not be treated as just another business

London bourse’s transformative acquisition is facing more scrutiny than expected

Business being bought from Blackstone-led consortium has lost ground to Bloomberg

Tim Hayward helps the FT's Daniel Garrahan turn his kitchen into a Parisian bistro

The need to raise donations led MIT’s Media Lab to a terrible misjudgment

In crisis mode, profits and growth matter much less than ability to ride out a downturn

Small-cap stocks underperformed large-caps throughout the bear market and rally

Bullish investors and gung-ho governors are setting themselves up for a big reality check

Thousands of jobs at risk as coronavirus pandemic leads to a fall-off in demand

Radioactive material at risk of supply shocks given small number of dominant mines

Prices rebound from March lows after miner Kazatomprom slashes production

Incoming CEO tells investors and carrier’s 96,000 staff that he will not duck hard decisions

Companies analysis from our sister publication

Benin crossing has been shut for three months, halting trade on vital frontier

Legislation cuts taxes for some enterprises while increasing VAT

Central African Republic has just three ventilators for its 5m people

Trading restrictions did not work in the past; there is less reason for them to work this time

Country becomes first in world to halt all stock, bond and currency trading

Viral outbreak has sped shift to online platforms, squeezing many traditional outfits

Households urged to consider options such as reduced payments instead of delaying debt

Regulator says US mortgage guarantors have sufficient resources for about 12 weeks

Calls for safety assurances despite concern over educational impact

Rick Bright’s lawyers say federal investigators recommend he be reinstated during probe

We grew too fast, but came back stronger

Coronavirus means many businesses face an uncertain future but the region’s fundamentals will aid recovery

The Australian company was borne out of an online travel business that had a problem to solve

Businesses shift their focus from scale to survival as a coronavirus-led downturn takes hold — but the region’s underlying growth prospects bode well for the recovery

Dissatisfaction grows as watchdog calls on courts to act quickly on Covid-19 disputes

Cutting tuition fees is no longer realistic, but there are other ways to better support vital courses

Our columnists’ thoughts on corporate and global debt, and economists’ Covid-19 approach

Judicial review sought over alleged breach of 2015 law, claiming cost benefits should go to scheme members

Right-hand man to President Carter from Iran hostage crisis to Salt Two arms treaty 

The campaign has shone an unflattering light on the state of politics in America

From Wimbledon to Lord’s, this summer has been a gift that — technology permitting — keeps on giving

A nationalist who could temper his dogma and made his presence felt across the globe