Here’s what we’re reading and talking about this afternoon:

• Tears and Rage as Hope Fades in Bangladesh (New York Times)
• At chicken plants, chemicals blamed for health ailments are poised to proliferate (Washington Post)
• Austerity is hurting our health, say researchers (Reuters)
• Austerity undone (American Enterprise Institute)
• House Republicans Eyeing New Hostage Opportunity (New York Magazine)
• Heading the Wrong Way (New York Times)
• Budget Cuts, Minus the Inconvenience (New York Times)