Jun 4, 2020

Big companies say they’re anti-racist, but what are they actually doing?

Starbucks closed its stores in 2018 to provide anti-racial bias training for employees. Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

Today, we'll take you beyond the PR of it all. Plus: America's overnight food deserts, who's paying overdraft fees and COVID-driven state budget cuts.

Segments From this episode

Race and Economy

Employees look at their companies' actions — not just statements

by Erika Beras

Jun 4, 2020

Many companies issued statements in support of the anti-racial bias movement. But some employees question internal actions and policies.

Starbucks closed its stores in 2018 to provide anti-racial bias training for employees.

Bryan R. Smith/AFP via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Race and Economy

Neighborhoods where stores were destroyed become food deserts overnight

by Marielle Segarra

Jun 4, 2020

Grocery stores. Bodegas. Pharmacies. Check-cashing spots. All gone.

A burned Walgreens in Minneapolis on May 30.

Stephen Maturen/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

COVID-19

Depleted sales tax revenue means states have to cut budgets

by Andy Uhler

Jun 4, 2020

Texas is already near the bottom in per capita spending on education, and cuts would only make it worse.

A bar boarded up in Austin, Texas, in May. Texas is one of seven states without an income tax, so it relies more heavily on sales taxes.

Tom Pennington/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Overdraft fees are hitting vulnerable communities the hardest

by Justin Ho

Jun 4, 2020

The fees can drive many out of the banking system entirely, experts say.

Cindy Ord/Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Saving vs. spending during a recession

by Kai Ryssdal and Bennett Purser

Jun 4, 2020

Having savings is important in hard times, but the paradox of thrift theory explains how that could be bad for the economy.

Neiman Marcus was the first major retailer to seek bankruptcy protection since the economic collapse brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

(Scott Olson/Getty Images)

LISTEN

EMBED

Why well-connected suburbs are suddenly the best place to run a food truck

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Jun 4, 2020

Matt Geller, president of the National Food Truck Association, says the coronavirus wrecked lunch service but operators are building their evening business, especially outside city centers.

Office closures and canceled summer gatherings have forced many food truck operators to rethink their business models.

Photo by Eric Baradat/AFP via Getty Images

LISTEN

EMBED

Music from the episode

Time's A Wastin Erykah Badu

Addiction Black Violin

History Repeats Brittany Howard

Never Catch Me Flying Lotus, Kendrick Lamar

Shells Teebs

Plate Richard Houghten

Humbug Mountain Song Fruit Bats

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer II

Sean McHenry Director & Associate Producer II

Latest Episodes From Our Shows

Nov 15, 2024