The Uncertain HourI've always wondered ...Econ Extra Credit with David BrancaccioRace and EconomyMake Me Smart Daily

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Erika Beras

Reporter

SHORT BIO

I'm a reporter covering the economics of aging throughout the lifespan.

What was your first job?

I worked as a salesgirl and helium balloon inflator at a card store when I was 15.

In your next life, what would your career be?

A synchronized swimmer … an oral historian … or in all honesty, probably a journalist.

What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs?

A good pair of shoes.

What’s the favorite item in your workspace and why?

I love textiles, fabrics and woven goods and always try to pick some up whenever I travel. I have a handful in and around my studio. They brighten up the space. Also, when I can no longer see them, I know it’s time to purge the piles of paper that just seem to accumulate.

 

Latest Stories (342)

Race and Economy

Waves of giving follow racial equity crises

by Erika Beras
Apr 5, 2021
Billions of dollars were donated to social justice causes in 2020. Deciding where and when to allocate resources can be hard.
In the months following George Floyd's death, people donated billions of dollars to social justice and racial equity groups.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images
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Finding enough airline pilots to hire after the pandemic might be tough

by Erika Beras
Apr 2, 2021
It’s not easy or affordable to become a pilot, so it's often out of reach for low-income students.
The number of pilots needed for the expected air travel boom may not be available.
Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images
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Diaper banks have been struggling to keep up with demand

by Erika Beras
Mar 30, 2021
Diaper banks provide free diapers and often other infant supplies to parents who need them. This year, they're busier than ever.
Kids use anywhere from five to 12 diapers a day (or more) for the first three years of their lives. That’s an expense of at least $80 a month. And that doesn’t include wipes.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
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Slack's walkback of its new DM feature is a sign of user power

by Erika Beras
Mar 25, 2021
Within hours of launching Connect DMs, Slack changed the new feature in response to users' concerns about potential abuse.
One expert says that Slack responding to critics within a few hours means prolonged beta testing may be a thing of the past.
Johannes Eisele/AFP via Getty Images
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Google plans to invest $7 billion in real estate nationwide

by Erika Beras
Mar 18, 2021
CEO Sundar Pichai says the expansion plan is part of the company's efforts to diversify its workforce racially and geographically.
One of the reasons Google says it's branching out into new locations is to make connections with new communities.
Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
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COVID-19

Financial aid applications are down. Does that mean fewer college students?

by Erika Beras
Mar 18, 2021
The pandemic seems to be causing students to put off applying for financial aid, which may mean they're putting off college.
Applications are down 9% compared to this time last year, said MorraLee Keller with the National College Attainment Network. She said some of the decline may be due to uncertainty.
designer491 via Getty Images
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How smokers have boosted state tax revenue during the pandemic

by Erika Beras
Mar 16, 2021
Some states got an unexpected bump from tobacco taxes. The number of people smoking has declined steadily, except in 2020.
A fair amount of money gained from "sin taxes" on products like tobacco helps fund antismoking campaigns.
China Photos/Getty Images
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Race and Economy

Goldman Sachs to invest billions in Black women

by Erika Beras
Mar 12, 2021
The firm says it wants to change the lives of "One Million Black Women," but that'll take more than a monetary investment.
Black women have disproportionately suffered during the pandemic, one reason Goldman Sachs decided to provide support.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images
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Coursera's IPO reflects the demand for online learning

by Erika Beras
Mar 8, 2021
The firm, a leader in the massive open online course sector, says its enrollment more than doubled last year.
In the early days of the pandemic, traditional universities turned to sites like Coursera for help with online learning.
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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Chipotle and others are putting diversity plans into action

by Erika Beras
Mar 5, 2021
Chipotle is making executive bonuses contingent on hitting diversity and sustainability targets.
Chipotle's plan also addresses gender and pay equity, and helping existing employees move up in the company.
Jason Redmond/AFP via Getty Images
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