Jun 18, 2020

Immigration is a labor force story

DACA activists celebrate in front of the Supreme Court after the court rejected President Donald Trump's effort to rescind the program. Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Plus: The financial health of HBCUs and Howard University professor William Spriggs on his open letter to economists about racism in their field.

Segments From this episode

Race and Economy

"For too long, economists have dodged the issue of racism and discrimination"

by Kai Ryssdal and Maria Hollenhorst

Jun 18, 2020

In an “open letter to economists,” Howard University professor and Chief Economist for the AFL-CIO William Spriggs asked his fellow economists to consider how the profession views race.

As protests over racial inequality continue around the country, many economists are reconsidering their profession's approach to race.

Photo by Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

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Supreme Court rules in favor of DACA, for now

by Andy Uhler

Jun 18, 2020

But the Supreme Court’s decision today was narrow. The Trump administration or Congress could renew efforts to end the program.

DACA activists celebrate in front of the Supreme Court after the court rejected President Donald Trump's effort to rescind the program.

Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

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Race and Economy

Historically Black colleges get a $120 million gift. They need it.

by Erika Beras

Jun 18, 2020

The co-founder of Netflix and his wife hope their donations will help “reverse generations of inequality.”

A Morehouse College graduation ceremony. The HBCU is one of the recipients of a $120 million donation from Netflix CEO Reed Hastings.

Erik S. Lesser/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Some businesses now have an easier way to apply for PPP loan forgiveness

by Justin Ho

Jun 18, 2020

The SBA and the Treasury Department released a streamlined forgiveness application for PPP loans this week.

A restaurant owner waits for customers in Key West, Florida.

Joe Raedle/Getty Images

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Kai Explains

What's behind the national debt?

by Andie Corban and Kai Ryssdal

Jun 17, 2020

We look into how the government borrows money and what it means in the long run.

Then-Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen testifies before the House Financial Services Committee in 2016. The national debt has since passed $26 trillion.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Race and Economy

An updated Community Reinvestment Act faces criticism

by Nancy Marshall-Genzer

Jun 18, 2020

Activists are concerned that a new rule could weaken banks' partnerships with their communities.

Activists say that big banks will be able to comply with the CRA by funding projects like roads and bridges.

Apu Gomes/AFP via Getty Images

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U.S. walks out on global digital tax negotiations

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Jun 18, 2020

The move escalates a trade dispute over how much tech companies can be taxed outside their home countries.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin sent a letter to to several finance ministers in Europe asking for a pause in negotiations about a digital tax.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Sundress Butcher Brown

Soundgirl Personal Fat Jon

Beat Goes On Pete Rock

Space is the Place Ezra Collective

No Room Madison McFerrin

Nightrider Tom Misch, Yussef Dayes, Freddie Gibbs

U Mean I'm Not Black Sheep

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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