Mar 1, 2021

The pandemic is affecting states unequally, too

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

On today's show: How high-income taxpayers are helping some states make it through the pandemic economy. Plus, Texas’ largest electricity co-op is filing for bankruptcy.

Segments From this episode

High-income taxpayers help some states stay above water

by Mitchell Hartman

Mar 1, 2021

Overall, state revenue is down 1.9%, but 22 states have higher revenue than a year earlier. Tech and Wall Street have helped.

Chris Hondros/Getty Images

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Texas' largest power co-op files for bankruptcy

by Andy Uhler

Mar 1, 2021

Brazos Electric's filing could be an ominous sign as other Texas power providers assess the damage after the extreme weather.

High voltage transmission towers on Feb. 21 in Houston.

Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

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COVID-19

Denver beauty bar was shut by pandemic before it even opened

by Kai Ryssdal and Daisy Palacios

Mar 1, 2021

"I could have never predicted that it would be this bad," says Ashlie Ordonez, owner of The Bare Bar.

"I actually sold my $12,000 anniversary ring to put towards the business," Ashlie Ordonez says of keeping her Denver salon, The Bare Bar, afloat.

Courtesy of Ashlie Ordonez

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How could a revamped "bracero"program work?

by Jasmine Garsd

Mar 1, 2021

The original program that imported Mexican labor ended in the 1960s due to rights violations. Biden and Lopez Obrador may discuss a similar plan.

The original bracero program imported Mexican workers for the agriculture and railroad industries, but it was terminated in the 1960s amid reports of human rights abuses. Biden and Lopez Obrador may discuss a similar plan.

David McNew/Getty Images

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Industrial policy: If China does it, why can't we?

by Sabri Ben-Achour

Mar 1, 2021

China is generous to its favored companies, and that has, at times, threatened industries elsewhere in the world.

Targeted subsidies for specific industries have long been part of China's strategic development. Solar energy is just one of the areas where this strategy has been used.

AFP via Getty Images

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As rent comes due, millions of Americans are already thousands behind

by Samantha Fields

Mar 1, 2021

So where's the $25 billion in rental relief approved in the last COVID-19 relief package?

"Very little" of the $25 billion in rental assistance approved by Congress has reached renters and landlords, a housing coalition CEO says.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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Music from the episode

Bambu Chris Hazelton's Boogaloo 7

Tej The So Ons

Abstract Poetic DAO, Strehlow, Seb Zillner

Falafel Tom Misch

Mystik Tash Sultana

Someone Great LCD Soundsystem

Last Fare Little People

The team

Nancy Farghalli Executive Producer

Daisy Palacios Senior Producer

Maria Hollenhorst Producer

Sean McHenry Associate Producer

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