The Shakeout

Texas Public Radio•www.tpr.org

The coronavirus pandemic has left a crater in the U.S. economy and the real, human consequences are just becoming clear. From food lines to oil fields to airports, reporter Paul Flahive takes stock of the economic damage and the bold new ideas that are emerging in this series from Texas Public Radio.

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Episodes

The Vaccine Is Supposed To Rescue The Economy. Will Americans Take It?

In this episode of The Shakeout, we look toward the rollout of a long-awaited vaccine and the prospect of returning to normal.

Jan 08, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 6

The US-Mexico Border Has Been Closed Since March. Businesses Are Feeling The Consequence.

Along the Mexico border, like everywhere, businesses have seen a drop in foot traffic during the pandemic. Unlike other parts of the country, the loss of customers is partly due to an action by the Federal Government: The closure of the border to nonessential travel. On this episode of The Shakeout, we weigh the economic effects this policy has had for cities on both sides of the border.

Dec 18, 2020•31 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Oil Is In Trouble. So Is Texas.

The oil industry is in the midst of one of the worst busts on record. The price of oil is a third less than it was in January, and for every dollar the price drops, Texas stands to lose $85 million a year in economic impact. We travel to Midland and Odessa to talk to people who work in and around the oil fields about how they are weathering the collapse in the market.

Nov 20, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 4

How Long Can The Texas Travel Economy Survive Without Travelers?

There's a short list of things health experts have implored everyone to do: Wear a mask, wash your hands, and stay home. On this episode of The Shakeout, we explore the ramifications of that last point. Every industry that caters to travelers is facing a huge, growing shortfall, particularly in Texas, home to two major airlines and a sprawling tourism sector. With outbreaks of the virus still rippling across the United States and the rest of the world, the public remains justifiably wary of gett...

Oct 28, 2020•34 min•Season 1Ep. 3

In the Face of a Pandemic, Universal Basic Income Is Having a Moment

The sheer scale of the other economic damage of the pandemic has led some to call for equally large-scale reforms. For instance, Universal Basic Income. Paul calls in San Antonio Express News financial columnist Michael Taylor to break down the pros and cons of Universal Basic Income. Small-scale studies show that providing cash directly to people impacted by disasters is efficient and effective. But critics of Alaska's long-running Permanent Fund Dividend, America's largest experiment in UBI, w...

Sep 23, 2020•26 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Modern Day Breadlines, Once 'Surreal', Become Commonplace

In the first episode of the Shakeout, a podcast about the economic fallout of the pandemic, Paul Flahive tells the stories of Texans waiting in line at food bank events throughout the summer in San Antonio, where more than 10,000 cars lined up for a single food drive in April. One woman brings the food back to her apartment parking lot to share with her neighbors. A hairstylist worries about feeding family members who moved in with her. A young father turns to the food bank to feed his sons afte...

Sep 23, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Coming Soon: The Shakeout

Sep 16, 2020•1 min

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