Latest news with #PlanetMoney
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
The weirdest Venmo request yet: The U.S. government
Next time you Venmo a pal for that dinner from the other night, consider tossing a few bucks to the federal government. The U.S. government operates a website that lets anyone donate toward paying down the national debt, apparently, and now it takes Venmo. Here's why Trump's proposed 401(k) executive order may be very bad news for your retirement Apple iOS 26 is now available to the public. Here's how to get it—and 5 useful new features to try Why Third Amendment memes are suddenly taking over social media Jack Corbett from NPR's Planet Money first spotted the change, which added the app into the mix as a payment option. If you've lost your Venmo password, never fear, you can still help reduce the public debt with a bank account, debit/credit card, or even a PayPal account. It's not immediately clear who decided to add a payments app mostly used for settling rounds of drinks to the U.S. Treasury website, but Trump administration officials do have a preference for Venmo, which is infamous for making users' transactions and friends lists public. Mike Waltz, former national security adviser, not known for his OPSEC (that's 'operational security' for the uninitiated) was spotted with a public Venmo contact list prior to being ousted from the administration. It's difficult to imagine any American actually tossing money at the federal government beyond what they pay in taxes, but those rare souls do exist—and they've been giving the U.S. government cash for decades, sometimes doling out more than $1 million at once. The U.S. currently operates $36.7 trillion in debt, which unfortunately renders the almost $70 million donated since 1996 totally insignificant. If you've got expendable income, almost anything seems like a better option. It's been a particularly rough month. Not only did Trump's 'big beautiful bill' slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, but it will also tack another $3.4 trillion onto the national debt over the next 10 years. This post originally appeared at to get the Fast Company newsletter: Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fast Company
4 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
The weirdest Venmo request yet: The U.S. government
Next time you Venmo a pal for that dinner from the other night, consider tossing a few bucks to the federal government. The U.S. government operates a website that lets anyone donate toward paying down the national debt, apparently, and now it takes Venmo. Jack Corbett from NPR's Planet Money first spotted the change, which added the app into the mix as a payment option. If you've lost your Venmo password, never fear, you can still help reduce the public debt with a bank account, debit/credit card, or even a PayPal account. It's not immediately clear who decided to add a payments app mostly used for settling rounds of drinks to the U.S. Treasury website, but Trump administration officials do have a preference for Venmo, which is infamous for making users' transactions and friends lists public. Mike Waltz, former national security adviser, not known for his OPSEC, was spotted with a public Venmo contact list prior to being ousted from the administration. It's difficult to imagine any American actually tossing money at the federal government beyond what they pay in taxes, but those rare souls do exist—and they've been giving the U.S. government cash for decades, sometimes doling out more than $1 million at once. The U.S. currently operates $36.7 trillion in debt, which unfortunately renders the almost $70 million donated since 1996 totally insignificant. If you've got expendable income, almost anything seems like a better option. It's been a particularly rough month. Not only did Trump's ' big beautiful bill ' slash hundreds of billions from Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, but it will also tack another $3.4 trillion onto the national debt over the next 10 years.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Planet Money
Credit - Born out of a This American Life episode titled "The Giant Pool Of Money," NPR's Planet Money was created by Alex Blumberg and Adam Davidson and, with its rotating roster of hosts, has been artfully explaining newsy economic events since the unhappy financial year of 2008. Its premise might sound like a giant bummer (the economy has arguably only grown more fraught and inconsistent since the Great Recession), but Planet Money's strength lies in humanizing and unraveling seemingly complex subjects like tariffs, health care, trade wars, and memecoins. One iconic episode from 2021 delves into the complicated economics of copyright law and intellectual property with the Planet Money team working to 'buy a superhero.' Another worthwhile listen from 2015 featured an interview with a London accountant who went down for insider trading. Regardless of the subject, Planet Money stays accessible and consistent in helping those of us unschooled in money matters better understand the "so what?" behind financial headlines. Contact us at letters@
Forbes
7 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
10 Must-Listen Career Podcasts for Early Professionals
Host uses microphone and headphones in recording studio Sometimes it seems like everyone has a podcast. However, some are much more valuable than others, especially for early-career professionals. When taking the first steps in your career, building knowledge, gaining skills and finding the right opportunities are indispensable. Podcasts are an excellent resource for just that. The best professional podcasts don't just give career advice; they can help early-career professionals implement skills into their own lives. While there are new podcasts every day, this list looks mainly at highly established podcasts with impressive catalogs that have helped their listeners in the business world. Ranking a list like this isn't easy (especially since many of them have been running for years); however, quality and how useful they are have been taken into consideration. Top Podcasts For Early-Career Professionals Not every podcast is for everyone, but these podcasts are perfect for recent grads, those trying to break into a new field or early-career professionals generally. NPR has a couple of wonderful business podcasts; however, Planet Money is arguably the best. Planet Money won't teach early career professionals specific business skills like other podcasts on this list, but understanding the current economy and money more generally is essential for anyone trying to make it in business. The podcast has several current hosts including Amanda Aronczyk, Erika Beras, Mary Childs, Nick Fountain, Sarah Gonzalez, Jeff Guo, Alexi Horowitz-Ghazi and Kenny Malone. The show covers economic news and related topics. It is a great podcast for understanding how the economy functions and big picture ideas. There are also several spin-off shows that can teach listeners about investing and economic history. Here's where you can listen to Planet Money. The EntreLeadership Podcast feels like a classic choice. Hosted by longtime business commentator and CEO Dave Ramsey, it features Ramsey explaining topics and answering call-in questions. The podcast covers many job coaching topics, especially for employers and business owners. This might not sound immediately helpful for early career professionals; however, if you are trying to understand why your boss thinks something or why a manager acts the way they do, this podcast might be specifically helpful. Moreover, for professionals hoping to take on leadership positions down the line, this podcast has some great management tips. Some of the advice can feel a little stodgy, but understanding CEOs can help you in your career (even if you might not always agree with them.) Here's where you can listen to The EntreLeadership Podcast. Emilie Aries's Bossed Up is specifically aimed at women. However, it can be really helpful for anyone who is thinking about changing careers or taking leadership roles in their companies and is interested in feminism. With over 500 episodes, Aries brings on guests who discuss everything from burnout to imposter syndrome. The podcast looks at business through a feminist lens and specifically discusses issues like maternity leave, sexism and gender roles in business. One of the best parts of the podcast is that it takes questions from listeners and explores real-world scenarios and topics. It is a must-listen for women who are trying to find their space in the professional world. Here's where you can listen to Bossed Up. Hosts Michael Hyatt and Megan Hyatt Miller believe in the power of work-life balance, and their podcast The Double Win isn't just about career success; it is about crafting an impressive personal and professional life. Caring about one's personal life and well-being in one's early career can be hard, but this podcast tries to make it easier with great interviews and expert advice. The podcast is great for anyone who wants to build healthy and productive habits early on in their careers. It is especially good for self-coaching and goal setting. Here's where you can listen to The Double Win. From iHeart Radio, Brown Ambition is a podcast all about tackling the job market and building wealth from a POC perspective. Hosted by Mandi Money, the podcast specifically seeks to help women of color in their professional careers. The three-time Webby Award-winning podcast brings on guests to talk about all things money and intersectionality. It is a great resource that is very listenable and covers important topics about money, investing and jobs. The podcast features great interviews and helpful Q&As, and with almost 800 episodes, it has covered a lot of ground. Here's where you can listen to Brown Ambition. Career Tools is a bit dry. However, it has a lot going for it. While it has gone through several hosts and maintains a bit of a rotating stable, each episode succinctly discusses a specific topic that can directly help early career professionals. They take on topics like 'How to Join a Professional Organization," 'Saying no to a delegation,' and 'What goes into a career development plan?' The strength of the Career Tools podcast is how specific its episodes are. With almost 1000 episodes, if you have a question, they likely have a podcast answering it. The podcast is presented by Manager Tools (which produces several podcasts), but the Career Tools podcast is easily the best for those just starting their careers or looking for their first advancements. Career Tools won the Podcast Awards Best Business podcast in 2010 and has been nominated many other times. Here's where you can listen to Career Tools. Hosted by Matt Abrahams, Think Fast Talk Smart is all about communication skills. While it is only one skill early-career professionals need to master, it is an essential one. This podcast goes into the details about strategic communication, presentation and interpersonal skills through a business lens. Abrahams brings on expert guests (often professors) to speak about specific communication topics and techniques. It is a deep and fairly intellectual podcast, but one that is committed to its premise and teaching. Most people are not as good at communication as they think they are, and mastering these skills can help anyone looking to enhance their career. Here is where you can listen to Think Fast Talk Smart. The Tim Ferriss Show is a hugely influential podcast in the genre. The titular host and bestselling author brings on an eclectic mix of guests and interviews them about their impressive (and often off-beat) careers. The podcast also examines the tricks and tools that lead to their success. It is a highly entertaining show that is a fixture on business podcast lists. With over 800 episodes (it has been running for over ten years), the show has covered a lot of ground. Its strength comes from interesting interviews. If you have ever wondered how CEOs got their start or how to make it to the top of the chess world, this podcast is a great listen. Ferris is a strong interviewer, and at the very least, this podcast will likely inspire early-career professionals. Here's where you can listen to The Tim Ferriss Show. Usually just called Mac Prichard's Find Your Dream Job, this podcast is excellent for early career professionals who are still trying to figure it out. Prichard brings on guests to talk about navigating the job market and finding purposeful careers. The podcast prioritizes talking about work that matters and is full of empathy and inspiration. This makes this podcast especially good for early career professionals who hope to make a difference through their work. Sometimes job podcasts can feel a little soulless, but Find Your Dream Job is anything but. From advice on finding the right job to career myths to tips for internal job searches, there is a lot to love about their over 600 episodes. Here's where you can listen to Find Your Dream Job. With seven seasons of content, Work Life is a prolific podcast. The host, Adam Grant, is an organizational psychologist who interviews exciting guests about unique jobs, how to scientifically make work 'not suck,' dealing with frustration and the power of criticism. For those who struggle with issues like procrastination, taking feedback or communication, episodes can teach early professionals life and work skills. Grant brings on many different types of guests and researchs topics outside their discussions. The episodes are filled with great takeaways for early-career professionals. This podcast is wonderfully introspective and looks at the culture around work in really insightful ways. Here's where you can listen to Work Life. Bottom Line When starting your professional career, advice, knowledge and some coaching can make all the difference. These podcasts are a great resource for those looking to make the right first steps to supercharge their careers.
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Forbes
How Racism In Agriculture Built America's Food Apartheid
(Part of the series Vanilla is Black) The Trump administration's proposed budget would slash billions from the USDA. Nutrition, rural development, and food programs face steep cuts, threatening efforts like the Illinois Grocery Initiative, which supports independent grocery stores and cooperatives in underserved areas. While many farmers will be hit hard, Black farmers may barely notice. They were never part of the safety net. Chopping cotton on rented land near White Plains, Greene County, Ga. Artist Jack Delano. (Photo by ... More Heritage Art/Heritage Images via Getty Images) For generations, Black farmers have been left out of subsidies, loans, and access to land. The USDA didn't serve Black farmers; at best, it neglected them at worst, it pushed them out. Only 1.4% of U.S. farmers today are Black. In 1920, it was 14%. In Ohio, it's less than 1%. From 16 million acres owned by Black families, we're now down to scraps. (Source: USDA Census of Agriculture) 'We're Not Allowed to Farm Anymore' I FIRST met a Black farmer in the basement of the Ohio State Capitol, in 2012. He was there to lobby. We ran into each other near the giant mosaic map of Ohio on the ground floor of the statehouse. What he said stuck with me: 'Black folks aren't allowed to farm anymore.' That feels true in state like Ohio where less than 1% of farmers are Black. That is just bonkers! Later, when Planet Money traced the life of a T-shirt, from cotton field to factory to store, I noticed something. There wasn't a single Black voice in the story. Black folks weren't in a story that began in Mississippi about cotton, of all things! It's not like they were left out of the story. Historically, aside from picking it, Black folks haven't been allowed in the cotton business. The USDA, banks, and courts helped push Black farmers off their land. Some were denied loans. Others were burned out, cheated, or chased away. Anton Seals Jr., is doing something about that. Anton is objectively one of the leaders of the urban food and land movement. He's on the board of the Trust for Public Land. He leads Grow Greater Englewood, in Chicago. He's also been my friend since the third grade. His work has had an outsized influence on me and my reporting career. Anton says the recent USDA chaos isn't about food deserts. 'It's food apartheid,' he told me. 'Because deserts are natural. Apartheid is planned.' Trump's USDA Cuts Threaten Local Grocery Access Anton helped shape the $20 million Illinois Grocery Initiative. The program, launched by Governor J.B. Pritzker in 2023, supports independent grocery stores and cooperatives through grants, infrastructure, and technical assistance. It aims to bring fresh food access to underserved Black and brown neighborhoods across the state. President Trump's proposed USDA cuts would jeopardize this initiative and similar programs designed to bring fresh food to local communities. That includes funding for SNAP and school meals. Illinois pantries were left scrambling when the administration pulled reimbursements to farmers supplying fresh food to food banks. (Source: ABC7 Chicago) Anton doesn't hold back. 'We had over a million Black farmers in 1910. Now we have 20,000. That's not a decline. That's theft.' He's critical of how federal money to end food deserts has been distributed. 'Those subsidies still went to box stores. And once the money ran out, they left again. No infrastructure. No lasting impact.' He says the structure remains broken. 'We've never built a pipeline from Black farmers to Black communities. The food might show up, but it doesn't build our businesses or our power.' Anton says in many ways the problems of the inner cities are the problems of Black farmers, 'this isn't just about food. It's about control. It's about who gets to feed who. And who gets fed lies.' He added, "We are not disconnected from the food system, we've been deliberately cut off from it." Karen Washington sees it the same way. She grew up in the Jacob Riis Houses in New York. Her parents worked in food. She became a physical therapist. But her patients kept getting sicker. So she started asking her patients questions, and they remembered gardens, fruit stands, the watermelon man, and home-cooked meals. A vegetable garden planted by the nonprofit Detroit organization Urban Farming begins to take shape ... More on abandoned lots in an area of Detroit that was the epicenter of the 1967 riots that destroyed much of the city's downtown. (Photo by James Leynse/Corbis via Getty Images) She saw the pattern: the food system isn't broken. It works exactly as it was designed, to exclude. Karen started gardens. Farmers markets. She co-founded the Black Farmer Fund. Like Anton, she's not focused on nostalgia. 'This isn't about fixing a broken food system. It's about shifting power.' Washington says she's come to realize that helping to repair a broken food system is human rights work, 'if you help the bottom rung of people, everybody prospers. What I'm trying to do is to help people understand their power.' During the Great Migration, Black families fled terror and lost land. They moved into cities. Into redlined neighborhoods. Into jobs with no path to ownership. 'We've never built a pipeline from Black farmers to Black communities. The food might show up, but it doesn't build our businesses or our power.' Anton Seals, Grow Greater Englewood Still, they built what they could. Churches sold chicken dinners to keep the lights on. Fish shacks paid for college. Rib joints got people through school. Women ran ghost kitchens out of their homes. These weren't just hustles. They were strategy. Ayana Contreras writes in her book "Energy Never Dies" how fish fry joints, BBQ shacks, and church kitchens were more than places for food. They were places where Black Southerners rebuilt their culture and created wealth, which they then used to fund civil rights and political movements. Robert Binion, center, a peach and watermelon farmer from Clanton, Ala., speaks at the microphone as ... More a small group of black farmers rally at the Agriculture Department in Washington to urge settlement of a class-action lawsuit alleging discrimination, Monday, Feb. 15, 2010. John W. Boyd Jr., third from left, a farmer from Baskerville, Va., and founder of the National Black Farmers Association, says black farmers have been systematically denied loans and treated unfairly by the Department of Agriculture for years. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) I think a lot about the civil rights leader John Mack and an interview I did with him. It was a basic message. Land. Food. Housing. Access. If we want to fix the economy, that's where we start. Anton said it best: "You want a resilient Black economy? Start with who controls the land, who feeds the people, and who owns the stores. If we don't control any of those things, then what are we really building?" That's a question Black people should be asking themselves in this moment. This is part of my upcoming book, Blackenomics, about how racism hurts the economy and how ending racism benefits everyone financially. Click here to support independent journalism.
