WATCH: A discussion on what’s behind the spread of dollar stores with the Gulf States Newsroom
Gulf States Newsroom managing editor Priska Neely (top right) moderates a virtual discussion between senior reporter Stephan Bisaha (top left) and guest panelists Kennedy Smith (middle left), Lauren Chenarides (middle right) and Willie Lake (bottom) on July 18, 2023. The discussion was part of a virtual listening session the Gulf States Newsroom hosted on Bisaha's four-part series on what’s behind the spread of dollar stores in the Gulf South region and the consequences across rural and urban neighborhoods.
Last year, Gulf States Newsroom senior reporter Stephan Bisaha authored an award-winning story on how a rodent infestation at a Family Dollar warehouse in Arkansas forced more than 400 stores across six Southern and Midwestern states to temporarily close.
One of the stores affected was in York, Alabama, a town of about 2,500 people near the state’s border with Mississippi, where many residents depend on it because the town has no grocery store.
The story was the catalyst for a four-part series that Bisaha reported earlier this year that explains what’s behind the dollar store spread — especially in the Gulf South — and the consequences across rural and urban neighborhoods. The series also highlights plans for further expansion that are in the works, coupled with stories of communities who are pushing back.
On July 18, Bisaha and Gulf States Newsroom managing editor Priska Neely hosted a virtual listening session for the series. They were joined by guest panelists Lauren Chenarides, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, Kennedy Smith, a senior researcher at the Institute for Self-Reliance (ILSR), and Willie Lake, the mayor of York, Alabama, for a conversation and Q&A session afterward.
Highlights from the listening session include:
- 4:15: Gulf States Newsroom senior reporter Stephan Bisaha is introduced and discusses how the series originated
- 7:55-28:27: The audio series is played for the audience
- 28:49: Our three guest panelists are introduced
- 29:53: Stephan gives an update on the responses he received after the series aired
- 31:53: Panelist Kennedy Smith speaks on community reaction to the ILSR’s guide for fighting off dollar stores
- 33:35: Panelist Lauren Chenarides speaks on what it will take to understand the true impact of dollar stores
- 37:10: Panelist Wille Lake speaks on the good and bad of dollar stores in rural towns, like York
- 40:06: The audience Q&A session begins
- 55:49: Panelists speak on research they would like to see in the future to get a better understanding of the dollar store situation
You can watch the full listening session below.
MORE FROM STEPHAN BISAHA ON DOLLAR STORES
- A rodent infestation shut down Family Dollar stores. How one Alabama town is coping
- Dollar store workers are organizing for a better workplace. Just don’t call it a union.
- Dollar stores are everywhere in the South. These 5 charts explain what’s behind their growth
- Advocates warn of a ‘dollar store invasion.’ Researchers are still figuring out the consequences
- With ‘dollar stores in every direction,’ some communities are saying enough
40 years after ‘Purple Rain,’ Prince’s band remembers how the movie came together
Before social media, the film Purple Rain gave audiences a peak into Prince’s musical life. Band members say the true genesis of the title song was much less combative than the version presented in the film.
Park Fire in California could continue growing exponentially, Cal Fire officer says
Cal Fire has confirmed that over a hundred structures have been damaged in the Park Fire, which grew overnight near Chico, Calif. Difficult firefighting conditions are forecast through Friday night.
Checking in with Black voters in Georgia about the election, now that Biden is out
Some voters who could be key to deciding who wins Georgia. What do they think about Vice President Harris becoming the frontrunner in the race to be the Democratic nominee?
Tahiti’s waves are a matter of ‘life and death’ for surfing Olympics
Tahiti's Teahupo'o wave has a slew of riders for the Paris 2024 Olympics. NPR finds out why it's called one of the most dangerous waves.
Researchers are revising botanical names to address troubling connotations
Since the mid-1700s, researchers have classified life with scientific names. But some of them have problematic histories and connotations. The botanical community is trying to tackle this issue.
A spectacular opening ceremony wowed a global audience despite Paris’ on-and-off rain
The Paris Olympics opening ceremony wowed Parisians, fans and most everyone who was able to catch a glimpse of thousands of athletes floating down the Seine to officially begin the Games.