Caroline Champlin

Latest Stories (84)

Waste collection industry struggles with staff shortages

Aug 4, 2021
Bulk pickups of waste have become more difficult in some areas, and shortages affect companies across the U.S.
Accumulated trash awaiting pickup is seen in a residential area in Illinois.
Tim Boyle/Getty Images

Self-storage space is down and rents are way up

Aug 3, 2021
If the recently expired federal eviction moratorium leads to people moving out, they may need to pay more and travel further to find storage space.
Self-storage has experienced a boom in demand.
Getty Images

Bars missing a key ingredient: alcohol

Jul 29, 2021
Managers are reworking their cocktail menus as shortages of materials and labor make some brands unavailable for weeks.
Several states are dealing with shortages of alcoholic beverages, thanks to high demand coupled with packaging problems.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

COVID-19 travel restrictions deal stateside tourism a blow

Jul 27, 2021
U.S. cities and companies poised to welcome international travelers are focusing on domestic ones.
People enjoy the warm weather on Santa Monica beach on April 30. Popular international tourist destinations across California are feeling the pain caused by international travel restrictions.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images

First, the Port of L.A. was clogged. Now, it's Chicago's railroad yards.

Jul 26, 2021
Given the history of U.S. railroads, a chokepoint in the Windy City was "inevitable" once cargo started backing up elsewhere.
Following the shipping bottleneck in the Port of Los Angeles, Chicago railyards are now experiencing their own backlog.
Andreas Rentz via Getty Images

What happens when a home builder can't find a microwave?

Jul 26, 2021
Until all the appliances are installed in a home, construction is not complete.
Limited supplies of basic home appliances, like microwaves, are delaying the completion of some new-build properties.
Stephen Brashear via Getty Images

Masks are back at LA bars and restaurants, but is that enough?

Jul 23, 2021
One bar owner says she's going beyond the county mask mandate, and requiring patrons to show proof of vaccination or a recent negative COVID test.
Pedestrians wearing face masks walk past a "Prevent the spread of COVID-19" banner in Los Angeles on Jan. 19.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Vacation towns grapple with new year-round popularity

Jul 22, 2021
Many communities welcomed outsiders during the pandemic, to boost local businesses. But now, bidding wars are driving up housing costs, as more people decide to stay.
Victorian style homes ring Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on the island of Martha's Vineyard.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

Los Angeles County is again requiring people to wear masks indoors

Jul 16, 2021
COVID-19 cases are rising among unvaccinated people in the county. That means enforcement issues for businesses.
Starting Saturday night, people in Los Angeles County will again be required to wear face masks in indoor spaces. Above, Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles on June 14.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer sentiment offers another window into economic recovery

Jul 16, 2021
All eyes will be on feelings about inflation for the month of July.
The University of Michigan's consumer sentiment survey One question in the consumer sentiment survey asks people about the big purchases they make for their homes, like appliances and furniture.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images