Economy: What Now?Unemployment 2020Make Me Smart DailyRace and EconomyReimagining the Economy

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Erika Beras

Reporter

SHORT BIO

I'm a reporter covering the economics of aging throughout the lifespan.

What was your first job?

I worked as a salesgirl and helium balloon inflator at a card store when I was 15.

In your next life, what would your career be?

A synchronized swimmer … an oral historian … or in all honesty, probably a journalist.

What is something that everyone should own, no matter how much it costs?

A good pair of shoes.

What’s the favorite item in your workspace and why?

I love textiles, fabrics and woven goods and always try to pick some up whenever I travel. I have a handful in and around my studio. They brighten up the space. Also, when I can no longer see them, I know it’s time to purge the piles of paper that just seem to accumulate.

 

Latest Stories (265)

COVID-19

Some companies help employees cover costs of working from home

by Erika Beras
Aug 13, 2020
Employees are using the stipends to buy ergonomic chairs, wellness apps, and office equipment.
Some employers are providing stipends to employees for ergonomic chairs, file cabinets and other needs while the pandemic keeps them working at home.
FreshSplash/Getty Images
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Race and Economy

For Black women, the pay gap persists

by Erika Beras
Aug 13, 2020
In times of crisis, existing patterns of inequality become more pronounced.
Before the pandemic, a Black woman made 62 cents for every dollar a white man made. But COVID-19 has likely exacerbated that.
Drazen Zigic/Getty Images
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Parenting in a Pandemic

Home schooling boosts back-to-school spending

by Erika Beras
Aug 11, 2020
School will be remote for many kids in the fall, and parents have been scrambling to outfit their homes with home-schooling furniture and supplies.
A mother helps her home-schooled daughter learn on a laptop. Parents are buying furniture and equipment to help their kids continue their education at home.
FG Trade/Getty Images
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COVID-19

Passenger airports are struggling to make ends meet

by Erika Beras
Aug 10, 2020
The downturn in air travel has slashed airport revenue, with fees plummeting for landings, passenger use and parking.
The United Airlines check-in counter at San Francisco International was vacant in early August.
Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

As big department stores struggle, other mall tenants falter, too

by Erika Beras
Aug 10, 2020
Malls were already having a tough time before COVID-19 with the rise in online shopping. The pandemic accelerated those e-commerce trends.
When malls start to lose retailers, it hurts all of the other tenants still there like movie theaters, restaurants and more.
Al Bello/Getty Images
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Unemployment 2020

How will employers perceive long-term unemployment in this moment?

by Erika Beras
Aug 7, 2020
Traditionally, employers question big gaps in work history. But because of the pandemic, they may be more understanding.
A "now hiring" sign at a store in Arlington, Virginia. Employers may take the pandemic lockdown into consideration when seeing gaps in applicants' resumes.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

For Uber, a diverse business model is the key to weathering COVID-19

by Erika Beras
Aug 6, 2020
As its ride-sharing business declined, the company pivoted to delivery.
An Uber Eats delivery worker riding an electric scooter in New York City in March.
Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images
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COVID-19

Pharmacies are playing a bigger role in local retail during the pandemic

by Erika Beras
Aug 5, 2020
They're more and more becoming one-stop shops for people who want to consolidate shopping trips.
About 23 1/2 million Americans don’t live that close to grocery stores, but most people do live within 5 miles of a Walgreens or CVS.
Kena Betancur/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Tyson Foods appoints new CEO while meat industry struggles with continued COVID-19 challenges

by Erika Beras
Aug 4, 2020
The industry has had to change how it prepares products, pivoting from places like restaurants and arenas to grocery stores.
Food companies like Tyson have not been able to make up all of the ground they lost during the pandemic through grocery store sales.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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Race and Economy

After pressure from players, some Black-owned businesses profit from NBA 'bubble'

by Erika Beras
Jul 30, 2020
The league wants to keep players happy while quarantined. The athletes feel empowered to make an impact.
A Celtics-Rockets game in February, shortly before the season was paused.
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
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