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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 (302)

Economic Anxiety Index®

The cost of sleep deprivation

by Erika Beras
Nov 23, 2020
A RAND study found that lack of sleep costs the U.S. about $411 billion a year in lost productivity.
Right now, more than a third of Americans are feeling anxious and losing sleep as a result, according to the most recent Marketplace-Edison Research Poll.
m-gucci/iStock via Getty Images
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COVID-19

To survive the pandemic, live theater turns to streaming. Unions are on board.

by Erika Beras
Nov 20, 2020
Actors' Equity and SAG-AFTRA resolve their dispute, with Actors' Equity representing the virtual broadcasts. The agreement includes restrictions.
Simone Joyner/Getty Images
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COVID-19

Trans workers face bias, barriers that affect income as pandemic lingers

by Erika Beras
Nov 20, 2020
Before the pandemic, Black trans workers faced the most economic challenges of any group in the U.S.
For those who do land jobs, 77% of trans individuals say they’ve taken active steps to avoid mistreatment at work.
The Gender Spectrum Collection
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COVID-19

How small businesses are bracing for a COVID winter — or not

by Erika Beras
Nov 16, 2020
Many that survived the shutdowns in the spring have a strategy, while others fear they just won't make it.
A bar in Manhattan sells to-go cocktails at the beginning of the pandemic. Small businesses are preparing for another round of lockdowns, as the virus continues to surge across the country.
Victor J. Blue/Getty Images
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COVID-19

How are hospitals handling staffing challenges during a COVID-19 surge?

by Erika Beras
Nov 11, 2020
Over 100,000 new coronavirus cases were recorded every day for more than a week, and hospitalizations around the country reached a record high on Tuesday.
Health care workers at a COVID-19 unit at United Memorial Medical Center in Houston in July.
Mark Felix/AFP via Getty Images
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COVID-19

Ulta Beauty will open mini-shops within Target stores

by Erika Beras
Nov 10, 2020
Since the pandemic has changed behavior of cosmetics customers, analysts expect both Ulta Beauty and Target to benefit from their partnership.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
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COVID-19

K-12 public schools still count on kids to show up for funding

by Erika Beras
Nov 9, 2020
With so many schools online, screen fatigue, parents opting out and other coronavirus-driven variables, how will districts get the funds they need?
A teacher and student wearing masks speak between classes at Rippowam Middle School in September in Stamford, Connecticut.
John Moore/Getty Images
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COVID-19

Why having a job makes it more likely you have health insurance

by Erika Beras
Nov 6, 2020
Historically, it's been all about building employee loyalty and tax breaks for businesses.
A student gets a COVID-19 test at a pop-up testing site in New York City in October.
Angela Weiss/AFP via Getty Images
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In this time of comfort-at-home fashion, Crocs are having a moment

by Erika Beras
Oct 28, 2020
The footwear brand has seen an uptick in sales during the pandemic, and has capitalized on branding collaborations.
A sample of Crocs shoes on display in a midtown New York City shoe store in February 2007.
TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP via Getty Images
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Why Dunkin' is looking to private equity, again

by Erika Beras
Oct 26, 2020
In a year of mixed fortunes, the coffee and doughnut giant may sell the business to private equity.
Dunkin’ Brands was sold to private equity firms in 2005, then it went public again in 2011.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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