Public transit tries to lure riders back with reduced fares, other incentives

Jul 12, 2021
Across the country, ridership is still way below pre-pandemic levels.
Passengers at a Bay Area Rapid Transit station in San Francisco. Despite the economy reopening, public transit use is still down dramatically in many metropolitan areas.
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Lawsuits challenge states' authority to cut unemployment benefits

Jul 9, 2021
About half of states have ended at least some enhanced federal support, which were funded to run through September.
Several state lawsuits aim to challenge officials who are curtailing federal assistance for jobless workers before the September end date.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

With COVID gaps on millions of resumes, do they still carry stigma?

Jul 8, 2021
Greater acceptance for career pauses could benefit moms.
Resume gaps may take on a different meaning post-COVID, especially for working parents whose family responsibilities increased.
Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images

How worried should we be about the COVID-19 Delta variant?

Jul 2, 2021
Most experts don’t think another round of shutdowns is likely in the U.S.
The COVID-19 Delta variant has surged internationally. The U.S. may see regional case upticks where fewer people are vaccinated.
Tolga Akmen/AFP via Getty Images

Composer turns to NFTs for "complete control" over her work

Jun 29, 2021
The release of an orchestral NFT will allow its creator to decide how she releases her work and who will get paid.
Gregory Wolynec conducts "Prelude" rehearsal with Gateway Chamber Orchestra for America’s Haydn Festival.
Courtesy of Stephanie Elder, Gateway Chamber Orchestra

Big screens are back, but what about audiences?

Jun 23, 2021
Stephanie Silverman, executive director of an independent movie theater in Nashville, is navigating an industry in transition.
The Belcourt Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee, reopened on April 23, but executive director Stephanie Silverman says the crowds have been "inconsistent."
Tom Gatlin courtesy Belcourt Theatre

Cleaning and sanitizing as COVID theater

Jun 18, 2021
COVID spreads mostly by air, but businesses are still zealously cleaning surfaces. It’s about customer perception, one owner says.
Many businesses are still investing time and money in sanitizing for COVID-19 safety, though it may be unnecessary.
Sean Gardner via Getty Images

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Long-term unemployment can change your view of your own abilities

Jun 16, 2021
About half of the unemployed adults in the U.S. are pessimistic about their future employment, a survey shows.
Job loss during the pandemic — already an isolating time — can have a negative impact on a person's self-worth and future job prospects.
Tim Boyle via Getty Images

Remote work already dividing employees and employers

Jun 2, 2021
Many job seekers want remote work, but not many firms offer it. Amid a labor shortage, workers might have leverage.
Marketplace's Chris Farrell discusses the future of work and who stands to benefit the most from it.
Ilona Titova via Getty Images

Lifeguard shortage will mean fewer days at the pool

Jun 1, 2021
Public and private pools are facing closures and limited hours because of a lack of qualified staff for the season.
A lot of lifeguard training was put on hold during the pandemic.
Brett Hemmings/Getty Images