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Pandemic pushes big-city dreamers out of Shanghai

Mar 30, 2021
Workers from rural China came to Shanghai in search of better lives, a challenge even in good times. Then the COVID-19 lockdown hit.
Parents boast about their unmarried children's achievements on handwritten notes taped to umbrellas at Shanghai's People's Park. The ads bring China's urban-rural divide into sharp focus.
Charles Zhang/Marketplace

In 2 decisions, CDC signals the pandemic still has months to go

Mar 29, 2021
The eviction moratorium remains in place until summer, and cruise ships won't sail from U.S. ports until at least late November.
“Please hold on a little while longer," said CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, urging Americans to maintain coronavirus safety precautions.
Susan Walsh/Pool/AFP via Getty Images

People are ready to spend money on experiences again

Mar 29, 2021
There is a lot of pent-up demand for experiences after a year of isolation.
An employee arranges merchandise at a store in the Downtown Disney District shopping area outside of Disneyland last summer. Disney California Adventure Park partially reopened for a ticketed shopping and dining event.
Derek Lee/Disneyland Resort via Getty Images

People are itching to travel again, even for business

Mar 16, 2021
And many of their bosses are eager for them them to travel again, too.
Airlines are reporting increased bookings.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

A year of pandemic unemployment, by the numbers

Mar 11, 2021
Three economists share statistics that depict the depth and length of the COVID-19 recession.
For the past 51 weeks, first-time claims have been higher than at any time during the Great Recession.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

A second location? During a pandemic? It’s within reach for some businesses

Mar 10, 2021
A business owner in Brooklyn who almost went under last year is now looking to expand in a way she hadn't expected.
Pooja Bavishi at her Brooklyn ice cream shop, Malai. When she had to close for several months, her online sales surged.
Samantha Fields/Marketplace

Is a virtual SXSW worth the price of admission?

Mar 9, 2021
Austin’s business community is rooting for South by Southwest to get through this pandemic after being canceled last year.
In 2020, the South by Southwest festival was canceled because of the coronavirus. Organizers can't predict how many people will attend this year's upcoming event.
Suzanne Cordeiro/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Denver beauty bar was shut by pandemic before it even opened

Mar 1, 2021
"I could have never predicted that it would be this bad," says Ashlie Ordonez, owner of The Bare Bar.
"I actually sold my $12,000 anniversary ring to put towards the business," Ashlie Ordonez says of keeping her Denver salon, The Bare Bar, afloat.
Courtesy of Ashlie Ordonez

Consumers may be ready to release their pent-up demand

Feb 25, 2021
As the pandemic retreats, Americans who can afford to spend on things they've been deprived of may start spending.
After months of shopping online, many Americans look forward to visiting brick-and-mortar stores.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

How are those pandemic learning pods doing?

Feb 25, 2021
The school year is more than half over, and what began as a widespread educational experiment may have legs.
Students follow along remotely at a learning pod in Culver City, California.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images