#pandemic-impact

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#financial-struggles

Berkeley's cherished arts venues are in trouble. What can be done?

Berkeley's arts sector faces devastating challenges due to rising costs and declining attendance, impacting artists and organizations significantly.

7 Bay Area Restaurant and Bar Closures to Know in November

The Bay Area has seen numerous restaurant closures recently due to financial pressures and the lingering impacts of the pandemic.

Berkeley's cherished arts venues are in trouble. What can be done?

Berkeley's arts sector faces devastating challenges due to rising costs and declining attendance, impacting artists and organizations significantly.

7 Bay Area Restaurant and Bar Closures to Know in November

The Bay Area has seen numerous restaurant closures recently due to financial pressures and the lingering impacts of the pandemic.
morefinancial-struggles

Paw things: how to help your anxious dog

Fearful dogs require different approaches than children, as reasoning is not effective. Behavioral changes may be necessary to address anxiety.
#economic-challenges

Working parents' childcare struggles are getting worse

Child care-related work disruptions among parents have risen significantly since the pandemic, affecting mothers with young children the most.

Notable L.A. restaurant closures spiked in 2024. Here's the grim tally

The restaurant industry in Los Angeles faced unprecedented closures due to various financial pressures exacerbated by the pandemic and rising operational costs.

Working parents' childcare struggles are getting worse

Child care-related work disruptions among parents have risen significantly since the pandemic, affecting mothers with young children the most.

Notable L.A. restaurant closures spiked in 2024. Here's the grim tally

The restaurant industry in Los Angeles faced unprecedented closures due to various financial pressures exacerbated by the pandemic and rising operational costs.
moreeconomic-challenges
#housing-market

The 10 hottest housing markets for 2025: NAR

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed nontraditional cities into housing market hotspots, but more changes are anticipated in 2025.

Starter homes are shrinking in size-but not in price, new analysis confirms

Inflation and rising costs are causing homes to become smaller and more expensive, reflecting a significant market shift since 2016.

Homebuilder deal activity is surging, fueled by major Japanese buyers

Large homebuilders are seizing opportunities amid strong housing demand, leading to increased mergers and acquisitions, with significant market share gains.

The South and West Fall Out of Favor With Buyers: Why Metros Here Haven't Cracked the Hottest Markets List in More Than a Year

Northeast and Midwest housing markets have surged in popularity, outpacing traditionally desirable Southern and Western markets during the pandemic's aftermath.

Housing market hits highest inventory since 2019 as sellers flood the market

The real estate market is stabilizing as home inventory reaches its highest level since 2019, offering hope to buyers after years of tight inventory.

The Number of Homes for Sale Is Now the Highest Since 2019-Including in Pandemic 'Boomtowns'

Active listings of homes for sale have increased significantly, with a 29.2% rise year-over-year due to heightened seller activity.

The 10 hottest housing markets for 2025: NAR

The COVID-19 pandemic transformed nontraditional cities into housing market hotspots, but more changes are anticipated in 2025.

Starter homes are shrinking in size-but not in price, new analysis confirms

Inflation and rising costs are causing homes to become smaller and more expensive, reflecting a significant market shift since 2016.

Homebuilder deal activity is surging, fueled by major Japanese buyers

Large homebuilders are seizing opportunities amid strong housing demand, leading to increased mergers and acquisitions, with significant market share gains.

The South and West Fall Out of Favor With Buyers: Why Metros Here Haven't Cracked the Hottest Markets List in More Than a Year

Northeast and Midwest housing markets have surged in popularity, outpacing traditionally desirable Southern and Western markets during the pandemic's aftermath.

Housing market hits highest inventory since 2019 as sellers flood the market

The real estate market is stabilizing as home inventory reaches its highest level since 2019, offering hope to buyers after years of tight inventory.

The Number of Homes for Sale Is Now the Highest Since 2019-Including in Pandemic 'Boomtowns'

Active listings of homes for sale have increased significantly, with a 29.2% rise year-over-year due to heightened seller activity.
morehousing-market
#restaurant-industry

These are the top 7 issues facing the struggling restaurant industry in 2025

Restaurants in Southern California are facing ongoing challenges, including rising costs and labor issues, making recovery from the pandemic difficult.

15 Foods You Should Never Get Delivered, According To A Pro - Tasting Table

Food delivery services have drastically increased in popularity, influenced by technology and the pandemic, but not all foods are suitable for delivery.

These are the top 7 issues facing the struggling restaurant industry in 2025

Restaurants in Southern California are facing ongoing challenges, including rising costs and labor issues, making recovery from the pandemic difficult.

15 Foods You Should Never Get Delivered, According To A Pro - Tasting Table

Food delivery services have drastically increased in popularity, influenced by technology and the pandemic, but not all foods are suitable for delivery.
morerestaurant-industry

The Boeing 747 is a rarer sight but still popular with heads of state. See which royals and presidents have a 'Queen of the Skies.'

The Boeing 747, despite its retirement by many airlines, continues to be favored by governments and royalty for its iconic status.
#homelessness

Migrants and End of Covid Restrictions Fuel Jump in U.S. Homelessness

Homelessness hit record levels this year due to migrant influx, a housing crisis, and reduced pandemic-era aid, marking an 18% increase in homelessness.

When Kentucky Bans Homeless Camps, Where Do People Go?

Angel Sivado's outreach work highlights the increasing crisis of homelessness in Louisville, with personal stories reflecting broader systemic issues.

Migrants and End of Covid Restrictions Fuel Jump in U.S. Homelessness

Homelessness hit record levels this year due to migrant influx, a housing crisis, and reduced pandemic-era aid, marking an 18% increase in homelessness.

When Kentucky Bans Homeless Camps, Where Do People Go?

Angel Sivado's outreach work highlights the increasing crisis of homelessness in Louisville, with personal stories reflecting broader systemic issues.
morehomelessness

A taste of Ibiza in grotty King's Cross': memories of closed UK nightclubs

The decline of nightclubs in the UK, exacerbated by the pandemic, highlights a deep loss of culture and community.
#mental-health

My husband became a conspiracy theorist. Would our marriage survive?

The article explores the impact of conspiracy theories on personal relationships during the pandemic.
The author reflects on her husband's descent into conspiracy thinking regarding 5G technology.

Dear Abby: I think the tennis club owes me a free membership

Acknowledging long-term service and fair compensation is crucial, especially during layoffs or furloughs.
Friends should be cautious of relationships that may exploit financial and emotional support.

I left teaching after 17 years. Now I work at Costco stocking shelves, and I'm happier.

Kelly Andrews-Denney transitioned from a beloved teaching career to Costco, citing pandemic challenges and personal fatigue as significant factors in her decision.

My husband became a conspiracy theorist. Would our marriage survive?

The article explores the impact of conspiracy theories on personal relationships during the pandemic.
The author reflects on her husband's descent into conspiracy thinking regarding 5G technology.

Dear Abby: I think the tennis club owes me a free membership

Acknowledging long-term service and fair compensation is crucial, especially during layoffs or furloughs.
Friends should be cautious of relationships that may exploit financial and emotional support.

I left teaching after 17 years. Now I work at Costco stocking shelves, and I'm happier.

Kelly Andrews-Denney transitioned from a beloved teaching career to Costco, citing pandemic challenges and personal fatigue as significant factors in her decision.
moremental-health
#remote-work

Where are all the remote jobs? Firms cut postings in these sectors, add in others.

Remote work opportunities are declining as many companies implement return-to-office mandates, yet some sectors are still promoting telework options.

Manager lists out what she does and doesn't care about employees - it's a must-read for every boss

The pandemic has shifted work culture, emphasizing flexibility and mental health support for employees.

Employee quits after being told the job they accepted wasn't work-from-home as promised

The pandemic has permanently shifted employee preferences toward flexible remote work.
Job seekers are increasingly prioritizing remote options when considering employment.
Mismatch between remote work promises and office expectations can lead to employee turnover.

Homeworking - what have we learned? | BPS

The pandemic-induced shift to remote work significantly transformed work culture, offering both benefits and challenges.

Employees are being marched back to the office. But why? | Eva Wiseman

The office environment fosters camaraderie but can stretch work hours and impact well-being.

CEO allegedly tells employees to 'go somewhere else' if they want to work from home, so they all quit

The pandemic has permanently transformed work dynamics, pushing companies to address employee rights and flexible work options.

Where are all the remote jobs? Firms cut postings in these sectors, add in others.

Remote work opportunities are declining as many companies implement return-to-office mandates, yet some sectors are still promoting telework options.

Manager lists out what she does and doesn't care about employees - it's a must-read for every boss

The pandemic has shifted work culture, emphasizing flexibility and mental health support for employees.

Employee quits after being told the job they accepted wasn't work-from-home as promised

The pandemic has permanently shifted employee preferences toward flexible remote work.
Job seekers are increasingly prioritizing remote options when considering employment.
Mismatch between remote work promises and office expectations can lead to employee turnover.

Homeworking - what have we learned? | BPS

The pandemic-induced shift to remote work significantly transformed work culture, offering both benefits and challenges.

Employees are being marched back to the office. But why? | Eva Wiseman

The office environment fosters camaraderie but can stretch work hours and impact well-being.

CEO allegedly tells employees to 'go somewhere else' if they want to work from home, so they all quit

The pandemic has permanently transformed work dynamics, pushing companies to address employee rights and flexible work options.
moreremote-work

The Many Things that Celebrities Said in 2024

Celebrities are increasingly outspoken, facing new challenges in an evolving entertainment landscape, as evidenced by viral moments and candid critiques.

Calls for use of Croydon cafe as keeping it closed is a total waste of space'

The prolonged closure of the cafe in Croydon's park limits community engagement and access to essential services like public toilets.

I had 25 addresses in 20 years but now I've created the beginnings of a new life | Jay Bernard

Living alone amid the pandemic has revealed deeper societal issues, loneliness, and stark class disparities in housing and friendship networks.

Romance bookstore Lovestruck is now open in Harvard Square

Lovestruck Books highlights the growing popularity of romance literature in the wake of the pandemic.
#rocky-mountain-bicycles

Another Major Bike Brand Announces Restructure to Avoid Bankruptcy

Rocky Mountain Bicycles is filing for CCAA to restructure and avoid disruptions amid financial pressures and post-pandemic market challenges.

Rocky Mountain Bicycles Files for Pandemic-Fueled Business Restructure

Rocky Mountain Bicycles is restructuring due to financial difficulties caused by pandemic supply issues and post-pandemic price drops.

Another Major Bike Brand Announces Restructure to Avoid Bankruptcy

Rocky Mountain Bicycles is filing for CCAA to restructure and avoid disruptions amid financial pressures and post-pandemic market challenges.

Rocky Mountain Bicycles Files for Pandemic-Fueled Business Restructure

Rocky Mountain Bicycles is restructuring due to financial difficulties caused by pandemic supply issues and post-pandemic price drops.
morerocky-mountain-bicycles

Unfuzzy math: U.S. needs to do better - Harvard Gazette

U.S. students' math scores have declined, largely due to pandemic learning loss, highlighting the need for educational reassessment.

What Is a Barndominium? Anything You Want It to Be.

Barndominiums evolved from equestrian properties to spacious living solutions in response to modern homebuyer preferences.

Like Elon Musk, 1 in 3 bosses admit they are pushing RTO because they're so upset about wasting money on all those empty desks

Long-term office leases, rather than employee productivity, heavily influence companies' return-to-office mandates.
#public-health

The kids are... maybe alright: Teen drug use hits new lows in ongoing decline

Teen substance use rates have dropped to historic lows, showcasing a significant change in behavior since the pandemic.

The south east London borough where both men and women live the longest

Life expectancy has declined across the region, particularly in Lewisham and Greenwich.
The pandemic's impact on life expectancy recovery remains evident.
Geographical disparities in life expectancy continue to be significant.

The kids are... maybe alright: Teen drug use hits new lows in ongoing decline

Teen substance use rates have dropped to historic lows, showcasing a significant change in behavior since the pandemic.

The south east London borough where both men and women live the longest

Life expectancy has declined across the region, particularly in Lewisham and Greenwich.
The pandemic's impact on life expectancy recovery remains evident.
Geographical disparities in life expectancy continue to be significant.
morepublic-health

'It was a place we called home': BrasArte has left its West Berkeley space after 19 years

BrasArte's closure reflects the struggle of arts nonprofits against rising costs and the impacts of the pandemic.

2024 was a record-setting year for office building conversions

Office conversions from vacant space have surged, particularly for housing, with 103 projects completed or underway in 2024, a 63% increase from 2023.

I loved living in a big, famous city for 10 years, but I'm much happier now that I moved to a seaside town outside of it

The allure of bustling city life can diminish, leading to a desire for tranquility and space in quieter settings.

Full employment, empty wallets: What's up with the economy?

There is a significant disconnect between economic metrics and public perception of the economy, suggesting confusion about current conditions.
#food-industry

Ugly Baby And So Many Other Restaurants Announced Closures Over the Holidays

Many New York restaurants are closing as the holiday season approaches, revealing challenges faced during the pandemic and struggles with renewal agreements.

The L.A. breakfast sandwiches once delivered by bucket now have their own restaurant

Cara Haltiwanger transformed her viral sandwich business from home into a brick-and-mortar storefront, embodying resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

Ugly Baby And So Many Other Restaurants Announced Closures Over the Holidays

Many New York restaurants are closing as the holiday season approaches, revealing challenges faced during the pandemic and struggles with renewal agreements.

The L.A. breakfast sandwiches once delivered by bucket now have their own restaurant

Cara Haltiwanger transformed her viral sandwich business from home into a brick-and-mortar storefront, embodying resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
morefood-industry

The great post-pandemic middle-manager cull

The pandemic accelerated a trend towards video conferencing and has led to a reduction in middle management roles within companies.
#local-culture

'Chilling effect': SF's former nightlife corridor has gone quiet

Valencia Street in San Francisco is struggling to regain its lively atmosphere, impacted by the pandemic and changing work habits.

The magic of winter in West Cork, where music, food and drink lift the spirits

Baltimore's community spirit thrived during the pandemic with locals collaborating to revitalize and adapt the village's amenities.

'Chilling effect': SF's former nightlife corridor has gone quiet

Valencia Street in San Francisco is struggling to regain its lively atmosphere, impacted by the pandemic and changing work habits.

The magic of winter in West Cork, where music, food and drink lift the spirits

Baltimore's community spirit thrived during the pandemic with locals collaborating to revitalize and adapt the village's amenities.
morelocal-culture

Causa Justa closing after 22 years of tenant organizing in Oakland and SF

Causa Justa/Just Cause is closing due to operational challenges exacerbated by the pandemic, despite being financially stable.
#restaurant-closure

Albany bids farewell to Fonda, El Cerrito to Cafe9Ine in November closings

Fonda, a key community restaurant, closed after 20 years due to pandemic-related difficulties.
Cafe9Ine closed, highlighting challenges in the restaurant industry amidst rising costs.
Beer Baron reduced its locations, emphasizing community and craft beverage options.
La Perla is relocating, indicating resilience and continuity in local dining.

Food-lovers pay tribute as restaurant that lost Michelin star announces closure

Leroy restaurant in London closed after seven years, primarily due to financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.

Albany bids farewell to Fonda, El Cerrito to Cafe9Ine in November closings

Fonda, a key community restaurant, closed after 20 years due to pandemic-related difficulties.
Cafe9Ine closed, highlighting challenges in the restaurant industry amidst rising costs.
Beer Baron reduced its locations, emphasizing community and craft beverage options.
La Perla is relocating, indicating resilience and continuity in local dining.

Food-lovers pay tribute as restaurant that lost Michelin star announces closure

Leroy restaurant in London closed after seven years, primarily due to financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic.
morerestaurant-closure

A Jeweler in Tokyo Reshapes Clients' Keepsakes

Sae Asaoka's new brand Sitate emerged during the pandemic by reviving old jewelry pieces for customers.

Are Cocktail Bars Leaving Craft Spirits Behind?

The relationship between craft bars and small spirit producers is deteriorating due to the impacts of the pandemic and rising inflation.

Celeb greetings app Cameo pivots to creators | TechCrunch

Cameo is shifting to a creator-focused platform, CameoX, to expand its reach and revitalize its business model post-pandemic.

After Several Moves, an 80-Year-Old Bar Is Closing Again

Subway Inn is closing after multiple relocations, highlighting challenges faced by small businesses in New York.

Four Winds House / Brennan Furlong

Four Winds embodies a profound reflection on home, human interactions, and the environment amidst historical and recent personal challenges.

One City's Approach to Tackling Domestic Violence

The Reflejo program aims to reform first-time domestic violence offenders to reduce repeat offenses in San Antonio.

Michael Kiwanuka: Small Changes

Michael Kiwanuka's new album reflects personal growth and calm amidst external chaos, are a departure towards a more introspective and nostalgic sound.
#community-support

2024 saw a record number of visits to food pantries in NYC, report shows

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in NYC, with food pantry visits reaching record highs post-pandemic.

San Francisco woman seeks public's help to find beloved stolen van that was her livelihood

Missy Thompkins' stolen van was a vital source of income and joy during the pandemic, highlighting the personal impact of vehicle theft.

2024 saw a record number of visits to food pantries in NYC, report shows

Food insecurity remains a pressing issue in NYC, with food pantry visits reaching record highs post-pandemic.

San Francisco woman seeks public's help to find beloved stolen van that was her livelihood

Missy Thompkins' stolen van was a vital source of income and joy during the pandemic, highlighting the personal impact of vehicle theft.
morecommunity-support

Op-Ed | Helping more students get to college with knowledge and tools to succeed | amNewYork

CUNY's partnership with NYC schools helps high school students transition to college, increasing enrollment and providing personalized support for successful applications.
#consumer-behavior

Food deliveries keep getting more expensive - but we can't stop ordering

Consumers prioritize convenience, leading to higher costs for food delivery despite its increased expense.

With B2B and B2C cross-pollinating - your marketing approach must change

The rigid separation between B2B and B2C marketing has dissolved, altering strategies and expectations among buyers.

Food deliveries keep getting more expensive - but we can't stop ordering

Consumers prioritize convenience, leading to higher costs for food delivery despite its increased expense.

With B2B and B2C cross-pollinating - your marketing approach must change

The rigid separation between B2B and B2C marketing has dissolved, altering strategies and expectations among buyers.
moreconsumer-behavior

Life Among the Bears in California

The influx of new residents in Lake Tahoe has led to increased human-bear interactions, highlighting the need for education about coexisting with wildlife.

Civil service wellbeing remains below pre-pandemic levels, study reveals - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com

Civil servant wellbeing remains lower than pre-pandemic levels, with high levels of anxiety reported across all analyzed departments.

I'm 57 and was laid off during the pandemic - I lost my good retirement benefits and now I don't have enough for retirement

Even the best-laid retirement plans can be disrupted by unexpected events, necessitating preparedness for financial setbacks.
#new-york-city

New York City Hotel Rates Soar to Record Heights as Holiday Travel Nears

New York City hotel prices have risen sharply, reaching record highs as tourism rebounds post-pandemic.

Goodbye, Chain Drugstores. Hello, Golf Simulators.

Indoor golf facilities have surged in popularity in NYC, driven by pandemic-related changes and vacant real estate.
There is a disconnect between community needs and the types of businesses filling vacant spaces in Brooklyn.

New York City Hotel Rates Soar to Record Heights as Holiday Travel Nears

New York City hotel prices have risen sharply, reaching record highs as tourism rebounds post-pandemic.

Goodbye, Chain Drugstores. Hello, Golf Simulators.

Indoor golf facilities have surged in popularity in NYC, driven by pandemic-related changes and vacant real estate.
There is a disconnect between community needs and the types of businesses filling vacant spaces in Brooklyn.
morenew-york-city

How the Bonne Maman Advent Calendar Became a Hot Commodity

Bonne Maman's Advent calendars are uniquely popular for their flavors, affordability, and design, transforming holiday celebrations into shared experiences.

Life After Death: America's Cemeteries Are Rewilding

Cemeteries are transforming into natural green spaces, reflecting changing attitudes towards burial sites and their ecological significance post-pandemic.

Here's why CHROs should encourage executives to take a sabbatical

The pandemic has shifted perceptions of work-life balance, leading some professionals to consider sabbaticals as positive life changes.

How Every Country Can Halve Premature Death by 2050

Global Health 2050 report suggests that all countries can halve premature mortality risk by 50% by 2050.

My View: Three ways Oregon can help students get back on track in 2025

Oregon's elementary students face significant academic challenges, particularly in reading proficiency, since the pandemic.

Why Oil Companies Are Walking Back From Green Energy

Oil and gas companies faced pressure to transition to renewables, but many, like Exxon Mobil, re-focused on traditional sectors instead.

Everyone Is Too Obsessed With Their Dogs. I Want to Talk About Something Else!

Having dinner with friends often becomes overshadowed by pets, detracting from meaningful human connections.
from Washington Post
1 month ago

Trust in science hasn't fully recovered from pandemic controversies

Public trust in scientists has slightly improved post-pandemic but remains lower than before the outbreak, indicating enduring skepticism.
Democrats exhibit higher trust in scientists compared to Republicans, reflecting a divide that may impact policy-making.

Is Edward Cuming Demonstrating an Alternative Model for Emerging Brands?

Edward Cuming's label, started just before the pandemic, has evolved into a successful brand embracing diverse styles and intentional design.
#cost-of-living

'The medicine for a problem you cannot resolve': Food bank use in Toronto breaks records again | CBC News

Toronto's food bank visits surged to 3.49 million, marking a 38% increase and highlighting the impact of rising living costs post-pandemic.

Here are the 8 top cities people are moving to for cheaper rent

Rent prices have surged significantly post-pandemic, driving consumers to relocate or downgrade for affordability.

'The medicine for a problem you cannot resolve': Food bank use in Toronto breaks records again | CBC News

Toronto's food bank visits surged to 3.49 million, marking a 38% increase and highlighting the impact of rising living costs post-pandemic.

Here are the 8 top cities people are moving to for cheaper rent

Rent prices have surged significantly post-pandemic, driving consumers to relocate or downgrade for affordability.
morecost-of-living

Fonda bidding farewell after two decades of service; Beer Baron enters final weekend in Rockridge

Fonda closes after 20 years due to pandemic recovery challenges.
Beer Baron reduces East Bay locations as financial pressures mount.
Cafe9Ine closes with efforts to fundraise against lingering debt.

Rotisserie-Obsessed Rosedale Reenergizes Van Ness Neighborhood

Restaurateur Ashok Bajaj's new eatery Rosedale is a strategic response to the shift toward local dining post-pandemic.

Wellness Industry Hits Record: Bigger Than Sports, Pharma | Entrepreneur

The global wellness market grew to $6.32 trillion in 2023, driven by a post-pandemic emphasis on health and wellness.
The wellness market spans many industries including personal care, beauty, weight loss, health, nutrition, and wellness real estate.
from www.nytimes.com
2 months ago

Behind the Election Anger May Be Something Else: Lingering Covid Grief

The unresolved grief from the pandemic leads to heightened anger and division in American society.

Treasury Department Leverages AI to Save Billions in Taxpayer Money

AI has significantly contributed to preventing and recovering over $4 billion from fraud for the U.S. Treasury Department over the past year.

My friend has embraced conspiracy theories and I'm fed up with it

The Covid-19 pandemic has intensified individual cravings for certainty, leading many to accept extreme ideologies as a means of coping with chaos.

Turbulence of recent past thrums though 'Makeshift Memorials, Small Revolutions' - 48 hills

The ongoing pandemic's impact is being overlooked in art and media despite its profound significance.

Suze Orman says this common emergency fund strategy is nowhere near enough money

Having eight months of expenses saved is critical for financial security, especially highlighted by the pandemic.

'If you can do it once, you can do it again': June's Pizza makes triumphant return after 3-year hiatus

June's Pizza showcases resilience through its unique transformation from a pandemic pop-up to a thriving neighborhood staple.

This 300-Square-Foot Cabin Can Stretch to 500, Solarium Included

The pandemic motivated individuals like Yvette Lanneaux to transform their lives, shifting from traditional careers to new, fulfilling passions such as farming.

On Anno's new album, 'moving slow' still means moving forward

Anno's debut album encapsulates emotions of anticipation and acceptance of a slower pace in a fast world.
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