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COVID-19 Pandemic

News
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton 'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton
'New Chapter': Beloved Former Stratford Pizzeria That Closed Last Year To Reopen In Shelton A beloved pizzeria that closed last year after 76 years in business announced it's reopening in a new town. Salerno's Apizza called Stratford home for decades, but in a Facebook post, owner Carlo Salerno said he is finalizing negotiations to open a new storefront in Shelton. He can't say exactly where it will be.  While we can’t reveal the exact location just yet as we are still negotiating on the exact location, we promise it’s coming soon! Once everything is confirmed, you’ll be the first to know! And… from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your incredible p…

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by Josh Lanier
Lifestyle
US Median Household Income Rises For First Time Since Before COVID-19 Pandemic US Median Household Income Rises For First Time Since Before COVID-19 Pandemic
US Median Household Income Rises For First Time Since Before Covid-19 Pandemic Real median household income in the United States rose for the first time in four years. The amount of to $80,610 in 2023 marked the first annual increase since 2019 before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a US Census Bureau report released this week. The report, Income in the United States: 2023, compares median household income by different characteristics, including race and Hispanic origin, and shows that not all groups had an increase in median household incomes from 2022 to 2023. Household characteristics are determined by the person, or one of the people, who owns or rents t…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations
Popular Italian Restaurant Chain Files For Bankruptcy, Closing Multiple Locations Buca di Beppo is Buca di bankrupt. The popular Italian eatery chain announced it had filed for Chapter 11 this week and would close several underperforming locations, including restaurants in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland.  Like many other restaurant chains, Buca di Beppo said the business hadn't bounced back since the COVID-19 pandemic. Customer spending is lower than expected, and supply costs remain high, according to court documents. It's a common tale for several "fast-casual" dining restaurants that have failed to thrive in recent years.   Revenue for…

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by Josh Lanier
News
Eversource Asks For Big Rate Hike For CT Residential Customers: Here's How Much Eversource Asks For Big Rate Hike For CT Residential Customers: Here's How Much
Eversource Asks For Big Rate Hike For CT Residential Customers: Here's How Much Utility company Eversource has submitted a request for a rate adjustment that would increase monthly costs for residential customers in Connecticut later in the year.  The company filed a request for a $784 million rate adjustment with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on Thursday, Feb. 15, according to a statement from Eversource.  The proposed rate hike, which would go into effect on Wednesday, May 1, would increase monthly bills for residential customers by $38, a 19 percent increase, according to a report by Connecticut Public.  According to Eversourc…

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by Ben Crnic
Politics
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process'
George Santos Dodges Expulsion From House: 'Victory For Due Process' New York Rep. George Santos, who admitted to lying about his background and is facing nearly two dozen federal criminal charges, is claiming victory after an effort to expel him from Congress failed. The freshman Republican lawmaker from Long Island, whose 3rd District represents parts of Nassau County and Queens, easily survived a resolution brought by his fellow New York Republicans to oust Santos from the House on Wednesday, Nov. 1. The resolution failed with 179 members voting in favor and 213 voting against. Nineteen members voted “present.” Earlier Report: George Santos Pleads Not…

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by Michael Mashburn
Lifestyle
New Haven Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest New Haven Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest
New Haven Eatery Wins 'Best Of The Fest' At NYC BagelFest Forget those New York bagels you dreamed of shoving in your face. There's a new king of dough in town and it's located in Connecticut. Olmo Bagels in New Haven has walked away with not only bragging rights but with a chest full of love for the city they are made in with the big win of "Best Of The Fest" at the 2023 NYC BagelFest. But that's not all the upstart little bagel shop brought home from the annual competition that really crowns the king of bagels. They also brought home "Best Beyond the Boroughs," and "Best Schmear," said Olmo chef and owner Craig Hutchinson. "The fest was like …

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by Kathy Reakes
Business
CT Theater To Close After Almost 20 Years: 'Business Is No Longer Viable,' Owners Say CT Theater To Close After Almost 20 Years: 'Business Is No Longer Viable,' Owners Say
CT Theater To Close After Almost 20 Years: 'Business Is No Longer Viable,' Owners Say A Connecticut movie theater that has entertained residents for almost two decades has announced that it will soon be closing as a result of declining business.  Bow Tie Criterion Cinemas, which opened in 2004 and is located in New Haven at 80 Temple St., will be permanently closing after its evening shows on Thursday, Oct. 12, owner Bow Tie Partners announced.  The real estate company attributed declining business following the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for the closure.  "Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic caused dramatic changes to the movie theater business in…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
One More Day: Beloved Stratford Pizzeria To Say Goodbye With Free Pizzas One More Day: Beloved Stratford Pizzeria To Say Goodbye With Free Pizzas
One More Day: Beloved Stratford Pizzeria To Say Goodbye With Free Pizzas A pizzeria that has served as a fixture in Fairfield County for over 75 years is saying goodbye by baking free pizzas to celebrate the owner's upcoming retirement.  Salerno's Pizza, located in Stratford at 1398 Barnum Ave. since 1947, announced earlier in June that it would be closing in July 2023 as a result of owner Carlo Salerno's decision to retire as he approaches his 80th birthday.  Earlier Report- End Of Era: Beloved Stratford Pizzeria To Close After Over 75 Years Before the restaurant closes its doors for good though, Salerno plans to give back to his loyal patrons b…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
Popular Restaurant Closes Last Location In CT After 'Last Few, Very Difficult Years' Popular Restaurant Closes Last Location In CT After 'Last Few, Very Difficult Years'
Popular Restaurant Closes Last Location In CT After 'Last Few, Very Difficult Years' A beloved Connecticut restaurant has suddenly shut down its second and final location only months after closing its original, flagship locale.  The owners of Lucky Taco announced the permanent closure of their Tolland County location at 73 East St. in Vernon's Northeast Shopping Center on Tuesday night, May 9 on social media.  The closure comes after the business's original Hartford County flagship location at 829 Main St. in Manchester was shut down for good in mid-March after nine years in business as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Earlier Report - Popular Restaurant …

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by Ben Crnic
Business
'A Happy Business': 3 Moms Bring Candy Van To Events In Fairfield County 'A Happy Business': 3 Moms Bring Candy Van To Events In Fairfield County
'A Happy Business': 3 Moms Bring Candy Van To Events In Fairfield County For those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth as Halloween approaches, a mobile candy van might just be the perfect solution. Candy Zoo, run by a team of three mothers, is a moving candy truck that is available to rent for private events and can be found throughout the tri-state area, including Westchester County, Fairfield County, and the Englewood area, according to one of the business's founders, Karen Benett. The truck sells more than 200 brands of candy and goes to weddings, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, corporate events, and more, Benett said. The idea for the business sprouted…

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by Ben Crnic
Schools
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment
New England Teacher On Leave After 8 Middle School Boys Keep Log Of His Alleged Harassment A log of alleged harassment by their teacher dubbed the “Pedo Database” that was created by eight middle school boys in New England is now part of an official investigation into the teacher, The Boston Globe reports.  The Rhode Island teacher, who works at Davisville Middle School in North Kingstown, has been placed on administrative leave amid a probe into numerous claims of inappropriate behavior, including that he made female students dance for him, the outlet reports. One of the former students, now a 15-year-old high school student, told The Boston Globe that he and several other male…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Fairfield County Eatery Closing After 34 Years In Business, Owners Announce Fairfield County Eatery Closing After 34 Years In Business, Owners Announce
Fairfield County Eatery Closing After 34 Years In Business, Owners Announce A Fairfield County market and pizzeria is set to permanently close after more than 30 years in business. Express Pizza and Greco's Bella Cucina, located at 160 Hamilton Ave. in Greenwich, is officially closing, according to an announcement on the restaurant's website. The owners cited the COVID-19 pandemic and staffing issues among the reasons for the closure. "After 34 years in business, we are closing our doors," the announcement reads. "We did our best to support the community during the pandemic but with the addition of rising food costs, and staffing challenges, we aren’t ab…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars
Discount Supermarket CEO Makes ‘Price Promise’ Pledge As Inflation Rate Soars With inflation skyrocketing across the country, causing the price of food and other merchandise to surge, one supermarket head vowed to keep a tight rein on costs for customers. Aldi US CEO Jason Hart penned a “price promise” letter to consumers this week making a pledge to keep costs down at the discount supermarket chain. Aldi CEO Jason Hart.Aldi “Saving you money is what we do best,” he wrote. “And in times like these, I’m incredibly proud to underscore this commitment to you: no matter what happens in the world around us, Aldi will always be the low-price leader in every community w…

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by Zak Failla
News
Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule
Metro-North To Add Dozens Of Trains To Weekday Schedule Sixty-six trains will be added to Metro-North's weekday schedule later this month as the Metropolitan Transportation Authority works to restore regular service to pre-pandemic levels. The new trains will be added to the schedule on Sunday, March 27, according to an announcement from the Business Council of Westchester. The business council said the addition of the trains will bring the railroad to 89 percent of its pre-pandemic service, although ridership during weekdays remains at around 50 percent of the levels before the COVID-19 pandemic. “We are seeing extremely strong ridership eas…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says With tax season rapidly approaching, many Americans have started filing and are now anxiously awaiting their refund check from the IRS. Despite facing a backlog and staffing issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans can expect their refund checks to arrive within weeks of filing their taxes, according to officials. Once filed, the IRS said that Americans can expect their refund money to arrive within 21 days, pending certain delays. The cash can also be tracked approximately 24 hours after filing through the IRS website. Where’s My Refund? According to the IRS, in 2022, …

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by Zak Failla
News
Fairfield County Doctor Charged For Seven-Year Fraud Scheme, Feds Say Fairfield County Doctor Charged For Seven-Year Fraud Scheme, Feds Say
Fairfield County Doctor Charged For Seven-Year Fraud Scheme, Feds Say An eye doctor from Westchester who had practices throughout the Hudson Valley and Fairfield County who was previously charged with healthcare fraud has been sentenced for attempting to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic through loan fraud. Westchester resident Ameet Goyal, age 58, of Rye, who operated The Eye Associates Group, with practices in Rye, Mount Kisco, Wappingers Falls in Dutchess County, and Greenwich, has been sentenced to 96 months in prison for orchestrating a seven-year fraud scheme and for obtaining government loans intended for small businesses during the pandemic. In addition t…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Owners Of CT Pizzeria Announce Closure Due To Pandemic-Related Struggles Owners Of CT Pizzeria Announce Closure Due To Pandemic-Related Struggles
Owners Of CT Pizzeria Announce Closure Due To Pandemic-Related Struggles The owners of a Connecticut pizzeria announced that the restaurant will soon permanently close its doors. Harry's Pizza in Hartford County is set to close on Sunday, Feb. 13, according to an announcement on the business' Facebook page that was posted on Wednesday, Feb. 9. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we are reaching out to you today. As you may know, Eric and Crystal took over... Posted by Harry's Pizza Glastonbury on Wednesday, February 9, 2022 The owners who took over the Glastonbury eatery said the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to the decision to close.  "This p…

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by Nicole Valinote
Lifestyle
LEGOLAND In Region Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences LEGOLAND In Region Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences
Legoland In Region Announces Re-Opening Date, New Experiences Everything is awesome at the Hudson Valley’s newest theme park as LEGOLAND prepares for opening day with new attractions and experiences. In Orange County, the LEGOLAND New York Resort announced that it will officially be opening for its first full season on Friday, April 8 with a host of improvements, including the debut of its new water playground. In July 2021, LEGOLAND New York opened up for the first time after years in development, representing the first major theme park in the region in more than 40 years. Earlier story - New Hudson Valley Theme Park LEGOLAND Celebrates Opening, No…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible'
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Apologizes For Comment At Anti-Vax Rally His Wife Called 'Reprehensible' Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has issued a public apology after being blasted by critics - including his own family - for making an Anne Frank reference during an anti-vaccine and mandate rally in Washington, DC. During the event on Sunday, Jan. 23, Kennedy drew the ire of many when he implied that Anne Frank had more freedom in hiding from the Nazis than people have under the current US vaccine policies. “What we’re seeing today is what I call turnkey totalitarianism. They are putting in place all of these technological mechanisms for control we’ve never seen before,” Kennedy said. “It’s been the…

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by Zak Failla
Schools
COVID-19: CT High School To Have Early Dismissal Due To Staff Shortage COVID-19: CT High School To Have Early Dismissal Due To Staff Shortage
Covid-19: CT High School To Have Early Dismissal Due To Staff Shortage A Connecticut high school will be dismissed early due to a staffing shortage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In New Haven County, on Friday, Jan. 21, officials in the Hamden School District said that Hamden HS students will attend their first four periods and be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. Officials noted that the staffing shortage has only impacted the high school. No other schools in the district were affected. 
“Due to a shortage of staff, Hamden High School will institute an early dismissal schedule today, Friday, (Jan. 21),” the district posted on social media. “Students will attend pe…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says
Orange Juice Prices Could Increase Amid Lower Yield, Report Says Orange juice prices could increase as Florida orange groves are seeing a lower crop yield this season.  According to a January report from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Statistics Board, the 2021-2022 forecast of Florida oranges is 44.5 million boxes, which is 1.5 million fewer than the December forecast. The USDA said if the forecast is realized, the final production will be 16 percent less than last year.  ABC News reported that this lower yield could lead to higher prices, adding that prices are already high due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks
Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks It is unlikely that the federal government will distribute a fresh round of stimulus checks to most Americans again, but some will qualify for some financial assistance in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, eligible Americans received as many as three stimulus checks to help them ride out the pandemic, though a fourth is unlikely, outside of a specific group. Parents who gave birth to a child in 2021 will be eligible for a 2022 stimulus check of up to $1,400, similar to the third round that was issued in March last year. Eligible new parents who inform the IRS they had a baby — or babies …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: These Will Be Key Signs When End To Pandemic Is Coming, CDC Director Says COVID-19: These Will Be Key Signs When End To Pandemic Is Coming, CDC Director Says
Covid-19: These Will Be Key Signs When End To Pandemic Is Coming, CDC Director Says The COVID-19 pandemic is now nearly two years old, and there's still no end in sight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky says there are two key signs to look for down the line that are key indicators when the time comes that it does finally wind down. The first is a manageable number of hospitalizations, and the second is a significant drop in the number of daily deaths, she said in an interview with ABC News. To get there, Walensky emphasized the importance of relying on strategies that have proven to be effective, namely vaccines and mask…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
CVS To Close 900 Stores As It Adjusts To Increasing Number Of Online Shoppers CVS To Close 900 Stores As It Adjusts To Increasing Number Of Online Shoppers
CVS To Close 900 Stores As It Adjusts To Increasing Number Of Online Shoppers Nearly one thousand CVS stores are set to close over the next three years as the retail giant continues to pivot away from retail and leans into the company's healthcare services. On Thursday, Nov. 18, the company announced that it planned to shut down at least 300 stores annually for the next three years as it re-evaluates its business strategy. The closures will begin in spring 2022. CVS made the announcement as it continues to contend with digital competition and online shopping, which was exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the company to pivot its plans for the future. …

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
Here's How Many Hours Per Day A Child Spends Looking At Screens On Average, New Study Finds Here's How Many Hours Per Day A Child Spends Looking At Screens On Average, New Study Finds
Here's How Many Hours Per Day A Child Spends Looking At Screens On Average, New Study Finds Researchers have found that the average amount of time children spend looking at screens each day has doubled since before the COVID-19 pandemic. In May of 2020, children ages 12 and 13 spent an average of 7.7 hours per day looking at screens for reasons unrelated to school, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics by researchers from the University of California-San Francisco. The university shared the study's findings in an announcement on Monday, Nov. 1.  The figure is a significant increase from the 3.8 hours spent on screens each day prior to the pandemic. Researchers found that …

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by Nicole Valinote
Lifestyle
This Fairfield County Locale Ranks Among Top 100 Safest Communities In US This Fairfield County Locale Ranks Among Top 100 Safest Communities In US
This Fairfield County Locale Ranks Among Top 100 Safest Communities In US Though violent crimes spiked across the US during the COVID-19 pandemic, one Connecticut town ranked among the safest in the country according to a newly released report. Weston in Fairfield County was the highest-ranked community in Connecticut on the top 100 list of safest small towns, boasting a 0.0 crime rate per 1,000 residents, and a rate of 1.5 property crimes. Lewisboro and Sleepy Hollow in New York, Luzerne Township in Pennsylvania, Weiser in Idaho, and the Thet Township in Michigan all tied for the safest small town after reporting zero violent or property crimes last year in a re…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: Nationwide Liquor Shortage Affects Stores, Bars, Restaurants COVID-19: Nationwide Liquor Shortage Affects Stores, Bars, Restaurants
Covid-19: Nationwide Liquor Shortage Affects Stores, Bars, Restaurants The COVID-19 pandemic claimed an unexpected victim as the nation faces a shortage of liquor that is impacting stores, bars, and restaurants across the country. Some states along the East Coast have started to limit purchases due to alcohol shortages related to the pandemic, which saw a marked uptick in the number of people staying home and enjoying a drink or two after a long day of working remotely. According to the Alcohol and Beverage Commission, some states have started rationing their liquor sales amid supply chain issues, though there is no clear timetable for when the supply will mat…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: Here's Why Auto Prices Are Expected To Remain High COVID-19: Here's Why Auto Prices Are Expected To Remain High
Covid-19: Here's Why Auto Prices Are Expected To Remain High A shortage of a key part caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to keep automobile prices high until as late as 2023, according to multiple reports. Experts say that computer chip shortages caused car prices to increase in the spring, and delta variant cases in countries that produce the computer chips could lead to even longer wait times before prices lower. Jeff Aiosa, the Connecticut Director of the National Automobile Dealers Association, told WTNH in New Haven that dealers across the United States usually sell more than 17 million new cars, but that number has gone down to 16 mill…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
Popular Burger Chain Expected To Increase Prices, Report Says Popular Burger Chain Expected To Increase Prices, Report Says
Popular Burger Chain Expected To Increase Prices, Report Says Customers of a popular burger chain can expect to pay a bit more for their orders, as the company is planning to increase its prices soon.  Shake Shack CFO Katherine Fogertey said customers will have to pay as much as 3% to 3.5 percent more, a higher increase than previous years, according to Eat This, Not That.  The site said the price is expected to change at the end of 2021, and another increase might take place in 2022. The decision was reportedly made to offset the costs of commodities and labor that have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Other businesses, such as Chipotl…

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by Nicole Valinote
Business
COVID-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity COVID-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity
Covid-19: Some Companies Exploring If Four-Day Work Week Could Increase Productivity Some companies in the United States have begun exploring the possibility of switching to a four-day workweek as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused changes in the way many Americans work. One of the companies planning to pilot a four-day workweek is Kickstarter. The company announced that next year it plans to pilot the shorter workweek while keeping pay the same for employees, according to the Wall Street Journal. The chief executive of the company said he hopes staff will remain just as productive while having more time to focus on their life outside of work. A study in Iceland found that c…

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by Nicole Valinote