A new program aims to help small businesses recover

David Brancaccio speaks with Efrem Fesaha and Jasmine Star about the new BackTo.Biz program funded by Howard Schultz.
Small businesses have been required to pivot during the pandemic in order to survive. The BackTo.Biz program helps small business owners do just that.
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Some school districts are having a hard time finding substitute teachers

Sep 20, 2021
Substitutes are in high demand, but even the lure of increased pay and other incentives aren't enough in some places to get teachers into classrooms.
Amid rising COVID-19 cases in some areas, school districts are struggling to fill substitute teacher positions.
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Demand is up for small retailers, but supply is another story

Sep 16, 2021
Customers are shopping at the three small retail stores we checked in with, but keeping inventory up isn't so easy.
A small-business owner works in her South Carolina retail shop in April 2020. Many small retailers have dealt with their share of pandemic-related supply chain issues.
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From kitchen-sharing to food carts, some small-scale food purveyors are thriving

Sep 16, 2021
These entrepreneurs are meeting demand from patrons who are having second thoughts about dining out but still want a break from cooking.
Pizza maker Jerry Benedetto has a one-person business making and selling pizzas. He takes orders once weekly for about 100 pizzas —and sells out in three to five minutes, he said.
Katia Riddle

Unique labor conditions spur people to seek health insurance

Sep 16, 2021
The Biden administration says nearly 3 million people signed up during the extended ACA enrollment period.
Pedestrians walk past a Miami that offers plans under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. ACA enrollment is at an all-time high, according to the Biden administration.
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How have dads been stepping up as caregivers during the pandemic?

Sep 15, 2021
Dads have played a more active role in domestic labor and caregiving during the pandemic. That's helped moms — just not enough.
With more fathers at home during the pandemic, housework and child care has become more equal.
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How can company leaders best manage a return to the workplace?

Constance Dierickx, author of "High-Stakes Leadership," speaks about how managers can best help workers transition from a work from home environment to a back in-person and hybrid work situation.
As companies consider how best to return to ask employees to return to in-person or hybrid work environments, Constance Dierickx says the key to success includes "connection."
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For public good, not for profit.

For this toy store, back-to-school shopping looks different this year

Sep 10, 2021
Millions of students are returning to in-person classes this school year. What does that mean for businesses that sell school supplies?
While consumers are spending more on technology and COVID-19 related products, spending fell for traditional school supplies, clothing and accessories, according to a report from Deloitte.
Philippe Huguen/AFP via Getty Images

Rent-relief distribution has been slow in parts of the country. What’s going on?

Sep 8, 2021
Jessica Thomasson of North Dakota’s Department of Human Services talks about the logistical challenges and the need for outreach.
Los Angeles demonstrators protest evictions and advocate rent cancellation during the pandemic in August 2020.
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NYC is set to begin enforcement of its vaccine mandate. How will it work?

Sep 8, 2021
New York will start enforcing its mandate Sep. 13. It requires visitors to theaters, museums and other establishments to show proof of at least partial vaccination — same for people want to eat and drink inside a restaurant or bar.
A vaccine requirement sign is shown in a restaurant window in August 2021 in New York City.
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