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Dec 30, 2021

How pandemic grief is rippling into the economy

Plus: How omicron is shifting New Year’s resolutions and a look at the real cost of holiday shopping returns.

Retailers grapple with returns as online sales surge
by Kristin Schwab
Jon Cherry via Getty Images
Optoro, which manages returns for Target and Ikea, says consumers will send back $120 billion worth of goods this season.
The economics of New Year’s resolutions in the time of omicron
by Matt Levin
Cn0ra via Getty Images
“Fresh starts” are planned annually, but this year, COVID-19 is helping to shape the resolutions people make.
We’re still grieving the economy we’ve lost, whether we realize it or not
by Kimberly Adams and Sean McHenry
Al Drago/Getty Images
Admitting when we’re not OK is the first step in helping ourselves, psychotherapist Megan Devine says.
As COVID surges again, consumers and workers are worn out but resilient
by Mitchell Hartman
PeopleImages via Getty Images
Pandemic-related negativity and fear isn’t leading to negative or fearful economic behavior.
California is reshaping Medicaid to bring new health services to families
by Mariana Dale
Mariana Dale
Community health workers present at doctor’s appointments can help parents navigate food, sleep, behavior and child development.