Business

In 2020, Willy Solis became a voice for thousands of gig workers at Target-owned Shipt, leading calls for better treatment and pay during the pandemic and beyond.

How The Pandemic Turned An Introvert Into A Voice For Gig Workers

5:00pm December 27, 2020

by Shannon Bond

As the pandemic forced society to acknowledge just how essential low-wage gig workers are, Willy Solis, who delivers groceries for the app Shipt, seized the moment to advocate for better conditions.

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Arts

Model Train Company Makes Comeback In Quarantine

9:21am December 27, 2020

by Frank Langfitt

The model train company Hornby has seen a big increase of sales because families are spending more time at home. Prior to the pandemic, it was described as a "company in chaos".

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Music & Culture

This Denver Bar Once Welcomed Frank Sinatra And Jack Kerouac. Now It's Closed

10:23am December 26, 2020

by Monica Castillo

The legendary El Chapultepec has closed after 87 years in business — not only because of the pandemic, but also because Denver has changed.

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Economy

San Antonio Food Bank Doubled Service In 2020

8:03am December 26, 2020

by Samantha Balaban

Food banks have seen demand climb dramatically this year. Eric Cooper of the San Antonio Food Bank talks about how additional federal dollars could make a difference to his clients.

Goods Returns Strain Online Shopping Supply Chain

4:29pm December 25, 2020

by David Schaper

A sharp increase in online shopping this year means an increased number of things consumers will want to return. But the supply chain made to quickly deliver goods is not so nimble in the reverse.

Mike Santoro, (left) and Todd Coleman prepare for a day of Pork 'N Pine deliveries in South Baltimore.

National

In Baltimore, These Santa Clauses Bring Pork And Christmas Trees To Your Door

11:11am December 25, 2020

by Emily Sullivan

Pork 'N Pine owners Todd Coleman and Mike Santoro dress as Santa, load the trees on their bikes, pack a cooler full of pulled pork sandwiches and deliver this bit of joy to residents across the city.

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Many Americans are visiting Mexico's beaches during the pandemic. Above, fishing boats are docked at a marina in Los Cabos, Mexico, on June 2.

World News

'We Feel Safe': Americans Keep Visiting Mexico Despite Pandemic Risks

8:00am December 25, 2020

by Carrie Kahn

U.S. tourists aren't welcome in most countries because of the surging coronavirus. But Mexico lets them in, with no quarantine or test requirements.

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Bug-Riddled 'Cyberpunk 2077' Has A Difficult But Manageable Path Forward

7:31am December 25, 2020

by Ziad Buchh

Years of anticipation and delays finally paid off earlier this month when the video game Cyberpunk 2077 was released. But technical bugs and glitches left many gamers disappointed.

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Health & Safety

INTERPOL Warns People About Counterfeit Coronavirus Vaccines

6:57am December 25, 2020

by Cardiff Garcia

The first doses of COVID-19 vaccines are being administered. Our Planet Money team delves into the dark web to learn more about the counterfeit vaccines that are being sold around the world.

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Ohio City Temporarily Gets Into The Food Delivery Business

6:57am December 25, 2020

by Annie Wu

Beachwood, Ohio, is among a few municipalities providing free food delivery to city residents. It's the city's version of economic development for its restaurants during the pandemic.

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