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Many parts of the U.S. economy are grinding to a halt. Restaurants are shuttered – or serving takeout only. Small businesses like hair salons, retail stores and coffee shops are closed. Gig workers like Uber drivers aren’t earning.
Nobody knows how long the crisis caused by the spread of COVID-19 will last – but millions of American workers who are suddenly out of work are wondering how to pay the rent on April 1. Many don’t qualify for unemployment insurance.
So what can the federal government do to help? Steven Pressman, a professor of economics at Colorado State University considers the merits of one plan under consideration – simply cutting checks and putting them in the mail.
Also today:
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People need cash in hand.
Patrick Foto/Getty Images
Steven Pressman, Colorado State University
An economist specializing in inequality explains how a basic income guarantee is just what low-wage workers and the economy need.
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Health + Medicine
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Stephen D. Benning, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Brian Labus, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; Kimberly A. Barchard, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Studies have shown that some people touch their faces as often as 23 times an hour. Some studies have also shown that face-touching spreads germs, such as the coronavirus. Here are some ways to stop.
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Nita Bharti, Pennsylvania State University
There are plenty of ways to keep your mind and body active and healthy during the outbreak.
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Richard Gunderman, Indiana University
The so-called 'Spanish flu' didn't actually come from Spain. What else do people often misunderstand about this famous crisis?
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Science + Technology
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Brian Geiss, Colorado State University
Different demographics are more or less vulnerable to serious complications from the coronavirus. A virologist explains the aging-related changes in how immune systems work that are to blame.
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Economy + Business
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William D. Lastrapes, University of Georgia
The Trump administration is asking for US$850 billion in stimulus spending. Given the debt's already at record levels, can the US afford it?
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Politics + Society
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Latisha Nixon-Jones, University of Oregon
An expert explains how your individual rights could be affected during the coronavirus crisis.
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Austin Sarat, Amherst College
Compared to many other advanced countries, both federal and state court systems in the United States are behind in using videoconferencing in court settings.
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Hurst Hannum, Tufts University
There are many hurdles to a successful prosecution of individuals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity. But trying to seek justice is not a futile exercise.
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Eliza Willis, Grinnell College; Janet A. Seiz, Grinnell College
One way in which Latino voters vary is where they or their forebears came from. In states like Florida, that difference matters.
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John P. Koch, Vanderbilt University
Three new approaches in the field of competitive academic debate offer ideas that could help presidential debates serve both their public purposes.
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Education
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Rebecca Dore, The Ohio State University
There are ways to use tech to help kids learn, explore their interests and get creative.
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