Coin shortage persists, causing stress at laundromats - August 18, 2021

The number of COVID-19 deaths returned to highs seen last April due to worsening outbreaks of the infectious delta variant, prompting federal officials to extend mask requirements on flights and other public transportation into January. Local outbreaks and clashes over mask mandates in some states made for a rocky start to the school year for thousands of students who returned to the classroom this week. In a Handful of States, Early Data Hint at Rise in Breakthrough Infections - The New York Times No bus driver? Schools are paying parents to drive their own kids as economic disruptions hit classrooms. - Washington Post Gov. Greg Abbott tests positive for COVID after jam-packed, maskless GOP event - Houston Chronicle @kylegriffin1: Five states have intensive care units over 90% full: Alabama (99.31%) Florida (91.63%) Georgia (91.03%) Mississippi (91.26%) Texas (91.38%) The rise of coronavirus infections poses a substantial threat to small businesses awaiting office workers' return, the main source of revenue for many in business districts. Office-building owners are keeping a close eye on the success of coffee shops, corner stores and other small businesses as their survival determines the fate of their cash flow and property values. Here we go again: These companies say the Delta variant is hurting business - CNN 47% of Small Businesses Fear Another Government Shutdown Over Delta Variant - Small Biz Trends While NYC Businesses Are Starting To Rebound, Many Are Still On Shaky Ground - NPR Digital transactions skyrocketed during the pandemic and show no sign of retreating. A survey of Visa customers in March found that tap-to-pay transactions grew over 30% year-over-year, while nearly half of consumers said they will not shop at a store that doesn’t offer a contactless way to pay. NYC transit agency builds new strategy around contactless payments - American Banker Digital Commerce at the Crossroads: The Case for a Digital Trade Agreement - U.S. Chamber of Commerce Walmart Seeks Crypto Expert to Oversee