While talking with a real-estate agent on the phone, Bridget Read stumbled upon a casual remark that could explain New York City’s current one-bedroom apartment shortage. “Everybody broke up in the pandemic, and all they want is one-bedrooms.” It made sense to her, especially as someone who was apartment-hunting after a breakup as well. While she doesn’t have hard evidence, her personal experiences and the anecdotes of other real-estate agents she spoke with seemed to validate this interesting hypothesis. Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
