Cristiana Sabău, a journalist from Bistriţa, played a crucial role in the resignation of Ioan Nelu Botiş, the former Minister of Labor, by uncovering and reporting on his wife's involvement with the Euroactiv organization. Sabău discusses the challenges facing local journalism in Romania, including the disappearance of newsrooms and the rush to publish superficial news. She emphasizes the importance of investigative journalism and her commitment to truthful reporting despite the decline of local newspapers. The article also highlights the lack of recognition for local journalists and the critical role of national media in amplifying significant stories.

Paul Mureșan, an animator and artist, discusses his journey from a small town in Romania to creating impactful animations that explore personal and societal issues. Despite early discouragement, he pursued his passion, creating works that address themes like anxiety, coming out, and fear of death. His latest film, 'Cântec de leagăn,' deals with abuse and alcoholism in Romanian families. Mureșan's work aims to connect with viewers on a deep emotional level, helping them feel less alone in their struggles. The podcast episode is presented by UniCredit Bank, emphasizing the importance of creative minds.

Key sectors of European economies depend on mobile workers from within and outside the EU. This article explores labor migration from Botoșani, Romania, highlighting personal stories and the socio-economic impact on the local community. It discusses the challenges faced by local industries, the decline in population due to migration, and the efforts of individuals like Daniel Câșlariu to support their hometown. The narrative underscores the complex decisions behind migration, the historical context of local industries, and the ongoing struggle for better opportunities abroad.

The article explores the challenges and reflections of a leader building a team from scratch during the pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of empathy, authenticity, and judgment in leadership, especially in a remote work environment. The author shares personal experiences and insights on how to balance individual and team needs, and the significance of trust in professional relationships. The narrative includes references to leadership theories and advice from experts like Adam Grant, Steve Magness, and Alain Cardon.

Tatiana Țîbuleac reflects on her experiences during the pandemic, discussing the shift in her daily life, the impact of the virus on those around her, and the coping mechanisms she adopted. She describes the initial novelty of quarantine, the subsequent losses and hardships, and the way she found solace in baking bread, which became a shared activity within her community. The story is a personal account of finding simplicity and connection in the act of baking during a time of isolation and uncertainty.

In June 2020, over 1,000 workers at Germany's largest slaughterhouse, Tönnies, were infected with COVID-19, with the majority being foreign workers, predominantly Romanians. The outbreak highlighted the poor working conditions and living situations faced by migrant workers. German authorities proposed a law to grant more rights to these workers, but the meat industry's lobbying efforts led to a compromise that allowed subcontracted employment to continue until 2024. The article follows the stories of several Romanian workers, detailing their struggles and the systemic issues within the meat industry. It also covers the response from unions and activists, as well as the political debate surrounding the proposed legislation.

The article explores the harsh working conditions faced by Romanian workers in Germany's meat industry, particularly at the Tönnies slaughterhouse. It highlights the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a significant outbreak among workers and subsequent quarantine measures. The German government has since passed new labor laws to improve workers' rights, but challenges remain. The article features personal stories of workers, their struggles, and the systemic issues within the industry. Activists and unions continue to push for better conditions, while the industry faces scrutiny and potential changes.

Maria Konnikova, a writer for The New Yorker, explores the balance between luck and control in life through her journey of learning poker. Initially a novice, she becomes a champion, using poker as a lens to understand decision-making under uncertainty. Her research at Columbia University reveals that people often overestimate their control over events, leading to poor decisions. The text delves into the probabilistic nature of luck and skill, emphasizing the importance of systematic learning and experience. Konnikova's personal experiences, including family challenges and health issues, underscore the unpredictable role of luck in life. The narrative concludes with insights from John von Neumann's game theory, highlighting poker as a reflection of life's balance between skill and luck.

The article narrates the personal story of F., a former gambling addict in Romania, detailing his journey through addiction and the impact it had on his life and relationships. It highlights the severe consequences of gambling addiction, comparable to those of alcohol or drug addiction, and the stigma associated with it. The narrative also touches on the psychological aspects of addiction and the struggle to overcome it. Additionally, the article provides information on various clinics and support centers in Romania that offer treatment and assistance for gambling addiction.

Natural light plays a crucial role in regulating circadian rhythms, mood, and overall health. Exposure to natural light helps align internal clocks with the external environment, influences the production of mood-regulating substances, and can prevent or treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Light therapy lamps are used to mimic natural light for those with limited exposure. Companies like Amazon have prioritized natural light in their office designs to enhance employee well-being and productivity. The article emphasizes the importance of natural light and suggests practical ways to incorporate it into daily life, especially when working from home.