Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs down to rent prices rising by as much as 50 percent in some Connecticut markets over two years. That hike was identified in a ZIP code

in Southington, while sections of East Lyme, Danbury and South Windsor recorded increases of more than 40 percent. It was apparently the result of supply not meeting demand during the housing shuffle that took place during COVID. It also underscores the crisis that results when there is little left for residents in the lowest income brackets. The market appears to be easing up a bit, but that doesn’t mean rents will drop.

Thumbs up to rain. Connecticut needed precipitation after an excessively dry August, when drought warnings went into effect the length and

breadth of the state. It got more than it may have wanted with the deluge that continued through most of Tuesday, with flood warnings issued across the area. More rain is in the forecast this week, with the return of seasonably pleasant temperatures likely later in the week. It’s not like anyone can control the weather, but is it too much to ask that the rain be spaced out a little more so we’re not in an all-ornothing situation?

Thumbs up to the public getting access to tour the Greens Ledge lighthouse in Norwalk for the first time since it opened in 1902. The structure, which recently received a $2.5 million restoration, is being reimagined as a host for education and research. Regardless of its eventual side gig, it continues to serve its fundamental function as a beacon to guide vessels navigating Long Island Sound. The $60 tours will be held Sept. 17-18 and tickets are sold online.

Thumbs up to Yale researchers who are trying to forecast long-term effects of COVID. Enough time has already passed since the pandemic arrived

in March 2020 that researchers are able to study data about people who suffered symptoms long after they were first infected. They’ve identified some trends that could aid the treatment of people around the globe. While much of the population is understandably anxious to move on, that doesn’t mean that COVID will let go so easily.

Thumbs up to increased labor participation. In the wake of the annual Labor Day celebration, national participation in the job market has increased

near pre-COVID levels. This isn’t the same as the unemployment rate, which measures people who are actively looking for work but doesn’t count people who have become discouraged and stopped looking. For that reason, the main jobless number reported each month (currently 3.7 percent in Connecticut) doesn’t always tell the whole story. It’s good news to see more people actively looking for jobs, which indicated there’s still plenty of demand in the workforce. Whatever the future holds, it remains for now a positive job picture nationally and in Connecticut.

Thumbs down to the thieves who stole a “Welcome to Connecticut” sign on the Rhode Island border. It was not an easy task, as the sign was secured to 8-foot posts with metal locking bolts. This kind of crime is not uncommon, in Connecticut as well as the rest of the nation. Replacing this sign will cost an estimated $300. Similar thefts not only add to the Department of Transportation’s expenses, but can cause traffic hazards.