I see your point, but I disagree. I find that the narrative elements provide context to the data that helps me (and likely others) better grasp the personal impact of these changes.

Additionally, as another commenter noted, this is a magazine article, not a news story. The format is intentionally different.

That said, I think I've noticed the elements that you complain about in more traditional news stories as well. I just think that they're more acceptable in this format.