Fast-food franchisees across the state are expressing concerns about potential customer migration to fast-casual dining options such as Chili’s and Applebee’s. This apprehension arises as California’s newly implemented minimum-wage law compels basic burger joints to raise menu prices to counteract escalating labor expenses. The revised wage regulations, effective since April 1, solely target workers at…
Within the state’s college campuses, recent evidence emphasizes the struggle of students to afford meals, with some sacrificing nutrition to cover the costs of books and fees. Studies on food insecurity among college students in California have found prevalence rates ranging from one-quarter to more than one-half across various campuses. Eighty-four percent of college students…
The real estate markets in Florida, Texas, and California, once bustling with activity, are now showing signs of a significant shift. Recent data suggests that these markets may have reached their peak and could be headed for a downturn in the coming years. On the west coast of Florida, there has been a notable increase…
A recent analysis conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed a concerning “critical safety gap” within Tesla’s Autopilot system, contributing to 467 collisions, including 13 fatalities and numerous serious injuries. The investigation, spanning nearly three years, examined 956 crashes where Autopilot was purportedly engaged. The NHTSA’s findings highlighted deficiencies in Autopilot’s design,…
As the mercury rises, so do the gas prices at California pumps. Drivers across the state are feeling the pinch as they watch the numbers climb relentlessly. In a research note, analysts from JPMorgan predicted that if strong consumer demand for gas persists amid the lowest supply of gasoline in three years, average prices could…
In the aftermath of Seattle, Washington’s ambitious $20 minimum wage law for fast food workers, a similar narrative of consumer pushback and market turbulence is emerging. The move, mirroring the city’s past experiences with minimum wage regulations, has sparked concerns over its ramifications for both businesses and consumers. Seattle, known for its progressive stance on…
Proposed by Arizona Representative Ruben Gallego, a Democrat, a newly introduced bill aims to reform the calculation method for the yearly cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to Social Security benefits. Named the Boosting Benefits and COLAs Act, the legislation seeks to amend Title II of the Social Security Act. It mandates the Commissioner of Social Security to…
California is considering a significant increase in gasoline prices, with a proposed overhaul of fuel regulations potentially adding up to 47 cents per gallon. The move aims to align with the state’s climate goals but raises concerns about the burden on low-income drivers. The state’s low-carbon fuel standard, implemented in 2011, incentivizes the production of…
Lots of People in Florida are Quitting Their Jobs. In February, many people in Florida decided to quit their jobs, according to info from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This was one of the highest rates of people quitting their jobs in the whole country. The number of people quitting their jobs went…
California’s reputation as a land of opportunity is often marred by its staggering cost of living. The Golden State’s housing market, exorbitant taxes, and pricey amenities have long driven residents to seek refuge in more affordable pastures. However, the consequences of California’s high cost of living extend far beyond its borders, casting a shadow over…
