In a stark reflection of shifting consumer habits exacerbated by the pandemic, Coach USA, the parent company of Megabus and other commuter bus services, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This move comes as the company grapples with a steep decline in commuter ridership, which has yet to rebound to pre-pandemic levels. The COVID-19…
In recent years, an alarming trend has emerged in the United States, indicating not only the severity of economic deterioration but also highlighting the widening wealth gap. The phenomenon of locking up staple items like Tide laundry detergent in stores is a stark indicator of these issues. Reports from across the nation reveal that stores…
In a landmark move aimed at addressing wage inequality, Governor Gavin Newsom’s signing of AB 1228, known as the FAST Recovery Act, has ignited a surge in California’s limited-service restaurant industry. The enactment of a $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers on April 1, 2024, not only signifies a significant milestone in the state’s economic…
In the ever-changing landscape of California’s fast food industry, a formidable challenge looms large, threatening the very core of iconic chains such as McDonald’s and Burger King. Once stalwarts of American dining, these establishments now confront a confluence of economic hurdles that jeopardize their survival. Minimum wage hikes and inflation may bring to close the…
With the imminent enforcement of Senate Bill 478 on July 1, which mandates a statewide ban on service fees in California, restaurant owners statewide are undergoing significant adaptations to their operational frameworks. From bustling city centers to serene coastal enclaves, dining establishments are recalibrating strategies to comply with the new legislation that bars any added…
California recently made a decision that affects how much Californians pay for electricity. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) gave permission for big utility companies like Pacific Gas & Electric to add a fixed charge to people’s monthly power bills. This charge covers the cost of setting up and maintaining the equipment needed to deliver…
Less than a month following the bankruptcy filings of subsidiaries under the Zachry Group, a significant player in the construction and engineering sector, the fallout has hit hard. Zachry Industrial, a prominent arm of the conglomerate, has announced a staggering layoff affecting over 4,000 employees. The revelation came through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notice…
This week, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) informed its staff that they would be laying off 500 or more people in the next 90 days. The announcement, made through a letter sent to employees on Thursday, cited increasing costs of supplies and labor as major contributing factors in their decision-making process. Although the exact…
In a landmark move, the California $18 Minimum Wage Initiative has officially qualified for the November 5, 2024 ballot. This initiative, if passed, would incrementally raise the state’s minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, with subsequent adjustments based on the cost of living. This proposal has garnered significant support, with a recent poll…
The first week of June marked significant job cuts at two major IT giants, Google and Microsoft, as the wave of layoffs continued in 2024. Google announced the layoff of approximately 100 employees in its Cloud unit, while Microsoft reportedly cut over 1,000 jobs across various divisions. At Google, the layoffs targeted the Cloud unit,…
