As debates over minimum wage hikes continue to intensify, recent legislative changes in California and other states highlight the complex interplay between wages, employment, and the economy. California's recent move to raise the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 per hour has sparked significant controversy and concern about its potential consequences. California's Wage Hike and Its Repercussions https://x.com/JohnStossel/status/1795574519249170918 California's "FAST Recovery Act," signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, mandates a $20 minimum wage for employees at fast-food chains with more than 60 locations nationwide. This increase, effective from April 2024, aims to provide better wages and working conditions for over 500,000 fast-food workers in the state. However, the law has already led to significant layoffs and operational changes within the industry.. For instance, major chains like Pizza Hut have announced the layoff of over 1,200 delivery drivers, switching to independent delivery services to manage costs. Smaller franchises and mom-and-pop businesses, unable to absorb the higher wage expenses, are either reducing their workforce or closing down entirely. The shift towards automation in response to increased labor costs is becoming more prevalent, with some fast-food outlets testing fully robotic operations. https://x.com/prageru/status/1795862674066096246 The $20 minimum wage is expected to exacerbate California's already high unemployment rate, which stood at 5.3% in February 2024, the highest in the nation. This increase in unemployment will further strain the state's financial resources, potentially leading to higher taxes and reduced public services to cover the additional costs. Critics argue that the wage hike, while well-intentioned, fails to consider the thin profit margins many businesses operate on. The higher wages could lead to increased prices for consumers, as businesses pass on the costs to maintain profitability. This cycle of rising costs and prices can fuel inflation, further diminishing the purchasing power of workers and creating a challenging economic environment . California is not alone in raising the minimum wage. As of January 2024, 22 states have implemented minimum wage increases, impacting nearly 10 million workers. The federal minimum wage remains at $7.25 per hour, unchanged for over 15 years, while states like New York and New Jersey have set higher minimum wages to reflect the local cost of living. These state-level increases aim to address the widening gap between wages and the cost of living. However, the efficacy of such measures is debated. Proponents argue that higher wages are essential for workers to meet basic living expenses, while opponents warn that such increases could lead to higher unemployment and business closures, particularly among small enterprises and in regions with lower living costs. The recent minimum wage hikes highlight the ongoing struggle to balance fair wages with economic viability. While the intention behind raising the minimum wage is to improve the standard of living for workers, the resulting economic repercussions, such as layoffs and increased automation, present significant challenges. Policymakers must consider these complex dynamics to ensure that wage increases do not inadvertently harm the very workers they aim to help. The post The Folly of Minimum Wage Increases: Economic and Social Impacts appeared first on The Conservative Brief.

It’s been nearly 18 years since the world lost one of the greatest, most beloved conservationists: Steve Irwin. Now, his family continues to carry on his legacy, ensuring their life-saving work will be remembered for years to come. So much has changed for this family in those 18 years, but there’s one thing that remains the same — and that’s how Terri Irwin feels about dating again. Although she lost her husband almost two decades ago, the love she has for him hasn’t changed. In turn, she simply can’t imagine that she’d ever want to be with someone else. For her, being with Steve was enough, noting that, “I totally got my happily ever after.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wildlife Warriors (@wildlifewarriorsworldwide) Terri’s decision to not date isn’t intended to be a reflection on her options — though, let’s be honest, there’s only one Steve Irwin. In fact, this is something that Terri herself admits. Terri Irwin Opens Up About Why She Doesn’t Plan On Dating Again “And while there are a lot of wonderful men in the world, can you see another Steve Irwin? I just can’t,” Terri admits. “I’d be like, ‘I love that you’re a librarian and the Dewey Decimal System is cool, but I got to go jump a crocodile and do that.’ Forget that.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terri Irwin (@terriirwincrikey) If you’re worried Terri might be lonely, she’s happy to reassure everyone that she’s doing great as a single woman. Not only does she have loved ones to keep her company, but she’s also comfortable in her own skin. “I had the best marriage in the whole world for 14 years, and I’m very comfortable with the person I see in the mirror,” she explains. “So I’m okay to be on my own now. And I’m lonely for Steve, but I’m not a lonely person, so I’m very lucky.” This story’s featured image is by Justin Sullivan / Stringer with Getty Images The post Terri Irwin Opens Up About Why She Has No Plans To Date Again appeared first on InspireMore.

The University of Arizona Wildcats Baseball Team is pretty well-known in college athletics. Playing in the PAC-12 Conference, the team is having a championship season this year, which attracts fans. A section of the outfield has open grass seating, and pets are welcome, so fans bring out their dogs. When infielder Mason White hit a home run ball out of the park, a golden retriever snagged the home run ball! Come for the dinger, stay for the dogs @Pac12Network pic.twitter.com/ucUzGaQhTZ— Arizona Baseball (@ArizonaBaseball) May 11, 2024 What happened next will live forever, thanks to the work of a cameraman who understood the assignment. As the golden retriever grabbed the home run ball, the cameraman followed his every move. The happy boi darted to and fro, playing keep-away. It was HIS ball, and no one would take it from him! The running retriever was under the pursuit of several kids and even a few adults. Image from X. The dog evaded capture and maintained possession of his leathery prize. It’s a sure bet that the ball was a slobbery mess when the owner finally got the pup to stop running. The smart dog used available obstacles, small hills, and even bystanders as he weaved in and out to avoid his pursuers. At one point, he took a short breather behind a picnic table. Image from X. The golden retriever excels at evasive tactics with his home run prize. The Golden Retriever Snatched Mason White’s Second Home Run That Game While his show is memorable, we should also mention that this home run was Mason White’s second of the game! He has knocked 17 home runs for the Wildcats. If this young sophomore keeps putting up numbers like this, we’ll see him on MLB scouting reports. He is on the watch list for the 2024 Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award. He was a Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American in 2023 and made the Pac-12 Preseason All-Conference for 2024. The Arizona Wildcats went on to beat Utah 10 – 4 in this game, adding another notch to their season totals. This wasn’t the first time an impromptu “show” in the outfield captured a cameraman’s eye. These brothers having a brawl were the focus not long ago. As riveting as the game was, we’re pretty sure people will be talking about the golden retriever that snatched the home run ball for much longer! You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post Victorious Golden Retriever Catches Home Run Ball & Expertly Avoids Capture appeared first on InspireMore.

'We are already scoring wins'

'Push the outer boundaries of the law and due process'

2.7% for the year

'Take the Constitution, throw it out a window, burn it'

'Chattering is something for women'

Terrifying and awesome at the same time

'It's about choice'