Bill Maher Says Gov. Gavin Newsom Needs to Help End Writers' Strike

Fast Food Chains Warn Consumers That Worker Pay Increases Will Impact Prices

Fast Food Chains Warn Consumers , That Worker Pay Increases Will Impact Prices. 'Newsweek' reports that franchises have warned an increase of the minimum wage for fast food workers in California could also force menu prices to climb. As of April 1, fast food restaurants in California will have to pay employees at least $20 an hour, an increase of four dollars from the current $16 an hour. . Business owners have warned that the new law, signed in by Democratic governor Gavin Newsom, will have an impact on margins and consumer costs. . At the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said that the impact of the minimum wage rise would be partially "worked through with higher pricing.". At the end of October, McDonald's CEO Chris Kempczinski said that the impact of the minimum wage rise would be partially "worked through with higher pricing.". According to McDonald's numbers, the price of the signature Big Mac burger is currently $5.89 in California, the 10th highest in the United States. The latest data compiled by 'The Economist' shows that the average price of a Big Mac nationwide is currently $5.69, which is up from $5.36 at the same time in 2023. . Last year, McDonald's , reported net profits of , almost $8.5 billion. According to the company's latest financial reports, sales increased 8.7% in the U.S. in 2023, which the company attributed to "strategic menu price increases.". According to the company's latest financial reports, sales increased 8.7% in the U.S. in 2023, which the company attributed to "strategic menu price increases.". Meanwhile, Jack Hartnung, the CFO of fast food chain Chipotle, told investors that the wage increase would impact consumer prices with a "mid-to-high single digit" percentage increase. Meanwhile, Jack Hartnung, the CFO of fast food chain Chipotle, told investors that the wage increase would impact consumer prices with a "mid-to-high single digit" percentage increase. In December, Pizza Hut cited the wage increase as the reason behind laying off the company's in-house delivery drivers. . In December, Pizza Hut cited the wage increase as the reason behind laying off the company's in-house delivery drivers.

California Voters Pass Proposition 1 to Address Homelessness Crisis

California Voters Pass Proposition 1 , to Address Homelessness Crisis. In a state that accounts for close to a third of all homeless people in the United States. California counties will now be required to spend money "on housing and drug treatment programs" to fight homelessness, NPR reports. . Gov. Gavin Newsom raised over $13 million to promote the measure. Proposition 1 represents California's first mental health system update in 20 years, NPR reports. . This is the biggest change in decades in how California tackles homelessness, and a victory for doing things radically different, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement. Now, counties and local officials must match the ambition of California voters. , Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement. This historic reform will only succeed if we all kick into action immediately – state government and local leaders, together, Gov. Gavin Newsom, via statement. Revenue from a tax on millionaires, enacted in 2004, brings in about $2 billion to $3 billion a year toward California's mental health budget, NPR reports. . Counties will now be required to spend two-thirds of that money to tackle homelessness. . The state will also be allowed to borrow $6.3 billion to create an additional 6,800 beds for mental health and addiction treatment. That money can also be used to construct 4,350 housing units. Half of those housing units will be for veterans

Red Lobster Announces Nearly 100 Locations Will Be Shut Down

Red Lobster Announces, Nearly 100 Locations , Will Be Shut Down. NBC reports that approximately 99 Red Lobster locations will be auctioned off as the seafood chain faces questions regarding the company's long-term future. Founder and CEO of the liquidation firm TAGeX Brands, Neal Sherman, said he would lead the closure of over 50 locations in a May 13 LinkedIn post. Sherman said equipment from the locations will be auctioned off. Locations will reportedly be closed across the United States, including Denver, Indianapolis, California and New York. On May 14, Restaurant Business Magazine reported a total of 99 locations would close, representing about 15% of the company's 700 locations. . NBC reports that the largest seafood restaurant in the U.S. has struggled with debt, unfavorable leases and executive turnover. The chain's troubles also stem from ill-advised strategies like an all-you-can-eat-shrimp promotion in 2023 that resulted in a significant loss. Earlier in 2024, the chain's largest investor, Thai Union, announced that it would seek to exit its position. . The combination of Covid-19 pandemic, sustained industry headwinds, higher interest rates and rising material and labor costs have impacted Red Lobster, resulting in prolonged negative financial contributions to Thai Union and its shareholders, Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union Group’s CEO, via NBC. After detailed analysis, we have determined that Red Lobster’s ongoing financial requirements no longer align with our capital allocation priorities and therefore are pursuing an exit of our minority investment, Thiraphong Chansiri, Thai Union Group’s CEO, via NBC

Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Delinquent Over Unpaid Fees

Harry and Meghan’s Archewell , Delinquent Over Unpaid Fees. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's charity is currently prohibited from raising money in California because it's been found delinquent in the state, NBC News reports. . California Attorney General Rob Bonta was responsible for issuing the delinquency notice. . According to the state of California, Archewell has yet to pay its yearly registration fees or submit an annual report. A source familiar with the situation said that the foundation's check was lost in the mail, but another one has been sent out. . The issue will likely be resolved in a matter of days, according to the source. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have been in Nigeria supporting causes such as wounded veterans. Meanwhile, Harry and Meghan have been in Nigeria supporting causes such as wounded veterans. The Archewell Foundation was launched in 2020 after the couple stepped away from the royal family. The foundation's mission is, "Show up, do good.". We consciously partner with key organizations and leaders to identify immediate needs, build meaningful initiatives, and drive long-term change, Via the Archewell Foundation's website