CA Governor Gavin Newsom Says Taylor Swift Has 'Unique' Power in Presidential Election

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

Harvey Weinstein’s Rape Conviction Is Overturned

Harvey Weinstein’s Rape Conviction , Is Overturned. New York's Court of Appeals overturned the movie mogul's 2020 rape conviction by a vote of 4-3 on April 25. According to the appeals court, trial judge James Burke "prejudiced Weinstein with 'egregious' improper rulings," AP reports. . For example, he let women bring forth allegations against Weinstein that he wasn't charged with. The action was an "abuse of judicial discretion," the appeals court said. . Without question, this is appalling, shameful, repulsive conduct that could only diminish defendant’s character before the jury, New York's Court of Appeals, via AP. Although this conviction has been overturned, the 72-year-old will remain in prison due to a separate 2022 rape conviction in Los Angeles. His lawyers have chosen to appeal that conviction as well. . Jennifer Bonjean, who helped free Bill Cosby from prison, issued a statement about the development. Jennifer Bonjean, who helped free Bill Cosby from prison, issued a statement about the development. A jury was told in California that he was convicted in another state for rape ... turns out he shouldn’t have been convicted and it wasn’t a fair conviction… , Jennifer Bonjean, Harvey Weinstein's attorney, via AP. It interfered with his presumption of innocence in a significant way in California, Jennifer Bonjean, Harvey Weinstein's attorney, via AP. On April 25, prosecutors said that "the legal issues identified by the New York Court of Appeal are not present in the Los Angeles County Case.". The Manhattan district attorney's office said they will "do everything in our power to retry this case, and remain steadfast in our commitment to survivors of sexual assault."

Google Fires More Staffers Following Protests Over $1.2 Billion Israel Deal

Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal. Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal. 'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least 20 more workers following protests over the company supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war. 'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least 20 more workers following protests over the company supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war. A group representing the fired workers said the total number of staff terminated for protesting is now over 50. . Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around 'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. . Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around 'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. . The $1.2 billion contract includes cloud computing and artificial intelligence services. . The $1.2 billion contract includes cloud computing and artificial intelligence services. . Last week, workers held sit-in protests at Google's offices in both New York and Sunnyvale, California. The protests were organized by the group No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers were fired following the initial sit-in. . According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired "over 20" more workers, “including non-participating bystanders during last week’s protests.”. Google’s aims are clear: the corporation is attempting to quash dissent, silence its workers, and reassert its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'. In its attempts to do so, Google has decided to unceremoniously, and without due process, upend the livelihoods of over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'. In its attempts to do so, Google has decided to unceremoniously, and without due process, upend the livelihoods of over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'. Google has disputed the group's claims, stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment was terminated was personally and definitively involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”

How Did '4/20' Become a Holiday for Weed?

How Did '4/20' Become a Holiday for Weed?. One common theory is that it stems from a California criminal code for those who distribute the drug. According to CNN, California's 420 code is actually for obstructing entry on public land. The state's medical marijuana program was created from a bill with the number 420. Oaksterdam Cannabis Museum's Chris Conrad says "4/20" started as a code in Marin County, California, at San Rafael High School. In the 1970s, a group called "The Waldos" would get together at 4:20 PM to smoke pot. The time of the day was convenient as it was right after school ended with no parental supervision just yet. "4/20" became a code word that allowed them to notify each other in front of unsuspecting parents. From there, the phrase likely spread across the country

Kim Kardashian & Kamala Harris: Inside White House Roundtable on Criminal Justice Reform | Oneindia

Go behind closed doors as Kim Kardashian joins Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House for a crucial roundtable discussion on criminal justice reform. Witness their collaborative efforts and passionate advocacy for second chances and meaningful change. #KimKardashian #KamalaHarris #WhiteHouse #WhiteHouseRoundTable #JoeBiden #TheKardashians #VPKamalaHarris #Oneindia ~PR.274~HT.101~HT.98~GR.122~

Biden Is Giving $6 Billion to Micron Technology for Semiconductor Production

Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production. On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. . Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. . This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement. Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse. Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a great return" on the government's investment. A factory will also be built in Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. . That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029. The White House estimates that the projects could create 20,000 jobs in construction and manufacturing. in addition to "tens of thousands of indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. . The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung

FTC to Decide Whether Noncompete Agreements Should Be Banned

FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned. After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. . The commission said that if approved, the final rule "would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses.". The commission said that if approved, the final rule "would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses.". Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. . The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages. The White House also argues that these agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. . FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when the proposed ban was initially introduced. The freedom to change jobs is core to economic liberty and to a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement. Noncompetes block workers from freely switching jobs, depriving them of higher wages and better working conditions, and depriving businesses of a talent pool that they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement. Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information. Those businesses also question whether the agency has the power "to regulate such agreements," NPR reports. . If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days, and legal challenges would likely ensue.

Fears of Potential Iranian Attack Drive US Stocks Down Nearly 500 Points

Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points. CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds. CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds. By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen 1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%, and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%. The dip came after the White House announced that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for a potential attack by Iran or its allies. The dip came after the White House announced that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for a potential attack by Iran or its allies. The warning comes after Iran accused Israel of a deadly airstrike on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. . The news also sent oil prices up amid fears of regional tensions escalating as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. . The news also sent oil prices up amid fears of regional tensions escalating as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. . Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42 a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased to $86.65 a barrel. Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce. Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce. CNN reports that Americans' opinions of the economy have dipped in the past few months amid persistently high inflation. The geopolitical fears come as investors are already contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high. Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate hikes could still be on the way if the central bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.

House GOP Advances Aid Bills for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan

House GOP Advances Aid Bills , for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. The foreign aid bills were advanced by a 9-3 vote, thanks to the help of four Democrats on the committee, CBS News reports. . Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Those Democrats are Jim McGovern, Mary Gay Scanlon, Joe Neguse and Teresa Leger Fernández. Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . Conservatives who voted against the bills, because border security wasn't lumped in, include Tom Massie, Ralph Norman and Chip Roy. . A final vote on the foreign aid package will take place on April 20. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . The three bills would support Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan with $26.4 billion, $60.8 billion and $8.1 billion, respectively. . $9.1 billion of the Israel package would go toward Palestinian humanitarian efforts. . A fourth bill seeks to allow the sale of Russian oligarchs' assets that have been frozen in order to continue funding Ukraine. possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . possibly "force the sale of TikTok and authorize stricter sanctions on Russia, China and Iran," CBS News reports. . Some far-right Republicans have threatened to remove House Speaker Mike Johnson from his position for supporting additional Ukraine funding. Johnson defended his actions, calling lethal aid for Ukraine "critically important.". If I operated out of fear over a motion to vacate, I would never be able to do my job, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now critical time on the world stage. , House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement. I could make a, you know I can make a selfish decision and do something that, that's different. But I'm doing here what I believe to be the right thing, House Speaker Mike Johnson, via statement

'The Europe we want': Italy's Democratic Party launches EU elections manifesto

The Italian opposition is trying hard to cut through in an election cycle where the country's ruling right-wing parties are hoping for major gains.

South Korea’s Opposition Dominates Parliamentary Elections

South Korea’s Opposition , Dominates Parliamentary Elections. South Korea's Democratic Party won "175 seats in the 300-member single-chamber parliament" on April 10, NPR reports. The ruling right-wing People Power Party became a smaller minority with only 108 seats. . The outcome is considered to be a blow to conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol. The country's prime minister and other presidential officials offered to resign after the crushing defeat. . The country's prime minister and other presidential officials offered to resign after the crushing defeat. . I apologize to the people on behalf of our party, which wasn’t good enough to win the people’s choices, Han Dong-hoon, People Power Party leader, via statement. While Yoon said that he intends to "humbly uphold" the will of the people as indicated by the election results, . it is not known if he will accept his staff's offers to resign. . Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader who is considering running for president again, . said there is a need for both parties to "pull together" to "resolve economic and public livelihood problems.". The results of the parliamentary elections are not the victory by the Democratic Party, but the great victory by our people, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader. Now, the elections are over. Both the ruling and opposition political parties must pull together all their strength to resolve economic and public livelihood problems, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party leader. According to the National Election Commission, voter turnout reached its highest level in over three decades for a parliamentary election, NPR reports.

Donald Trump Says States Should Decide Abortion Legislation

Donald Trump Says States , Should Decide Abortion Legislation. On April 8, the former president set the record straight about where he stands on abortion rights, CNN reports. . My view is now that we have abortion where everyone wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation, or perhaps both. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land. In this case, the law of the state, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video. Many states will be different. Many will have a different number of weeks, or some will have more conservative than others, and that’s what they will be. , Donald Trump, via Truth Social video. At the end of the day, this is all about the will of the people, Donald Trump, via Truth Social video. Trump also said he was "proudly the person responsible" for Roe v. Wade being overturned in 2022. He went on to say that the decision removed the issue from "federal hands and brought it into the hearts, minds and vote of the people in each state.". Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America President Marjorie Dannenfelser said that her organization was "deeply disappointed" by what Trump had to say, CNN reports. . Saying the issue is ‘back to the states’ cedes the national debate to the Democrats who are working relentlessly to enact legislation mandating abortion throughout all nine months of pregnancy. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America president, via statement. If successful, they will wipe out states’ rights. , Marjorie Dannenfelser, Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America president, via statement

Donald Trump Leads Against Biden in Swing States as Democrat President’ Popularity Plunges| Oneindia

A recent poll suggests that Donald Trump holds a lead over Joe Biden in six of the seven swing states, with margins ranging from 2 to 8 percentage points. Negative perceptions of Biden's performance outweigh positive ones in several states, while Trump is seen as a better fit for the presidential role, particularly regarding mental and physical health. #DonaldTrump #JoeBiden #BidenvsTrump #Trump #USelections #PresidentialElections2024 #USelections2024 #Biden2024 #Trump2024 #Worldnews #Oneindia #Oneindianews ~PR.152~ED.102~GR.122~HT.96~