California’s fast-food workers are now the highest paid in U.S. with new $20 per hour wage

California’s fast-food workers are now the highest paid in U.S. with new $20 per hour wage

Fast food wage increase goes into effect next week Most California fast-food workers are now earning at least $20 an hour — the highest minimum wage across the U.S. restaurant industry. Yet the pay hike, which went into effect on April 1, is sparking furious debate, with some restaurant owners warning of job losses and … Read more

90% of some of the world’s traditional wine regions could be gone in decades. It’s part of a larger problem.

90% of some of the world’s traditional wine regions could be gone in decades. It’s part of a larger problem.

Your favorite wines may soon cease to exist. Some of the world’s traditional wine regions, from Europe to Southern California, are at risk of almost completely disappearing within decades, researchers found, as the conditions necessary to produce their grapes grow more unfruitful due to climate change.  As humans continue to burn fossil fuels, the planet … Read more

Judge appoints special master to oversee California prison after rampant abuse

Judge appoints special master to oversee California prison after rampant abuse

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — A special master will be appointed to oversee a troubled federal women’s prison in California known for rampant sexual abuse against inmates, a judge ordered Friday, marking the first time the federal Bureau of Prisons has been subject to such oversight. A 2021 Associated Press investigation that found a culture of … Read more

California could ban Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and other snacks in schools under new bill

California could ban Flamin’ Hot Cheetos and other snacks in schools under new bill

Snacks such as Flamin’ Hot Cheetos may soon be banned in California schools. A bill proposed in the state assembly seeks remove foods from schools that contain artificial ingredients like red 40, blue 1 and titanium dioxide. Many child-focused foods like chips and cereals contain these ingredients. Cheetos varieties, including the popular and spicy Flamin’ … Read more

U.S. adds solid 275,000 jobs in February

U.S. adds solid 275,000 jobs in February

America’s employers delivered another healthy month of hiring in February, adding a surprising 275,000 jobs and again showcasing the U.S. economy’s resilience in the face of high interest rates. What You Need To Know America’s employers delivered another healthy month of hiring in February, adding a surprising 275,000 jobs and again showcasing the U.S. economy’s … Read more

Blizzard howls in Sierra Nevada, high winds closes roads and ski resorts

Blizzard howls in Sierra Nevada, high winds closes roads and ski resorts

TRUCKEE, Calif. (AP) — A powerful blizzard that a meteorologist termed “as bad as it gets” howled in the Sierra Nevada mountains, closing a long stretch of Interstate 80 in Northern California, forcing ski resorts to shut down, and leaving thousands of homes without power. More than 10 feet (3 meters) of snow was expected … Read more

Blizzard hits California and Nevada, shutting interstate and leaving thousands without power

Blizzard hits California and Nevada, shutting interstate and leaving thousands without power

A powerful blizzard raged overnight into Saturday in the Sierra Nevada as the biggest storm of the season shut down a long stretch of Interstate-80 in California and gusty winds and heavy rain hit lower elevations, leaving tens of thousands of customers without power. Up to 10 feet of snow is expected in some areas. … Read more

Kayakers paddle in Death Valley after rains replenish lake

Kayakers paddle in Death Valley after rains replenish lake

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — Kayakers have been paddling in one of the driest places on Earth after a series of record rainstorms battered California’s Death Valley and replenished Lake Manly. Park Ranger Nichole Andler said Badwater Basin at Death Valley National Park, which runs along part of central California’s border with Nevada, … Read more

Welcome to the ‘Hotel California’ case: Unusual criminal trial set to open

Welcome to the ‘Hotel California’ case: Unusual criminal trial set to open

NEW YORK (AP) — In the mid-1970s, the Eagles were working on a spooky, cryptic new song. On a lined yellow pad, Don Henley, with input from band co-founder Glenn Frey, jotted thoughts about “a dark desert highway” and “a lovely place” with a luxurious surface and ominous undertones. And something on ice, perhaps caviar … Read more

Hamlin wins exhibition Clash at the Coliseum as NASCAR moves race up a day to avoid California storm

Hamlin wins exhibition Clash at the Coliseum as NASCAR moves race up a day to avoid California storm

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Denny Hamlin, who wasn’t even sure he’d be healed from offseason shoulder surgery in time to compete in the Clash at the Coliseum, won the Saturday night exhibition that NASCAR hurried into a one-day show to avoid a dangerous “Pineapple Express” storm headed toward California. Hamlin, in a Toyota for Joe … Read more