Stories from United States

California workers lose approximately $4 billion every year due to stolen and unpaid wages. Many of these workers are never repaid for the missing funds. Lawmakers held a hearing on wage theft and enforcement in the state assembly yesterday to address the issue. The session focused on enforcement mechanisms for wage theft cases. Labor groups and lawmakers stated the state requires more staff to collect owed funds from employers. One home health care worker reported she has not received any of a $350,000 state claim won six years ago. Workers are planning multiple May Day events across the Bay Area tomorrow. Nearly half of the state judgments against non-compliant employers are paid within one year, though many cases take much longer.

The Boston Police Department reported receiving 57 requests from ICE to detain individuals last year. Federal immigration officials claim they sent nearly three times that number of requests. Boston police stated they ignored all 57 requests provided. Many individuals were identified through a fingerprint database. The requests sought to detain individuals at police stations, jails, and local courts.

A court ruling on Louisiana's congressional map has declared the state's map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

North Point Marina in Winthrop Harbor is scheduled to officially reopen this summer. The facility is the largest marina on the Great Lakes.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 3.4 occurred 114 km east-southeast of Yakutat, Alaska. The seismic event was recorded at a depth of 0.9 km. The earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 0.9 km and was located 114 km ESE of Yakutat.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 189,000 unemployment insurance claims filed last week. This decline occurred despite inflation rising to a three-year high of 3.5% year-over-year. The inflation increase was attributed primarily to skyrocketing gasoline prices. Following the news, the Dow rose over 700 points, or 1.5 percent. The NASDAQ and S&P 500 also saw gains of 0.5 percent and 0.75 percent respectively. Crude oil is currently trading at $104 a barrel. US jobless claims fell to 178,000 in March, significantly lower than previous figures. The unemployment rate is expected to remain at 4.3%. April ADP private sector employment is projected to increase by 99,000. This week will also see JOLTS job openings, US company hiring numbers, and productivity data. Other data includes manufacturing, services, new home sales, and consumer confidence.

U.S. This increase means Americans are facing rising costs for goods and services. The commentator stated that the increase in prices is being compounded by developments in Iran. Inflation in the United States has risen to 3.5 percent. The increase has led to higher costs for groceries, household essentials, and other necessities. The rise in oil costs is also contributing to higher prices for fertilizer and food. The commentator noted that these price increases are occurring amidst ongoing conflict. France Info reported that inflation risks persist due to energy shocks and potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz linked to conflict in Iran. The broadcaster noted that continued instability in the region could lead to widespread price increases. One commentator stated that the increase is compounding the difficulty for Americans to afford necessities.

Twenty-five immigrants were sworn in as United States citizens in Chicago on Wednesday. One participant stated it was their dream to be an American and live the American dream. The ceremony included 24 other individuals joining the new citizens.

Scammers are using artificial intelligence to impersonate local humane societies or animal control officers. These individuals contact pet owners claiming to have found lost pets and demand immediate payment over the phone.

Royal Caribbean stock, ticker RCL, rose 6 percent despite falling approximately 9 percent so far this year. April bookings are reportedly exceeding last year's levels. The company is seeing strength in last-minute reservations and high-yield Mediterranean trips. Wall Street analysts view this demand as resilience against headwinds including higher fuel costs and the war with Iran. The company noted that bookings are beginning to pick up again in April. The slowdown was attributed specifically to the regional conflict.