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Rideshare increases signed into law in Minnesota | Mississippi

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Carly Moran | The Center Square – 2024-05-31 09:00:00

(The Center Square) –Uber or Lyft rides in Minnesota might get more expensive.

Gov. Tim Walz recently signed into law a bill that would require all rideshare drivers to be paid $1.28 per mile, and $0.31 per minute of travel. All drivers must be compensated at minimum $5 per trip.

While the bill is meant to better compensate drivers, a similar plan in Seattle showed troubles for some small businesses. In January, the Seattle City Council voted into effect a $0.74 per mile, $0.44 per minute wage for delivery drivers. This equated to at least $26.40 per hour, higher than the $19.97 city minimum wage. 

After just a month, local Indian takeout restaurant SpiceWaala reported a 30% decrease in sales from the same time in 2023. A $9 chicken tikka kathi roll now costs $19 on DoorDash before tip.

Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan expressed no concern, touting at the bill signing that it’s a step toward fair wages.

“Uber and Lyft are vital services that Minnesotans across the state rely on every day,” Flanagan said. “Rideshares get people to doctor’s appointments, work, and school and are a vital stopgap for those who lack other forms of transportation. Those providing these services deserve fair wages and protections.”

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News from the South - Georgia News Feed

Staffing a challenge for Georgia’s prisons, commissioner says | Georgia

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Kim Jarrett | The Center Square – 2024-11-14 10:00:00

SUMMARY: Georgia’s prison system faces significant challenges in hiring and retaining employees, as stated by Department of Corrections Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. Although there are many applicants, 80% fail to complete the application process due to issues like no-shows and poor interviews. Georgia’s salaries lag behind neighboring states, prompting discussions about potential salary increases in the context of a $1.5 billion budget. Currently, prisons are operating at 93% capacity, with a recidivism rate of over 26%, which drops to 13.64% for inmates completing vocational programs. An assessment of the system is due in December, with further committee meetings planned.

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News from the South - Texas News Feed

Texas officers apprehend human smugglers, rescue unaccompanied children | Texas

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Bethany Blankley | The Center Square contributor – 2024-11-14 09:56:00

SUMMARY: Texas DPS troopers are actively apprehending human smugglers and rescuing unaccompanied minors along the border through Operation Lone Star. Recent arrests included a smuggler leading a vehicle chase, multiple apprehensions of Mexican nationals, and discovery of individuals hiding in vehicle gas tanks. Notably, a TikTok video helped locate a coyote guiding migrants. Troopers stopped a group of 114 illegal crossers, including 13 minors, while efforts have led to over 900 rescues of unaccompanied children since Biden took office. The operation has resulted in over 525,800 illegal border crossers apprehended and a significant decrease in illegal crossings by 51%.

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News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Louisiana Congressional seats cost less in 2024 election cycle | Louisiana

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Jacob Mathews | The Center Square – 2024-11-14 07:00:00

SUMMARY: In Louisiana’s recent congressional elections, five incumbents faced poorly-funded opponents, leading to a decline in average campaign expenditures. The Federal Election Commission tracks financial activity from January 1 until mid-October. Incumbent U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise received $13.5 million and spent $14.3 million, lower than previous cycles. Rep. Troy Carter raised $1.8 million and spent $1.4 million, also down from 2022. U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins maintained stable spending patterns, while House Speaker Mike Johnson’s financial activity saw a significant boost, raising $17.4 million. Voter turnout was notably down in 2024, reflecting a broader trend alongside decreased campaign spending.

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