reporter

Kevin Smith

Kevin Smith handles business news and editing for the Southern California News Group, which includes 11 newspapers, websites and social media channels. He covers everything from employment, technology and housing to retail, corporate mergers and business-based apps. Kevin often writes stories that highlight the local impact of trends occurring nationwide. And the focus is always to shed light on why those issues matter to readers in Southern California.

Business |
Workers at 34 Southern California hotels will see their pay rise by $10 an hour in new labor contracts

March 26, 2024 at 4:56 a.m.

Finalized contracts include the Anaheim Hilton, Courtyard Los Angeles L.A. Live, Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel and Irvine Marriott, among others.

Most of the company's 699 employees will be asked to take time off with pay or file for unemployment.

Business |
California chipmaker Tower Semiconductor furloughing staff amid slowdown

March 5, 2024 at 11:28 a.m.

Most of the company's 699 employees will be asked to take time off with pay or file for unemployment.

Productions of at least $1 million get a tax break when filming in the state. The "Mandalorian" production will be entirely in California.

Business |
‘The Mandalorian & Grogu,’ 14 other film projects getting California tax credits

February 29, 2024 at 5:11 a.m.

Productions of at least $1 million get a tax break when filming in the state. The "Mandalorian" production will be entirely in California.

Justice for App Workers said drivers are tired of working 80 hours a week to make ends meet while being constantly scared for their safety and worrying about being deactivated with the click of a button.

Business |
Uber, Lyft and DoorDash vow to strike on Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2024 at 12:19 p.m.

Justice for App Workers said drivers are tired of working 80 hours a week to make ends meet while being constantly scared for their safety and worrying about being deactivated...

Students at UCLA and UC Riverside are demanding their schools cut ties with Starbucks until the coffee chain ends an alleged union-busting campaign against its baristas.

Business |
California college students petition to remove Starbucks from campuses

January 30, 2024 at 4:30 a.m.

Students at UCLA and UC Riverside are demanding their schools cut ties with Starbucks until the coffee chain ends an alleged union-busting campaign against its baristas.

From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making processes, the growing prevalence of AI is reshaping how businesses operate and employees engage with their professional responsibilities.

Business |
Report: Hiring managers favor applicants with AI skills

January 19, 2024 at 4:42 a.m.

From automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making processes, the growing prevalence of AI is reshaping how businesses operate and employees engage with their professional responsibilities.

A House bill would fund NASA’s full request of $949.3 million for the Mars Sample Return program, while the Senate version allocates only $300 million.

Business |
100 contractors laid off at JPL as budget cuts hit Mars program

January 11, 2024 at 4:53 a.m.

A House bill would fund NASA’s full request of $949.3 million for the Mars Sample Return program, while the Senate version allocates only $300 million.

Union president Charles Toombs said CFA members are preparing a five-day strike later this month.

Education |
5% pay hike for CSU faculty, librarians, coaches not ‘viable,’ union says

January 10, 2024 at 4:58 a.m.

Union president Charles Toombs said CFA members are preparing a five-day strike later this month.

Could the reopening signal a revival of the storied department store chain?

Business |
A shuttered Sears has reopened in Southern California. Could more be coming?

December 14, 2023 at 5:21 a.m.

Could the reopening signal a revival of the storied department store chain?

Authored by Sen. Josh Newman, SB 549 would allow tribal casinos to sue cardrooms operator violating state law and tribal gaming exclusivity.

Business |
Cardroom employees protest another California bill aimed at non-tribal gambling

December 7, 2023 at 4:49 a.m.

Authored by Sen. Josh Newman, SB 549 would allow tribal casinos to sue cardrooms operator violating state law and tribal gaming exclusivity.

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