News

The wages of government involvement

Thomas Mitchell

February 4, 2009 - 6:53 am

First the government sets the minimum wage and now President Obama proposes to set a maximum wage for companies that take a federal bailout.

"If the taxpayers are helping you, then you've got certain responsibilities to not be living high on the hog," Obama said Tuesday.

How much tax money is going to universities and school districts? How much is being handed out in grants to research companies? Energy companies of various kinds are getting tax breaks. Local governments, too. Shouldn't the feds set maximum pay for university presidents, energy company CEOs, county managers, etc.?

If government can set a minimum wage and now a maximum wage, why not set all wages? Everyone gets the same. I suspect your embrace of this concept depends on whether your current pay lies below or above the new only wage.

A Southwest Airlines plane taxis down the runway as others sit at gates at Baltimore/Washington ...

US flight cancellations will likely drag on even after shutdown ends

By Rio Yamat and Josh Funk Associated Press

November 10, 2025 - 8:50 pm

Air travelers should expect worsening cancellations and delays this week even if the government shutdown ends, as the Federal Aviation Administration rolls out deeper cuts, officials said.

Speaking to reporters, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., responds to Senate Democratic ...

Senate approves bill to end the shutdown in 60-40 vote

By Mary Clare Jalonick, Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking Associated Press

November 10, 2025 - 7:16 pm

The Senate passed legislation Monday to reopen the government, bringing the longest shutdown in history closer to an end as a small group of Democrats ratified a deal with Republicans.

Las Vegas emergency pantry helps feed over 1,700 dogs, cats

By Spencer Levering / RJ

November 10, 2025 - 5:34 pm

Cuts to SNAP benefits spurred by the government shutdown caused The Animal Foundation to organize and distribute nearly 9,000 pounds of pet food, its CEO Hilarie Grey said.

Nevada Republican Party Chairman Michael McDonald speaks as Clark County Republican Party Chair ...

Nevada’s Republican ‘fake electors’ among those pardoned by Trump

By Ricardo Torres-Cortez / RJ

November 10, 2025 - 3:48 pm

President Donald Trump on Sunday issued preemptive pardons for six defendants accused in Nevada’s so-called “fake electors” case that charged prominent Republican Party officials in the state.

Senate passes spending bill: Nevada senators paved way to end 40-day government shutdown

By Ricardo Torres-Cortez / RJ

November 10, 2025 - 6:30 pm

By breaking rank with fellow Democrats, Nevada’s Sens. Catherine Cortez Masto and Jacky Rosen were instrumental in ending a stalemate that brought the federal government closer to reopening after more than 40 days.

FILE - Violent insurrectionists loyal to President Donald Trump breach the U.S. Capitol in Wash ...

Man accused of firing a gun during Capitol riot arrested on kidnapping, sexual assault charges

By Michael Kunzelman The Associated Press

November 10, 2025 - 1:22 pm

John Emanuel Banuelos, 40, was arrested in Illinois last month on a warrant from Salt Lake County, Utah.

Red Cross convoy carrying what Hamas claims is the remains of an Israeli soldier who was killed ...

Netanyahu and Kushner meet as Gaza ceasefire’s first phase winds down

By Wafaa Shurafa and Julia Frankel The Associated Press

November 10, 2025 - 8:51 am

The remains of four hostages are still in Gaza after Palestinian militants released the remains of another on Sunday.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks on reciprocal tariffs during an event in the Rose ...

Trump says Americans will receive $2K tariff dividend

Noah Goldberg, Los Angeles Times

November 10, 2025 - 8:19 am

President Trump said Sunday that most Americans would receive a $2,000 dividend payment as a result of his administration’s tariffs levied against foreign countries.