The Daily Valet. - 8/11/21, Wednesday

✔️ On the Rise

Wednesday, August 11th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

I miss reading comic books ...

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s edition is presented by

Today’s Big Story

Minimum Wage on the Rise

$15 an hour is suddenly the rule, not the exception, for U.S. workers.

The U.S. labor market hit a new milestone recently: For the first time, average pay in restaurants and supermarkets climbed above $15 an hour. It’s a major shift from pre-pandemic norms, but wages have been rising rapidly as the economy reopens and businesses struggle to hire enough workers.

According to the Washington Post, nearly 80% of U.S. workers now earn at least $15 an hour, up from around 60% in 2014. Job sites and recruiting firms say many job seekers won’t even consider jobs that pay less than $15 anymore.

A number of major retailers, like Target, Costco and Best Buy, increased their minimum wage to $15/hour during the pandemic. And CVS just announced the company will raise its minimum wage for hourly workers from $11 to $15 by next summer—becoming the latest large US chain to pledge a $15 starting rate.

When major employers raise their wages, it pushes smaller competitors in the area to follow suit, accrding to new research by Brandeis and Princeton.

And most American wages have struggled to keep up with inflation for decades, with a large portion of wage gains going to the highest earners.

The overall effect has been one of the fastest periods of rising wages since the early 1980s for rank-and-file workers and a clear spike from the Before Times. But, best of all, the higher pay is likely to be permanent as wages rarely fall once they move up.

↦ Dig Deeper: New findings by U.S. News & World Report claim that a $15 hourly wage isn't livable anywhere in the U.S.

Cuomo Resigns

He expressed regrets but also emphasized his achievements during three terms

Governor Andrew Cuomo resigned Tuesday following a report from the attorney general that alleged he sexually harassed multiple women, including employees, and violated state and federal law.

According to the New York Times, the decision heads off his almost certain impeachment and conviction in the state Legislature. Though Cuomo, 63, apologized to his accusers, he made it clear he did not believe he stepped over a red line requiring removal from office.

“Given the circumstances, the best way I can help now is if I step aside and let government get back to government, and therefore that is what I'll do, because I work for you, and doing the right thing, is doing the right thing for you,” Cuomo said in a televised address, at which he took no questions.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, a fellow Democrat, will serve the rest of his term when the resignation becomes effective in 14 days. She will become the state's first female governor.

↦ FYI: Why Cuomo resigned and Trump didn’t. Vox examines how Democrats pushed Cuomo out.

Partner

Want shoes that make you look and feel good? These stylish sneakers are not only sustainably sourced but also bought in small amounts to reduce waste.

Vaxx Cards Are the Wrong Size

Seriously, wouldn’t this thing be nicer if it fit neatly in my wallet?

While the debate over mandated “vaccine passports” rages on, a growing number of employers, businesses and venues are demanding proof of vaccination. That's making it increasingly important for workers and customers to carry documentation that can be whipped out whenever the need arises.

And I think The Atlantic sums it up nicely: With all due respect to our country’s overworked and undersupported public-health apparatus: This is dumb. The card is dumb, and it's difficult to imagine a series of intentional decisions that could have reasonably led to it as the consensus best pick.

This is, of course, in regards to the card's unwieldy shape. At 4-by-3 inches they are larger than the average wallet, which means they're bound to suffer some abuse. You could laminate it, I guess?

Popular Science also offers up a myriad of clever ways to keep your card and inoculation info safe.

↦ FYI: Lost your COVID-19 vaccine card? Don’t worry, you can get a new one.

Robin Comes Out

Batman’s sidekick is a bisexual in the new comic

The latest issue of Batman: Urban Legends, a monthly anthology series, revealed that the Caped Crusader's longtime sidekick Robin (specifically the Tim Drake version of him) is bisexual.

NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour says it's about time. “For decades, homophobes looking to land cheap jokes and queer fans aching to see themselves in the comics they love have shared an unlikely common goal—to shove Robin, Batman's trusty sidekick, out of the closet.”

And according to Polygon, that makes him the first new LGBTQ member of Batman’s immediate family in 15 years, since Batwoman herself.

Fans seem quite thrilled with the news, too. “It's overwhelming all the comments and love I'm receiving from you guys,” the comic's artist Belén Ortega tweeted Tuesday with the rainbow flag emoji after the issue dropped. “Thanks for your support on my very first series with DC Comics See you soon Tim!”

In Other News

↦ Legal American Marijuana Is Pouring Into Mexico

↦ The 5 Most Common COVID-19 Symptoms Based on Your Vaccination Status, in One Chart

↦ NASA Is Creating a Billion-Dollar Spacesuit

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

DIY ‘Hot Pockets’

Bizarrely long belts

The downsides of Dubai

Partner

Walk, Don’t Run

These sustainable sneakers are made for a slower pace

Consider this a gentle reminder that life's not a sprint. Take your time. Enjoy the view and do it in the utmost comfort. That means in sneakers that not only feel great on your feet, but also make you feel responsible and conscientious. British footwear line Duke + Dexter does just that.

Since the brand launched in 2015, they've been challenging expectations of what an English shoe can and should be—striking a balance between modern styles, sustainability and familiar British charm. High-end fabrics and leathers are not only responsibly sourced from Italy but also bought in small amounts to reduce waste. Their packaging is made from organic cotton and recycled materials. Each and every shoe has been made by hand in England in the brand's workshop and finished with soothing details like memory foam padding and a zero-stitch heel.

If they look familiar, you might've seen them on Jonah Hill, Ryan Reynolds or David Beckham—all fans of D + D's footwear. And we scored you an exclusive discount for 20% off any order (with free shipping). Just enter VALETMAG20 at checkout.

Ritchie Gobi sneaker, $311 / $248.80

Ritchie Nelly sneaker, $311 / $248.80

Ritchie Rio sneaker, $311 / $248.80

Drake Clean White sneaker, $269 / $215.20

Drake Hiker sneaker, $269 / $215.20

Drake Clean contrast sneaker, $269 / $215.20

↦ Explore: Duke + Dexter's full collection

Backpacking-to-Bar Steals

Discounted goods for out on the trail or out on the town.

↑ The environmentally conscious kings at Patagonia have always known their way around fleece, but the Retro-X ($149 / $88.99), the brand's refreshed take on the iconic vintage style, especially stands out among the fuzzy crowd. Fair-trade certified, constructed from recycled material, and dressed in one of the best colorways we've seen in a minute, this vest is perfect for the cool days ahead.

↦ Want More? 5 backpacking-to-bar steals