Don Lee writes economic stories out of Washington, D.C. Since joining the Los Angeles Times in 1992, he has served as the Shanghai bureau chief and in various editing and reporting roles in California. Lee previously worked at the Kansas City Star. He is a native of Seoul, Korea, and graduated from the University of Chicago.
Latest From This Author
In the wake of the new $20 minimum wage for industry workers, quick-service restaurants in California are accelerating and expanding their use of technology.
May 1, 2024
For the second month in a row, California posted the highest unemployment figure in the country. And it was one of only two states with a jobless rate above 5%.
April 19, 2024
California’s massive budget deficit, coupled with the state’s relatively high level of joblessness, has become a major barrier to reducing the billions of dollars of debt it has incurred to pay unemployment benefits.
April 18, 2024
In dealing with the economy, President Biden faces all-too-real consequences of higher inflation, and he’s also battling human psychology.
April 10, 2024
Experts said the visa fee hikes could make a difference in some employers’ efforts to recruit foreign workers.
April 8, 2024
With the state’s mandatory minimum wage for fast-food workers set to increase to $20 an hour, many restaurant chains are preparing to raise prices.
March 27, 2024
Shohei Ohtani’s name and image has been a powerful marketing force. Will the controversy around his ex-interpreter affect his brand potential going forward?
March 27, 2024
While the tech industry has been roiled by layoffs, the greater focus on AI could lead to new jobs in the future.
March 20, 2024
Nationally, the U.S. had another strong month of job growth in February, but California has trailed the nation and its unemployment rate is substantially higher.
March 9, 2024
Americans are now importing more from Mexico than China. That means more goods are coming by truck through Texas, and less cargo enters the Southland’s ports.
March 7, 2024