"A national supermarket operator announced the closure of one full‑service market and one discount market in Long Beach in response to a local hazard‑pay ordinance, saying the locations were underperforming and that roughly 200 employees would be reassigned or laid off; critics and union leaders called the move a political ploy and intimidation tactic. The operator also cited planned closures of additional locations in another city, highlighted relatively high local average hourly wages, and publicized incentives for employees such as one‑time vaccination bonuses and a large rewards package, while stating it will comply with any locally mandated hazard pay." - Brendan Seibel