The flipping of the calendar brought with it increases in the minimum wage in select states across the country. Nineteen states increased their minimum wages on Jan. 1, raising earnings for more than 8.3 million workers (list of states at end of article). For the first time, there are more workers in states with a $15 or greater minimum wage than in states with the federal minimum of $7.25, according to the Economic Policy Institute. In addition, 47 cities and counties raised their minimum wages, adding to the number of workers likely to get larger paychecks. The state with the biggest increase in 2026 is Hawaii, where the minimum wage increased by $2 per house, rising from $14 to $16. Other states with minimum wage increases include Arizona, California, Michigan, New Jersey and New York. With the 2026 increases, Washington maintains its position as the state with the highest minimum wage in the country, with workers receiving $17.20 per hour. New York City is next, at $17 per hour (the increase also applies to New York’s Long Island and Westchester.)

American Dollar to Canadian Dollar = 0.811877; American Dollar to Chinese Yuan = 0.158154; American Dollar to Euro = 1.244199; American Dollar to Japanese Yen = 0.009153; American Dollar to…

Continuing the pioneering trend; first to market with new technology and breakthrough sheetfed ink formulations, Flint Group today announces the global launch of its latest version UV LED process inks, XCURA EVO. ““EVO” is short for evolutionary,” explains Trevor Amps, Global Product Management Director for Energy Curing inks. “This signals a step change from our world renowned XCURA formulations which, for the past four years, have served our customers very well as an industry leader. XCURA EVO is our next generation offer to the UV LED and low energy sheetfed market, and we are very pleased to announce its global launch today.” “More and more sheetfed press manufacturers are heading their technology development with LED and low energy curing, and we see growing numbers of retro-fit conversions from lamp providers and OEMs as well,” stated Mr Amps. “Some of the main drivers encouraging commercial printers to switch to UV LED are improved efficiency, reduced energy costs and the ability to break into new markets. XCURA EVO helps to maximise all of these with its excellent flow characteristic, superb transfer and high gloss.” Click Read More below for additional detail.