The article looks at how raising the minimum wage affects the economy. It compares past wage increases to recent ones in cities like Seattle and San Francisco. The research shows that while older wage hikes led to job losses, recent ones have had smaller negative impacts. This is because workers are more productive now and the federal minimum wage hasn't kept up with average wages. The data suggest that recent $15 minimum wage laws haven't caused major job losses, but some are happening. Overall, the benefits to workers seem to outweigh the costs, but we need to keep an eye on the situation.