Fast food industry fighting to stall — and kill — new California labor reforms
A law signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Labor Day faces a referendum driven by corporate franchisors By Bobbi Murray, Capital & Main This story…
Read MoreArticles by Capital & Main
Verizon, AT&T receive lowest marks on newly released Democracy report card
Major corporations gave more than $6 million to state lawmakers who support voter suppression legislation. By Jessica Goodheart, Capital & Main This story is produced…
California’s net-zero roadmap is being shaped by regulators-turned-lobbyists
Former officials push strategies on behalf of fossil fuel clients, threatening climate and communities, say critics. By Aaron Cantu, Capital & Main This story is…
Unionizing Starbucks: ‘I’ve got nothing to lose but I’ve got everything to gain.’
A barista talks about why he is part of the nationwide effort to unionize Starbucks workers. By Kelly Candaele, Capital & Main This story is…
The impact of keeping millions out of poverty during the pandemic
The secret to diminishing economic inequality: Government aid matters By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story is produced by the award-winning journalism nonprofit Capital…
Biden could expand overtime for millions
The Department of Labor is scrambling to craft proposals that avoid the fate of Obama’s failed effort in 2016. By Marcus Baram, Capital & Main…
Why Kaiser Permanente can afford inadequate mental health care
Economists say fines are far cheaper than hiring staff. Kaiser says the union creates crises. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story is produced…
SCOTUS decision could lead to legislatures deciding outcome of Presidential race
Democratic activists say they must flip state houses to block rogue actors. By Jessica Goodheart, Capital & Main This story is produced by the award-winning…
California farmworkers march to urge Newsom to sign voting rights bill
Supporters say the legislation would protect farmworkers from employer intimidation. By David Bacon, Capital & Main This story is produced by the award-winning journalism nonprofit Capital…
Student loan debt: When refusing to pay is a solution
The best option for many overloaded borrowers may be to just say no, argues an organizer in the debt strike movement. By Angelika Albaladejo, Capital…
As Feds dither, states and localities raise minimum wages
But where they don’t, millions of workers are stuck at the record-low federal floor. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story is produced by…
A wine country filmmaker looked and found Roundup, the weedkiller tied to cancer, ‘everywhere’
Brian Lilla’s Children of the Vine examines the herbicide’s legacy on the state’s famous wine trails. By Evelyn Nieves, Capital & Main This story is produced by…
In the face of federal inaction, local governments tackle labor issues
The L.A. City Council’s recent approval of a hotel worker protection measure is part of a growing trend. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This…
Freed from San Quentin and facing deportation, a prison activist seeks Newsom pardon
After a lifetime in the U.S., a Cambodian-born parolee faces imminent expulsion unless California’s governor grants him clemency. By Frances Madeson, Capital & Main This…
Measuring COVID’s effect on a generation of young Californians
The uneven impact of the pandemic has fallen heaviest on the most vulnerable students in the state. Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story is…
California’s plan to close the digital divide hits industry roadblocks
Advocates say big telecom proposals could water down the state’s ambitious effort to connect 98% of residents by 2026. By Robin Urevich, Capital & Main…
Clock is ticking on California’s landmark plastics reduction legislation
If the Legislature does not approve the bill by Thursday, a similar initiative will proceed to the November ballot. By Andy Furillo, Capital & Main…