In California governor’s race, Xavier Becerra walks away from single-payer
Once an advocate for a universal system, he now focuses on incremental reforms and shielding Californians from federal cuts. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main One…
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Budget cuts threaten program that doubles food dollars for Californians in need
Market Match program could disappear — unless lawmakers step in to fund an initiative that boosts access to farmers’ markets and supports small farms. By Mark…
California could be the first state to ban quartz countertops
A governor-appointed state board weighs whether to ban the use of engineered stone to protect workers from a deadly lung disease. By Semantha Raquel Norris, Capital…
The real stakes behind California’s billionaire tax fight: health care access
A hospital CEO says looming Medicaid reductions threaten vulnerable residents and the state’s health system. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main Just as California’s billionaires would prefer,…
California lawmaker proposes fix to blunt loss of food and health aid
As Trump-backed law threatens Medicaid and SNAP eligibility for millions, a proposed change to state data collection aims to preserve coverage. By Mark Kreidler, Capital…
As prices climb, California imports more gasoline made from Russian oil
The state’s failure to reduce driving and to stockpile fuel led to dependence on sanctioned oil refined elsewhere. By Aaron Cantú, for Capital & Main In…
What could a Republican governor get done in deep-blue California?
Experts say he would likely face a recall, but could still wield power through appointments, vetoes and regulatory boards. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main With…
As worker silicosis deaths mount, GOP moves to shield companies from liability
Republicans in Congress want to ban lawsuits against quartz manufacturers, including a company whose CEO is a major Trump donor. By Semantha Raquel Norris, Capital &…
Despite apocalyptic warnings, California fast food wage hike didn’t kill jobs
UC Berkeley study finds employment held steady — and only pennies were added to menu prices. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main In their third report on the…
More states are taxing the ultra-rich — Washington is the latest
As inequality grows, states are stepping up where the federal government hasn’t. “It’s a movement,” says Patriotic Millionaire’s Chuck Collins. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main…
From Southern California to Minneapolis, fatal encounters show impunity of immigration officials, advocates say
To activists, the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti echo two controversial killings in San Diego under Rodney Scott’s watch. By Kate Morrissey, Capital…
Kaiser therapists plan strike over proposed AI use, chronic understaffing
Regulators are again fining the health care giant for inadequate investment in mental health care. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main The story of Kaiser…
They’re organizing to stop the next assault on immigrant families
Community groups are pushing back on an impending HUD rule that would force undocumented immigrants from public housing, splitting families. By Mark Kreidler, Capital &…
Straight out of Project 2025: Trump’s immigration plan was clear
The president denied involvement in the far right game plan, but he has followed it like a script. Here’s what might be next. By Kate…
On eve of strike, Kaiser nurses sound alarm on patient care
More than 31,000 nurses and health care workers plan to walk out next week following months-long stalemate with Kaiser. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main…
Honduran grandfather who died in ICE custody told family he’d felt ill for weeks
Luis Beltran Yanez-Cruz is one of six people to die in Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody less than three weeks into 2026. By Kate Morrissey,…
Can California’s new immigrant laws help — and hold up in court?
Experts are watching whether state protections can help shield immigrants from Trump’s crackdown and survive legal challenges. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main No single…