Detained immigrants lose a lifeline as ICE ends free phone time program
Expensive per-minute fees make calls unaffordable for many migrant detainees, who can earn as little as $1 a day working in ICE facilities. By Kate…
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Healthy food choices need more than new recipes
Group cooking and exercise classes help low-income Californians treat chronic conditions. By George B. Sánchez-Tello This story is produced by the award-winning journalism nonprofit Capital…
Will California’s largest oil well owner get a pass on paying to clean up Its mess?
A new state law mandates that oil companies put up money to plug wells before acquiring them. It could fail its first big test, putting…
In Deep Water: New documentary looks at how water and food resources are being snatched up by powerful interests around the world
‘The Grab’ director Gabriela Cowperthwaite discusses her documentary that is both a geopolitical thriller and a call to action. By Alex Demyanenko, Capital & Main…
California program to treat chronic conditions through healthy diets could end
The Legislature and governor will need to act this year if the state is to continue providing food as medicine for low-income residents. By George…
Migrants detained in California are quietly being moved out of state
Dozens are relocated by ICE, cutting them off from their attorneys and, sometimes, their families. By Kate Morrissey, Capital & Main This story is produced…
The return of trickle-down economics
In Kansas, Mississippi and other states, tax cuts for the wealthy could bring devastating reductions to education, health and other vital programs. By Marcus Baram,…
Money has run out for fruits and vegetables for low-income Californians. Elected leaders are silent.
The fresh food rebate pilot program delivered on its promises, but politicians won’t pledge to put it in the budget. By George B. Sánchez-Tello, Capital…
How the bank-run bond market could make clean energy cheaper
Georgia utilities are getting a discount on gas — but paying full price for renewables. By Meg Duff, Capital & Main This story is produced…
California’s dream of a green hydrogen future could backfire
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s push to ramp up the renewable fuel carries risks: increased emissions and pollution. By Aaron Cantú, Capital & Main This story is…
Upcoming vote reflects rise in undergraduate labor organizing
The organizing effort at the private liberal arts campus is part of a broader “societal shift” in favor of labor unions. By Bobbi Murray, Capital…
Pushing in Sacramento: the state often leads change, but not for single-payer health care
Supporters say trying yearly, even if unsuccessful, is vital to keep leaders from ducking the issue. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story is…
Critical audit of California’s efforts to reduce homelessness has silver linings
Despite transparency concerns, the state auditor’s report says two programs focusing on housing and preventing homelessness are cost-effective. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This…
Dispelling the stereotypes about California’s low-wage workers
Contrary to common beliefs, many Californians in low-wage jobs are in the later stages of their work lives. They also play a crucial role in…
Economist Michael Reich on why California fast-food wages can rise without job losses and higher prices
A tight labor market and local minimum wages that are already close to the new $20 minimum are among the reasons. By Larry Buhl, Capital…
Nurses union says state watchdog does not adequately investigate staffing crisis
The California Department of Public Health says the agency is enforcing state requirements, despite deep budget cuts. By Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main This story…
Wood pellet mills in California: A blessing or a boondoggle?
Supporters say harvesting trees would thin out the state’s overgrown forests; critics say the wood pellets for heating produce more carbon than coal. By John…