Capital & Main

Federal Cuts Revive a California Lawmaker’s Push for Single-Payer Health Care Assemblymember Ash Kalra says attacks on the Affordable Care Act underscore the urgency of creating state-run health insurance.

California Assemblymember Ash Kalra says attacks on the Affordable Care Act underscore the urgency of creating state-run health insurance.
capitalandmain.com/federal-cuts...

Toiling in Toxic Fields California is failing to protect the health and safety of thousands of child farmworkers.

In the sprawling agricultural fields of California lies a harsh reality: Children toil away in punishing heat and dangerous conditions to pick the fresh produce that feeds America.

Robert J Lopez (@lajourno.bsky.social) reports in this investigation by @capitalandmain.bsky.social and partners.

After Years of Gains, GOP Pushes to Roll Back Chemical Regulations In Texas, environmental activists and experts raise the alarm about the impact on the state's petrochemical industry.

In Texas, environmental activists and experts raise the alarm about the impact of rolling back chemical regulations on the state’s petrochemical industry.
capitalandmain.com/after-years-...

In New Mexico, Natural Gas Transporter Goes to the Mat Over $47.8 Million Fine The state has spent $225,000 in staff time fighting Targa over emission infractions, some that the company reported itself.

New Mexico has spent $225,000 in staff time fighting natural gas transporter Targa over emission infractions, some that the company reported itself.
capitalandmain.com/in-new-mexic...

ICE agent Brian Palacios had a years-long, documented history of racism and violence. He is one of several Dept. of Homeland Security agents with similar backgrounds who have shot American citizens in the past year.

#immigration #deportation #LosAngeles #Minneapolis

From SoCal to Minneapolis, Fatal Encounters Show Impunity of Immigration Officials, Activists Say To those who monitor federal use of force, the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti echo two controversial killings in San Diego

To those who monitor federal use of force, the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti echo two controversial killings in San Diego.
capitalandmain.com/from-socal-t...

Agents In ICE Shootings Made Racist or Sexist Remarks, Records Show U.S. immigration agents involved in three shootings since June have been recorded or accused of using derogatory language about women or people of color.

Agents with the Department of Homeland Security who have shot and killed people have histories of making racist, sexist remarks or celebrating violence

new from me for @capitalandmain.bsky.social

capitalandmain.com/agents-in-ic...

Colorado’s oil and gas industry is vastly underestimating methane emissions | Colorado Newsline A unique aerial measurement campaign found that methane emission inventories compiled by energy companies undercount such pollutants.

A unique aerial measurement campaign found that emission inventories compiled by energy companies to account for planet-warming methane leaking from equipment on Colorado oil and gas production sites undercount such pollutants by at least two times.

From @capitalandmain.bsky.social

Trump’s Deportation Crackdown Is Hurting Tourism Fear of aggressive deportation raids is deterring foreign visitors, leading to a reduction in hours for workers and lost revenue.

Fear of aggressive deportation raids is deterring foreign visitors to the U.S., leading to a reduction in hours for workers and lost revenue.
capitalandmain.com/trumps-depor...

Colorado’s Oil and Gas Industry Is Vastly Underestimating Methane Emissions Watching from the sky, researchers find planet-warming pollutants leaking into the atmosphere are undercounted by at least two times.

A unique aerial measurement campaign found that emission inventories compiled by energy companies to account for planet-warming methane leaking from equipment on Colorado oil and gas production sites undercount such pollutants by at least two times.
capitalandmain.com/colorados-oi...

“The Californians Powering America” exhibit spotlights immigrants' often-overlooked contributions through powerful visual stories.

On view at the San Fernando Library & La Cañada Flintridge Library through March 31. Free & open to the public.

@capitalandmain.bsky.social: bit.ly/4rtfsFo

AI Hiring, Scams and Setbacks: How Unemployment Becomes a Vicious Cycle Sluggish labor market swells ranks of long-term unemployed, leaving some job seekers frustrated with an ever-shifting hiring landscape.

The stagnant job market makes it harder for unemployed workers to find their next job.

One in four jobless workers is considered long-term unemployed, meaning they have been looking for work for more than 27 weeks, the highest rate since the pandemic.
capitalandmain.com/ai-hiring-sc...

Photo Essay: The Californians Powering America Powerful photos capture the lives and work of California immigrants whose contributions often go unseen or underappreciated. A selection of images from an exhibition at Los Angeles County libraries sh...

Powerful photos capture the lives and work of California immigrants whose contributions often go unseen or underappreciated.

A selection of images from an exhibition at Los Angeles County libraries shows the range of visual stories on display through March.
capitalandmain.com/photo-essay-...

As Climate Crisis Upended Homeowners Insurance, the Industry Resisted Regulation When an international organization sought to create guidelines on climate risk, insurance lobbying groups pushed back.

When an international organization sought to create guidelines on climate risk, insurance lobbying groups pushed back.
capitalandmain.com/as-climate-c...

Cuts Aimed at Abortion Are Hitting Basic Care Emergency state support for Planned Parenthood can’t fully offset lost Medicaid dollars, and patients are paying the price.

Emergency state support for Planned Parenthood can’t fully offset lost Medicaid dollars, and patients are paying the price.
capitalandmain.com/cuts-aimed-a...

Effort to Fast-Track Semiconductor Manufacturing Faces Community Pushback Lawsuit over Micron’s massive Syracuse project raises concerns about toxic risks and alleges a rushed environmental review.

Lawsuit over Micron’s massive Syracuse project raises concerns about toxic risks and alleges a rushed environmental review.
capitalandmain.com/effort-to-fa...

More Lost ‘Horizons’: How New Mexico’s Climate Plan Flamed Out Again A small clutch of Democratic legislators once again sinks a plan to dramatically reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

A small clutch of Democratic legislators once again sinks a plan to dramatically reduce New Mexico’s greenhouse gas emissions.
capitalandmain.com/more-lost-ho...

Trump Administration ‘Wanted to Use Us as a Trophy,’ Says School Board Member Arrested Over Church Protest Black Lives Matter leaders recount their arrests last month after a Minnesota anti-ICE protest.

A co-founder of Black Lives Matter Minnesota arrested by federal agents last month described having his legs shackled and being asked if he was an “immigrant or agitator.”

Meanwhile, a school board member said she was forced to pose for photo shoots with agents.
capitalandmain.com/trump-admini...

Pennsylvania Spent Big on a ‘Petrochemical Renaissance.’ It Never Arrived. Visions of a booming hub that would bring jobs and prosperity to Appalachia faded, but the plastic “nurdles” remain.

Visions of a booming petrochemical hub that would bring jobs and prosperity to Appalachia faded, but the plastic “nurdles” remain.
capitalandmain.com/pennsylvania...

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.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development wants to begin denying federal rent subsidies to households where even 1 occupant lacks legal immigration status.

That’s according to multiple accounts of the draft of the proposal leaked to ProPublica last fall.
capitalandmain.com/theyre-organ...

#ICE #deportation #refugees #Trump #immigration

More than 100 refugees were detained by immigration agents. Many were sent to a Texas detention center where 3 men have died. A judge has ordered their release.

Reporter: Kate Morrissey @bgirledukate.bsky.social
Producer: Cerise Castle @cerisecastle.bsky.social
Editor: Myles Kramer

Trump Administration ‘Wanted to Use Us as a Trophy,’ Says Minnesota School Board Member Arrested Over Anti-ICE Protest Trahern Crews, a Black Lives Matter leader arrested by federal agents last month, described having his legs shackled and being asked if he was an “immigrant or agitator.” Chauntyll Allen, a school boa...

Chauntyll Allen, a Minnesota school board member, said she was forced to pose for photo shoots with federal agents after being arrested over an anti-ICE protest.
capitalandmain.com/trump-admini...

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.

Community organizers in Los Angeles are rallying in opposition to an impending Trump administration rule that they say will displace and fracture immigrant families.

The kicker? The rule hasn’t even been formally proposed.
capitalandmain.com/theyre-organ...

New Mexico Again Debates Greenhouse Gas Reductions as Snow Melts Lawmakers table bill to expand use of oilfield wastewater and shoot down another that would restrict drone use around “critical” infrastructure.

A bill to expand use of oilfield wastewater outside of drilling operations in New Mexico was shot down after nearly five hours of debate.

Oilfield wastewater is highly saline and can contain radioactive elements, toxic organic compounds & other contaminants.
capitalandmain.com/new-mexico-a...

Louisiana Bets Big on ‘Blue Ammonia.’ Communities Along Cancer Alley Brace for the Cost. Carbon capture hasn’t delivered major climate benefits — and the plants would still emit thousands of tons of pollution.

Cancer Alley is ground zero for proposed blue ammonia plants, with extra technology to capture planet-warming gases.

But carbon capture hasn’t delivered major climate benefits — and the plants would still emit thousands of tons of pollution.
capitalandmain.com/louisiana-be...

New Mexico Again Debates Greenhouse Gas Reductions as Snow Melts Lawmakers table bill to expand use of oilfield wastewater and shoot down another that would restrict drone use around “critical” infrastructure.

A contentious bill to dramatically reduce New Mexico’s greenhouse gas emissions awaits a hearing on the Senate floor.

To promote its passage, advocates undertook a three-week walk from the country’s most productive oil and gas field to the Capitol in Santa Fe.
capitalandmain.com/new-mexico-a...

Louisiana Bets Big on ‘Blue Ammonia.’ Communities Along Cancer Alley Brace for the Cost. Carbon capture hasn’t delivered major climate benefits — and the plants would still emit thousands of tons of pollution.

Ammonia can damage the lungs and hurt the skin, eyes and throat. In the air, it can form fine particles that are linked to increased risks of heart disease and stroke, and can be deadly — especially for children, older adults and people with heart or lung disease.
capitalandmain.com/louisiana-be...

Louisiana Bets Big on ‘Blue Ammonia.’ Communities Along Cancer Alley Brace for the Cost. Carbon capture hasn’t delivered major climate benefits — and the plants would still emit thousands of tons of pollution.

An extensive review by Floodlight found no evidence that existing carbon capture projects have achieved anything close to the emissions cuts companies are promising.

And the plants would still emit thousands of tons of pollution.
capitalandmain.com/louisiana-be...

Louisiana Bets Big on ‘Blue Ammonia.’ Communities Along Cancer Alley Brace for the Cost. Carbon capture hasn’t delivered major climate benefits — and the plants would still emit thousands of tons of pollution.

Companies are placing multibillion-dollar bets on “blue ammonia” — a product made from fossil fuels but with extra technology to capture planet-warming gases and pipe them underground for storage.

In reality, carbon capture hasn’t delivered major climate benefits.
capitalandmain.com/louisiana-be...