Mikhail Zinshteyn
@mzinshteyn.bsky.social
Reporter covering California higher education and state-federal issues for @Calmatters.org. Other interests include nationalism, politics, economy, film, fiction and Jewishness. Soviet-born baby refugee; Pell grant recipient. L.A. resident.
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
As for the content of Trump's reply brief, one striking move is the not-at-all-veiled threat to invoke the Insurrection Act if the Court does not grant the stay.
November 18, 2025 at 3:36 AM
As for the content of Trump's reply brief, one striking move is the not-at-all-veiled threat to invoke the Insurrection Act if the Court does not grant the stay.
This might be the best story I wrote this year, from May. I'd love it if you read it (again or for the first time).
“There had been so many tears in my household that my husband got me a puppy,” said Denise Garcia, the director of the center and a professor of biological sciences.
“There had been so many tears in my household that my husband got me a puppy,” said Denise Garcia, the director of the center and a professor of biological sciences.
Another casualty of Trump cuts? California students pursuing science research careers
At least 24 UC and Cal State campuses lost science research training grants that provided their students with annual stipends of $12,000 or more.
calmatters.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:24 PM
This might be the best story I wrote this year, from May. I'd love it if you read it (again or for the first time).
“There had been so many tears in my household that my husband got me a puppy,” said Denise Garcia, the director of the center and a professor of biological sciences.
“There had been so many tears in my household that my husband got me a puppy,” said Denise Garcia, the director of the center and a professor of biological sciences.
The U.S. has been on drugs since the 1870s. There's no drug-free era, despite Trump's claims, this historian says.
"At least through the 1950s ... an outright majority of Americans with addiction may have been rural and small-town residents quietly maintained on morphine by sympathetic physicians."
"At least through the 1950s ... an outright majority of Americans with addiction may have been rural and small-town residents quietly maintained on morphine by sympathetic physicians."
Opinion | I Am a Drug Historian. Trump Is Wrong About Fentanyl in Almost Every Way.
www.nytimes.com
November 15, 2025 at 11:11 PM
The U.S. has been on drugs since the 1870s. There's no drug-free era, despite Trump's claims, this historian says.
"At least through the 1950s ... an outright majority of Americans with addiction may have been rural and small-town residents quietly maintained on morphine by sympathetic physicians."
"At least through the 1950s ... an outright majority of Americans with addiction may have been rural and small-town residents quietly maintained on morphine by sympathetic physicians."
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
"A California federal judge ruled today that Donald Trump cannot demand that UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement...[with the judge] calling Trump’s actions toward the university 'coercive and retaliatory.'"
Deleted prior post to make clear it's a preliminary injunction and not a ruling on the merits
Deleted prior post to make clear it's a preliminary injunction and not a ruling on the merits
NEW:
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules.
The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules.
The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules
A federal judge ruled Donald Trump cannot demand that UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement that would have restricted academic freedoms.
calmatters.org
November 15, 2025 at 2:34 AM
"A California federal judge ruled today that Donald Trump cannot demand that UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement...[with the judge] calling Trump’s actions toward the university 'coercive and retaliatory.'"
Deleted prior post to make clear it's a preliminary injunction and not a ruling on the merits
Deleted prior post to make clear it's a preliminary injunction and not a ruling on the merits
NEW:
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules.
The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules.
The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules
A federal judge ruled Donald Trump cannot demand that UCLA pay a $1.2 billion settlement that would have restricted academic freedoms.
calmatters.org
November 15, 2025 at 1:18 AM
NEW:
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules.
The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.
‘Unlawful coercion’: Trump can’t withhold funds or demand payment from UC, federal judge rules.
The judge has previously sided with UC scholars several times since June in halting Trump’s termination of science and health research funding. The latest ruling is arguably the most sweeping yet.
Trump DOJ files appeal to challenge Oregon federal judge's ruling that Trump can't deploy the Oregon, California and Texas National Guard troops to Portland.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
Notice of Appeal – #148 in State of Oregon v. Trump (D. Or., 3:25-cv-01756) – CourtListener.com
Notice of Appeal to the 9th Circuit from Findings of Fact, 146, Judgment 147 (fee exempt status selected) . Filed by All Defendants. (Jacobs, Kathleen) (Entered: 11/14/2025)
www.courtlistener.com
November 14, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Trump DOJ files appeal to challenge Oregon federal judge's ruling that Trump can't deploy the Oregon, California and Texas National Guard troops to Portland.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
"I made a joke about how Adams had seemingly thrown away his life just to fly business class.
"Nuzzi shrugged.
“'I destroyed mine for less,' she said."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/s...
"Nuzzi shrugged.
“'I destroyed mine for less,' she said."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/s...
Olivia Nuzzi Did It All for Love
www.nytimes.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:17 PM
"I made a joke about how Adams had seemingly thrown away his life just to fly business class.
"Nuzzi shrugged.
“'I destroyed mine for less,' she said."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/s...
"Nuzzi shrugged.
“'I destroyed mine for less,' she said."
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/14/s...
A poor representative for OpenBank is trying to show me where in the fine print does it say, as his script instructs him, that deposits into the savings account are completed in 1-3 business days after the initial deposit, which takes up to 7. Alas, the fine print only says 7 days, not 1-3. Bad.
November 14, 2025 at 5:46 PM
A poor representative for OpenBank is trying to show me where in the fine print does it say, as his script instructs him, that deposits into the savings account are completed in 1-3 business days after the initial deposit, which takes up to 7. Alas, the fine print only says 7 days, not 1-3. Bad.
While on hold with AmEx, a robot asked if I wanted to opt into something (I didn't listen too carefully because "opt in" to me is a no). But because I did NOT press 1, I WAS opted in -- for some voice recognition thing I frankly do not want. To opt out, I have to call AmEx and do ??? per this email.
November 13, 2025 at 12:16 AM
While on hold with AmEx, a robot asked if I wanted to opt into something (I didn't listen too carefully because "opt in" to me is a no). But because I did NOT press 1, I WAS opted in -- for some voice recognition thing I frankly do not want. To opt out, I have to call AmEx and do ??? per this email.
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
President Donald Trump defended allowing foreign students to study in the US as a "good" practice and pushed back on a call to reduce their numbers
Trump Defends Foreign Students as ‘Good’ for US Universities
President Donald Trump defended allowing foreign students to study in the US as a “good” practice and pushed back on a call to reduce their numbers, saying it would be financially destructive to the nation’s higher education system.
bloom.bg
November 11, 2025 at 7:30 AM
President Donald Trump defended allowing foreign students to study in the US as a "good" practice and pushed back on a call to reduce their numbers
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
Auchincloss Is a no
November 9, 2025 at 9:31 PM
Auchincloss Is a no
November 9, 2025 at 9:47 PM
November 9, 2025 at 9:25 PM
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
SCOOP: Schumer was more involved than reported with the attempted cave on the government shutdown. The Gang of 8 Senate Dems had his approval & he was getting daily updates.
In Thursday's caucus meeting, the Gang claimed they had 10 votes to cave. The caucus went nuts, leading to the new proposal.
In Thursday's caucus meeting, the Gang claimed they had 10 votes to cave. The caucus went nuts, leading to the new proposal.
Why Does Schumer Keep Trying to Cave? - The American Prospect
Most commentators, including me, concluded that the Tuesday election victory saved Democrats from capitulating to Republican demands to pass a simple continuing resolution to re-open the government, i...
prospect.org
November 8, 2025 at 10:30 PM
SCOOP: Schumer was more involved than reported with the attempted cave on the government shutdown. The Gang of 8 Senate Dems had his approval & he was getting daily updates.
In Thursday's caucus meeting, the Gang claimed they had 10 votes to cave. The caucus went nuts, leading to the new proposal.
In Thursday's caucus meeting, the Gang claimed they had 10 votes to cave. The caucus went nuts, leading to the new proposal.
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
FEDWATCH: “.. The chaos is escalating, with 3,800 flight cancellations since Thursday, and some states reporting a 40- to 60% increase in visits to food banks. Some of the disruption is evident in private sector weekly economic indicators .. and even the price of electricity.”
November 9, 2025 at 4:50 PM
FEDWATCH: “.. The chaos is escalating, with 3,800 flight cancellations since Thursday, and some states reporting a 40- to 60% increase in visits to food banks. Some of the disruption is evident in private sector weekly economic indicators .. and even the price of electricity.”
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
NEW: The Trump admin told states it must immediately "undo" the work to provide full food stamp benefits, or face penalties. The feds sent this in a late-night memo, only adding to the chaos and confusion around SNAP. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/b...
Trump Administration Demands States ‘Undo’ Work to Send Full Food Stamps
www.nytimes.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:27 PM
NEW: The Trump admin told states it must immediately "undo" the work to provide full food stamp benefits, or face penalties. The feds sent this in a late-night memo, only adding to the chaos and confusion around SNAP. www.nytimes.com/2025/11/09/b...
November 7, 2025 at 7:29 AM
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
🚨LA-based journalists/journos willing to relocate to the west coast:
We're looking for a senior news editor to help run our news operation in downtown LA!
If you're well-versed in breaking news and want to work with really wonderful humans, APPLY!
workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e...
We're looking for a senior news editor to help run our news operation in downtown LA!
If you're well-versed in breaking news and want to work with really wonderful humans, APPLY!
workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e...
Senior News Editor, West Coast
The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, cultur...
workwithus.theguardian.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:49 PM
🚨LA-based journalists/journos willing to relocate to the west coast:
We're looking for a senior news editor to help run our news operation in downtown LA!
If you're well-versed in breaking news and want to work with really wonderful humans, APPLY!
workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e...
We're looking for a senior news editor to help run our news operation in downtown LA!
If you're well-versed in breaking news and want to work with really wonderful humans, APPLY!
workwithus.theguardian.com/job-search/e...
By the time I'm done writing this story, I will have reviewed about three dozen files in this court case, which is admittedly a fraction of the total exhibits and docket items submitted in the case so far. My story will be 1,000 words, summarizing these and the court hearings. Journalism is absurd.
November 6, 2025 at 11:47 PM
By the time I'm done writing this story, I will have reviewed about three dozen files in this court case, which is admittedly a fraction of the total exhibits and docket items submitted in the case so far. My story will be 1,000 words, summarizing these and the court hearings. Journalism is absurd.
Jewish group fighting antisemitism cuts ties with Heritage Foundation, says it will now focus on right-wing and left-wing antisemitism.
It "will also now expand our work to fight the rising scourge of antisemitism on the Right, beyond our previous work combating the pro-Hamas movement on the Left."
It "will also now expand our work to fight the rising scourge of antisemitism on the Right, beyond our previous work combating the pro-Hamas movement on the Left."
Heritage-affiliated antisemitism task force to cut ties with embattled think tank
The National Task Force to Combat Antisemitism will expand its focus to include antisemitism on the right, now that it is independent from the Heritage Foundation
jewishinsider.com
November 6, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Jewish group fighting antisemitism cuts ties with Heritage Foundation, says it will now focus on right-wing and left-wing antisemitism.
It "will also now expand our work to fight the rising scourge of antisemitism on the Right, beyond our previous work combating the pro-Hamas movement on the Left."
It "will also now expand our work to fight the rising scourge of antisemitism on the Right, beyond our previous work combating the pro-Hamas movement on the Left."
There's a huge case involving a bunch of UC faculty/worker groups suing to halt Trump from terminating additional research grants or not awarding new grants.
The judge today said she'll need a week+ on whether to issue a preliminary injunction.
But she seemed very sympathetic to the faculty side.
The judge today said she'll need a week+ on whether to issue a preliminary injunction.
But she seemed very sympathetic to the faculty side.
November 6, 2025 at 7:53 PM
There's a huge case involving a bunch of UC faculty/worker groups suing to halt Trump from terminating additional research grants or not awarding new grants.
The judge today said she'll need a week+ on whether to issue a preliminary injunction.
But she seemed very sympathetic to the faculty side.
The judge today said she'll need a week+ on whether to issue a preliminary injunction.
But she seemed very sympathetic to the faculty side.
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
ANALYSIS: Trump’s argument that he’s making groceries, gas and other ordinary household necessities easier to afford has failed to take hold, an exit survey of voters suggests.
Trump's bright view of the economy doesn't match what voters are seeing
NBC News exit polls from Tuesday's elections showed voters are deeply worried about pocketbook issues and the direction of the country.
nbcnews.to
November 6, 2025 at 4:15 AM
ANALYSIS: Trump’s argument that he’s making groceries, gas and other ordinary household necessities easier to afford has failed to take hold, an exit survey of voters suggests.
Federal personnel at the ICE facility in Portland were prepared to use lethal "capability" on June 14 based on conviction protesters were going to breach building, a Federal Protective Services commander said at testimony today.
"Fortunately that did not happen," he said.
Trial break until 1.15pm
"Fortunately that did not happen," he said.
Trial break until 1.15pm
Oregon v Trump trial has started. Already, 👀 👀. Judge Immergut learned that after her first TRO blocking Oregon National Guard from deployment at 3 or 4pm, the troops remained deployed until 2am (they were deployed prev. morning).
"We'll discuss later whether that's contempt," Immergut said.
"We'll discuss later whether that's contempt," Immergut said.
I POSTED TOO SOON! Public, you can listen!
Access information for "LISTEN ONLY" phone number for the Hearing on October 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Telephone Number: 1-571-353-2301 (toll-free 1-833-990-9400); Guest Meeting ID: 373876354#.
Source: www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
Access information for "LISTEN ONLY" phone number for the Hearing on October 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Telephone Number: 1-571-353-2301 (toll-free 1-833-990-9400); Guest Meeting ID: 373876354#.
Source: www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
October 30, 2025 at 7:45 PM
Federal personnel at the ICE facility in Portland were prepared to use lethal "capability" on June 14 based on conviction protesters were going to breach building, a Federal Protective Services commander said at testimony today.
"Fortunately that did not happen," he said.
Trial break until 1.15pm
"Fortunately that did not happen," he said.
Trial break until 1.15pm
"Yet, so far, there is uneven evidence that the promised cost-savings from AI are actually worth what companies are putting into it."
Tens of thousands of layoffs are being blamed on AI. What are companies actually getting?
Amazon announced a reorganization that will result in the elimination of 14,000 jobs — and said AI is a leading cause.
www.nbcnews.com
October 30, 2025 at 6:03 PM
"Yet, so far, there is uneven evidence that the promised cost-savings from AI are actually worth what companies are putting into it."
Oregon v Trump trial has started. Already, 👀 👀. Judge Immergut learned that after her first TRO blocking Oregon National Guard from deployment at 3 or 4pm, the troops remained deployed until 2am (they were deployed prev. morning).
"We'll discuss later whether that's contempt," Immergut said.
"We'll discuss later whether that's contempt," Immergut said.
I POSTED TOO SOON! Public, you can listen!
Access information for "LISTEN ONLY" phone number for the Hearing on October 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Telephone Number: 1-571-353-2301 (toll-free 1-833-990-9400); Guest Meeting ID: 373876354#.
Source: www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
Access information for "LISTEN ONLY" phone number for the Hearing on October 29, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Telephone Number: 1-571-353-2301 (toll-free 1-833-990-9400); Guest Meeting ID: 373876354#.
Source: www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481...
October 29, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Oregon v Trump trial has started. Already, 👀 👀. Judge Immergut learned that after her first TRO blocking Oregon National Guard from deployment at 3 or 4pm, the troops remained deployed until 2am (they were deployed prev. morning).
"We'll discuss later whether that's contempt," Immergut said.
"We'll discuss later whether that's contempt," Immergut said.