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.
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.
California has sued the Trump administration 45 times since the president took office 40 weeks ago.
The latest lawsuit? A multi-state effort to force the government to fund food stamps for 40 million+ Americans in November by use a rainy-day fund (to get around the government shutdown).
The latest lawsuit? A multi-state effort to force the government to fund food stamps for 40 million+ Americans in November by use a rainy-day fund (to get around the government shutdown).
Resistance state: Tracking California's lawsuits against the new Trump administration
California under Gov. Gavin Newsom is suing the Trump administration to protect birthright citizenship, stop the mass firing of federal workers and sustain funding for health and science research.
calmatters.org
October 29, 2025 at 12:27 AM
California has sued the Trump administration 45 times since the president took office 40 weeks ago.
The latest lawsuit? A multi-state effort to force the government to fund food stamps for 40 million+ Americans in November by use a rainy-day fund (to get around the government shutdown).
The latest lawsuit? A multi-state effort to force the government to fund food stamps for 40 million+ Americans in November by use a rainy-day fund (to get around the government shutdown).
NEW: The Ninth Circuit will hear en banc (full panel of judges) whether Trump can deploy the Oregon National Guard to Portland.
A panel on the 9th preliminarily said yes, blocking a lower court judge's TRO.
Now with the full 9th agreeing to hear this, the Oct. 20 TRO stay is vacated.
1/2
A panel on the 9th preliminarily said yes, blocking a lower court judge's TRO.
Now with the full 9th agreeing to hear this, the Oct. 20 TRO stay is vacated.
1/2
#61 in State of Oregon, et al. v. Trump, et al. (9th Cir., 25-6268) – CourtListener.com
ORDER FOR PUBLICATION (Susan P. GRABER, Ryan D. NELSON, Bridget S. BADE) (Concurrence by Judge R. Nelson; Dissent by Judge Graber). [SEE ORDER FOR FULL TEXT] For these reasons, we GRANT Defendant’s mo...
www.courtlistener.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:15 AM
NEW: The Ninth Circuit will hear en banc (full panel of judges) whether Trump can deploy the Oregon National Guard to Portland.
A panel on the 9th preliminarily said yes, blocking a lower court judge's TRO.
Now with the full 9th agreeing to hear this, the Oct. 20 TRO stay is vacated.
1/2
A panel on the 9th preliminarily said yes, blocking a lower court judge's TRO.
Now with the full 9th agreeing to hear this, the Oct. 20 TRO stay is vacated.
1/2
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 28, 2025 at 11:54 PM
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...
If you were hoping to remote-listen to the Oregon v Trump National Guard trial 9am tomorrow, you can't.
Unless something changes before tomorrow 9am, the three-day trial will have no call-in or audio/video feature. So, only reporters at the Portland courthouse can observe the proceedings. (1/2)
Unless something changes before tomorrow 9am, the three-day trial will have no call-in or audio/video feature. So, only reporters at the Portland courthouse can observe the proceedings. (1/2)
October 28, 2025 at 11:41 PM
If you were hoping to remote-listen to the Oregon v Trump National Guard trial 9am tomorrow, you can't.
Unless something changes before tomorrow 9am, the three-day trial will have no call-in or audio/video feature. So, only reporters at the Portland courthouse can observe the proceedings. (1/2)
Unless something changes before tomorrow 9am, the three-day trial will have no call-in or audio/video feature. So, only reporters at the Portland courthouse can observe the proceedings. (1/2)
ICYMI:
The proposal outlines the Trump administration’s vision for higher education that is free from efforts to promote diversity and transgender inclusion.
calmatters.org/newsletter/t...
The proposal outlines the Trump administration’s vision for higher education that is free from efforts to promote diversity and transgender inclusion.
calmatters.org/newsletter/t...
What’s inside Trump’s $1.2-billion settlement demand letter to UCLA? It’s finally public
Find out what’s inside Trump's settlement demand letter to UCLA, which the public has known about, but now has access to after UC faculty sued.
calmatters.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:17 PM
ICYMI:
The proposal outlines the Trump administration’s vision for higher education that is free from efforts to promote diversity and transgender inclusion.
calmatters.org/newsletter/t...
The proposal outlines the Trump administration’s vision for higher education that is free from efforts to promote diversity and transgender inclusion.
calmatters.org/newsletter/t...
UC has released the Trump settlement demand to UCLA after losing a court effort to block its release.
Here it is.
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/s...
Here it is.
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/s...
October 25, 2025 at 12:51 AM
UC has released the Trump settlement demand to UCLA after losing a court effort to block its release.
Here it is.
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/s...
Here it is.
www.universityofcalifornia.edu/press-room/s...
UC faculty that sued say they expect the document today:
"The judge ordered the document be released to the public today. The plaintiffs are awaiting the production of the document now"
"The judge ordered the document be released to the public today. The plaintiffs are awaiting the production of the document now"
NEW: The CA Supreme Court rejected the University of California's appeal to block a ruling forcing the UC to share the Trump settlement demand of $1.2 billion.
UC faculty sued to have the letter released in an effort to make it public. To date we've known limited elements of what Trump seeks.
UC faculty sued to have the letter released in an effort to make it public. To date we've known limited elements of what Trump seeks.
October 24, 2025 at 10:16 PM
UC faculty that sued say they expect the document today:
"The judge ordered the document be released to the public today. The plaintiffs are awaiting the production of the document now"
"The judge ordered the document be released to the public today. The plaintiffs are awaiting the production of the document now"
NEW: The CA Supreme Court rejected the University of California's appeal to block a ruling forcing the UC to share the Trump settlement demand of $1.2 billion.
UC faculty sued to have the letter released in an effort to make it public. To date we've known limited elements of what Trump seeks.
UC faculty sued to have the letter released in an effort to make it public. To date we've known limited elements of what Trump seeks.
October 24, 2025 at 10:14 PM
NEW: The CA Supreme Court rejected the University of California's appeal to block a ruling forcing the UC to share the Trump settlement demand of $1.2 billion.
UC faculty sued to have the letter released in an effort to make it public. To date we've known limited elements of what Trump seeks.
UC faculty sued to have the letter released in an effort to make it public. To date we've known limited elements of what Trump seeks.