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.
Given the high level of usage of "Russian nesting doll" in today's persuasive journalism, I think the public is prepared to hear or read the original Russian word for this: Matryoshka.
There, I just saved you two words and 12 characters as you wage your laconic battle against the SEO gods.
There, I just saved you two words and 12 characters as you wage your laconic battle against the SEO gods.
November 25, 2025 at 3:16 AM
Given the high level of usage of "Russian nesting doll" in today's persuasive journalism, I think the public is prepared to hear or read the original Russian word for this: Matryoshka.
There, I just saved you two words and 12 characters as you wage your laconic battle against the SEO gods.
There, I just saved you two words and 12 characters as you wage your laconic battle against the SEO gods.
ICYMI: Why did the University of California vote to continue regular tuition increases of up to 5%?
One reason: UC says it routes 40% of new tuition revenue to financial aid, making UC cheaper for CA low-income undergrads.
Did that stop a brief confrontation between UC police and students? No.
One reason: UC says it routes 40% of new tuition revenue to financial aid, making UC cheaper for CA low-income undergrads.
Did that stop a brief confrontation between UC police and students? No.
UC continues annual tuition hikes despite student appeals. Here's how much it will increase
The annual increases will be tied to inflation, and capped at 5% per year. Tuition won’t change for six years for each incoming class.
calmatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 6:35 PM
ICYMI: Why did the University of California vote to continue regular tuition increases of up to 5%?
One reason: UC says it routes 40% of new tuition revenue to financial aid, making UC cheaper for CA low-income undergrads.
Did that stop a brief confrontation between UC police and students? No.
One reason: UC says it routes 40% of new tuition revenue to financial aid, making UC cheaper for CA low-income undergrads.
Did that stop a brief confrontation between UC police and students? No.
UPDATE: CSU approved the new compensation plan. Thirteen CSU presidents got base raises because of what they were owed under a previous pay policy. The raises range from 5% to 20% and apply retroactively to July. Several others are slated to get performance-based raises of 5% to 15% in 2026-27.
NEW: California State University wants to increase the salaries of its campus presidents and other senior executives.
The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000.
The discussion and vote is tomorrow.
calmatters.org/education/hi...
The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000.
The discussion and vote is tomorrow.
calmatters.org/education/hi...
Cal State wants to offer bigger raises to campus presidents while cutting elsewhere
The proposal would increase salaries for Cal State executives and possibly include bonuses while the system is cutting its budget.
calmatters.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:53 AM
UPDATE: CSU approved the new compensation plan. Thirteen CSU presidents got base raises because of what they were owed under a previous pay policy. The raises range from 5% to 20% and apply retroactively to July. Several others are slated to get performance-based raises of 5% to 15% in 2026-27.
Reposted by Mikhail Zinshteyn
The University of California has renewed its policy of annual tuition hikes today after the UC Board of Regents voted 13 to 3 to approve the measure, despite fierce opposition from undergraduates. bit.ly/3XIfH1W
📝 @mzinshteyn.bsky.social
📸 Adriana Heldiz
📝 @mzinshteyn.bsky.social
📸 Adriana Heldiz
November 20, 2025 at 12:00 AM
The University of California has renewed its policy of annual tuition hikes today after the UC Board of Regents voted 13 to 3 to approve the measure, despite fierce opposition from undergraduates. bit.ly/3XIfH1W
📝 @mzinshteyn.bsky.social
📸 Adriana Heldiz
📝 @mzinshteyn.bsky.social
📸 Adriana Heldiz
After several dozen UC students shout at UC regents over their discussion to continue raising tuition, the Regents asked police to order an unlawful assembly. Moments later, UC police holding batons and wearing face shields approached the students, who left the area.
Regents now returning to meet.
Regents now returning to meet.
November 19, 2025 at 9:34 PM
After several dozen UC students shout at UC regents over their discussion to continue raising tuition, the Regents asked police to order an unlawful assembly. Moments later, UC police holding batons and wearing face shields approached the students, who left the area.
Regents now returning to meet.
Regents now returning to meet.
NEW: California State University wants to increase the salaries of its campus presidents and other senior executives.
The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000.
The discussion and vote is tomorrow.
calmatters.org/education/hi...
The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000.
The discussion and vote is tomorrow.
calmatters.org/education/hi...
Cal State wants to offer bigger raises to campus presidents while cutting elsewhere
The proposal would increase salaries for Cal State executives and possibly include bonuses while the system is cutting its budget.
calmatters.org
November 18, 2025 at 11:34 PM
NEW: California State University wants to increase the salaries of its campus presidents and other senior executives.
The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000.
The discussion and vote is tomorrow.
calmatters.org/education/hi...
The current base pay for Cal State campus presidents ranges from $370,000 to more than $500,000.
The discussion and vote is tomorrow.
calmatters.org/education/hi...
The market fell today in part because not enough homes were badly damaged.
Home Depot: "Milder weather and a lack of storms also affected sales, Home Depot said, curbing demand for seasonal products such as roofing materials and generators, which typically boost late-summer revenue."
Home Depot: "Milder weather and a lack of storms also affected sales, Home Depot said, curbing demand for seasonal products such as roofing materials and generators, which typically boost late-summer revenue."
Middle-class shoppers are pulling back
Home Depot earnings fall short of forecasts as middle-class shoppers pull back, reflecting weaker consumer spending.
www.businessinsider.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:48 PM
The market fell today in part because not enough homes were badly damaged.
Home Depot: "Milder weather and a lack of storms also affected sales, Home Depot said, curbing demand for seasonal products such as roofing materials and generators, which typically boost late-summer revenue."
Home Depot: "Milder weather and a lack of storms also affected sales, Home Depot said, curbing demand for seasonal products such as roofing materials and generators, which typically boost late-summer revenue."
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...