The Latest Articles by Michael Hiltzik

Michael Hiltzik: Did the pandemic finally give working Americans power over their employers? Not really

Labor advocates have been feeling their oats lately, what with a surge of successful union organizing drives at Starbucks stores, the hint of union interest at Amazon warehouses, higher minimum wage standards in cities and states across the country, and a nudge up of average wages across the board.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 30, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: Young people need to fight for Social Security — now more than ever

One almost has to admire Republicans for the tenacity and determination with which they keep coming up with new ideas for hobbling Social Security.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 30, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: Painful signs emerge that Fed is moving too far, too fast with aggressive rate increases

We have a term for the intentional infliction of pain on others: cruelty. So what are we to make of the Federal Reserve Board?

Los Angeles Times · Sep 26, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: This life-saving drug will cost a record $2.8 million. Who will pay the price?

For the estimated 1,500 Americans suffering from a blood disorder known as beta thalassemia, the Food and Drug Administration's approval Aug. 17 of the drug Zynteglo was almost unalloyed good news.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 9, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: If Mississippi is a 'laboratory of democracy,' we're in trouble

The notion of states as "laboratories of democracy" is generally credited to Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 8, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: Prop. 27 backers say it will solve homelessness by enabling sports gambling. Don't bet on it

California ballot initiative campaigns long since turned into founts of misinformation and lies purveyed by self-interested promoters.

Los Angeles Times · Sep 2, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: In blow to public health, judge tosses FDA lawsuit targeting a clinic offering unproven stem cell treatments

A federal judge in Riverside, California, declared a stem cell treatment firm operating in the state to be exempt from Food and Drug Administration regulations, opening the door to the further proliferation of clinics offering therapies the FDA says are scientifically unproven and potentially dangerous.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 31, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: GOP ratchets up the hypocrisy in opposing Biden's student debt plan

The hypocrisy meter has been stuck at the high end as Republicans and conservatives fill the airwaves and social media to decry President Joe Biden's student loan forgiveness proposal.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 31, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: How the decline of local news exposes the public to lies and corruption

Gannett Co., the largest newspaper chain in the country, had some encouraging news for its news staff and readers in July.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 30, 2022

Michael Hiltzik: Republicans attacking student loan relief as a taxpayer burden got degrees on taxpayers' dime

President Joe Biden's student loan relief proposal, including a freeze on payments through the end of the year and forgiveness of $10,000 to $20,000 in loan balances, has elicited predictable cries of outrage from Republicans.

Los Angeles Times · Aug 26, 2022