The Stakes

Shreya Mishra (’27) reports about research grants amounting to $240 million terminated by the Trump administration, most of them related to trans health or DEI, and the researchers affected.

Chloe Swedberg (’27) explains how cuts to ACA subsidies are affecting local artists who are often self-employed and have relatively low health insurance participation.

Michael Han (’27) reports on how the flower industry which imports much of its product from South American countries including Ecuador has been hit by increased US import tariffs.

Hope Munoz (’27) reports that Richmond hopes to manufacture turbine parts for the Humboldt Bay offshore wind project, which launched with federal money that has since been rescinded.

Patricio Provencio (’27) reports that although the Trump administration has cut funding for California wind energy projects, Richmond is studying the feasibility of a turbine manufacturing center with a California Dept of Energy grant.

Shreya Mishra (’27) reports on State Sen. Scott Weiner wanting the Legislature to ask voters to support a $23 billion bond measure to fund science and research in California.

Chloe Swedberg (’27) reports that a coalition of Berkeley performing arts organizations is proposing an arts tax to counter the loss of millions of dollars in grant funding under the Trump administration.

Calliope Arkilic (’27) reports on a Contra Costa County cooking class that has to find new funding after the Trump administration cut all SNAP education programs.

Hyeyoon Cho (’27) publishes story in the San Francisco Chronicle about how cuts to the refugee resettlement program are affecting people from Afghanistan who resettled in Fremont.

Eloise Rollins-Fife’s (’27) report on how $600,000 in federal funding cuts at the direction of the Trump administration force a center’s services to scale back, or cut entirely, publishes in The East Bay Times, San Jose Mercury News and Oakland North.

Lenéa Sims (’27) reports on the impact of the EPA cancelling a major grant claiming the North Richmond initiative promoted “DEI or environmental justice initiatives”, in the Contra Costa Pulse.

Nicole J. Caruth (’25) reports on hunger relief organizations benefiting from surplus donations due to SB 1383, which has reshaped the state’s approach to food waste.

Fernando Haro (’27) reports that while regular ICE raids across the country have prompted some cities to cancel Latino community events, not in San Francisco’s Mission District.

Hope Muñoz reports on the Shark Stewards, the organizer of Berkeley’s largest protest last weekend that opposes the Trump administration’s opening of commercial fishing in protected areas of the ocean.

Renée Bartlett-Webber (’26) reports California schools are heading into a new academic year without about $148 million in federal grants for teacher preparation programs, funds seen as integral to addressing widespread teacher shortages, for LAist.

Berkeley Talks shares an hourlong special about The Stakes Explained that aired on KALX in July. Berkeley scholars and other experts break down some of Trump’s executive orders, from those targeting diversity, equity and inclusion in education to others that are reshaping the immigration system and immigration enforcement.

Bryan Wen (’26), a summer intern on “The Stakes” project teams up with alum and California Local News Fellow Zhe Wu (’23) on a deeply reported story about the affect the Trump administration’s actions have had on area food banks co-published by The San Francisco Public Press, CapRadio in Sacramento, Northern California Public Media and Richmond Confidential.

Prof. Shereen Marisol Meraji and Berkeley Journalism students launch a new podcast series called “The Stakes Explained” on KALW’s “Bay Made”. Each episode includes interviews with campus scholars, community experts and journalists about executive orders and policies coming from the Trump Administration.

After turning 66 in January, an Oakland preschool teacher applied for Social Security benefits. In April, an alarming letter arrived in the mail. Story by Daniela Castillo for the East Bay Times.

Undocumented students share how political and legal battles have shaped their identities and their hopes for the future. Stories by Andrea Martinez, Jaquelin Salgado, Nati Lopez, Star Avila, Valentina Cardenas & Vanessa Colin.

A landmark legal settlement agreement between environmental groups and the National Park Service promised to phase out 80% of commercial cattle operations across the protected coastline of Point Reyes National Seashore. Story by Fiona Ulrich.

Two San Diego nonprofits have been left hanging by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for months, unable to withdraw millions in contractually obligated funds. But they haven’t been told why. Story by By Riley Ramirez.

Directives issued by the Department of Homeland Security allows ICE and Customs and Border Protection to make arrests in areas that were previously protected, such as schools, hospitals and places of worship. The shifting immigration policies have made it challenging for educators. Story by Haydee Barahona.

The US government is restoring the legal status of hundreds of international students after a wave of lawsuits challenged the abrupt suspension of their visas. Story by Ava Hu.

UC Berkeley has taken a less conspicuous approach to voicing its concern for potential raids on its campus. The threats sparked faculty and student protests against in February against the funding cuts. Contributions by Julia Mayer and edited by Queena Kim.

After mass firings and rehiring, thousands of federal employees are bracing for deeper cuts — just as wildfires, floods, and rising temperatures threaten national parks. By Twilight Greenaway for the Grist.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency suspended the promised $19 million, marking the second time the grant has been put on hold since President Donald Trump tried to freeze federal grants in January 2025. The EPA says it’s proud of axing grants to save money. Story by Riley Ramirez. Published in Bay Nature.

County says it got $30,000, but now can’t access additional funds. EPA says Monday it’s proud of axing grants to save money. Story by Riley Ramirez. Published in Richmondside.