Capital & Main Wins Five Best in Business Awards from SABEW

March 26, 2026 - 09:12

An in-depth investigation revealing California's systemic failure to protect underage agricultural workers has been recognized with a prestigious award. The series earned a top prize from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) in its annual Best in Business competition.

The award-winning reporting meticulously documented the gaps in enforcement and legal loopholes that leave young farmworkers vulnerable to exploitation and dangerous working conditions. It highlighted how state agencies often overlooked violations, leaving children working in one of the nation's most hazardous industries without adequate safeguards.

This project was one of five entries honored by SABEW, which celebrates excellence in business, financial, and economic journalism. The judges commended the work for its powerful narrative and significant public service, shedding light on a critical labor issue within the state's massive agricultural economy. The investigation has sparked renewed conversations about labor law enforcement and the need for stronger protections for some of the workforce's most marginalized individuals.