North America
After Trump’s racist outburst, Democrats plead for anti-immigrant “compromise” with White House
By Niles Niemuth and Barry Grey, 15 January 2018
Trump has responded to the Democrats’ mixture of servility and phony outrage by doubling down on his demands for curbs on immigration.
Cold-related deaths in Wisconsin expose abysmal social conditions
By Christopher Davion and Matthew Verhoven, 15 January 2018
Nine people died in Wisconsin due to exposure to freezing temperatures that began in the final week of 2017.
Homeless deaths skyrocket in major Canadian cities
By Janet Browning, 15 January 2018
The rising death rate among Canada’s homeless underscores the cynicism and insincerity of the federal Liberals’ housing strategy.
US AFRICOM blacklists reporter Nick Turse as “not a legitimate journalist”
By Eddie Haywood, 15 January 2018
The move is of a piece with the global effort to censor oppositional and alternative viewpoints on the Internet.
Trump’s racist comments trigger international condemnation
By James Cogan, 13 January 2018
Officials of the Trump administration have been left to make desperate attempts to contain the diplomatic fallout.
Aluminum giants lock out one thousand ABI workers in Quebec
By Laurent Lafrance, 13 January 2018
A joint venture of Alcoa and Rio Tinto Alcan, ABI has locked out 1,030 workers at its Bécancour smelter after they massively rejected the company’s final offer.
The deadly impact of Hurricane María extends to US hospitals
Power outages set off IV bag shortages
By Genevieve Leigh, 13 January 2018
Ongoing power outages in Puerto Rico have set off a severe crisis of IV bag shortages on the US mainland, exacerbated by a sharp increase in flu cases nationwide.
House Democrats supply votes to block limits on NSA spying
By Niles Niemuth, 13 January 2018
The Democratic Party’s support ensures the illegal surveillance program that began under George W. Bush and was expanded by Obama will pass unscathed into the hands of Donald Trump.
Walmart closes 63 Sam’s Club locations, lays off thousands of employees
By Trévon Austin, 13 January 2018
The closures and mass layoffs expose the media hype surrounding Walmart’s announced raising of wages.
Deadly mudslides in Southern California expose inadequate infrastructure
By Dan Conway, 13 January 2018
Four days after 3-foot-high mudslides raged through the California coastal community of Montecito, rescuers continue to search for survivors.
Washington Post columnist goes after Woody Allen’s “lechery”
By David Walsh, 13 January 2018
In peculiarly American fashion, layers of the well-heeled middle class have suddenly discovered piety and morality, at least in public. An absurd and repulsive prudishness has overtaken the media and official circles.
The campaign over the “unfitness” of Donald Trump
By Patrick Martin, 8 January 2018
The Democrats, once again, avoid any appeal to popular opposition to the right-wing policies of Trump and the Republicans.
Puerto Rico, more than 100 days after Hurricane Maria: The class issues
By Genevieve Leigh, 8 January 2018
The absence of planning for the hurricane and the lack of any significant response to the devastation by the local and federal governments has had deadly consequences.
Motel 6 sued for passing on guest information to ICE immigration officials
By Norisa Diaz, 8 January 2018
The lawsuit addresses widespread practices at numerous locations where Motel 6 handed over the names, birthdates, driver's license numbers, license-plate numbers and room numbers of at least 9,000 guests to immigration officials without warrants.
Rising rents put low income US renters in severe jeopardy
By Debra Watson, 8 January 2018
Rent burdens have increased in the US over the past 15 years, putting workers at the lower end of the pay scale in severe housing jeopardy.
Trump “defends” the right to protest in Iran, criminalizes protest in Washington
By E.P. Milligan, 8 January 2018
Even as Trump was bloviating about the right to protest in Iran, his Justice Department was carrying out a political trial against peaceful protesters in a brazen attack on the freedom of speech and assembly guaranteed by the US Constitution.
Tell-all book on Trump White House intensifies US political crisis
By Barry Grey, 6 January 2018
The book has received nonstop media coverage and provided new ammunition for those factions within the ruling class that are pushing for Trump’s removal from office.
Gentrification fueling eviction crisis in New York City
By Steve Light, 6 January 2018
The rise in eviction cases demonstrates the increasing unaffordability of housing in working class neighborhoods in New York City.
Over 20 dead in winter storm as US cold wave continues
By Kathleen Martin, 6 January 2018
While media reports are conflicting, the winter storm emerging from the ‘bomb cyclone’ on the eastern coast of the US has directly claimed at least 22 lives, with the number expected to rise over the weekend.
December US jobs report reveals weaker than expected growth
By Trévon Austin, 6 January 2018
The modest improvement in the unemployment rate and number of jobs added over the last year are not reflective of the real situation confronting millions of workers.
Foxconn tax subsidies to build Wisconsin plant reach over $4 billion
By George Gallanis, 6 January 2018
Decades of deindustrialization have created unprecedented levels of social inequality, poverty and unemployment, which corporations like Foxconn can exploit.
Daphne Merkin’s “Publicly, We Say #MeToo. Privately, We Have Misgivings”
The New York Times’ reactionary sexual harassment campaign runs into opposition
By David Walsh, 6 January 2018
In a column Friday, critic and novelist Daphne Merkin acknowledges there is considerable hostility to the current sexual misconduct witch-hunt even within its target demographic.
As teachers face new battles against Trump
Lessons of the fight against Obama’s “school reform”—Part 2
By Nancy Hanover and Jerry White, 6 January 2018
Taken together, the seminal struggles of teachers and other public sector workers in Wisconsin (2011), Chicago (2012) and Detroit (2015-16) contain powerful political lessons for the defense of education and workers’ rights.
Deadly Bronx fire: A tragic product of inequality and social crisis in America
By Fred Mazelis and A. Woodson, 30 December 2017
In every sphere of life, New York remains what newly reelected Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio hypocritically promised to change four years ago: two worlds in one city.
New York prepares military-style occupation for New Year’s celebration in Times Square
By Philip Guelpa, 30 December 2017
Thousands of heavily armed, uniformed personnel, including police snipers, are being deployed to impose a military-style occupation of Times Square in connection with the annual New Year’s Eve celebration.
Drexel University professor resigns amid death threats from right-wing forces
By Trévon Austin, 30 December 2017
Ciccariello-Maher, a professor of politics and global studies, was harassed and threatened after several tweets he made were criticized on various right-wing outlets.
Trump administration rolls back fines against nursing homes as violations mount
By Kate Randall, 30 December 2017
By one government estimate, a staggering 380,000 deaths a year may be the result of health care-associated infections in facilities for the elderly.
It’s the most exhausting time of the year: Amazon, UPS workers denounce grueling holiday conditions
By our reporters, 30 December 2017
Amid reports of deaths at Amazon and UPS, workers at Amazon, UPS, FedEx, US Postal Service, and other logistics and delivery companies have been under immense pressure to meet increased demand during the Christmas holiday.
Alberta’s NDP government imposes wage and hiring freezes on public sector
By Janet Browning and Roger Jordan, 30 December 2017
The NDP’s anti-working class austerity measures are aimed at wooing big business, which has rallied behind the newly-established United Conservative Party.
Democratic Party witch-hunters target Green Party candidate Jill Stein
By Statement of the Political Committee of the Socialist Equality Party (US), 23 December 2017
The Socialist Equality Party condemns the targeting of Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate in the 2016 election, by Democrats in the Senate Intelligence Committee.
US considers splitting immigrant children from parents in immigration jails
By Eric London, 23 December 2017
The proposal comes at the end of a week marked by ruthless attacks against immigrants.
As AT&T announces holiday layoff of hundreds of workers
Corporate America begins campaign to sell Trump tax bonanza
By Patrick Martin, 23 December 2017
The bonuses announced by a handful of big companies are a cynical attempt to deflect attention from the billions in added profits they will receive.
Notes on police violence
Bexar County, Texas police shoot and kill six-year-old boy
By Trévon Austin, 23 December 2017
Sheriff’s deputies, firing at a fleeing woman, shot and killed six-year-old Kameron Prescott when at least one round pierced through the wall of his San Antonio-area mobile home.
Amazon worker dies after vomiting blood at Sacramento, California fulfillment center
By Kristina Betinis, 23 December 2017
This is at least the third death in recent months for the world’s largest online retailer, and the company has nearly doubled its workforce for holiday sales.
“If finding out what happened could save another life at least something good would come from our son’s death”
Family, co-workers want truth about Kentucky Ford worker’s death
By Jerry White, 23 December 2017
Two weeks after the death of 41-year-old electrician Ivan Bridgewater, company, union and government officials have not explained how the fatal accident occurred.
Nashville, Tennessee: Homelessness at record levels despite pledges from politicians and business leaders
By Warren Duzak, 23 December 2017
On an average night in January 2015 there were 2,365 homeless in Nashville, with 1,124 in emergency shelters, 560 in transitional housing and 470 living on the street.
US fire death toll in 2017 reaches 2,152
By Steve Filips, 23 December 2017
A heart wrenching increase in the deaths of children in fatal house fires highlights the substandard housing conditions and poverty widespread within the US.
Horrific death at Ohio meatpacking plant
Industrial carnage continues in US workplaces
By Jerry White, 18 December 2017
A 62-year-old immigrant worker is the latest victim in a wave of industrial fatalities in the US. On-the-job injuries claim nearly 5,000 lives every year.
UPS worker killed at Atlanta hub
By Steve Filips, 18 December 2017
William Stubbs, 51, a 17-year UPS employee was killed while unloading a trailer parked at a dock.
UN rapporteur “shocked” by deep poverty in US
By Eric London, 18 December 2017
A statement by UN Special Rapporteur Philip Alston details the nightmarish conditions faced by tens of millions of impoverished Americans and condemns the US government for human rights abuses.
More sexual harassment allegations hit congressmen, media and entertainment figures
By Patrick Martin, 18 December 2017
Nevada Representative Ruben Kihuen became the seventh congressman to have his career ended by allegations of sexual misconduct.
Democrat Bottoms wins Atlanta mayoralty after recount
By Kranti Kumara, 18 December 2017
The election was characterized by a debased and thoroughly reactionary campaign from both candidates.
The United States of Inequality
By Andre Damon, 18 December 2017
As Congress rushes to pass a tax bill that will transfer trillions of dollars to the financial oligarchy, it is becoming impossible to overlook the all-pervasive scale of social inequality in the United States.
Republicans release final bill to slash taxes for US corporations and the rich
By Barry Grey, 16 December 2017
The $1.5 trillion tax cut will dramatically expand the transfer of wealth and income in America from the bottom to the top.
Opposition mounts to sexual harassment witch-hunt
By Joseph Kishore, 16 December 2017
With the initial shock of the campaign beginning to wane, opposition is emerging from some of those targeted, including PBS personality Tavis Smiley.
“The rich people are not going to do anything for us”
University of Puerto Rico students speak on inequality and the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria
By Genevieve Leigh and Zac Corrigan, 16 December 2017
Nearly three months after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, a WSWS reporting team spoke to students at the island’s only public university about the ongoing crisis and the way forward for workers and youth.
West Virginia governor orders National Guard to Huntington after drug-related killings
By Naomi Spencer, 16 December 2017
After three homicides in the span of as many hours Thursday night, the city at the heart of West Virginia’s heroin epidemic stands on the verge of military occupation.
Government report details human rights violations at US immigration detention centers
By Norisa Diaz, 16 December 2017
According to a Department of Homeland Security report, inhumane treatment, lack of health, food, and safety provisions are rampant at both government and for-profit detention centers.
Build a committee to oppose Oakland school cuts! For a socialist program to expand public education!
By the Socialist Equality Party (US), 16 December 2017
Workers must reject the entire framework of austerity and fight for the broadest expansion of public education, through the independent political mobilization of the entire working class.
Oakland, California board of education approves mid-year budget cuts despite growing opposition
By Jonathan Burleigh, 16 December 2017
Roughly 500 people attended the latest board meeting to protest the budget cuts, expressing the deep support for public education within Oakland’s working class.
Jens Stoltenberg and Angelina Jolie call for NATO intervention to promote “gender equality”
By Julie Hyland, 16 December 2017
In a modern day-twist to the “white man’s burden”, NATO General Secretary Jens Stoltenberg and actress Angelina Jolie advocate the fight for “cultural change” and “gender equality” through the barrel of a gun.
On-the-spot report
Over a million in Puerto Rico living without the necessities of modern life
“The island has been turned upside down since the storm”
By Genevieve Leigh and Zac Corrigan, 14 December 2017
Nearly three months after Hurricane Maria made landfall a WSWS reporting team spoke to residents in San Sebastian, Puerto about the discrepancy between official news reports of the island’s recovery and the actual conditions they face.
Lessons of the Alabama election
By Patrick Martin, 14 December 2017
Following the Alabama election and the defeat of Roy Moore, the Democrats are intensifying their campaign against Trump based on allegations of sexual misconduct and anti-Russia hysteria.
Congressional Republicans reach deal to pass tax cuts before Christmas
By Niles Niemuth, 14 December 2017
Trump announced that a deal had been reached on a bill that will slash $1.5 trillion in taxes and provide another major windfall for the rich and large corporations.
Alabama Senate result shows collapse of support for Trump
By Patrick Martin, 14 December 2017
African-American voters and young people, along with residents in upscale suburban areas, provided the biggest margins against Republican Roy Moore.
“Ford and big companies don’t care if you live or not”
Ford workers speak out on Kentucky Truck worker’s death
By Jessica Goldstein and Jerry White, 14 December 2017
A coroner ruled that Ivan Bridgewater, 41, died of blunt force trauma under still unexplained circumstances.
Outgoing Fed chair Yellen brushes off financial warning signs
By Nick Beams, 14 December 2017
While she dismissed the impact of bitcoin on the financial system, Yellen was reminded by one questioner that her predecessor, Ben Bernanke, had said in 2007 that the sub-prime bubble would have no broader effects.
US Supreme Court rejects appeal by gay woman in employment discrimination case
By Ed Hightower, 14 December 2017
The high court’s inaction means that employers in most states can openly discriminate against homosexuals without consequences under federal law.
Portland billionaire attacks city’s homeless
By Hector Cordon, 14 December 2017
An effort has begun to shift the city’s response toward the homeless crisis to a more open policy of criminalization.
America’s latest “Scarlet Letter” moment
By David North, 9 December 2017
Working people should steer clear of the right-wing “Me Too” campaign.
Fires rage across Southern California for fifth day
By Dan Conway, 9 December 2017
As the fires continue, the Trump administration is pushing for cuts in fire prevention and Democratic Governor Brown is imposing pension cuts on firefighters.
Trump nominates business ally to head Consumer Product Safety Commission
By Trévon Austin, 9 December 2017
Anne Marie Buerkle has a long history of voting against penalizing companies that violate safety regulations.
Video released as cop who killed unarmed Daniel Shaver found not guilty
By George Gallanis, 9 December 2017
Body-cam footage of the killing shows Daniel Shaver begging for his life and crawling on his knees before being shot five times by an Arizona police officer.
South Carolina cop sentenced to 20 years for murder of Walter Scott
By Daniel de Vries, 9 December 2017
The jail term is a rare exception to the rule of carte blanche for police violence.
Canada: Alberta’s “united right” elects key Harper aide to lead new party
By Riksen Stewart and Roger Jordan, 9 December 2017
Kenney has pledged to implement a 20 percent cut in public spending and signalled that a UCP government would freeze or partially roll back the provincial minimum wage.
Guilty plea by Trump’s former national security adviser Flynn intensifies US political crisis
By Bill Van Auken, 2 December 2017
There are powerful sections of the ruling class that want to push Trump out, and with Flynn they appear to have obtained plenty of ammunition.
Canada to co-host meeting with US to prepare for war with North Korea
By Roger Jordan, 2 December 2017
References to a negotiated settlement are for public consumption alone, with the Trudeau government well aware that a conflict on the Korean peninsula is deeply unpopular.
US federal prosecutors rely on ultra-right propagandist group’s recordings in trial of inauguration day protesters
By Nick Barrickman, 2 December 2017
The federal government’s use of material from Project Veritas in its case against anti-Trump demonstrators further signifies the Trump administration’s reliance on far-right forces.
IYSSE mounts campaign against university police censorship at University of California, Berkeley
By Evan Blake, 2 December 2017
Students registered opposition to the suppression of free speech and militarization of police by signing a petition and joining the International Youth and Students for Social Equality.
WSWS Arts Editor David Walsh at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor on December 5
Public meeting: What the Russian Revolution meant for modern art and culture
2 December 2017
David Walsh, arts editor of the WSWS, will be speaking at a meeting on December 5 to discuss the impact and influence of the Russian Revolution on art and culture, and its meaning today.
Canada backs Spain’s crackdown on Catalan independence referendum
By Roger Jordan and Keith Jones, 18 November 2017
The Trudeau government’s support for Spain’s suppression of the Catalan independence referendum makes clear it would be ready to use similar methods to uphold the integrity of the Canadian state.
Louisiana man wrongfully convicted of rape leaves prison after nearly 46 years
By Kate Randall, 18 November 2017
A state district judge called the case against Wilbert Jones “weak, at best,” and said authorities withheld evidence that could have exonerated him in 1974.
Ontario Liberals to outlaw college teachers’ strike
By Dylan Lubao, 18 November 2017
The trade union-backed Liberals of Premier Kathleen Wynne have introduced strikebreaking legislation to end a five-week-long strike by 12,000 community college faculty.
The US tax bill: A massive handout to the financial elite
By Andre Damon, 18 November 2017
The tax bill passed by the US House of Representatives Thursday marks a new milestone in the transformation of the United States into an oligarchy.
Amanda Hess and Manohla Dargis on the Weinstein-Spacey-Louis C.K. affairs
Viciousness and ignorance: New York Times columnists on the rampage
By David Walsh, 18 November 2017
The newspaper has been at the forefront of the scandal over sexual misconduct in the entertainment industry, which has now been extended into the political arena.
White House, congressional Republicans accelerate drive for corporate tax cut worth trillions
By Barry Grey, 11 November 2017
The tax plans are designed to widen the gap between the very rich and everybody else.
House to vote on giving Amazon $53 billion deal to become main Pentagon supplier
By Evan Blake, 11 November 2017
If the bill becomes law, Amazon will be providing hundreds of thousands of CIA agents, military personnel, prosecutors, and immigration agents with their pencils, desks, and chairs.
Another decisive repudiation
Ohio auto glass workers vote 2-1 against the UAW
By Shannon Jones, 11 November 2017
The vote against the UAW took place in an area that was once noted for worker militancy and the scene of pitched class battles.
Recall election fails to oust Flint, Michigan mayor
By Sheila Brehm, 11 November 2017
Last Tuesday’s mayoral election in Flint was marked by mass abstention after three-and-a-half years of an ongoing lead water crisis.
Ontario colleges issue ultimatum to striking faculty
By Dylan Lubao, 11 November 2017
Making use of Ontario’s reactionary labour laws, college administrators are forcing 12,000 striking faculty to vote on a “final offer” that addresses none of the workers’ demands.
Democratic Party crisis explodes in wake of Brazile revelations
By Patrick Martin, 6 November 2017
Appearing on national television, Donna Brazile, the former interim chair of the Democratic National Committee, told Clinton loyalists who denounced her revelations to “Go to hell.”
Over 25 killed in mass shooting in Texas
By Trévon Austin, 6 November 2017
Officials say nearly everyone inside the church was injured, including children and pregnant women.
“We are treated like garbage, like we are disposable”
Detroit autoworkers condemn UAW in death of young Ford worker
By a WSWS reporting team, 6 November 2017
All workers confront stressful conditions at the factory, where the workday is 10 hours, and the UAW has long collaborated with the FCA bosses to cut wages and increase production.
Temp work past the age of retirement
Amazon’s CamperForce program exploits elderly workers
By Evan Blake, 6 November 2017
Every year, Amazon hires thousands of temporary workers in their 50s, 60s and 70s to carry out backbreaking labor during the holiday season.
Guantanamo Bay military judge arrests military defense lawyer
By Alan Gilman, 6 November 2017
The al-Nashiri case underscores the mockery being made of the Bill of Rights through the Military Commissions hearings at Guantanamo Bay.
Survivors of Northern California fires face new ordeal of recovery
By Therese Leclerc, 6 November 2017
Approximately 28,000 undocumented adults and children live in the region worst affected by the flames. But they do not qualify for federal aid.
UAW-corporate corruption scandal spreads to Ford and GM
By Eric London, 4 November 2017
Workers need workplace and neighborhood committees to advance their interests against the massive corporations that dictate the policies of the government and control the unions.
Former Democratic chairman reveals Clinton rigging of 2016 nomination campaign
By Patrick Martin, 4 November 2017
A new book by Donna Brazile confirms charges by supporters of Bernie Sanders that the Democratic National Committee took sides against him in the primaries.
“This is one smart guy”
US teachers union chief Randi Weingarten held secret meeting with Steve Bannon
By Jerry White, 4 November 2017
For over six months, the AFT president sought to conceal her meeting with Trump’s fascistic aide who was at the time the top White House strategist.
In part due to Trump sabotage
Obamacare premiums to soar in 2018
By Kate Randall, 4 November 2017
The most vulnerable population group will be households—as many as 2 million people—that are ineligible for subsidies.
“The sad thing is that there are so many people like me in that system”
Davino Watson, US citizen falsely imprisoned by ICE agents, speaks out
By Nick Barrickman, 4 November 2017
Watson has been denied the right to sue for damages incurred while he was illegally imprisoned by ICE for over three years.
Billionaire CEO Joe Ricketts shuts down DNAinfo and Gothamist after unionization vote
By Michael Walters and Alexander Fangmann, 4 November 2017
The sudden shutdown of the popular local news websites illustrates the dangers posed by the financial aristocracy’s control over the media and the internet.
After ultimatum and threats of job loss
Union ends Palatine, Illinois support staff strike without contract
By George Marlowe, 4 November 2017
After the school district of Palatine, Illinois issued an ultimatum to striking support staff, their union sent them back to work without a contract.
New York police officers charged with raping teenage suspect in custody
By Daniel de Vries, 4 November 2017
A grand jury indicted two NYPD detectives this week on 50 counts of kidnapping and raping a teenage woman while she was handcuffed in a police van.
Fire officials were aware of hazards prior to toxic Parkersburg, West Virginia warehouse blaze
By Warren Duzak, 4 November 2017
Years in advance of a toxic warehouse blaze that forced mass evacuations and sickened scores of Parkersburg residents, local fire officials had attempted to sound the alarm about the hazards.
Anti-Russia hearings in the US:
Lawmakers demand tech companies censor journalists and conduct mass surveillance
By Andre Damon, 2 November 2017
Wednesday's testimony made clear the social media giants are being required to act as a proxy of the US government, to muzzle its critics and political opponents.
Trump uses New York terror attack to call for restrictions on immigration and democratic rights
By Sandy English, 2 November 2017
Right-wing Republicans have called for Trump to dispense with legal protections for the suspect, who is a legal US resident entitled to full constitutional rights.
Detroit victim of police violence files suit over brutal beating
By Robert Verdine, 2 November 2017
David Bivins is suing for wrongful arrest, assault and battery, negligence, and slander following a brutal attack in a grocery store parking lot by an off-duty police officer.
White House chief of staff blames Civil War on failure to “compromise”
By Tom Mackaman, 2 November 2017
Retired Marine General John Kelly’s comments resuscitate a reactionary interpretation that denies the Civil War’s historical necessity.
America’s oligarchy: No money for opioid crisis, endless funds for corporate tax cuts
By Andre Damon, 28 October 2017
On the same day that Congress moved forward on nearly $6 trillion in tax cuts to the super-rich, the Trump administration declined to allocate any funds to address the opioid crisis.
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