North America
“We live in police states, but people don’t realize it”
Quebec City anti-G7 protest forced to “run police gauntlet” its entire route
By our reporters, 11 June 2018
The massive military-style deployment in Quebec’s capital underscores that Canada’s ruling elite, like those of its G-7 allies, is intent on criminalizing social opposition.
US and imperialist allies launch strikes against Syria
By The World Socialist Web Site Editorial Board, 14 April 2018
All of the governments participating in this new onslaught are crisis-ridden and lack any electoral legitimacy.
Anger grows over union effort to sabotage Oklahoma teachers strike
By Jerry White, 14 April 2018
Thousands of teachers showed up at the state capitol Friday in a show of defiance against the unions and school officials trying to break their two-week strike.
Comey memoir ignites new round in anti-Russia campaign against Trump
By Patrick Martin, 14 April 2018
Portions of the book, leaked to the press in advance of publication, have dominated US media coverage since Thursday.
US Department of Homeland Security compiling database of world’s journalists
By Will Morrow, 14 April 2018
The Trump administration is collecting and monitoring the “sentiments” and personal information of journalists and “media influencers” around the world.
Trump to consider rejoining TPP to step up pressure on China
By Nick Beams, 14 April 2018
The apparent turnaround is motivated by two immediate considerations: the need to be seen as taking action to alleviate pressure on US farmers threatened by the China tariffs, and the search for international allies against China.
US and North Korean officials discuss Trump-Kim summit
By Peter Symonds, 14 April 2018
The cynical character of Trump’s decision to meet with Kim Jong-un is underscored by the fact that two militarists—Pompeo and Bolton—are in charge of preparing the summit.
14,000 AT&T; workers authorize strike as contract expirations loom
By Samuel Davidson, 14 April 2018
The over 90 percent vote to strike is part of a growing movement of the working class.
More US states imposing Medicaid work requirements
By Kate Randall, 14 April 2018
Some states are considering expanding Medicaid while at the same time imposing work requirements, premium payments and drug testing of recipients.
Two police killings in Billings, Montana in two days
By Bryan Dyne, 14 April 2018
More than 360 people have been killed by police in the US so far this year.
Facebook intensifies censorship ahead of congressional testimony by Zuckerberg
By Andre Damon, 9 April 2018
Zuckerberg announced Friday that his company will “require people who manage large pages to be verified,” i.e., they must provide the company, and by extension the US government, with their real names and locations.
Trump administration officials try to calm trade war fears
By Nick Beams, 9 April 2018
White House National Trade Council director Peter Navarro underscored the crucial importance of hi-tech development, both for US economic and military supremacy.
New York police release video and transcripts from shooting of unarmed man in Brooklyn
By Sandy English, 9 April 2018
In the video compilation, almost no one seems threatened and most people, inches from the man, hardly notice him.
Nashville parents, teachers and students decry public school cuts
By Keisha Gibbs and Warren Duzak, 9 April 2018
Public schools in Nashville, Tennessee face cuts to free food programs and elimination of funding to schools with impoverished students.
Lawsuit accuses Washington, D.C. of destroying personal belongings of the homeless
By Harvey Simpkins, 9 April 2018
Plaintiffs allege that their tents, mattresses, food, clothing, electronics and identity documents were either lost or destroyed during numerous city-led clearings of their encampment in 2016 and 2017.
Unions seek to hijack, shut down Oklahoma teachers strike as support for expanded struggle grows
By the Socialist Equality Party, 9 April 2018
As the strike by tens of thousands of Oklahoma teachers and support staff enters its second week, workers face a critical crossroads.
Chicago Ford workers speak out against treatment of temporary part-timers
By Marcus Day and Jessica Goldstein, 9 April 2018
Ford Chicago Assembly Plant workers raised questions over the UAW’s claim that 224 temporary part-time workers will be converted to full-time.
Democrats green-light Trump’s escalating war on immigrants
By Eric London, 31 March 2018
Amongst other measures, the Trump administration plans to block immigrants who have used social programs from receiving legal status.
ICE arrests wrongly convicted Chicago man released after 20 years in prison
By Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 31 March 2018
Ricardo Rodriguez, wrongfully convicted for the 1995 murder of a homeless man, was finally freed after 20 years behind bars, only to be immediately taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Wildcat sickouts hit Kentucky as teachers' struggle spreads
By Will Morrow, 31 March 2018
Teachers closed schools in opposition to a bill passed Thursday night that includes sweeping attacks to pensions.
Protests continue in Sacramento as autopsy shows police shot Stephon Clark multiple times in the back
By Alec Andersen, 31 March 2018
Hundreds of people have joined the protests against police violence that have occurred nearly every day over the two weeks since Clark’s murder.
Texas woman sentenced to five years in prison for voting while on probation
By Trévon Austin, 31 March 2018
The savage sentence against the 43-year-old worker highlights the increasing efforts to suppress the voting rights of working class Americans.
Homeless cleared from Anaheim, California encampment remain in limbo
By Adam Mclean, 31 March 2018
While the long-term future of the Anaheim homeless is still uncertain, the about-face by the county will strand them for the immediate term.
Fourth suicide since June at Hudson County, New Jersey jail
By Mark Ferretti, 31 March 2018
Carlos Borroto’s suicide is only the latest product of the criminal neglect and inadequate health care that has persisted for years at the Hudson County jail.
Quebec nurses rebel against forced overtime, budget cuts
By Louis Girard, 29 March 2018
Nurses and other health care workers have taken action to protest against draconian working conditions and a drastic decline in patient care due to years of austerity.
Hundreds of thousands of students march against mass violence in America
By Tom Hall, 25 March 2018
The scale of the demonstrations show that the crisis of American and world capitalism is working its way into the consciousness of young people and propelling a new generation into political struggle.
GM and Unifor collude to cut labour costs in Canada
By Carl Bronski, 22 March 2018
The moves to cut labour costs through outsourcing and early retirements at GM’s Ontario engine plant further expose the reactionary nature of the 2016 “framework agreements” rammed through by Unifor.
Teachers in Jersey City begin strike as demands for walkouts expand across the US
By our reporters, 17 March 2018
The Jersey City strike is part of a growing wave of working-class opposition in the US, following the shutdown of the West Virginia teachers strike earlier this month.
As strike by 1,400 US telecom workers enters third week
Frontier hires Pinkerton agents, obtains restraining order
By Zac Corrigan, 17 March 2018
The injunction is based on accusations made by hired Pinkerton agents of alleged "abuse" on the part of striking workers toward strikebreakers.
Death toll rises to six in Miami bridge collapse as new information emerges about contractors
By Matthew Taylor, 17 March 2018
As rescue operations continue, new information has emerged about the companies responsible for the Miami bridge collapse on Thursday
Alabama and Georgia carry out executions, Oklahoma to begin using nitrogen gas
By Alec Andersen, 17 March 2018
Two successive executions by lethal injection Thursday night followed the announcement that death row prisoners in Oklahoma would soon be killed through asphyxiation.
In name of fighting sex trafficking, US Congress set to pass internet censorship law
By Will Morrow, 17 March 2018
The bill will enable the prosecution of online platforms based on content posted by individual users.
New York Times chides Trump for insufficient aggression against Russia
By Bill Van Auken, 17 March 2018
The Times editorial underscore the newspaper’s role as a propaganda organ for leading elements in the US military and intelligence apparatus that are pressing for war.
Transnational beer corporation creates water crisis in northern Mexico
By Alex González, 10 March 2018
Constellation Brands set up beer manufacturing plants in drought-prone cities and is threatening the region with a water crisis.
Trump uses Australian PM’s visit to threaten North Korea
By Peter Symonds, 24 February 2018
Trump warned that if sanctions on North Korea did not work he would move to “phase two,” which could be “a very rough thing.”
Walkout by West Virginia teachers to continue through Monday
By Shannon Jones, 24 February 2018
The unions announced the extension of the two-day strike on Friday evening, fearful that the anger of teachers could erupt outside of their control.
After Parkland shooting, Trump calls for teachers to be armed
By Niles Niemuth, 24 February 2018
The president has argued that allowing teachers and school staff, particularly military veterans, to carry concealed weapons would deter potential school shooters and protect students.
US Federal Communications Commission sets end date for net neutrality
By Will Morrow, 24 February 2018
Beginning on April 23, multibillion-dollar corporations such as Comcast and AT&T; will be able to restrict access to or completely censor web sites.
Florida inmate denounces governor, screams “Murderers!” before lethal injection
By Kate Randall, 24 February 2018
Despite briefs filed by a group of former judges, Florida Supreme Court justices and other professionals, the US Supreme Court denied a stay of execution.
Notes from Puerto Rico
Wave of home foreclosures expected to hit Puerto Rico
By Antonio Castro, 24 February 2018
This is the third in a series of on-the-ground updates from a Puerto Rican worker on the unfolding crisis on the island in the wake of Hurricane María.
Boston: MBTA infrastructure and working conditions worsen
By John Marion, 24 February 2018
The record snowfall of February 2015 shut down the entire Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority system multiple times.
West Virginia teachers take a stand
By Joseph Kishore, 24 February 2018
The two-day strike by teachers in West Virginia is part of a growing wave of working-class opposition throughout the US and internationally.
Opposition grows among students and youth to Internet censorship
By our reporters, 24 February 2018
Student who spoke with the IYSSE talked about the power of the Internet to organize opposition and disseminate information outside the control of the corporate and state media.
Canada’s defence minister touts new offensive cyberwar powers
By Laurent Lafrance, 8 February 2018
CSE is to be empowered to launch offensive cyber attacks on foreign targets, including individuals, state organizations, and reputed terrorist groups deemed a threat to Canada’s “national security.”
UAW contracts must be declared null and void
By Jerry White, 7 February 2018
The corruption revealed in the unfolding scandal is not an aberration, but expresses the very essence of the UAW.
Unifor disaffiliates from Canadian Labour Congress in spat over “raiding”
By Carl Bronski, 1 February 2018
None of the rival rightwing factions involved in the current inter-union squabble over union dues represents the interests of the working class.
Conflict in Washington escalates with report Trump sought to fire special prosecutor
By Patrick Martin, 27 January 2018
The front-page story in the New York Times marks a new stage in the ongoing political warfare in Washington.
The “fractured world”: Plutocrats convene in Davos amid war and great-power conflict
By Andre Damon, 27 January 2018
The 47th annual World Economic Forum was dominated by apprehension over every aspect of global politics and economics, from the possibility of a 2008-style financial collapse to the threat of a new world war.
Thousands of students stranded as Ohio cyber charter school suddenly shuts down
By Nancy Hanover, 27 January 2018
The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, an Ohio online-only school, abruptly shut down last week, amid multiple scandals over millions of dollars of state aid.
Nashville mayor tight-lipped on plans to gut services at General Hospital
By Warren Duzak, 27 January 2018
Mayor Barry has proposed turning the hospital into an outpatient clinic, leaving the poor and working class families without an inpatient facility, hospital beds, major surgical facilities.
Notes on police violence
Unarmed 25-year-old shot nine times at close range by US Park Police
By Harvey Simpkins, 27 January 2018
While Bijan Ghaisar was gunned downed by police on November 17 of last year, police dashcam video of the incident was only released on Wednesday.
Ontario Tory leader felled by unsubstantiated sexual misconduct allegations
By Roger Jordan and Keith Jones, 27 January 2018
Within the space of four hours, Brown went from being the favourite to be Ontario’s next premier to a political outcast—all on the basis of unsubstantiated, anonymous allegations.
New York Times cashes in on Facebook’s news censorship
By Will Morrow, 27 January 2018
Establishment news organizations such as the Times, publicly discredited by their role as state propaganda outlets for decades, see censorship as a means to regain lost readers.
A socialist strategy is needed to defend immigrants!
By the International Youth and Students for Social Equality, 27 January 2018
The ongoing negotiations in Washington over DACA and TPS prove that the defense of immigrants requires a break with the Democrats and a turn to the working class.
US budget charade causes government shutdown
By Eric London, 20 January 2018
Whatever the immediate outcome of the ongoing budget negotiations, the result will shift the political landscape even further to the right.
Pentagon unveils strategy for military confrontation with Russia and China
By Bill Van Auken, 20 January 2018
The document presented by Defense Secretary James Mattis confirms an open shift by US imperialism toward preparations for a third world war.
Extension of warrantless NSA spying, with bipartisan support, heads to Trump for signature
By Fred Mazelis, 20 January 2018
Lopsided votes in both the US Senate and House reflect the role of Democrats as a party of American imperialism.
Immigration agents destroy humanitarian water supplies along US-Mexico border
By Will Morrow, 20 January 2018
The actions of border agents are the logical outcome of the bipartisan policy to deter immigrants from reaching the United States.
Federal agency promotes religious “exceptions” to health care
By Ed Hightower, 20 January 2018
A government office devoted to protecting the religious freedom of health care workers is a solution in search of a problem.
US house fires kill 320 since Christmas, up 50 percent from last year
By Steve Filips and Matthew Richter, 20 January 2018
The total of fire deaths in the US due to intense winter weather has increased dramatically since Christmas.
DC Metro train derails, passengers stranded for 90 minutes
By Harvey Simpkins, 20 January 2018
In yet another mishap on Washington D.C.’s chronically underfunded public transportation system, a Metro train derailed on Monday, causing three of the eight cars to go off track.
One year of Democratic sabotage of opposition to Trump
By Barry Grey, 20 January 2018
The Democratic Party has spent the past year suppressing and diverting popular resistance to the Trump administration.
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.
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