North America
Bankruptcy filings surge among older Americans
Dwindling income, medical bills, debt push seniors into financial ruin
By Kate Randall, 7 August 2018
A new study suggests that the surge in bankruptcies is being driven by a three-decade-long shift of financial risk from the government and employers to individuals.
Amid growing outrage from workers, Teamsters release sellout UPS Freight contract agreement
By Evan Blake, 7 August 2018
Contrary to the claims of the Teamsters, the proposed UPS Freight contract makes deep inroads into workers’ living standards and working conditions.
Portland police attack anti-fascist counter-protesters at neo-fascist rally
By Alec Andersen, 7 August 2018
Police in full riot gear used flashbang grenades and pepper spray and charged a group of anti-fascist demonstrators, beating them with batons and arresting four.
ICE tears apart immigrant families in Wisconsin
By Jacob Crosse, 7 August 2018
Ricardo Fierro, a resident of Racine, Wisconsin for over 20 years, was kidnapped outside his home and imprisoned by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Mexican president-elect promises one-time electricity debt forgiveness
By Alex González, 7 August 2018
Andrés Manuel López Obrador promised limited relief to a single state while seeking to hide the appointment of a figure who helped carry out fraud in the 1988 presidential elections.
Former tennis player James Blake criticizes NYC mayor for handling of false arrest in 2015
By Isaac Finn, 7 August 2018
On Wednesday Blake condemned New York City’s Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio for failing to inform him about a disciplinary trial of the cop who tackled him in front of a hotel.
Extensive police spying on activists in Memphis, Tennessee, exposed
By Jimmy Smith and Naomi Spencer, 7 August 2018
The purpose of extensive surveillance is to monitor, chill, and ultimately crack down on opposition in the working class to the actions of the government and the police.
Amid trial of former campaign chairman, Trump urges attorney general to end Russia probe “right now”
By Barry Grey, 2 August 2018
The Manafort trial is one of several recent developments pointing to an escalation by Special Counsel Mueller of his campaign against Trump.
Financial parasitism and the American oligarchy
By Patrick Martin, 2 August 2018
Behind the incessant claims of no money for urgent social needs is the drive by the top 0.1 percent to monopolize all the wealth created by the working class.
Facebook censors anti-fascist rally in Washington
By Andre Damon, 2 August 2018
The campaign to censor the internet, initially presented as a response to alleged Russian “meddling,” is increasingly targeting left-wing political viewpoints.
Teamsters union keeps 240,000 UPS workers on the job as contract expires
By Will Morrow, 2 August 2018
The union is aware that there is widespread opposition to the deal and is seeking to buy time to wear down the workers and impose a contract demanded by the company.
Trump set to hike tariff threat against China
By Nick Beams, 2 August 2018
The US is actively considering escalating proposed tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods to 25 percent up from the initial level of 10 percent.
Town hall fails to ease concerns over industrial toxins found in Parchment, Michigan drinking water
By Joseph Lorenz, 2 August 2018
In a tightly controlled meeting, local and state officials sought to dispel the anger of residents who learned last week that their water has dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals.
Immigration police launch political attack on Portland mayor for backing anti-ICE protests
By Kayla Costa, 2 August 2018
Based on the absurd claim that anti-ICE protesters threatened the lives of federal immigration agents, ICE employees sent a cease and desist letter to the mayor.
Washington, D.C. metro union seeks to bury members’ strike vote
By Nick Barrickman, 2 August 2018
After an overwhelming vote by its members to strike in July, ATU Local 689, with a membership of over 8,000 public transit workers, has sought to drag out discussions between it and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
Autoworkers speak out against UAW corruption, voice support for Kokomo Fiat Chrysler workers
By Jessica Goldstein, 2 August 2018
The World Socialist Web Site Autoworker Newsletter spoke with autoworkers in Chicago and Kokomo, Indiana about the corruption scandal which has wracked the United Auto Workers.
Resolution of the SEP (US) Fifth National Congress
Free Julian Assange!
2 August 2018
This resolution was unanimously adopted by the Socialist Equality Party Congress, held July 22–27.
Won’t You Be My Neighbor?—A new documentary about Fred Rogers and his television program
By Hiram Lee, 2 August 2018
Fifty years after the debut of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood on US public television, a new documentary explores its history and influence.
The Trump-Juncker agreement: A manoeuvre in the global trade war
By Nick Beams, 26 July 2018
The threat by Washington to impose a 25 percent tariff on auto imports has not been removed, but only suspended while negotiations go ahead on broader trade relations.
Seven months after Trump’s tax cut
Corporate tax collection rate at historic low
By Gabriel Black, 26 July 2018
The trillions in deficits created by the tax cuts for the rich will be used to justify further slashes to critical social programs that millions of Americans rely on.
US and Australian ministers agree to intensify military integration against China
By Mike Head, 26 July 2018
The joint AUSMIN statement reaffirmed a “steadfast and enduring” alliance dating back to World War I.
Trader Joe’s manager killed by Los Angeles police in shootout
By John Burton, 26 July 2018
Melyda Corado was killed Saturday afternoon by a police officer shooting at a suspect fleeing into the store.
Military-style immigration raids: Coming to a workplace near you
By Eric London, 26 July 2018
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) announced plans Tuesday for mass workplace raids and the surveillance of tens of thousands of workplaces.
055 Parti Quebecois' "left" feint
24 July 2018
The “treason” charge against Donald Trump
By Bill Van Auken, 19 July 2018
The Democrats have adopted a well-worn narrative from the history of the US right, merely changing the word “communism” to “Russia.”
Claiming that the war on poverty has been won, Trump administration works to gut social programs
By Shelley Connor, 19 July 2018
The White House report doubles down on the one consistent theme of the Trump administration: that the poor are imagining their poverty, and that all they lack is self-sufficiency and the impetus to work.
“We should be governing ourselves in this fight”
UPS workers’ opposition grows to Teamsters sellout
By Will Morrow, 19 July 2018
The proposed deal maintains poverty level wages for part-time workers, introduces a new lower-paid “hybrid” worker, and does nothing to address unsafe working conditions.
American Federation of Teachers convention devoted to boosting Democratic Party candidates
By Nancy Hanover, 19 July 2018
In the aftermath of the biggest teachers’ strike wave in 40 years, the American Federation of Teachers bureaucracy is seeking to head off a militant movement and defend its interests by promoting the Democrats in the mid-term elections.
In South Africa speech deploring “exploding inequality”
Obama boasts: “I’m surprised how much money I got”
By Barry Grey, 19 July 2018
Obama may be surprised at his recent entry into the American financial oligarchy, but it’s not for lack of effort on his part to “join the club.”
After Helsinki, Democrats incite “deep state” action against Trump
By Bill Van Auken, 17 July 2018
Trump’s appearance alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin in Helsinki unleashed a wave of denunciations from Democrats and the media, with former top intelligence officials calling for his ouster.
As protests continue, Chicago police release footage of Harith Augustus’ murder
By our reporters, 17 July 2018
The footage was released very quickly, against official protocol, as the city attempts to defuse popular anger over the shooting and police aggression towards protesters.
Wall Street celebrates Teamsters deal with UPS
By Kayla Costa, 17 July 2018
UPS workers are in a direct fight with the Teamsters union, which is seeking to impose management’s dictates and defend the financial interests of the union executives.
Vermont Medical Center nurses fight low pay and understaffing
By Mike Ingram, 17 July 2018
Nurses at the University of Vermont Medical Center held a 48-hour strike last week after months of stalled negotiations for a new contract.
Pharmaceutical distributors flooded Missouri with opioids
By Shelley Connor, 17 July 2018
A Senate report found that three pharmaceutical companies shipped a total of 1.6 billion doses of opioids into Missouri between 2012 and 2017.
Families forced to rely on charity after Wisconsin explosion
By Jacob Crosse, 17 July 2018
The investigation into last week's explosion in Sun Prairie that killed one firefighter is still “ongoing,” with little information being released to the public.
Notes from the campaign trail
SEP campaign volunteers reflect on talking to thousands of workers in Michigan’s 12th District
By our reporters, 17 July 2018
Supporters and members of the SEP share their stories from campaigning to put Niles Niemuth on the November ballot for Michigan’s 12th congressional district.
US war on immigrants continues
Trump using separated children to force “voluntary” deportations
By Alec Andersen, 5 July 2018
The Trump administration has responded to a court-ordered “family reunification” process by forcing immigrant parents with separated children into signing a document agreeing to deportation back to their country of origin.
“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.
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