United States
999 Chicago school reopenings news update
23 January 2021
Democratic D.C. mayor slashes funding for homeless services in midst of surging pandemic
By Isaac White, 23 January 2021
The cuts will cause untold misery among the most vulnerable layers of the population.
999 San Diego school reopenings update
23 January 2021
999 Biden pandemic response plan
23 January 2021
999 Hunger in Missouri
23 January 2021
999 5 teacher deaths in Montgomery, Alabama in the past 3 days
23 January 2021
999 Confirmation of Lloyd Austin as Defense Secretary
23 January 2021
999 Hunts Point strike in danger of Teamsters sellout
23 January 2021
999 ADL reprimands Chi teacher, CTU apologizes for Niemoller poem reference
23 January 2021
999 Covid outbreak at California ports
23 January 2021
999 The US accuses China of carrying out genocide against the Uighurs
23 January 2021
999 TX Educators R&F statement calling for investigation into Texan coup plotters
23 January 2021
999 Biden climate plan Pt. 1
22 January 2021
Chicago Public Schools brands collective action to stop in-person learning “illegal”
By Michael Walters, 22 January 2021
The district’s top human resources official issued a highly provocative letter threatening Chicago educators that any “collective failure” to return for in-person instruction “constitutes an illegal strike.”
Another 900,000 file for unemployment, record jobless claims continue amid mass death from pandemic
By Jacob Crosse, 22 January 2021
Despite the urgent need for additional stimulus, reports indicate that another relief bill will not be passed until March.
Teamsters rush to end strike as support grows for Hunts Point warehouse workers in New York City
By Daniel de Vries, 22 January 2021
The union indicated Thursday it intends to cut a sell-out deal with the produce market companies.
Baltimore City Schools announces wide reopening of schools in mid-February
By Harvey Simpkins, 22 January 2021
The move has the support of the city’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Scott, making Baltimore the latest Democratic-led city or state to aggressively reopen schools as the pandemic rages out of control.
999 TX Educators R&F statement calling for investigation into Texan coup plotters
22 January 2021
US Army covered up role of Flynn’s brother, a general, in January 6 coup response
By Patrick Martin, 22 January 2021
Lt. Gen. Charles A. Flynn took part in the meeting where Army leaders initially refused requests to send the National Guard to the US Capitol.
Chaotic vaccination rollout leaves New Yorkers vulnerable to COVID-19 surge
By Ali Elhassan, 22 January 2021
Governor Cuomo has committed himself to keeping businesses open despite the loss of life.
999 Cuts to DC homeless services
22 January 2021
The Biden administration: Illusion and reality
By Niles Niemuth, 22 January 2021
Efforts are underway to chloroform the public about the realities of the procapitalist, imperialist politics of the Biden administration and the catastrophic economic and social conditions under which it begins.
Amazon workers call for a full public congressional investigation of the January 6 fascist coup attempt
Amazon BWI2 Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 22 January 2021
The Amazon workers of the BWI2 facility in Baltimore calls on all workers to support the Socialist Equality Party’s demand for a full congressional investigation into the fascist attack on the US Capitol building.
The science of the pandemic supports teachers’ concerns over the dangers of school reopening, Part two
By Benjamin Mateus, 21 January 2021
Science validates teachers’ concerns that in-person education during the pandemic is a dangerous proposition. This article reviews some of the more recent scientific findings.
Despite outbreaks at 373 New York City schools, Democrats and unions conspire to keep the district open
By Sandy English, 21 January 2021
Since New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio unilaterally reopened schools in early December with the support of the teachers union, statewide daily new cases have reached their worst point since the start of the pandemic.
Doctors locked out of hospital in Houston, Texas over rent dispute, forced to treat patients in parking lot
By Chase Lawrence, 21 January 2021
The sudden closure Monday of the Heights Hospital follows 21 hospital closures in 2020 across the United States, many of which were thrust into acute financial crisis by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Boston Teachers Union agrees to return to in-person classes for thousands of students
By Julian James, 21 January 2021
The agreement was reached a day before the BTU took part in last week’s phony “Day of Resistance” protest aimed at appealing to Biden and the Democratic Party.
Chicago educators form independent rank-and-file committee to fight school reopenings
Close schools and nonessential production until the pandemic is contained! Full income protection to all!
By Chicago Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 21 January 2021
We call on all educators and support staff, and workers from all industries, to join and help build our committee in your school or workplace, independently of both big-business parties and their backers in the CTU and other unions.
Tennessee educators and parents call for fully funded remote learning to contain the pandemic
By Tennessee Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 21 January 2021
In opposition to Governor Bill Lee’s scheme to pressure schools to reopen, we call for the immediate closure of all schools and for the provision of ample resources to provide high quality remote learning to all students.
Oregon faces legal challenges after establishing blacks-only COVID-19 relief fund
By Dominic Gustavo, 21 January 2021
The Oregon Cares Fund revived criteria similar to the racist “one drop” rule to determine eligibility to receive financial aid.
New York City educators call for unified struggle with striking Hunts Point market workers!
New York City Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 21 January 2021
Our brothers and sisters at Hunts Point have taken a courageous stand for the rights of workers everywhere, and we call on them to form their own rank-and-file committee independent of the Teamsters to carry forward their struggle.
Biden’s inaugural address: Banality and empty abstractions to cover over reality
By Joseph Kishore, 21 January 2021
Amidst an unprecedented political, social, and economic crisis of the entire capitalist order, Biden delivered remarks filled with cliches, incoherent non sequiturs and the emptiest of abstractions.
“The company and the UAW are only concerned with profits”
Stellantis revives 12-hour shifts for Sterling Heights Assembly skilled trades
By Shannon Jones, 21 January 2021
It is apparent that the earlier report by the Free Press that the 12/7 schedule had been withdrawn was deliberately misleading, aimed at buying the UAW and management a little more time to prepare a new blitz to impose the grueling 12-hour schedule.
New York City workers demand action to defend Hunts Point strikers
By Daniel de Vries, 21 January 2021
Teachers, transit and other workers in New York City denounced Tuesday’s police attack on striking warehouse workers and are calling for unified action to fight the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty wages.
Trump pardons Bannon, grants clemency to reactionaries and criminals
By Jacob Crosse, 21 January 2021
Donald Trump announced 144 acts of clemency in his last 24 hours in office, including a pardon for one of his closest fascist advisers, Stephen Bannon.
Chicago Teachers Union postures with “strike” vote as schools continue in-person learning
By Alexander Fangmann, 20 January 2021
In response to overwhelming anger from teachers and parents over the continued drive to reopen schools and businesses in the city, the union’s House of Delegates is calling an emergency meeting Wednesday.
Court documents detail fascist groups’ advanced planning for seizure of US Capitol
By Alex Findijs, 20 January 2021
FBI charging documents against leading members of the Oath Keepers paramilitary group include text messages and other communications showing a high level of coordination and the intention to kidnap and kill elected officials.
Inauguration 2021: On the edge of an abyss
By Joseph Kishore and David North, 20 January 2021
The Biden administration is taking office in the midst of an existential crisis of the entire American political, social and economic system.
Alabama educators launch rank-and-file safety committee to close schools and save lives!
Alabama Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 20 January 2021
We call on all educators and support staff, and workers from all industries, to join and help build our committee in your school or workplace, independently of both big-business parties and their backers in the unions.
New York City police attack striking Hunts Point warehouse workers
By Daniel de Vries, 20 January 2021
The NYPD arrested five workers as the warehouse workers' strike extended to day 3.
999 Boston schools reopening facilitated by union
20 January 2021
Yellen takes aggressive stance on China in treasury secretary confirmation hearing
By Nick Beams, 20 January 2021
Yellen’s nomination seems assured, as she enjoys support from both the Republicans and Wall Street.
999 Trump pardons
20 January 2021
999 Chicago Educators R&F Committee founding statement
20 January 2021
999 Oregon set aside funds for black residents in pandemic relief bill
20 January 2021
Coronavirus cases surge again at Fort Dix federal prison in New Jersey
By Erik Schreiber, 20 January 2021
For the second time in a matter of months, officials at Fort Dix have reported more coronavirus cases than at any other federal prison.
The science of the pandemic supports teachers’ concerns over the dangers of school reopening—Part one
By Benjamin Mateus, 20 January 2021
Science validates teachers’ concerns that in-person education during the pandemic is a dangerous proposition. This article reviews some of the more recent scientific findings.
Democrats promote “white privilege” fiction to block united working class response to fascist coup plot
By Barry Grey, 20 January 2021
The central premise of the racialist narrative—the existence and all-pervasive role of “white privilege”—is contradicted by the realities of American society.
Disney’s Soul in Denmark: New York Times disapproves of a white actor dubbing a black actor’s voice
By David Walsh, 20 January 2021
The Times is unceasing in its campaign to racialize every important aspect of life in the US and globally, encouraging divisions in the population along ethnic lines and facilitating the growth of the far right.
School worker deaths mount in Florida as virus spreads without restraint
By Alex Johnson, 20 January 2021
Two public school workers from Florida died earlier this month after contracting COVID-19 under conditions of an unmitigated spread of the virus in school districts statewide.
DHS nominee Mayorkas testifies before Congress as Biden unveils immigration plan
By Kevin Reed, 20 January 2021
The right-wing politics of the incoming Biden administration were revealed at the congressional hearing for Homeland Security secretary nominee Alejandro Mayorkas and in an announcement that immigration legislation would be moved on the first day of the new administration.
Workers at New York City produce market launch first strike since 1986
By Erik Schreiber, 19 January 2021
Drivers and warehouse workers at Hunts Point Terminal Produce Market, the largest produce market in the world, are striking against inadequate protections during the pandemic and management’s refusal to raise their hourly wage by one dollar.
Hawaii nurses demand safe working conditions and PPE
By Evelyn Rios, 19 January 2021
The struggle of Hawaii nurses has reached a critical juncture. They should reject the attempts to sabotage their actions and begin organizing independently of the trade unions.
999 Tennessee Educators R&F statement
19 January 2021
Navalny arrested in Russia as Biden nominates Victoria Nuland for top State Department position
By Clara Weiss, 19 January 2021
Navalny’s return to Russia and his arrest have unfolded in the context of growing geopolitical tensions and the staggering political crisis in the United States.
Morgues overflow, air quality restrictions on crematoriums suspended as Los Angeles County surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases
By Angelo Perera, 19 January 2021
Some hospitals report operating at over 300 percent capacity as southern California counties procure dozens of refrigerator trucks to hold the dead.
US prompts new “human rights” resolution to push Sri Lanka to line up against China
By Pradeep Ramanayake and K. Ratnayake, 19 January 2021
By all indications Washington is behind the move intended to press President Gotabhaya Rajapakse’s government to break from Beijing’s “influence.”
Conductor Riccardo Muti expresses solidarity with Metropolitan Opera Orchestra musicians
By Fred Mazelis, 19 January 2021
The statement by the famed leader of the Chicago Symphony came in response to a call from the musicians, who have been without pay since last spring.
999 Boston schools reopening facilitated by union
19 January 2021
Andre Damon speaks to Rolling Stone on internet censorship and Trump’s coup attempt
19 January 2021
Matt Taibbi and Katie Halper interviewed WSWS reporter Andre Damon on the most recent episode of Rolling Stone’s Useful Idiots podcast.
As COVID cover-up continues
Wage theft exposed at Fiat Chrysler/Stellantis Detroit Assembly Complex
By Stephen Fuller, 19 January 2021
After receiving millions of dollars in incentives to construct a new plant in Detroit, management attempted to short pay workers on negotiated wage increases, while covering up the spread of COVID-19.
What workers need to know about the Fiat Chrysler-PSA merger
By Marcus Day, 19 January 2021
The formation of the new transnational giant marks new milestones in both the global integration of production and the protracted decline of America’s industrial dominance, while heralding intensified attacks on workers’ jobs internationally.
999 Chicago schools update or r/f statement
19 January 2021
The Trump coup and the rise of fascism: Where is America going?
By David North, 19 January 2021
This essay is based on the transcript of the remarks made by David North, the chairman of the international editorial board of the World Socialist Web Site and national chairman of the Socialist Equality Party (US), in opening an online discussion held January 17 on the significance of the fascist assault on the Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021.
Peruvian doctors strike, Phoenix area teachers launch sickout over COVID-19 dangers
Workers Struggle: The Americas
19 January 2021
Doctors across Peru have walked out over pay and COVID-19-related issues while teachers in Arizona’s Peoria Unified School District staged a sickout over dangerous in-person instruction.
Paid aides to Trump campaign played key roles in organizing fascist assault on US Capitol
By Jacob Crosse, 19 January 2021
An analysis by the Associated Press reveals direct material connections between the White House and the fascist coup attempt.
Educators and workers across the US denounce arrest of whistleblower Rebekah Jones
By Matthew MacEgan, 19 January 2021
Jones, who faces persecution in response to her efforts to expose the spread of the pandemic in Florida and in K-12 schools across the US, was released on bond after turning herself in to Florida police.
999 Racialist narrative on coup
19 January 2021
The global COVID vaccine distribution debacle is mirrored in the US
By Benjamin Mateus, 19 January 2021
The global vaccination distribution has been characterized as a “catastrophic moral failure” by the WHO’s director-general. Despite the US predominance in access to these life-saving vaccines, its national vaccine initiative has been a dismal disaster.
International online meeting
Where is America going? Trump’s coup and the rise of fascism
18 January 2021
At this event, leading members of the SEP in the US, Germany and UK spoke on the national and global significance of the rise of fascism in America, its social and political origins, and the necessary strategy for the working class to fight back.
Indiana lawmakers propose new law shielding businesses from COVID-19 liabilities
By Jack Temple, 18 January 2021
The proposed law seeks to remove legal rights from workers if they get sick or die from contracting COVID-19 at work.
999 AD interview with Rolling Stone
18 January 2021
Democrats intensify calls for “unity” in aftermath of fascistic insurrection in Washington D.C.
By Jacob Crosse, 18 January 2021
The Democrats’ calls for “unity” come as more revelations confirm the high-level coordination between Capitol Police, the FBI, and the military in facilitating the storming of the Capitol on January 6.
Free COVID-19 whistleblower Rebekah Jones!
By Bryan Dyne, 18 January 2021
Jones is being prosecuted by the state of Florida for exposing its effort to cover up cases of COVID-19 and opposing the state’s policy of prematurely reopening schools.
School nurses return to campuses as United Teachers Los Angeles covers for Democrats
By Tadakatsu Čapek, 18 January 2021
Two years after betraying the strike by 33,000 teachers, the United Teachers Los Angeles is collaborating with state and local Democrats to reopen schools in the epicenter of the world pandemic.
City of Detroit files lawsuit attacking protesters’ basic democratic rights
By Kevin Reed and Brady Leonard, 18 January 2021
The city has filed a counter lawsuit against a group of protesters who successfully argued in their own case that police officers used excessive force to crack down on demonstrations last year against police brutality.
US deaths from COVID-19 lead to a more than one-year decline in life expectancy
By Benjamin Mateus, 18 January 2021
Life expectancy in the US has declined dramatically, by more than one year, due to deaths associated with COVID-19 infections. Adding to the catastrophe of the pandemic, a new variant of the coronavirus has been detected across more than 12 states, threatening to further exacerbate the crisis.
Massive rise in unemployment in Germany during the pandemic
By Elisabeth Zimmermann, 18 January 2021
The German employment agency published the official unemployment figures for December 2020, reporting an increase to 2.7 million unemployed, 480,000 more than in the same month last year.
999 Racialist narrative on coup
18 January 2021
999 Chicago schools update or r/f statement
18 January 2021
999 Biden and Democrats downplay coup attempt
18 January 2021
999 Report on FCA Mack Assembly
18 January 2021
999 Latest science on school reopenings
18 January 2021
Three million in Los Angeles County have been infected with COVID-19 as workplace outbreaks reach all-time high
By Kevin Martinez, 16 January 2021
The virus is so widespread, according to the Los Angeles Times, that the infection rate has likely been slowed down by the large numbers of people who have already contracted it and developed a temporary immunity.
As proof of high-level conspiracy mounts
Justice Department proposes internal investigation to cover up state involvement in January 6 coup attempt
By Eric London, 16 January 2021
Although the January 6 attempt failed at seizing power, the entire political establishment is now lurching further to the right.
Inside the COVID-19 outbreak at Lakepointe nursing home in Clinton Township, Michigan
By Zac Corrigan, 16 January 2021
At least three Lakepointe residents have died from COVID-19 since Christmas, and workers say that residents who catch COVID are no longer able to be removed from the home, which has resulted in a growing outbreak that they can’t contain.
Biden “recovery” plan will fail to relieve social misery or stop pandemic death
By Jacob Crosse, 16 January 2021
The package, which falls woefully short in meeting the current crisis for millions of workers and their families, will be further watered down as the Democrats seek “bipartisan” support from Republicans.
Trump administration executes two more death row prisoners in pre-Inauguration Day killing spree
By Kate Randall, 16 January 2021
The US government executed two prisoners Thursday night and early Saturday as the Trump administration continued its killing spree in advance of the inauguration of Joe Biden as president on January 20. The US Supreme Court allowed both executions to proceed.
Killeen, Texas police officer shot and killed unarmed man during mental health call
By Chase Lawrence, 16 January 2021
Patrick Warren, Sr. was shot multiple times in the front yard of his home as his family watched in horror.
Fed chief pledges massive support for Wall Street will not cease
By Nick Beams, 16 January 2021
In an interview on Thursday, Powell said there was “real sensitivity” among investors about asset purchases and the Fed did not talk about an “exit” because “markets are listening.”
Lightfoot administration blocked release of video showing Chicago police crushing woman’s leg with SUV
By George Gallanis, 16 January 2021
Mayor Lori Lightfoot and her Democratic administration, aware of the growing social tensions in Chicago’s working class, are concerned that the quick release of incriminating police violence videos can lead to massive social upheavals.
Vote “No” to the UFCW-backed union at Alabama Amazon facility! Build rank-and-file committees to defend worker rights
By International Amazon Workers Voice, 16 January 2021
Workers need organization and a leadership to fight, but bitter experience has shown that the unions do not represent workers.
UFCW complicity exposed in outbreak at Tyson pork plant where managers bet on infections
By James Langley, 16 January 2021
The indifference of UFCW Local 431 to the plight of workers in the plant is so unconcealed that it was even acknowledged by the local press.
What would have happened if Trump’s fascist mob had seized hostages?
By Joseph Kishore and David North, 16 January 2021
The attempts by various left journalists to deny that the events of January 6 were an attempted coup undermines resistance to the danger of fascism.
United Steelworkers betrays Constellium strike in Alabama after weeks of isolating workers
By Cordell Gascoigne and Jessica Goldstein, 16 January 2021
Following the sellout of the strike by 400 aluminum workers in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the United Steelworkers continues to hide details of the contract.
999 Racialist narrative on coup
16 January 2021
US State Department designates Cuba state sponsor of terrorism
By Alexander Fangmann, 16 January 2021
The announcement is a continuation of the rollback of Obama’s normalization of relations as the island has been hit hard by COVID-19 and a deepening economic crisis.
Former governor Rick Snyder charged over role in Flint, Michigan water poisoning
By James Brewer, 15 January 2021
Snyder and eight others were indicted Thursday on charges relating to the criminal poisoning of the city’s water supply that began almost seven years ago.
Teachers and parents speak out on deadly reopening of Chicago Public Schools
By Our reporters, 15 January 2021
There is growing opposition throughout Chicago to the city’s Democratic leaders aggressive push to reopen schools, bars and restaurants as COVID-19 infections are ripping through schools and other workplaces.
Mentally ill woman executed as Trump continues federal killing spree
By Chase Lawrence, 15 January 2021
The US Supreme Court cleared the way for the execution of Lisa Montgomery at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, despite clear evidence of her mental incompetency.
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