United States
GM announces new investments in electric vehicles as job cuts loom
By Jessica Goldstein, 23 October 2020
General Motors announced a major $2 billion investment plan to build electric vehicles at six US plants last week, stating that the investment will not include new jobs.
Final presidential debate: Candidates silent on Trump threat of political coup
By Patrick Martin, 23 October 2020
The candidates made no reference to the plot to assassinate Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer or the growing threat of fascist violence encouraged by the White House.
It is all just a metaphor: The New York Times attempts yet another desperate defense of its discredited 1619 Project
By Tom Mackaman and David North, 23 October 2020
In spite of Times editor Jake Silverstein’s deletion of the “true founding” claim and his other word changes, the Times’ essential position remains the same: The American Revolution was a retrograde event in which the defense of slavery was the primary motivation.
Goldman Sachs fined $2.9 billion over role in 1MDB corruption case
By Nick Beams, 23 October 2020
The case involved the embezzlement of billions of dollars from the 1MDB fund, including by two Goldman bankers.
Over 100 teachers launch wildcat sickout strike in Houston
By Chase Lawrence and Evan Blake, 23 October 2020
The drive by Texas Democrats to reopen Houston schools coincides with the platform of the Biden-Harris campaign, which fraudulently claim that this can be done “safely” while the pandemic spirals out of control.
Trump storms out of interview when asked about ties to Michigan conspiracy
By Eric London, 23 October 2020
By walking out of the interview with 60 Minutes’ Leslie Stahl, Trump revealed that he views the fascist plot as a massive political liability while a new report confirms the threat of fascist election violence.
Record wildfires continue to expand across Colorado
By Anthony del Olmo, 23 October 2020
Colorado erupted this week as the main hotspot for wildfires in the western United States. Firefighting resources are being stretched thin as fires continue to break out late in the season.
Corporate America puts its money on Biden and the Democrats
Part two
By Patrick Martin, 23 October 2020
Biden and the Democrats have significantly outraised Trump and the Republicans, with cash from Wall Street and Silicon Valley accounting for much of the difference.
As police continue to disobey orders
Right-wing groups sue Michigan over ban on weapons at polling stations
By Michael Anders, 23 October 2020
Three right-wing organizations have filed a lawsuit to overturn Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s order banning open carry of firearms at polling stations.
Corporate America puts its money on Biden and the Democrats
Part one
By Patrick Martin, 22 October 2020
Biden and the Democrats have significantly outraised Trump and the Republicans, with cash from Wall Street and Silicon Valley accounting for much of the difference.
Ten percent of US households face eviction by year’s end
By Katy Kinner, 22 October 2020
As the CDC eviction moratorium order reaches its expiration date on January 1, the eviction and homelessness crisis in the US is heading toward an explosion of unprecedented proportions.
Hundreds of migrant children torn from their families under Trump’s “zero tolerance” policy yet to be reunited with parents
By Meenakshi Jagadeesan, 22 October 2020
More than 500 children who were taken away by the Trump administration as part of its brutal crackdown on undocumented immigrants three years ago are yet to be reunited with their families.
Service employees union shuts down nursing home strike in Detroit suburb
By James McDonald, 22 October 2020
While the details of the agreement have not been published as of this writing, the circumstances in which it was forced through shows it cannot be anything other than a sellout.
Record-breaking Colorado wildfires prompt mass evacuations
By Eddie Haywood, 22 October 2020
The Cameron Peak fire, which ignited on August 13 near Fort Collins, has blazed through more than 200,000 acres, making it the largest wildfire in the state’s history.
Why does Jacobin Magazine downplay the danger of fascist violence?
By Eric London, 22 October 2020
A recent Jacobin article on the Michigan coup plot is aimed at reassuring its readers that there is “nothing to see here.”
Houston schools reopen as COVID-19 surges in Texas
By Emma Arceneaux, 22 October 2020
The push to reopen the largest district in the state, and seventh-largest in the country, takes place as the coronavirus pandemic is raging in Texas, which has over 881,000 confirmed cases and 17,646 deaths, the second highest numbers in the country.
As coronavirus infections spike across Midwest
Excess US deaths during COVID-19 pandemic top 300,000
By Benjamin Mateus, 22 October 2020
The estimate by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is nearly 50 percent higher than the official coronavirus death toll of 220,000 in the United States.
999 Minnesota group recruiting armed militia for poll watching
22 October 2020
999 GM investments
22 October 2020
US Justice Department and eleven states file antitrust lawsuit against Google
By By Kevin Reed, 22 October 2020
The US Department of Justice submitted a lawsuit against Google on Tuesday saying the $1 trillion corporation was in violation of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act.
Woman died from COVID-19 on Spirit Airline flight in July
By Chase Lawrence, 22 October 2020
The case was just confirmed this weekend, meaning that the whole cabin, medical crews and many people in the airport were, unbeknownst to themselves, potentially exposed to the deadly pathogen.
Washtenaw County issues stay-at-home order at University of Michigan campus in the wake of campus COVID outbreak
By Jesse Thomas, 21 October 2020
The rise in cases at the University of Michigan follows the shutdown of the graduate student strike last month, which was waged in opposition to the university’s unsafe reopening policy.
Missouri coronavirus infection rates spike, creating havoc in schools, economy
By Cole Michaels, 21 October 2020
As in the Midwest more generally, Missouri hit another record level number of COVID-19 infections over the last week, driven by the White House’s “herd immunity” policy.
Breonna Taylor grand jury was never given option to indict killer cops
By Jacob Crosse, 21 October 2020
Jurors have begun to come forward to dispute Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s characterization of the grand jury deliberations.
999 Colorado fires
21 October 2020
School nurse dies from COVID-19 as officials in Baltimore–Washington region reopen schools
By Harvey Simpkins, 21 October 2020
The push to reopen Democrat-controlled districts throughout the region is part of a nationwide trend that has been spearheaded in New York City, the largest district in the US.
Fair Wayne Bryant, jailed for life for stealing hedge clippers, granted parole by Louisiana Pardon Board
By Helen Halyard, 21 October 2020
Imprisoned for life at the notorious Angola State Penitentiary in Louisiana on one count of attempted simple burglary, he was granted parole by a 3-0 vote of the state Parole Board, after being denied parole on three previous occasions.
Nursing home workers take strike action in Detroit suburb
By Kevin Reed, 21 October 2020
Employees at Four Seasons Rehabilitation and Nursing in Westland, Michigan walked out Monday morning to demand better wages, increased staffing and safe working conditions.
999 Jacobin and Michigan plot
21 October 2020
Northern Virginia Community College faculty and staff speak out about loss of work due to budget crisis
By Dominic Gustavo and Nick Barrickman, 21 October 2020
Professors and student workers in the Virginia Community College System spoke to the IYSSE about their loss of work related to the pandemic
999 Google anti-trust case
21 October 2020
Trump steps up fascist agitation, targeting Fauci
By Barry Grey, 21 October 2020
Fauci has already become a target of far-right Trump supporters. He and his wife have received death threats by email, phone and text message.
Further signs of the “devastating impact” of the pandemic on arts and artists: What are the implications?
By David Walsh, 21 October 2020
The ongoing destruction of the jobs, incomes and aspirations of tens of thousands of artists of every kind in the US and elsewhere has a significance that goes beyond the immediate cultural sphere.
As teachers fight deadly return to school, the DSA runs to the defense of the unions and Democrats
By Tom Hall, 21 October 2020
A recent article in Jacobin magazine makes it clear the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is trying to prevent educators from drawing the necessary conclusion that the fight against unsafe school openings must be organized independently of and in opposition to the unions and the Democratic Party.
999 USPS Update
21 October 2020
999 Fed data show over 100 million Americans out of work
21 October 2020
Federal Reserve data shows over 100 million in US out of labor force
By Jacob Crosse, 21 October 2020
The number reveals that despite claims of a falling unemployment rate, millions remain out of work as Congress refuses to pass coronavirus relief.
Canadian autoworkers’ union rams through job-cutting agreement with Fiat-Chrysler despite strong worker opposition
By Roger Jordan, 21 October 2020
Behind all the hype about jobs “saved,” Unifor is conspiring with the automakers and Canadian and Ontario governments to once again restructure the auto industry at workers’ expense.
Anti-mask zealot arrested after threat to kidnap and kill Democratic mayor of Wichita
By Jacob Crosse, 20 October 2020
Meredith Dowty, 59, was charged with criminal threat after sending text messages to a city official in an attempt to ascertain the mayor’s address to facilitate a kidnapping.
Buenos Aires health care workers stage protest
Workers Struggles: The Americas
20 October 2020
Health care sector worker in Buenos Aires, Argentina march to the city government offices to press demands for nurses to attain permanent professional status, emergency raises and additional staffing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
SUNY Cortland continues pause on in-person instruction following continued outbreak
By Alex Findijs, 20 October 2020
Cortland has already been in a two-week pause after recording more than 100 cases of COVID-19 in a two-week period. School plans to reopen were foiled after a major outbreak days before the end of the temporary pause
Faurecia Gladstone Rank-and-File Safety Committee demands two-week shutdown to stop coronavirus spread
Faurecia Gladstone Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 20 October 2020
In response to the emergence of a new cluster of coronavirus cases at the factory last week, the Faurecia Gladstone Rank-and-File Safety Committee, founded in August to oppose the spread of the contagion, inhumane working conditions and the systematic victimization of whistleblowers, has issued the following statement.
“COVID is like an active shooter in the building”
New York state teachers describe disaster of school reopening
By Sandy English, 20 October 2020
Three teachers from different parts of New York state spoke with the WSWS about the spread of infections, the stress on teachers and students and indifference of state and local officials.
As threat of militia violence looms
Michigan sheriffs and police refuse to enforce state government ban on guns at polling places
By Eric London, 20 October 2020
Police leaders announced Monday they would not enforce a recent order by the elected secretary of state aimed at preventing fascist militias from interfering with the November election.
US health insurance companies see profits soar while mounting medical bills bankrupt Americans
By Alex Johnson, 20 October 2020
Insurance companies saw their profit margins soar during the first half of this year, while millions of American families are being sent into bankruptcy under the weight of massive medical debts during the coronavirus pandemic.
Support Socialist Equality Party candidates Joseph Kishore and Norissa Santa Cruz on Colorado ballot
By Socialist Equality Party (US), 20 October 2020
Coloradans have the chance to officially vote for the genuine opposition—SEP candidates Joseph Kishore and Norissa Santa Cruz.
Democrats call for “patience” as Trump moves forward with coup plot
By Eric London, 20 October 2020
In a position paper issued yesterday, the Democratic Party refused to refer to the ongoing plot against Whitmer and downplayed the threat of dictatorship as “disinformation.”
As outbreaks spread in US, major Democrat-led cities push to reopen schools
By Jerry White and Evan Blake, 20 October 2020
While the Democrats publicly decry President Trump’s blatant indifference to the spread of the virus, in practice they are carrying out the same murderous policy of opening schools amid the raging pandemic.
Socialism and the fight against the pandemic
Labor Notes covers up role of AFT, Democratic Party in betrayal of U of M grad instructors strike
By Judy Ryden and Barry Grey, 20 October 2020
In challenging the back-to-work and back-to-school policy of the university, the grad students entered into what was not simply a trade union but a political struggle. The strike broke out in the midst of the drive by Trump and Democratic governors across the country to reopen the schools and universities.
999 Chrysler-Unifor ratification vote
20 October 2020
Who are the New York Watchmen?
By Alex Findijs, 19 October 2020
The New York Watchmen are a newly formed right-wing militia with close ties to Michael Caputo, the Assistant Secretary of Health and Human Services for the Trump Administration.
Florida school bus driver dies from COVID-19 weeks before her planned retirement
By Alex Johnson, 19 October 2020
The tragic October 9 death of 66-year old school bus driver Gail Brusseau in Florida has again exposed the homicidal campaign being waged against the working class.
As safety protocols vanish, Fiat Chrysler advises workers “protect your pets from COVID”
By Shannon Jones, 19 October 2020
Management advises workers to protect their pets from COVID-19 as it junks safety measures.
Tennessee educator dies of COVID-19 after governor touts “strong safety measures” in schools
By Our reporters, 19 October 2020
Fifty-three-year old Susan Keener, an educational assistant at Walter Hill Elementary School in Rutherford County, Tennessee, died after being placed on a ventilator due to the contraction of COVID-19 in August.
The Detroit triple murder: What the media doesn’t say
By Jerry White, 19 October 2020
The brutal murders of six-year-old Tai’raz Moore and two other victims in the Detroit suburb of Warren, Michigan shocked residents throughout the metropolitan area.
COVID-19 infections soar in US
By Kate Randall, 19 October 2020
The massive spike in COVID-19 cases is an indication that the US ruling elite’s policy of reopening businesses and schools is already resulting in the surge predicted by public health experts for the fall and winter.
Two US Park Police officers charged in 2017 killing of Virginia motorist Bijan Ghaisar
Nick Barrickman
19 October 2020
Virginia Commonwealth attorneys charged United States Park Police officers Lucas Vinyard and Alejandro Amaya in the fatal shooting.
At Muskegon, Michigan rally
Trump escalates threats of violence and dictatorship
By Patrick Martin, 19 October 2020
In the state where his far-right supporters plotted the assassination of the governor, Trump renewed his appeals to violence and denunciations of socialism.
Forty-three years since the assassination of Tom Henehan (1951-1977)
Tom Henehan: A revolutionary life
By David North, 17 October 2020
Today marks the 43rd anniversary of the assassination of Tom Henehan, a member of the Political Committee of the Workers League—the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party in the US. We are republishing here a tribute delivered by David North at a meeting in 1997.
999 FCA advises workers to social distance from their pets
17 October 2020
999 Trump-Biden town halls
17 October 2020
Alarming spike of COVID-19 infections in Michigan amid ruling class push for “herd immunity”
By Valery Tsekov, 17 October 2020
Several Republican state senators in the Michigan Senate held an online meeting last Saturday, where they discussed steps towards the lifting of mandates to wear masks indoors despite a clear resurgence of the disease.
Twitter and Facebook censor New York Post report on Hunter Biden
By Kevin Reed, 17 October 2020
The social media platforms Twitter and Facebook blocked and suppressed the sharing of links to a news article from the New York Post on Wednesday in a blatant act of online censorship.
Role of Virginia fascists in conspiracy to kill Northam and Whitmer comes into focus
By Eric London, 17 October 2020
Many questions remain as to the possible role of Virginia Boogaloo members and other fascist groups in the expanding plot against Democratic governors.
999 Reports on Insurance profits/medical bills
17 October 2020
Who is Barry County, Michigan Sheriff Dar Leaf?
By Joseph Lorenz, 17 October 2020
The extent of Leaf’s political connections to the fascist groups remain unclear, but his own political history highlights the rise of the far right into the mainstream of US politics and the danger posed by these fascists in the coming period.
US border police attack Native American protest against Arizona border wall
By Adria French, 17 October 2020
Thirty protesters were shot with rubber bullets and teargassed during a ceremony Monday held at a border checkpoint on O’odham lands in southern Arizona.
Democratic Socialists of America goes all in for Biden
By Genevieve Leigh, 17 October 2020
The decision to campaign for Biden violates the decision at the DSA’s own convention to not campaign for any Democratic Party candidate other than Bernie Sanders.
999 USPS update
17 October 2020
Democrats let Amy Coney Barrett sail through Supreme Court confirmation hearings
By Barry Grey, 17 October 2020
In the course of the hearings, the Democrats deliberately downplayed the connection between the rush to confirm and install Barrett on the Supreme Court and Trump’s conspiracy to carry out an election coup.
Trump administration reverses decision to not send $350 million in federal aid to fight California fires
By Alexa Castro, 17 October 2020
As wildfires continue to destroy millions of acres throughout the US West Coast, the social and economic crisis continues to deepen in the region.
The Great Barrington Declaration: A manifesto of death
By Andre Damon, 16 October 2020
The White House’s embrace of “herd immunity” is a statement of malicious intent to allow hundreds of thousands more people to die amid a global resurgence of the pandemic.
Questions surround role of presidential adviser Stephen Moore
Trump calls Whitmer “dictator” as evidence emerges of involvement of Wisconsin militia in Michigan coup plot
By Eric London, 16 October 2020
A transcript of a preliminary hearing held Tuesday in the federal case against conspirators in the Michigan coup plot makes clear that only a fraction of the details have yet been exposed.
Trump administration tipped off wealthy investors about coronavirus while it downplayed threat in public
By Jacob Crosse, 16 October 2020
The revelations reveal the overriding concern of the US government was the protection of the financial aristocracy at the expense of the health and safety of the population.
Nearly 900,000 new jobless claims in US as benefit cutoffs lead to spike in poverty
By Shannon Jones, 16 October 2020
New unemployment claims reached 898,000 last week as researchers report that the cutoff of federal supplemental unemployment benefits has fueled a surge in poverty.
New York University defies state COVID-19 guidelines and continues in-person classes
By John Conrad, 16 October 2020
The decision to not immediately halt in-person classes and work at NYU amid a resurgence of the pandemic underscores the recklessness of the university administration.
New cluster of COVID-19 hits Faurecia Gladstone factory in Columbus, Indiana
By Tim Rivers, 16 October 2020
In spite of stonewalling by management, auto parts workers have been able to verify the infections of at least five individuals, including equipment drivers who move throughout the plant.
San Diego educators launch rank-and-file safety committee to halt school reopenings and save lives
San Diego Educators Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 16 October 2020
Our committee answers directly to the interests of the working class, not to the major corporations, their political representatives in the Democratic and Republican parties, or the teachers unions which have facilitated school reopenings.
Faculty union abruptly ends strike at Youngstown State University
By Isaac Finn, 16 October 2020
The faculty union at YSU announced a shutdown of a three-day strike after an “understanding” was reached with the administration.
University of Michigan cafeteria workers oppose reopening of dining halls as coronavirus continues to spread on campus
By Jesse Thomas, 16 October 2020
In the weeks following the sellout of the graduate student strike, multiple COVID-19 clusters have been confirmed on campus, demonstrating the complete inadequacy of the university’s testing regime.
San Diego educators force delay in school reopenings as COVID-19 spreads in the region
By Melody Isley, 16 October 2020
The delay to school reopenings stems directly from the actions of rank-and-file educators and parents, who have organized car caravan protests and have been increasingly outspoken on social media.
US press reports confirm killing of Portland anti-fascist was targeted police assassination
By Patrick Martin, 15 October 2020
Trump raised the killing of Reinoehl as a great achievement during the first presidential debate with former Vice President Joe Biden. The Democratic candidate made no objection.
Video recordings reveal Republican strategy to suppress the vote in US election
By Jacob Crosse, 15 October 2020
The Council for National Policy, a secret society of ultra-wealthy conservative activists, media and business moguls is closely linked to the Republican Party and Donald Trump.
Factional warfare erupts in New York Times over the 1619 Project
By Tom Mackaman and David North, 15 October 2020
Following the publication of a highly critical essay by a New York Times columnist, the public statements issued by the publisher and leading editors reflect tensions provoked by the exposure of the 1619 Project’s falsification of history.
Amid record long-term unemployment, US government denies aid to workers
By Jerry White, 15 October 2020
Whatever the political maneuvering in Congress, the bottom line is both parties are denying relief to tens of millions of people who are confronting the worst economic and social crisis since the Great Depression.
After rejecting UAW-backed contract, Ventra workers in Ohio press for strike
By J. Cooper, 15 October 2020
Auto parts workers at the Flex-N-Gate subsidiary have consistently rejected the concessions made by the UAW Local 1216 leadership since negotiations began in late July.
Sheriff defends Michigan conspirators as details emerge of plot’s scope, links to police and Trump campaign
By Eric London, 15 October 2020
New information about Huron Valley Guns, which employed one plotter, shows that the facility has deep connections to the police, ICE and the Republican Party.
Amazon Prime Day: Fabulous wealth for Jeff Bezos, rampant injuries for workers
By Shuvu Batta, 15 October 2020
Amazon is expected to rack up record sales on this year’s “Prime Day,” while the explosion of orders is causing many injuries and fueling opposition within the workforce.
Hefty profits for top US banks as millions face social disaster
By Shannon Jones, 14 October 2020
As long-term unemployment rises, major Wall Street Banks JP Morgan and Citigroup have reported booming third quarter profits.
Michigan Supreme Court overturns governor’s executive orders on COVID-19 pandemic
Benefits for hundreds of thousands of jobless workers in jeopardy
By James Brookfield, 14 October 2020
The rulings coincide with the demands of the ruling elite that workers return to work under dangerous conditions so that profitability can be restored.
“If they don’t figure out what’s really going on there, people are going to continue to die”
Whistleblowers: Colorado meatpacking plant used threats and lies to keep potentially infected workers on the job
By Cordell Gascoigne, 14 October 2020
Two former health screeners at the JBS beef processing facility in Greeley, Colorado after a coronavirus outbreak have blown the whistle on flagrant violations of basic safety measures by management.
Teacher death toll mounts as districts across the US push forward with school reopenings
By Emma Arceneaux, 14 October 2020
At least eight more educators across the US have died from COVID-19 in the past two weeks alone.
120 Pulling down of Lincoln in Portland
14 October 2020
Day two of hearing for Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett: Democrats maintain silence on White House plot to overturn election
By Barry Grey, 14 October 2020
At Tuesday's hearing, the Democrats adopted a posture of cringing respect for the far-right judge, echoing Biden's remark in last month’s presidential debate that she is “a very fine woman.”
COVID-19 outbreaks erupt in Florida public schools as state demands further reopenings
By Alex Johnson, 14 October 2020
Public schools in Florida are experiencing a dangerous growth of COVID-19 infections as the state government aggressively pursues in-class instruction in locations ravaged by the pandemic.
Merger between Beaumont Health and Advocate-Aurora Health collapses amid expanding staff opposition
By By Kevin Reed, 14 October 2020
The deal to merge the midwestern hospital chains collapsed as a result of mass opposition among doctors, nurses and health care workers.
Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies at UC Berkeley defends historian Joseph Scalice
14 October 2020
“We write to affirm the intellectual excellence and high character of our former Ph.D. student and Lecturer Joseph Scalice, and to denounce recent baseless accusations against him.”
US Postal Service workers, privatization, and the defense of democratic rights
By Shuvu Batta and Kayla Costa, 14 October 2020
With the far-advanced campaign to privatize the US Postal Service (USPS), unsafe work conditions during the pandemic, and Trump railing against the “fraudulent” mail-in balloting serviced by USPS, postal workers confront a crucial battle defend the basic social and democratic rights of the entire working class.
Democrats silent on Trump’s election coup plans as confirmation hearings begin on Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett
By Barry Grey, 13 October 2020
Besides her potential role in an election coup d’etat, Barrett will shift the Supreme Court further to the right, gutting abortion rights, reversing protections for gays, attacking the separation of church and state, lifting restrictions on guns and blocking federal regulation of business.
Restore the Eight Hour day!
Faurecia Gladstone workers oppose 12-hour shifts at FCA Sterling Heights Assembly
The Faurecia Gladstone Rank-and-File Safety Committee, 13 October 2020
Autoworkers rank-and-file safety committees are teaming up across the country to restore the eight-hour work day, to oppose forced overtime, and to oppose the unchecked spread of COVID-19.
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