Category: Analysis
As executives hike prices, US corporations rake in biggest profits since 1950
“Prices are high,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown, “because corporations are raising them—so they can keep paying themselves with ever-larger executive bonuses and stock buybacks.” by Jake Johnson, Common Dreams November 30, 2021 New data released by…
‘Saddening, infuriating, and unsurprising’: Rittenhouse acquitted
The verdict, said the Huber family, sends the “unacceptable message” that armed vigilantes can “use the danger they have created to justify shooting people in the street.” by Brett Wilkins Friday, November 19, 2021 Racial justice…
Texts show Kimberly Guilfoyle bragged about raising millions for rally that fueled Capitol riot
Text messages reviewed by ProPublica represent the strongest indication yet that members of the Trump family inner circle were involved in financing and organizing the Jan. 6 “Save America” rally, which immediately preceded the Capitol riot….
The Federal Government gave billions to America’s schools for COVID-19 relief. Where did the money go?
The Education Department’s limited tracking of $190 billion in pandemic support funds sent to schools has left officials in the dark about how effective the aid has been in helping students. by Annie Waldman and Bianca…
The pandemic has made it harder for one in three Americans to obtain healthy, affordable food
by Sheril Kirshenbaum, Michigan State University and Douglas Buhler, Michigan State University October 26, 2021 COVID-19 has made food access more challenging for many communities. In Michigan State University’s Fall 2021 Food Literacy and Engagement Poll,…
A quick guide to climate change jargon – what experts mean by mitigation, carbon neutral and 6 other key terms
by Wändi Bruine de Bruin, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences October 26, 2021 As a major U.N. climate conference gets underway on Oct. 31, 2021, you’ll be hearing a lot of technical terms…
Oath Keepers in the State House
How a Militia Movement Took Root in the Republican Mainstream by Isaac Arnsdorf, ProPublica October 21, 2021 North Carolina state representative Mike Clampitt swore an oath to uphold the Constitution after his election in 2016…
Sinema kills Democrats’ plan to raise corporate tax rate
Although “all of President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda can be paid for by fairer taxes on the wealthy and corporations,” noted Americans for Tax Fairness, Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s refusal to support tax hikes on the…
75% of Democrats want party to go big on social spending, climate action
“The people delivered Democrats the House, Senate, and White House. Now it’s time for us to deliver them paid leave, child care, climate action, lower healthcare costs, pre-k, community college, affordable housing, and so much more.”…
Essential, low-wage workers share why they need reconciliation package
‘Please Help Us’ “We’ve heard the voices of the poor. We’ve heard the voices crying out, demanding justice. All I want to know right now, Joe Manchin, is which side are you on?” by Jessica Corbett,…
We’re losing our humanity, and the pandemic is to blame
“What the hell is happening? I feel like we are living on another planet. I don’t recognize anyone anymore.” by Sarah Smith, ProPublica October 8, 2021 Kurt Thigpen clenched his hands around the edge of…
So-called ‘centrists’ are really incredibly dangerous extremists
Their supposed “seriousness” poses a serious threat to everyone but the small group of elites whose short-term interests they actually represent. by Peter Bloom Tuesday, October 5, 2021 After a half decade of progressive political gains,…
Police killings of civilians in the US have been undercounted by more than half in official statistics
The names of the dead. (Photo:Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) by Moshen Naghavi, University of Washington; Eve Wool, University of Washington, and Fablina Sharara, University of Washington October 5, 2021 The big…
Corporate Democrats Obstructing Extension of Expanded Child Tax Credit
“The rich can afford to pay a fairer share in taxes, but many families in Maine can’t afford to lose out on this commonsense tax relief.” by Kenny Stancil, Common Dreams September 30, 2021 A new…
Sinema draws ire for obstructing Biden agenda
‘It’s Sickening’ “We obviously didn’t envision having Republicans as part of our party,” said Rep. Ilhan Omar. by Jake Johnson, Common Dreams September 30, 2021 Sen. Kyrsten Sinema is not the only corporate-backed Democrat standing in…
‘Carrying water for big corporations’: Sinema faces backlash for opposing tax hikes
“Make no mistake, if she sides with her wealthy donors and kills popular investments to jump-start the economy, everyday families—including across Arizona—will pay the price.” by Jake Johnson, Common Dreams September 26, 2021 Sen. Kyrsten Sinema…
Texas voting law builds on long legacy of racism from GOP leaders
In the early 1960s, U.S. Sen. Barry Goldwater of Arizona, a Republican, challenged the GOP’s more liberal politicians to redefine the Republican Party as what newspaper editor William Loeb called “the white man’s party.” by Chris Lamb,…
Correctional officers are driving the pandemic in prisons
New research shows correctional officers are vectors of infection, driving COVID-19 rates both inside prisons and in their communities. While prison may isolate people from the larger community, it does not isolate them from COVID-19. Scott…
With Senate again up for grabs, 2022 already a multimillion-dollar race
By Brooke Newman, Cronkite News July 21, 2021 Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly has a huge fundraising lead over potential challengers to his 2022 re-election bid, but analysts say that’s still no guarantee in a campaign…
Why Gil Scott-Heron’s ‘Whitey on the Moon’ still feels relevant today
Recent space flights by multi-billionaires highlight the extreme economic inequality in America. Joe Raedle/Getty Images A.D. Carson, University of Virginia Not long after the July 20, 1969, Moon landing, Gil Scott-Heron – a poet hailed as…
‘Biggest story in the world right now’: Humanity has flipped Amazon from carbon sink to source
The findings, said one expert, “show that the uncertain future is happening now.” by Jessica Corbett, Staff writer July 14, 2021 Following years of warnings and mounting fears among scientists, new research revealed Wednesday that climate…
US military document puts socialists in same category as Neo-Nazis
The Intercept releases story ‘Disturbing’ The Navy’s new counterterrorism training guide says that socialists are “political terrorists,” just like neo-nazis. “Whoever is directing the Navy anti-terror curriculum would rather vilify the left than actually protect anything,”…
The Secret IRS files: Trove of never-before-seen records reveal how the wealthiest avoid income tax
ProPublica has obtained a vast cache of IRS information showing how billionaires like Jeff Bezos, Elon Musk and Warren Buffett pay little in income tax compared to their massive wealth — sometimes, even nothing. by Jesse…
Biden faces backlash over ‘shameful’ capitulation to GOP governors as they end unemployment lifelines
“You only take back the lifeline when people aren’t drowning,” said Claire Guzdar of the Groundwork Collaborative. by Jake Johnson, Staff Writer June 5, 2021 Biden administration officials publicly signaled Friday that they have no intention…
