Proof more Americans are waking up

Every day brings a new outrage from the Trump regime—but every day also brings news of a rising resistance. 

• That resistance is not just to Trump’s fascism, it’s also aimed at the system that empowers it—late-stage capitalism.

So this May Day, we’re highlighting what’s going right: how workers across the U.S.—and around the world—are fighting back. Not just for fair pay and dignity, but for democracy itself.

BIG PICTURE: Over the last decade, the U.S. has seen a remarkable resurgence in labor union activity—driven by surging public support, bold unionization efforts in unlikely industries, and a wave of disruptive, high-profile strikes.

• In 2023, Gallup found that 67% of Americans support labor unions—the highest level since 1965. That number rises among young people.

That’s being driven partly by a unionization surge, particularly in industries where unionization was previously uncommon—such as food service and at e-commerce fulfillment centers.

• In turn, the country has seen a wave of strikes, including three in 2023: walkouts by autoworkers, writers, and actors.

More recently—although ignored by corporate media eager to downplay union power—a strike at Kaiser Permanente in Southern California became the longest mental health service strike in our nation’s history.

• And just this week, some 55,000 county workers in Los Angeles launched a two-day strike, crippling critical services and reminding the ruling class who generates all their wealth.

As one expert told Harvard Business Review, “It has been generations since we have seen this kind of robust labor activity.”

WHY IT MATTERS: Workers coming together isn’t just about wages. It’s about building collective strength—in a society being ripped apart by greed, isolation, and authoritarianism.

• Fascism feeds on powerlessness. Unions build power.

• Capitalism thrives on division. Unions build solidarity.

When workers organize, they don’t just get raises—they reclaim democracy from the billionaire class trying to crush it.

THE ROAD AHEAD: Despite the momentum, America’s labor revival still faces enormous obstacles—from legal roadblocks to corporate retaliation and political sabotage.

• Union membership remains near historic lows—only about 1 in 10 U.S. workers belongs to a union, even as public support climbs.

At the same time, Trump and Musk’s government layoffs are decimating federal unions—and Trump has taken significant steps to curtail union power.

• Still, the movement is growing. And workers—especially young ones—are learning fast. They’re organizing anyway.

As Benjamin Franklin once said, we must all hang together—or we will all hang separately.

⚠️ Take action

Democracy isn’t a spectator sport—here are ways you can take action right now.

• Join a protest today: In recognition of May Day, protests are being planned all around the country (and many are in the evening). Find a list of protests here.

• Help striking workers: As reported above, mental healthcare workers have been on strike in Southern California since October demanding a better contract and better care for patients. That strike has left many workers unpaid. If you’re able, you can support them here. 

• Support NOTICE News: Consider supporting the anti-fascist journalism of NOTICE News. NOTICE News+ members get our Sunday Deep Dives, and help keep the vast majority of our work free for everyone. Learn more and support us.

📰 Most important news

There’s a lot of BS out there. Here’s what’s actually important—and why.

Tesla board opened search for a CEO to succeed Elon Musk

Why it matters: Trump, Musk, and MAGA think they can operate in the world without consequences—but that’s simply not true. Turns out destroying the federal government, making most of the country hate you, and doing a Nazi salute at a presidential rally can get you fired, no matter how much wealth you’ve hoarded. Full story from the Wall Street Journal.

“I am not afraid of you,” Columbia student says after release from ICE

Why it matters: The movement against Israel’s genocide in Gaza is showing the world what true courage looks like. Mohsen Mahdawi, who was arrested after showing up for his citizenship interview, is a true American hero. Full story from ABC News.

Bipartisan measure to undo Trump's global tariffs fails in the Senate

Why it matters: Congress—particularly spineless Republicans in the Senate—is absolutely failing to do its constitutional duty to provide a check on the actions of another branch. If we want checks and balances to mean anything, we need a new majority—fast. Full story from NBC News.

Misreading the moment

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a potential frontrunner for the Democratic nomination in 2028, is under fire for cozying up to Donald Trump again.

• The governor greeted Trump with a warm hug as he arrived in her state Tuesday, then appeared with him at a rally announcing a multi-billion dollar defense contract.

As the Democratic base itches for a fight against a man most Americans now consider a “dangerous dictator,” it has many asking—what the f*ck is she doing?

DRIVING THE NEWS: Whitmer defended the hug and the appearance, saying that advocating for the contract was in the best interest of her state—a contract she ultimately won.

• That’s despite the fact that Trump’s tariffs will hit workers in her state especially hard—and that every penny spent on jet fighters is a penny handed over to huge defense contractors while everyday Americans struggle.

The move follows outrage she faced earlier this month when she traveled to D.C. to grovel before Trump for the contract.

• That time, she seemed more aware of the optics (kind of)—photographers caught her trying to hide from the media using a makeshift shield.

SOME BACKGROUND: Whitmer’s embrace of Trump comes as more establishment Democrats—and the white liberals who love them—move to normalize Trump and his fascist movement.

• In March, California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another top 2028 contender, demonized trans athletes on his podcast with a far-right influencer and Trump appointee.

Shortly after, longtime truth-teller Bill Maher genuflected before Trump and claimed he was a nice guy—only to be mercilessly mocked by Larry David.

BIG PICTURE: Despite record-level disapproval of Trump, many Democratic leaders still think cozying up to the would-be dictator is a winning electoral strategy.

• The only Democrats breaking through—Bernie and AOC—have done so as relentless critics not just of Trump, but of the oligarchy that supports him.

Still, corporate Democrats like James Carville think Democrats would be better off without Bernie and AOC.

• That may actually be true for people like Carville—who’s reportedly worth over $6 million and lived in a $3.7 million mansion.

Folks like him stand to make a killing when Trump cuts taxes for the rich and giant corporations—again.

GO DEEPER: Think Trump is unpopular now? Just wait.

🗳️ Question of the day

We want to know… do you think normalizing Trump is a good political strategy? Tell us why or why not after you vote!

TUESDAY’S QUESTION: On Tuesday we asked, do Americans know what an oligarchy is? Most people thought yes.

AJ voted yes and noted, “Unfortunately I fear most Americans are concerned about themselves not the other guy, but they are not stupid….”

Others disagreed. One no voter wrote, “I don’t know who’s taking this test, but over 50% of the American population reads at a third grade level”

J Morgan has a better message that just might work: “He’s a wealthy, fat bastard dictator! Folks will understand that.” 💀

📢 Help us tell the truth

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If you like our reporting, please consider supporting our work by becoming a paid subscriber to NOTICE News+. We’re committed to keeping the vast majority of our journalism free, but we can only do that with your financial support.

By becoming a paying member, you’ll get our Sunday Deep Dives, access to a troll-free online community, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting one of the few truly independent, anti-fascist journalism organizations telling the full truth about Trump.

👀 Under the Radar

Here are some stories the algorithm may have kept out of your feed.

• Did Trump really fall asleep at the Pope’s funeral?

• Guess who Trump is blaming for his shitty economy

• Proof Kilmar Abrego Garcia does not have ‘MS-13’ tattooed on his knuckles

• Trump reveals how AOC and Bernie are getting on his nerves

• The big decision that could shape AOC’s future

• AOC hits back at GOP Medicaid claims with blistering last word

• Is this Kamala Harris’s next move?

• It’s time to call the Vietnam ‘War’ what it actually was

• Here’s the next country that’s facing an anti-Trump backlash—helping progressives in an upcoming election

• When it comes to housing affordability, only one state gets an ‘A’

• Meet the socialist candidate breaking through in the race to become New York City’s next mayor