Mike Elk
@mikeelk.bsky.social
Emmy-nominated labor reporter @PaydayReport often in 🇧🇷. Alum: @Guardian! Yinzer @UEunion fam. Autistic⚾️ Jew. Falo Português in Pittsburgh. Melk@PaydayReport.com
Pinned
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Big thanks to a reader from Maryland for donating $50.
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:00 AM
Big thanks to a reader from Maryland for donating $50.
Reposted by Mike Elk
On the first day back following the kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro & first lady Cilia Flores, 6 Senate Democrats vote yea to confirm Keith Bass as an Assistant Secretary of Defense by a vote of 50-35.
January 5, 2026 at 11:37 PM
On the first day back following the kidnapping of Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro & first lady Cilia Flores, 6 Senate Democrats vote yea to confirm Keith Bass as an Assistant Secretary of Defense by a vote of 50-35.
Reposted by Mike Elk
South America is different for the AFL-CIO and the UAW because they have a very long history of working with unions there, specially in Brazil. Unions from both countries support each other during strikes(And considering how they never managed to unionize plants in the US South that matters a LOT).
January 6, 2026 at 2:13 AM
South America is different for the AFL-CIO and the UAW because they have a very long history of working with unions there, specially in Brazil. Unions from both countries support each other during strikes(And considering how they never managed to unionize plants in the US South that matters a LOT).
Special Venezuela Newsletter from Payday:
- Colombian Prez praises US worker solidarity
- Venezuelan Journalist Union calls for release of detained reporters
- Most unions silent on oil connection to Venezuela attack & more in this special Venezuela newsletter
paydayreport.com/colombian-pr...
- Colombian Prez praises US worker solidarity
- Venezuelan Journalist Union calls for release of detained reporters
- Most unions silent on oil connection to Venezuela attack & more in this special Venezuela newsletter
paydayreport.com/colombian-pr...
Colombian Prez Praises U.S. Workers’ Solidarity -Venezuela Journalists’ Union Calls for Release of Reporters - Most Unions Silent on Oil Connection
Around the world, workers are rallying to address the crisis in Venezuela
paydayreport.com
January 6, 2026 at 1:21 AM
Special Venezuela Newsletter from Payday:
- Colombian Prez praises US worker solidarity
- Venezuelan Journalist Union calls for release of detained reporters
- Most unions silent on oil connection to Venezuela attack & more in this special Venezuela newsletter
paydayreport.com/colombian-pr...
- Colombian Prez praises US worker solidarity
- Venezuelan Journalist Union calls for release of detained reporters
- Most unions silent on oil connection to Venezuela attack & more in this special Venezuela newsletter
paydayreport.com/colombian-pr...
Reposted by Mike Elk
Seeing a lot of engagement from labor on the Venezuela situation.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
January 5, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Seeing a lot of engagement from labor on the Venezuela situation.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
United Electrical Workers say “No Blood for Oil” in Venezuela www.ueunion.org/political-ac...
Take Action: No More Blood for Oil!
This past weekend, the administration escalated its attacks on Venezuela, kidnapping the sitting President and First Lady. UE encourages all UE members and allies to take action by joining local prote...
www.ueunion.org
January 5, 2026 at 9:39 PM
United Electrical Workers say “No Blood for Oil” in Venezuela www.ueunion.org/political-ac...
Only $20 short of raising $1,100 - help us keep the momentum going?
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:28 PM
Only $20 short of raising $1,100 - help us keep the momentum going?
Reposted by Mike Elk
“The press has to ask itself: Is it still in the public interest for journalists to keep secrets about Trump’s anti-democratic use of the military?”
My free Stop the Presses newsletter.
My free Stop the Presses newsletter.
Will the press continue to keep Trump’s military secrets?
The goal is protecting the troops, but secrecy can also protect criminality
www.stopthepresses.news
January 5, 2026 at 6:57 PM
“The press has to ask itself: Is it still in the public interest for journalists to keep secrets about Trump’s anti-democratic use of the military?”
My free Stop the Presses newsletter.
My free Stop the Presses newsletter.
Reposted by Mike Elk
Unless I’ve missed something—and pls update if so—major news orgs seem profoundly uninterested in the death toll from the Venezuela raid. Nowhere to be found on MSM home pages.
Local sources say 80 dead. Isn’t that worth pursuing, even if it’s just examining the credibility of the sourcing?
Local sources say 80 dead. Isn’t that worth pursuing, even if it’s just examining the credibility of the sourcing?
So we now appear to be up to at least 80 Venezuelans killed.
For an operation that anonymous admin officials said yesterday was"virtually flawless."
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
For an operation that anonymous admin officials said yesterday was"virtually flawless."
www.nytimes.com/live/2026/01...
January 5, 2026 at 9:17 PM
Unless I’ve missed something—and pls update if so—major news orgs seem profoundly uninterested in the death toll from the Venezuela raid. Nowhere to be found on MSM home pages.
Local sources say 80 dead. Isn’t that worth pursuing, even if it’s just examining the credibility of the sourcing?
Local sources say 80 dead. Isn’t that worth pursuing, even if it’s just examining the credibility of the sourcing?
So much of our reporting on whats happening in Venezuela is speculation, which is exactly why I want to get on the ground to find out whats happening.
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:13 PM
So much of our reporting on whats happening in Venezuela is speculation, which is exactly why I want to get on the ground to find out whats happening.
Im seeing a lot of speculation on what's happening in Venezuela, but not a lot of on-the-ground reporting. If you have a link to some, please send it to me.
We have descended into "hot take" land, where everyone voices their opinion on what's happening (whether or not it's actually happening).
We have descended into "hot take" land, where everyone voices their opinion on what's happening (whether or not it's actually happening).
January 5, 2026 at 9:13 PM
Im seeing a lot of speculation on what's happening in Venezuela, but not a lot of on-the-ground reporting. If you have a link to some, please send it to me.
We have descended into "hot take" land, where everyone voices their opinion on what's happening (whether or not it's actually happening).
We have descended into "hot take" land, where everyone voices their opinion on what's happening (whether or not it's actually happening).
Reposted by Mike Elk
January 5, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Seeing a lot of engagement from labor on the Venezuela situation.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
January 5, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Seeing a lot of engagement from labor on the Venezuela situation.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
When the Palestine genocide started, some said unions shouldn't be involved, but in Venezuela, we are seeing a lot of engagement, including the AFL-CIO denouncing it.
Big thanks to a reader who donated $20.
$1080 raised today.
Only $20 short of $1,100
$1080 raised today.
Only $20 short of $1,100
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:10 PM
Big thanks to a reader who donated $20.
$1080 raised today.
Only $20 short of $1,100
$1080 raised today.
Only $20 short of $1,100
Hollywood, Pro Sports Union Talks Primed to Rally Labor in 2026
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Hollywood, Pro Sports Union Talks Primed to Rally Labor in 2026
Union deals in the entertainment and professional sports industries are set to expire in 2026, setting the stage for attention-grabbing contract disputes that could have ripple effects across organize...
news.bloomberglaw.com
January 5, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Hollywood, Pro Sports Union Talks Primed to Rally Labor in 2026
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
news.bloomberglaw.com/daily-labor-...
Reposted by Mike Elk
Remember when the Kardashians started their own credit card and everyone was like "This is it. This is as low as America can go”
January 4, 2026 at 8:33 PM
Remember when the Kardashians started their own credit card and everyone was like "This is it. This is as low as America can go”
Reposted by Mike Elk
A hacker known as Martha Root broke in and deleted three white supremacists websites at the end of a talk during the annual hacker conference Chaos Communication Congress in Germany.
Hacktivist deletes white supremacist websites live on stage during hacker conference | TechCrunch
A hacker known as Martha Root broke in and deleted three white supremacists websites at the end of a talk during the annual hacker conference Chaos Communication Congress in Germany.
techcrunch.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:58 PM
A hacker known as Martha Root broke in and deleted three white supremacists websites at the end of a talk during the annual hacker conference Chaos Communication Congress in Germany.
Reposted by Mike Elk
More than 8.3 million workers got a raise this year after 19 states increased their minimum wage.
But the federal minimum wage is STILL $7.25 per hour. It's mind-boggling to expect workers to pay the bills with that wage — it's unlivable in all 50 states. https://bit.ly/4jxegxO
But the federal minimum wage is STILL $7.25 per hour. It's mind-boggling to expect workers to pay the bills with that wage — it's unlivable in all 50 states. https://bit.ly/4jxegxO
Over 8.3 million workers will benefit from minimum wage increases on January 1: Nineteen states will raise their minimum wages. Here’s where.
Nineteen states will increase their minimum wages on January 1, boosting earnings for more than 8.3 million workers by a total of $5 billion. In addition, 47 cities and counties will raise their minim...
www.epi.org
January 5, 2026 at 7:35 PM
More than 8.3 million workers got a raise this year after 19 states increased their minimum wage.
But the federal minimum wage is STILL $7.25 per hour. It's mind-boggling to expect workers to pay the bills with that wage — it's unlivable in all 50 states. https://bit.ly/4jxegxO
But the federal minimum wage is STILL $7.25 per hour. It's mind-boggling to expect workers to pay the bills with that wage — it's unlivable in all 50 states. https://bit.ly/4jxegxO
Corporation for Public Broadcasting to shut down variety.com/2026/tv/news...
Corporation for Public Broadcasting to Shut Down After 58 Years Due to Trump Eliminating Funding
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting's board voted to close the organization after 58 years after the Trump Administration ended funding.
variety.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:35 PM
Corporation for Public Broadcasting to shut down variety.com/2026/tv/news...
Reposted by Mike Elk
Help Mike take his reporting trip to Latin America!
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Help Mike take his reporting trip to Latin America!
Reposted by Mike Elk
No better way to get the pulse of the American public than adding to your newsroom a theocrat living in Hungary who gets enraged that the Pope doesn't know who he is.
January 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM
No better way to get the pulse of the American public than adding to your newsroom a theocrat living in Hungary who gets enraged that the Pope doesn't know who he is.
Reposted by Mike Elk
Florida Democrat Angie Nixon has, once again, refiled a bill for 2026 to create a state department of labor in Florida.
Florida has lacked a state labor dept since former Gov Jeb Bush abolished the state department of Labor and Economic Security in the early 2000s www.flhouse.gov/sections/bil...
Florida has lacked a state labor dept since former Gov Jeb Bush abolished the state department of Labor and Economic Security in the early 2000s www.flhouse.gov/sections/bil...
January 5, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Florida Democrat Angie Nixon has, once again, refiled a bill for 2026 to create a state department of labor in Florida.
Florida has lacked a state labor dept since former Gov Jeb Bush abolished the state department of Labor and Economic Security in the early 2000s www.flhouse.gov/sections/bil...
Florida has lacked a state labor dept since former Gov Jeb Bush abolished the state department of Labor and Economic Security in the early 2000s www.flhouse.gov/sections/bil...
Big thanks to a reader from DC who donated $15.
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:39 PM
Big thanks to a reader from DC who donated $15.
Reposted by Mike Elk
Flash poll from @washingtonpost.com finds:
- Americans are roughly divided on whether striking Venezuela, capturing Maduro was a good idea. (40% approve, 42% disapprove)
- More skepticism for whether U.S. should take control of Venezuela. (24% support, 45% oppose)
@sfcpoll.bsky.social @erxclau.me
- Americans are roughly divided on whether striking Venezuela, capturing Maduro was a good idea. (40% approve, 42% disapprove)
- More skepticism for whether U.S. should take control of Venezuela. (24% support, 45% oppose)
@sfcpoll.bsky.social @erxclau.me
We texted 1,000 Americans about U.S. actions in Venezuela. Here’s what they said.
A Washington Post poll shows Americans are split on sending military forces to Venezuela to capture Maduro. Most say it should have required Congress’s approval.
www.washingtonpost.com
January 5, 2026 at 2:20 PM
Flash poll from @washingtonpost.com finds:
- Americans are roughly divided on whether striking Venezuela, capturing Maduro was a good idea. (40% approve, 42% disapprove)
- More skepticism for whether U.S. should take control of Venezuela. (24% support, 45% oppose)
@sfcpoll.bsky.social @erxclau.me
- Americans are roughly divided on whether striking Venezuela, capturing Maduro was a good idea. (40% approve, 42% disapprove)
- More skepticism for whether U.S. should take control of Venezuela. (24% support, 45% oppose)
@sfcpoll.bsky.social @erxclau.me
Big thanks to a reader from Pittsburgh who donated $10
I am going to Latin America on a small travel grant, but need $3,000 more for coverage of unions fighting back against Trump.
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
I've covered unions in Latin America for 20 years & feel workers abroad need to hear their stories.
Donate & fightback!
paydayreport.com/send-a-labor...
Send a Labor Reporter to Latin America to Cover Unions Fighting Trump
With unions in Latin America fighting back against the US attack on Venezuela, it's crucial that we amplify the voices of trade unionists there, but these stories of rank-and-file workers aren’t reach...
paydayreport.com
January 5, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Big thanks to a reader from Pittsburgh who donated $10