AFL-CIO

The AFL-CIO's annual executive paywatch revealed that Elon Musk received a $158 billion compensation package. This package was reported to be 2.5 million times the average worker's salary in 2025, skewing S&P 500 CEO pay averages to a record high.

Court documents revealed a federal surveillance operation, named Operation Puppet Master, that targeted progressive groups and labor unions in Minneapolis. Department of Homeland Security officers infiltrated meetings—held in churches, schools, and parks—which discussed constitutionally protected protests and de-escalation tactics. The defense lawyer filing the documents described these operations as irrational investigations driven by politics rather than criminal conduct.

Federal agents launched surveillance operations, dubbed Operation Puppet Master and Project Whipple Shield, targeting progressive organizations and labor unions in Minneapolis. According to court documents, Department of Homeland Security officers infiltrated meetings at churches, schools, and parks discussing constitutionally protected protests. Defense lawyer Kevin Riach argued that these programs constituted a “broad and irrational investigation” driven by politics rather than criminal conduct.

Court documents reveal that federal agents conducted a sweeping undercover surveillance operation, named Operation Puppet Master, targeting progressive organizations and labor unions in Minneapolis. This investigation included monitoring meetings at churches and schools and collecting financial records as part of a case involving individuals charged with impeding an immigration crackdown. Defense lawyers argued that the program was a "broad and irrational investigation" driven by politics rather than criminal conduct.

Minnesota passed a 2025 law requiring large data centers to cover their own energy costs and infrastructure, ensuring ratepayers aren't burdened. Google's proposed Pine Island data center in Goodhue County aligns with the law, committing to carbon-free energy and water conservation while generating tax revenue and union jobs.

The re-release of the 'Reagan' movie includes a 'Make America Great Again' line omitted in the original due to it being an election year. Director Sean McNamara explained the exclusion, noting the phrase was used by President Ronald Reagan in 1980 and later adopted by President Donald Trump. The film's special edition, featuring new scenes, will re-release in September 2024 for America's 250th anniversary.

Vonda McDaniel, president of the Central Labor Council of Nashville and Middle Tennessee since 2013, died at 60. She was involved in founding labor initiatives like Stand Up Nashville and the Nashville Justice League and recently became co-executive director of the Highlander Research and Education Center.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler expressed skepticism about a proposal for AI firms to cede equity to the Trump administration to distribute returns among Americans. The union federation plans to prioritize state and local AI legislation and use AI as a key issue in upcoming elections, emphasizing union involvement in data center construction and responsible infrastructure development.

The U.S. Department of Justice will not seek the death penalty in the case against Vance Boelter, accused of assassinating Melissa Hortman and her husband, as stalking charges do not meet the legal definition of a crime of violence. Prosecutors also cited a similar case in New York where the death penalty was dismissed for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.

AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler pledged to unionize 2 million workers in five years, citing past successes in organizing workers across sectors. The announcement came during the federation's national convention in Minneapolis, where union members also recognized resistance efforts against federal immigration operations in the state.

Labor unions and banking industry oppose the Senate Crypto Bill, warning of risks to retirement accounts and instability in the market. The bill is set to be voted on by the Senate Banking Committee. Opposition comes from organizations such as the AFL-CIO and the American Bankers Association.

US workers largely support union-backed policies on AI, with 95% backing a requirement for human decision-makers. A new poll by the AFL-CIO shows strong support for pro-worker AI policies. The survey indicates that labor unions are seen as reliable protectors of workers from AI effects.