Thomas Birmingham

Thomas Birmingham is a reporter in New Haven and an intern at The Nation. He has previously covered housing, tenant movements, and criminal justice for In These Times, The Appeal, the Louisville Courier-Journal, and the New Haven Independent.

Three people in a parking lot outside a residential building look at and sign tenant union cards and materials.

In the US, Tenants Are Usually on Their Own. Can a New National Tenant Union Change That? In the US, Tenants Are Usually on Their Own. Can a New National Tenant Union Change That?

The Tenant Union Federation is fostering a wave of tenant leaders who have been pushed to the margins—many of them elderly, disabled, low-income—as they aim to transform renters i...

Dec 4, 2024 / Thomas Birmingham

The logo of “The New York Times” seen displayed on a smartphone.

The “New York Times” Site Could Be Shuttered on Election Day—Blame Bosses The “New York Times” Site Could Be Shuttered on Election Day—Blame Bosses

The Tech Guild has waited over two years for a contract. Its workers will go on strike this Tuesday if management doesn’t agree to key demands.

Nov 1, 2024 / Thomas Birmingham

A television showing Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris debating Republican presidential nominee former president Donald Trump is seen playing in a living room on September 10, 2024, in Ashton, Idaho.

For Harris, Housing Takes Center Stage, but Tenants Are Not the Audience For Harris, Housing Takes Center Stage, but Tenants Are Not the Audience

Harris has emphasized housing during her campaign more than most Democrats in recent years—but her policies rarely include the words “renters” or “tenants.”

Sep 19, 2024 / Thomas Birmingham

Community organizations and tenants hold a rally to protest against the rising costs of rental apartments in New York City, May 20, 2023, in Brooklyn.

Biden Said Rent Cap. Here’s What Tenant Organizers Say Must Happen Next. Biden Said Rent Cap. Here’s What Tenant Organizers Say Must Happen Next.

The president called on Congress to act, but he could enact a rent stabilization policy with a stroke of his pen. Tenant leaders say they will keep organizing until it happens.

Jul 26, 2024 / Thomas Birmingham

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