UAW workers at Stellantis' Sterling Heights Assembly Plant in Michigan went on strike Monday in an effort to pressure the company to make a better labor contract offer. The plant produces the highly profitable RAM 1500 series pickup truck, and UAW President Shawn Fain said the strike is an attempt to “stand up for the rights of our members and their families.” The strike is part of the UAW's concurrent strikes against the “Big Three” automakers, and Stellantis did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Posts published in “US”
Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is facing new charges alleging he accepted bribes from the Egyptian government and conspired to act as a foreign agent while serving as a member of Congress. The charges come as part of a long-running investigation into Menendez's relationship with a New Jersey businessman from Egypt, and the senator has denied any wrongdoing. His co-defendants, including his wife and the businessman, were also included in the new charges.
On October 24, family and friends of Samantha Woll gathered to pay their respects at her funeral service. Detroit Police Chief James White has stated that the evidence suggests that Woll's murder was not motivated by antisemitism, and the motive of the slaying is still unknown. Woll was remembered as a passionate advocate for social justice and beloved member of the Isaac Agree Downtown Synagogue.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken praised the release of an American mother and daughter held hostage by Hamas, but expressed skepticism over the militant group’s recent statement that they were ready to release two more hostages. He also expressed concern over the possibility of Iranian proxies escalating their attacks against US personnel, and said the US will continue to send clear messages to Hamas about the need to release all hostages.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) voiced his strong support for President Joe Biden's proposed $106 billion aid package for both Israel and Ukraine on CBS's "Face the Nation" Sunday morning. McConnell noted that the package would be spent in the United States in 38 different states, replacing the weapons that were sent to Ukraine with more modern weapons. He also addressed concerns about his health and ability to continue performing his congressional duties, saying he has "completely recovered" and is "back on the job."
Nine candidates have entered the race for the House speakership following the ousting of Rep. Kevin McCarthy. House Republicans are now working to elect a new speaker, with the vote expected to take place on Tuesday. The candidates have a variety of backgrounds and experiences, and it is unclear who will be chosen as the new speaker.
The House of Representatives has been without a speaker since October 3rd, when former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney said the disorder gripping the House was a direct result of Kevin McCarthy's alliance with former President Donald Trump. This week, Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) failed to win the speaker’s gavel in a House floor vote for the third time, and Republicans voted against him in a secret ballot. Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) said the House is unable to move forward with business due to the lack of a speaker, leaving the House in a state of limbo with no clear path forward.
Two police officers in La Vergne, Tennessee were shot Saturday afternoon while investigating a stolen vehicle. The suspect in the shooting has been identified as John C. Drake, Jr., 38, the son of Metro Nashville Police Department Chief John Drake. Boleyjack and Kern, both of whom have been with the La Vergne Police Department for several years, were transported to a local hospital for treatment. Police are warning the public not to approach Drake if they see him, as he is considered armed and dangerous.