Home Depot has announced a $1 billion investment in its hourly workers, raising their average starting salary to $15 an hour. This move comes in response to the current red-hot job market, where unemployment has reached its lowest level since 1969. Home Depot's decision to raise its starting pay follows similar moves by other large retailers such as Amazon, who announced in September that starting pay for warehouse and delivery workers would be more than $19 an hour. This increase will benefit all hourly workers in the U.S. and Canada.
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Barbara Lee, a single mother and former homeless person, announced her candidacy for the United States Senate on Tuesday. In her announcement video, she discussed her difficult upbringing and the obstacles she faced, including being denied access to certain places and services and having an abortion when it was illegal. Lee is running on a platform of progressive change and is the third Democratic Representative to announce their candidacy for the seat. Californians will have the opportunity to learn more about the candidates and their platforms before the election in 2024.
President Joe Biden made an unannounced visit to Ukraine to demonstrate the United States' commitment to the country's survival amidst the ongoing war. In his speech in Poland, Biden reiterated the US and its allies' support for Ukraine and did not declare martial law or announce a new wave of military mobilization. Russian President Vladimir Putin responded to Biden's visit by suspending Russia's participation in the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty.
This week, more than 40 million people across 22 states are preparing for a major winter storm system that will bring heavy snow, rain, gusty winds and potential flash flooding. The storm is expected to affect almost the entire country, with the Pacific Northwest and Northeast likely to be the hardest hit. At the same time, temperatures will be significantly higher than normal in the Southeast and Midwest, with nearly 150 million Americans experiencing a high of 70 degrees or more. The National Weather Service is urging people to take precautions and be aware of any winter weather alerts.
Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate in California on Tuesday, joining a competitive Democratic primary. In her campaign announcement video, Lee highlighted her record of advocating for social justice and economic equality, as well as her personal story. She is the third member of Congress to enter the race for Feinstein’s seat, with the Democratic primary taking place in June 2022.
Congressman David Cicilline, a Democrat from Rhode Island, announced on Tuesday that he will be leaving Congress early at the end of May to take on a new role as President and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the people of Rhode Island’s First Congressional District, and will begin his new job on June 1, 2023. His early departure from Congress marks a rare resignation early in a session and will be replaced by a special election to be held in the coming months.
Rep. David Cicilline (D-R.I.) announced his resignation from Congress on June 1 to become the president and CEO of the Rhode Island Foundation, a philanthropic group that funds nonprofit organizations in the Ocean State. He has served as a House impeachment manager during former President Trump's second impeachment process and has been a vocal advocate for gun control. The Rhode Island Foundation is looking forward to Cicilline's leadership, as board chairperson, John J. Kelly, commented on his commitment to public service, deep roots in Rhode Island, and passion for the Foundation's mission.
Don Lemon, CNN anchor, will return to work on Wednesday after receiving formal training for comments he made about Republican presidential candidate Nikki Haley on "CNN This Morning". The incident has sparked a debate about ageism and the need for greater diversity and representation in the media, as well as the importance of creating a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.