Biden news: Harris says US ‘not into regime change’ but won’t say whether she agrees Putin must go
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Your support makes all the difference.President Joe Biden delivered remarks this morning hailing another successful jobs reports that sees employment return to pre-pandemic levels and unemployment to drop to a level not seen since 1969.
While inflation remains a huge concern to Americans, Mr Biden has also ordered the release of up 1 million barrels of oil per day from the strategic petroleum reserve for the next six months in a bid to control prices that have spiked since the US and its allies imposed strict sanctions on Russia after it began its war on Ukraine.
Answering questions from reporters on Thursday, Mr Biden said Russian president Vladimir Putin “seems to be self-isolated and there’s some indication that he has fired or put under house arrest some of his advisers”.
Meanwhile, new reports say that White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki will leave her post this spring to take up a job at MSNBC. It had long been speculated that Ms Psaki would be leaving the administration soon after more than a year in the role.
At Friday’s press briefing Ms Psaki refused to comment on her plans, other than to say she that if she left she would spend time with her children and would sleep.
Pressed on if she could do be an effective briefer with plans to join a media outlet Ms Psaki said she is abiding by all ethics rules and legal requirements.
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Amazon workers declare victory with company’s first-ever US union
Amazon workers in New York City have declared victory following preliminary results of a union election at a Staten Island warehouse, where employees have voted to form the first union among the company’s warehouse workers in the US, a bitter defeat for one of the world’s largest companies during a historic wave of labour organising across the country.
Roughly 6,000 people work at the JFK8 warehouse, the company’s largest fulfillment center in New York.
Alex Woodward reports.
Amazon workers declare victory with historic union election in New York
Amazon workers in New York City have declared victory following preliminary results of a union election at a Staten Island warehouse, where employees have voted to form the first union among the company’s warehouse workers in the US, a bitter defeat for one of the world’s largest companies during a historic wave of labour organising across the country.
Manchin: End of Title 42 ‘frightening decision'
Democrat Senator Joe Manchin is not happy about the CDC’s announcement about the end of Title 42 at the southern border.
“Today’s announcement by the CDC and the Biden Administration is a frightening decision. Title 42 has been an essential tool in combatting the spread of Covid-19 and controlling the influx of migrants at our southern border.”
Press secretary returns
White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki will return to the briefing room podium this afternoon having recovered from a bout of Covid-19.
She is back in place amid reports that she will be leaving the Biden administration and taking a broadcast role at MSNBC and Peacock in the very near future.
Jen Psaki to leave White House ‘in May’
Press secretary follows well-worn path from White House to cable news
More detail on Psaki’s contract negotiations
A source familiar with the negotiations between Jen Psaki and MSNBC reveals that in order to avoid any conflicts of interest or ethics violations, the White House press secretary will not appear on NBC or MSNBC and hasn’t since discussions became serious.
She is also not involved in any discussions about White House staff or administration principals appearing on NBC properties for interviews.
Live - White House press secretary Jen Psaki holds briefing amid resignation rumours
Jared Bernstein of the Council of Economic Advisers, speaking at the White House press briefing about the latest jobs report, says: “The headwinds of Delta, Omicron and even war in Europe have not been able to derail the recovery of our economy.”
“There is an ongoing labour market recovery with strong momentum that is delivering job opportunities to American families.”
The White House is pleased at the decision by Amazon workers in New York to unionise.
Ms Psaki says "Amazon workers in Staten Island made their choice to organise a grassroots union and bargain for better jobs, and a better life”.
Speaking about the decision by the CDC to end Title 42 at the southern border on 23 April, Ms Psaki says of the three week wait: “It was always going to be important to have an implementation period and the timeline reflects that.”
Ms Psaki is asked about if she is leaving the White House for MSNBC.
“Well, you can’t get rid of me yet, Ed. I have nothing to confirm about my length of public service...”
“I have nothing to confirm...about next plans,” she adds.
“My focus every day continues to be answering your questions on behalf of the president.”
“I’ve complied with all ethics requirements,” Ms Psaki adds concerning any future employment. “I have always gone over and above the stringent ethical requirements of the Biden administration.”
Pressed further — by Kristen Welker of NBC — she is asked how she can continue to be an effective briefer if she does in fact have plans to join a media outlet.
Ms Psaki reiterates she has nothing to announce, but acknowledges having talked to White House counsel about potential next steps and emphasises she is complying with ethical standards.
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