ROBOTS now do much of the work of auto assembly, but many workers are still required (Shutterstock).

The strike by the United Auto Workers Union spread on Friday to 38 parts-distribution centers operated by General Motors and Stellantis (owner of Jeep and Ram).

According to the Associated Press, Ford will be unaffected by the expansion because it has met some of the union demands.

President Joe Biden said that he was planning on traveling to Michigan to “join the picket line to stand in solidarity” with the striking workers.

The selective work stoppage started as the previous labor contract between UAW and the car manufacturers expired. The union is seeking major wage increases, better working conditions and pensions.

Sen. Menendez indicted for robbery

SEN. ROBERT MENENDEZ.

New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat, was indicted Friday for allegedly taking hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes,. His wife is accused of assisting in the bribery.

The New York Times is reporting that Menendez allegedly used his position as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to induce foreign governments to pay him in order to get favorable treatment from the U.S. government.

Gov. Philip Murphy, also a Democrat, urged Menendez to resign.

If he does, or is expelled by the Senate, the governor can appoint another person to that post until the next election.

Zelensky speaks to Canadian Parliament

VOLODOMYR ZELENSKY, President of Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to a joint session of the Canadian Parliament on Friday, and thanked Canada for its help in resisting Russian invasion.

“Canada’s support for Ukraine with weapons and equipment has allowed us to save thousands and thousands of lives,” Zelensky said, according to United Press International.

He also thanked Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and promoted that Ukraine would prevail in its war with Russia. Trudeau pledged that Canada would continue to aid Ukraine “for as long as it takes.”

The Angels and Dodgers both lose

Different team, same result. The Los Angeles Angels opened a series on Friday with the Minnesota Twins at Target Field, but their losing ways continued, falling 8-6 for their eighth loss in nine games. They are now 69-85.

The Halos got home runs from Jared Walsh (his fourth) and Logan O’Hoppe (12th).

Back on the West Coast, the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a rare loss, falling 5-1 to the San Francisco Giants. The Blue Crew got just three hits and no walks against Sean Manaea (7-6), who worked seven innings and struck out two batters.

With the loss, the Dodgers are 94-59.

Weather: Warming trend continues

Temperatures in our West Orange County area will keeping rising for the next few days. The forecast for Saturday is for a daytime high of 77 with an overnight low 60. Sunday will see a high of 79 (60), dipping slightly to 78 (60) on Monday before rising to 80 (68) on Tuesday. Partly cloudy skies will continue.