1. Lee University Dining honors Sodexo employees on National Employee Appreciation Day

Sodexo will honor its employees on March 3 during an early observance of National Employee Appreciation Day. 

National Employee Appreciation Day, a day in which employers show appreciation to their employees, falls on March 4 this year.

Lee University Dining encourages students to sign banners, write cards, and thank Sodexo employees on March 3 as the university shows its gratitude for employees across campus. 

2. Airbnb offers free temporary housing for Ukrainian refugees

Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky joins @SquawkCNBC to discuss the company's refugee program providing short-term housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. https://t.co/pnfTodSM72 pic.twitter.com/2B1FbXxMTP

— CNBC (@CNBC) March 1, 2022

Airbnb is offering free short-term housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees affected by the Russian invasion. 

The stays will be funded in part by the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund and by hosts on the platform. 

“While the stays are temporary, the company said it ‘will work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays’,” reports CNN.

Airbnb acknowledges many refugees do not have access to the internet and can not book a stay, and the company is prepared to make special arrangements and accommodations for those in need. 

A call to action has been issued by Airbnb CEO and cofounder Brian Chesky, as he encouraged individuals to open their homes in Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania as more Ukrainians flee Russian threats. 

Over 500,000 Ukrainians have fled since the war began, according to AP News.

3. Biden gives first State of the Union address

On Tuesday, March 1, President Joe Biden gave his first State of the Union address.

Biden discussed Russian aggression in Ukraine, U.S. inflation and COVID-19 in his address.

“Biden declared that he and all members of Congress, whatever their political differences, are joined ‘with an unwavering resolve that freedom will always triumph over tyranny’,” reports AP News.

Biden highlighted the bravery of Ukrainian defenders, and warned that without consequences, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s aggression wouldn’t be contained to Ukraine, according to AP News.

To read the text of Biden’s full State of the Union address, click here.