7. Russia banned from the World Games
- The World Games 2022 will be hosted in Birmingham, and Mayor Randall Woodfin has announced that Russian athletes will be banned from the games due to the country’s ongoing attacks in Ukraine. Who knew the mayor had this power?
- Woodfin said, “I don’t think we can ignore what is going on in the world. We collectively and proudly stand with the people of Ukraine during this time of distress.” World Games CEO Nick Sellers commented, “The days ahead will regrettably bring more senseless pain and suffering in Ukraine…it’s our hope and prayer that by the time of opening ceremonies, the World Games 2022 can be a moment of both historic feats and global unity.”
6. Britt slams Biden on energy, Brooks campaign slams Britt-supporting PAC for misleading ad
- U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt has criticized President Joe Biden’s energy policies and how they have impacted the United States’ ability to sanction Russia properly. Britt said, “Biden should tell the American people and the world that we are reopening the American energy industry.” She added, “We can and must reverse course so that we can supply Europe with American energy sources, which gives them energy security, ends their dependence on Russia, and cuts Putin’s profits and diminishes his leverage.”
- An ad supporting Britt’s candidacy from America’s Future PAC has been called “a dirty, mudslinging TV ad” which implies Brooks has voted against the military and against fighting the Taliban. Brooks spokesperson Will Hampson stated, “As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congressman Brooks has fought tirelessly for our military” and challenging Mitch McConnell and Katie Britt to “compare their records of failing to stand up for our military or protecting American lives from endless foreign wars, bring it on.”
5. Republicans and Joe Manchin vote against Democrats on abortion bill
- Legislation that would remove states’ ability to create individual abortion laws, the Women’s Health Protection Act, has been blocked in the U.S. Senate. Republicans and U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) voted against the bill, making the final vote 46-48.
- It’s been noted that the legislation “goes too far” by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), who went on to say that the bill “would broadly supersede state laws and infringe on Americans’ religious freedoms.”
4. Brooks urges the U.S. Senate to stop the inevitable confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson
- U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) has started advocating for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be blocked, arguing that she’s a “radical left-wing activist.”
- Brooks went on to say, “Jackson has an established record of dismissing established law and usurping the separation of powers defined in the Constitution…I call on my Republican colleagues in the Senate to block this nomination by holding up any vote until a constitutional jurist is nominated.”
3. Tim James’ ad taking on Ivey’s gas tax increase hits the airwaves
- A new campaign ad released by gubernatorial candidate Tim James focuses on the “Rebuild Alabama Act,” which increased the gas tax in Alabama. James attacks Ivey on her support of the tax increase by highlighting that it “goes up automatically without a vote forever.”
- In the ad, James says, “Governor Ivey and the political crowd found a way to raise taxes forever…Without having to vote on them…I’ll repeal the never-ending gas tax increase because working folks need a break. It’s time to fight back.”
2. Gas prices are way up in Alabama
- According to AAA Alabama, the price of gas in the state has already increased 27 cents since the end of January, with the average gallon of gas costing $3.36. The average price a year ago was only $2.46.
- Across the country, gas prices are even worse than in Alabama. The national average is currently at $3.61 per gallon, but California has an average of $4.82 per gallon, which is the most expensive in the country.
1. State of the Union held last night
- Last night, President Joe Biden addressed the nation in his State of the Union. During this time, Biden addressed the record inflation rates briefly, crediting the coronavirus pandemic largely for the increase in prices. Biden also declared that the coronavirus pandemic has ended, and his administration has gotten people back to work.
- For a short, unifying moment, Biden addressed the current invasion of Ukraine by Russia, but mostly to highlight how this will negatively impact the price of energy in the United States. Biden did not decide to increase America’s energy output to counter Russia’s economic might.
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