7. There could be consequences if China gets involved
- China has sided with Russia on United Nations votes, and Russia has requested assistance from the country as they face opposition for invading Ukraine. The United States has warned there would be consequences if China involves itself.
- President Joe Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan said, “We believe that China, in fact, was aware before the invasion took place that Vladimir Putin was planning something. They may not have known the full extent of it…We also are watching closely to see the extent to which China actually does provide any form of support, material support or economic support to Russia.” Sullivan went on to say that China has been told directly, “that there will absolutely be consequences for large scale sanctions evasion efforts or support to Russia to backfill them.”
6. American filmmaker and journalist killed in Ukraine
- It’s been confirmed that filmmaker and journalist Brent Renaud was killed in Ukraine after his vehicle came under fire from Russian forces just outside of Kyiv. Renaud was in the area to report on the refugee situation created by the Russian invasion.
- American journalist Juan Arredondo was traveling with Renaud and said that they were both shot while in the vehicle together, which is when Renaud sustained a fatal gunshot wound. Arredondo said, “We crossed the first bridge in Irpin, we were going to film other refugees leaving, and we got into a car, somebody offered to take us to the other bridge, we crossed the checkpoint, and they started shooting at us.”
5. Missile strike near U.S. consulate in Iraq — Iran responsible
- There was a missile strike conducted near the U.S. consulate complex in Iraq recently. No injuries were reported, but Iran has said they are the ones responsible for the attack. The country claims this attack was a retaliation.
- Earlier in the week, there were two members of the Revolutionary Guard for Iran killed in an Israeli strike in Syria, according to Iran. Iran said that they were targeting the “Zionist base, which is far from the American military base.”
4. When Americans understand what a no-fly zone is, they think it is a bad idea
- According to a CBS News poll, 59% of Americans support a no-fly zone in Ukraine to protect Ukrainian civilians and soldiers. But that support drops pretty massively if the respondents are told that those actions would be considered an “act of war” by the Russians. In that case, 62% of Americans oppose a no-fly zone.
- The poll also found that the sanctions on Russia are fine with Americans even if it means higher gas prices here at home. The support is overwhelming in nature with 63% of Americans supporting the move and 82% of those Americans supporting it because it will “Help Ukraine/Punish Russia.”
3. Government spending helps inflation
- House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) recently spoke at a news conference where she discussed the issue of inflation facing the country, as high government spending continues to be criticized as the reason for record inflation.
- Pelosi said, “When we’re having this discussion, it’s important to dispel some of those who say, well it’s the government spending. No, it isn’t. The government spending is doing the exact reverse, reducing the national debt. It is not inflationary.” However, The Wall Street Journal has reported that government spending like the American Rescue Plan, supply chain issues and other issues related to the pandemic are what’s driving inflation.
2. Billions in defense spending for Alabama, thanks to Shelby and Tuberville
- The spending package for the 2022 fiscal year, totaling $1.5 trillion, was approved by the U.S. Senate in a 68-31 vote, with both U.S. Senators Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) voting in favor of the funding.
- As vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Shelby has spoken about how the increase in defense spending within the budget will positively impact Alabama. Shelby said, “I have no doubt that this legislation will result in long-term benefits for our country. Alabama has for many decades played an important role in national defense, and I look forward to what lies ahead for our great state.” The funding includes a $42 billion increase in defense spending. Shelby added that he’s “insisted upon dollar-for-dollar parity for defense and non-defense increases. We have achieved that goal.”
1. Gas prices are up 22% in two weeks
- In the last two weeks, the national average price for a gallon of gas has increased 22%, or 79 cents, making the current average $4.43 per gallon. This is $1.54 more per gallon than this time in 2021. In Alabama, the average price may be lower ($4.15), but the increases have been just as steep ($1.53 in the last year and $0.80 in the last two weeks).
- The highest gas prices in the country can be found in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, with an average of $5.79 per gallon. Tulsa, Oklahoma has the lowest average at $3.80 per gallon. The current average price for a gallon of diesel is $5.20, a $2.11 increase from March of 2021.
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