Tommy Tuberville cosponsors bill to make Daylight Savings Time permanent
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined fellow senator Marco Rubio in an effort to make Daylight Saving Time (DST) permanent across the country. Tuberville became a cosponsor of the Sunshine Protection Act in a show of support for modernizing the antiquated practice of adjusting daylight hours twice a year. Although many states have pushed to make DST permanent, a change in the federal statute is required. Benjamin Franklin proposed the concept of Daylight Savings Time in 1784. However, DST didn’t officially begin until more than a century later. Germany established DST in May 1916, aiming to conserve fuel during World War I. In 1918, the United States adopted daylight saving time. “Alabamians have made it clear that springing forward and falling back should be a thing of the past,” Tuberville said in a press release. “Centuries ago, a time change might have made sense, but it doesn’t today. An additional hour of sunshine during cold winter months would be welcome news for folks on their way to work and kids on their way home from school. It just makes sense to pass the Sunshine Protection Act.” The legislation, if enacted, would apply to those states who currently participate in DST, which most states observe for eight months out of the year. From November to March, Standard Time is only observed for four months out of the year. The bill would negate the need for Americans to change their clocks twice a year. Many studies have shown that making DST permanent could benefit the economy and the country. Daylight Saving Time begins this year on Sunday, March 14, and lasts until Sunday, November 7.
Kay Ivey awards $2.6 million in grants to aid victims of domestic violence
Governor Kay Ivey has awarded $2.6 million in grants to the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence and seven nonprofit agencies that serve victims in their communities. The funds will assist victims of domestic violence as they escape from abusive situations and rebuild their lives. Ivey commended the efforts of these organizations to help victims of domestic violence. “Domestic violence is a crime that inflicts physical and emotional abuse with long-ranging effects, so victims need access to professional help to begin the recovery process,” Ivey stated. “I commend these organizations for providing compassionate assistance to victims at a time they need it the most and for offering domestic-violence education and prevention programs.” The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) administers the grants from funds made available to Alabama by the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ADECA administers a wide range of programs that support law enforcement, victim services, economic development, broadband expansion, water resources management, energy conservation, and recreation. “With the proper support, those who have unfortunately been victimized by domestic violence can begin taking steps to a brighter and more hopeful future,” ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. “ADECA joins Gov. Ivey in support of these organizations and their important work in communities across Alabama.” Gov. Ivey has awarded the following funds: Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence (statewide): $175,000 from the state General Fund to support a statewide domestic violence hotline as well as support the 16 local organizations that provide direct assistance to victims across the state. The coalition will use an additional $70,000 grant for its Economic Justice Project, which seeks to reduce the impact of economic abuse on victims of domestic violence. Safeplace Inc. (Florence): $1.4 million to provide emergency shelter, counseling, assistance with navigating the criminal justice system and other services to victims in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties. YWCA Central Alabama (Birmingham): $135,000 for awareness, education and prevention programs in Blount, Jefferson and St. Clair counties. The agency also provides emergency shelter and other assistance to victims. Turning Point (Tuscaloosa): $45,000 to provide advocacy, emergency shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims in Bibb, Fayette, Greene, Hale, Lamar, Marengo, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties. SABRA Sanctuary Inc. (Selma): $32,810 for domestic violence prevention and education programs in schools and communities in Dallas, Greene, Marengo, Perry, Sumter and Wilcox counties. House of Ruth (Dothan): $456,720 to provide emergency shelter, advocacy, support groups and other assistance to victims in Barbour, Bullock, Coffee, Covington, Dale, Geneva, Henry, Houston and Pike counties. Family Counseling Center of Mobile Inc. (Mobile): $219,000 to assist victims with navigating the criminal justice system, emergency shelter and housing, counseling and other services. The organization serves Clarke, Mobile and Washington counties. The Lighthouse – Baldwin Family Violence Shelter (Robertsdale): $67,973 to provide advocacy, emergency shelter, support groups and other assistance to victims in Baldwin and Escambia counties.
Alabama Forestry Association announces first endorsements for the Alabama House of Representatives
The Alabama Forestry Association (AFA) announced its endorsement of several candidates for the Alabama House of Representatives. The AFA represents Alabama’s forestry community and is dedicated to protecting and improving the business, regulatory and legal environment for landowners and forest business owners to ensure the sustainable growth of Alabama’s forests and forest industry. This year the AFA is endorsing Joe Lovvorn, Arnold Mooney, Tommy Hanes, Margie Wilcox, and Jamie Kiel for seats in the Alabama House of Representatives. Joe Lovvorn is running for reelection for House District 79, which covers part of Lee County. Lovvorn has a bachelor’s degree from Auburn’s College of Agriculture and earned his Master’s degree from Auburn’s College of Business. He is a realtor and owns Two Men and A Truck in Auburn and Montgomery. He and his wife, Jenifer, have two children. “As the grandson of a saw miller and the son of a timber farmer, I was raised to appreciate the positive impact of the forestry industry in Alabama,” stated Lovvorn. “I value and appreciate the endorsement of the Alabama Forestry Association and look forward to serving Alabama another four years.” Arnold Mooney is running for reelection for House District 43, which covers part of Shelby County. He has spent over 40 years in the commercial real estate business. He has been married to his wife, Kelly, for over 37 years. They have three children and ten grandchildren. “I am very pleased to receive the endorsement of such an outstanding organization as the AFA,” said Mooney. “The forestry industry is a multi-billion dollar contributor to the economy of our state and Shelby County, where my house district is located. AFA and its members support conservative values and principles and are pro-business and free enterprise. They stand, as well,for fiscal responsibility, private property rights, and limited government. I am proud to stand with them!” Tommy Hanes is running for a third term for House District 23, which covers parts of Jackson and DeKalb Counties. He is a member of the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee. Hanes is a retired firefighter. He has been married to his wife, Rhonda, for over 43 years. “I’m once again honored to receive the endorsement for my reelection from what is considered to be the most conservative group in the state,” Hanes stated. “It’s great to be in such great company as the Alabama Forestry Association!” Margie Wilcox is running for reelection for House District 104, covering part of Mobile County. She was first elected into the House in 2014. Wilcox is a small business owner, owning Mobile Bay Transportation and Pensacola Bay Transportation, and she is a longtime resident of Mobile County. “I am honored to be supported by Alabama Forestry representing thousands of hard-working Alabamians,” said Wilcox. “Their conservative principles are near and dear to my own beliefs, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to protect Alabama’s conservative values, low taxes, and amazing quality of life.” Jamie Kiel is serving his first term in the House and is running for reelection for House District 18, which covers parts of Colbert, Lauderdale, and Franklin Counties. He is a graduate of the University of North Alabama and is a small business owner. His business, Kiel Equipment, has been operating for about 27 years in Russellville. Kiel and his wife, Melissa, have threedaughters. “I am honored to be endorsed by the Alabama Forestry Association.,” said Kiel. “The AFA works hard for fiscally conservative policy in our state. I appreciate their stand for low taxes and responsible spending. I will continue to fight for the hard-working forestry-related businesses who are a key component of our state’s economy.” The primary election is on May 24, 2022.
Jim Zeigler to bring campaign for Secretary of State to Baldwin County Saturday
State Auditor Jim Zeigler is scheduled to speak about his campaign for Secretary of State on Saturday with a speech in Baldwin County. He will speak to the Baldwin County Think Tank at 8 a.m. Saturday, February 5 at Mama Lou’s Restaurant in Robertsdale. The meeting is open to the public and news media, and no ticket or RSVP is needed. A Dutch Treat breakfast buffet is optional and starts at 7:30am. Zeigler is running for an open seat, as incumbent Secretary of State John Merrill is term-limited and cannot run for a third term. Zeigler originally ran for governor but announced at the end of January that he would not run for Governor this year. Zeigler set up an exploratory campaign in August 2021, and says he received support and encouragement to run instead for a down-ballot state office to remain in state government. Zeigler says he has always been an advocate for the people of Alabama and will keep fighting in whatever capacity they elect him to serve. “Alabama taxpayers need a consistent voice in state government to defend our constitutional rights and fight government overreach.”
Oath Keepers leader talks to January 6 panel from federal jail
Stewart Rhodes, the founder and leader of the far-right Oath Keepers militia group, appeared remotely before the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol insurrection on Wednesday from a federal jail where he is awaiting trial on sedition charges. The panel sought out Rhodes’ testimony even after he was arrested last month on charges that he plotted with others to attack the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s 2020 election victory. He and ten others were the first to be charged with seditious conspiracy for their roles in the violent insurrection. Rhodes has entered a not guilty plea. Rhodes’ appearance was confirmed by two of his lawyers, Jonathan Moseley and James Lee Bright. A spokesman for the January 6 committee declined to comment on the interview. “He is both answering some questions and not answering others under the Fifth Amendment and preserving his due process rights to a fair trial,” Moseley said in an email as the interview was ongoing. Rhodes’ testimony came as the panel also interviewed Jeffrey Clark, a former Justice Department official who aligned with former President Donald Trump ahead of the violent attack. The committee of seven Democrats and two Republicans has interviewed nearly 500 people, casting a wide net as they try to create the most comprehensive account yet of the worst attack on the U.S. Capitol in two centuries. It is unusual for Congress to interview federal inmates awaiting trial and for defendants to speak about their case since they could incriminate themselves. The indictment against Rhodes alleges that the Oath Keepers for weeks discussed trying to overturn the election results and prepared for a siege by purchasing weapons and setting up battle plans. The indictment alleges Oath Keepers formed two teams, or “stacks,” that entered the Capitol. The first stack split up inside the building to separately go after the House and Senate. The second stack confronted officers inside the Capitol Rotunda, the indictment said. Outside Washington, the indictment alleges, the Oath Keepers had stationed two “quick reaction forces” that had guns “in support of their plot to stop the lawful transfer of power.” Rhodes’ lawyers sought to keep him jailed in Texas if he isn’t going to be freed on bond, but a federal judge refused on Wednesday to block his transfer to Washington, D.C., where dozens of other Capitol riot defendants remain detained pending trial. The House panel was also interviewing the former Justice Department official, Clark, on Wednesday. Clark appeared for the interview in person after months of delays that the committee said was due to illness. The panel voted to recommend contempt charges against Clark in December after he appeared for a November 5 deposition but refused to be interviewed, citing Trump’s legal efforts to block the committee’s investigation. A vote of the full House on contempt charges was postponed after Clark’s lawyer said he would appear a second time. Clark met with Trump ahead of the insurrection and unsuccessfully pushed his then-supervisors to publicly announce that the department was investigating election fraud and direct certain state legislatures to appoint new electors, according to a Senate Judiciary Committee report released earlier this year. The report said that Trump’s pressure on the Justice Department culminated in a dramatic White House meeting at which the president ruminated about elevating Clark to attorney general. Trump did not do so after several aides threatened to resign, but he continued to push the baseless claims of fraud that were repeated by the violent mob of his supporters as they broke into the Capitol and interrupted Biden’s certification. State election officials, courts across the country, and even Trump’s own attorney general rejected the former president’s claims of widespread fraud. Clark’s lawyer said in December that his client would invoke his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination in the second interview. The chairman of the January 6 panel, Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, said then that Clark had offered “no specific basis” for asserting the 5th Amendment and that he viewed it as a “last-ditch attempt to delay the Select Committee’s proceedings.” But he said members would hear Clark out. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
Army to immediately start discharging vaccine refusers
The Army said Wednesday it will immediately begin discharging soldiers who have refused to get the mandatory COVID-19 vaccine, putting more than 3,300 service members at risk of being thrown out soon. The Army’s announcement makes it the final military service to lay out its discharge policy for vaccine refusers. The Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy have already discharged active-duty troops or entry-level personnel at boot camps for refusing the shots. So far, the Army has not discharged any. According to data released by the Army last week, more than 3,300 soldiers have refused to get the vaccine. The Army has said that more than 3,000 soldiers have been issued official written reprimands, which suggests they are already identified in the disciplinary process, and some of them could be among the first to be discharged. The Pentagon has ordered all service members — active-duty, National Guard and Reserves — to get the vaccine, saying it is critical to maintaining the health and readiness of the force. COVID-19 cases continue to surge around the country as a result of the omicron variant. Roughly 97% of all Army soldiers have gotten at least one shot. More than 3,000 have requested medical or religious exemptions. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth issued the directive Wednesday ordering commanders to begin involuntary separation proceedings against those who have refused the shots and do not have a pending or approved exemption. “Army readiness depends on soldiers who are prepared to train, deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars,” she said. “Unvaccinated soldiers present risk to the force and jeopardize readiness. We will begin involuntary separation proceedings for Soldiers who refuse the vaccine order and are not pending a final decision on an exemption.” The order includes active-duty soldiers, reserves serving on active duty, and cadets at the Military Academy at West Point, its preparatory school, and ROTC. The detailed order said soldiers will be discharged for misconduct and noted that those who are eligible to retire may do so before July 1. Overall, more than 650 Marines, airmen, and sailors have been thrown out of the military or dismissed from entry-level training at boot camps, according to data released this week and last week by the services. The military services have been going through a methodical process to deal with those who refuse the vaccine as well as those who request medical, administrative, or religious exemptions. The reviews require counseling with medical personnel and chaplains as well as senior commanders. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
3 inmates with COVID-19 dead in Alabama prisons
Three more inmates who died in Alabama prisons tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Department of Corrections. Two men who were incarcerated at St. Clair prison died late last month and tested positive for the illness during a post-mortem examination, the agency said in a weekly update about the pandemic. A third inmate at St. Clair tested positive for COVID-19 before he died, it said. Sixty-two additional state inmates at 17 facilities tested positive for the illness, including three more at the prison where the men died, the department said. That’s about half as many as tested positive the week before, statistics showed. More than 70 inmates and three employees who tested positive for COVID-19 have died. While the department said it offers vaccinations to all prisoners and workers, only two additional inmates at Ventress prison in southeast Alabama had received shots in the last week. More than 12,000 prisoners have been vaccinated in all, it said. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
