U.S. Senator Katie Britt joins colleagues to support ban on mask mandates
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) joined her Republican colleagues on the Senate floor in support of legislation authored by Senator J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) that would ban future federal mask mandates. Sen. Britt is a cosponsor of Senator J.D. Vance’s Freedom to Breathe Act. It would prohibit any federal official, including the President, from issuing mask mandates applying to domestic air travel, public transit systems, or primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools. The legislation would also prohibit air carriers, transit authorities, and educational institutions from refusing service to individuals who choose not to wear a mask. “During the COVID-19 pandemic, draconian shutdowns and mask mandates inflicted immense damage across our nation,” said Britt. “Just look at the consequences our children faced, from devastating learning loss that put students years behind to deteriorating mental health in kids and teenagers. Enough is enough. More than three years later, it’s clear we need to embrace individual liberty and facts rather than a society gripped by fear. Democrats have claimed that mask mandates and lockdowns are not coming back – however, their objection to this legislation reveals their true intentions.” “We cannot repeat the anxiety, the stress, and the nonstop panic of the last couple of years,” said Sen. Vance. “That’s what this legislation is about. End the mandates, end the panic, and let’s get back to some common sense.” The Senate considered the legislation on Thursday under unanimous consent, which allows for a measure to be considered passed and sent to the House of Representatives unless another senator raises an objection. During consideration of the Freedom to Breathe Act, Senator Ed Markey (D-Massachusetts) objected to the passage, meaning that the bill would have to go through the regular order to get out of the Senate. COVID-19 is making a small resurgence in some parts of the country. Earlier this week, an elementary school in Montgomery County, Maryland, reimposed a mask mandate for students. In addition to Senators Britt and Vance, this legislation is cosponsored by Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) and Senators Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee). Mask mandates were widely adopted during the COVID-19 global pandemic at the urging of public health officials. The effectiveness of a piece of cloth stopping an airborne virus has been widely debated. Some see the masks as sensible precautions, while others object to them being required by the government. Over 6.9 million people have died from COVID-19, including 1,174,588 Americans – though that is fewer than some of the projections were showing early in the global pandemic. There have been 52,803 American deaths credited to COVID-19 in 2023. Katie Britt was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2022. She previously worked as an attorney, the President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, and as former Senator Richard Shelby’s chief of staff. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
John Wahl to make motion on children’s book controversy
Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) Board Member John Wahl announced on Thursday he plans to introduce a proposal to help address the issue of inappropriate LGBTQ+-themed books being in prominent positions in the children’s section of several Alabama libraries. Wahl’s proposal follows remarks by Alabama Governor Kay Ivey earlier this week, drawing light to the situation. Wahl’s motion would require the APLS to develop a list of books that may contain sexually inappropriate content for display purposes in children’s library sections. The proposal would create a framework where parents could submit material they felt was unsuitable for children, and the findings would be shared with local libraries across the State. “I believe it is critical that we address the concerns of parents across the State of Alabama and provide our local libraries with some guidance on what books may contain inappropriate content for children,” Wahl said. “I am a strong advocate of the First Amendment and do not believe in banning books, but this is not a question about banning anything. The question here is should taxpayer funds be used to purchase books with explicit sexual content and other inappropriate material that are readily accessible to our children. We have rating systems for movies, television shows, and even video games which help protect our youth from unsuitable materials. Libraries should be a safe spot for children and a place where parents do not have to worry about what they may be exposed to in the children’s section.” “As a board member of the APLS, it’s important for me that we represent the values of the people of Alabama and protect our children from sexually inappropriate content and woke policies,” Wahl explained. “The people of Alabama have put their trust in our state government, and I hope that my fellow board members share my concerns. I strongly believe that we should let children be children again, and stop pushing a social agenda on them.” This is not the first time Wahl has expressed concern about sexually explicit content found in the children’s sections of some Alabama libraries. At the last APLS board meeting, he addressed issues brought forth by upset parents and made a motion asking the Attorney General’s Office for clarification on what authority the APLS has over local libraries and possible inappropriate content found in their youth sections. The motion passed unanimously. More information on that meeting can be found here. Last Friday, Gov. Ivey sent a letter to Alabama Public Library Service Director Dr. Nancy Pack expressing the Governor’s concern that Alabama’s libraries have not been a suitably friendly environment for Alabama’s children and families. “I am writing to express concern—and to seek answers—about the environment our Alabama libraries are providing to families and children,” Ivey wrote. “Public libraries play a vital role in our communities. They facilitate research and learning. They provide recreation. And they promote literacy by fostering a love of reading that will improve our citizens’ lives and uplift our State’s communities. Regardless of background or income, Alabama libraries are or should be—a safe place for all individuals in a community. Including families and children to read, learn, and explore.” “Especially given libraries’ importance to society, I have grown increasingly concerned due to recent reports calling into question whether our own libraries here in Alabama are most effectively fulfilling this important mission,” the Governor continued. “The heart of the issue seems to be the exposure of children and youth to inappropriate, sexually suggestive materials without adequate means or parental supervision.” The Governor cited several books related to exploring one’s gender identity and gender transition in the children’s sections of several Alabama libraries targeting children as young as eight as well as books with gratuitous sexual content targeting 12- and 13-year-olds. “This list could go on, but the important point, as I understand it, is that each of these books has been made freely available in the very part of the library where children and youth are most likely to browse,” Ivey stated. “As several parents have eloquently put it, their concern is not about removing these books. The concern is about ensuring that these books are placed in an appropriate location. In other words, the parents are saying, if our children and youth are going to encounter these books at all, it should be because of a considered family decision, not the whims of a local library.” “Rather than supporting Alabama families, out-of-state library groups like the American Library Association appear to be making the situation worse,” Ivey states. “The ALA’s “Library Bill of Rights”—which the Alabama Public Library Service has adopted as its own—says that a person’s library use should not be abridged because of “age.” Not to be misunderstood, the ALA’s website regarding youth access to library resources clarifies that “like adults, children and teens have the right to find the information they choose,” so libraries must not “discriminate” based on “age.” Even more startling, the Library Bill of Rights further provides that all people, regardless of age, “possess a right to privacy and confidentiality in their library use”—a statement that appears to directly contravene Alabama’s law giving parents access to their children’s library records.” “Considering the foregoing facts, it is not surprising that Alabama parents are raising concerns about both the content on display in some Alabama libraries as well as the general approach of Alabama libraries towards parental involvement,” said Ivey. “I share these concerns and believe that the responsible thing to do is seem more information that may be useful in considering whether reform is necessary—and if so, what reforms to make.” This issue came up at a city council meeting in Prattville – where a number of inappropriate books were recently found in the children’s section. Their concerned citizens asked the city council to enact reforms and oversight over the library. Wahl, who raises and sells butterflies, is also the Chairman of the Alabama Republican Party. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
ADPH urges Alabamians to protect themselves from mosquito bites
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) issued a statement reminding the public that mosquitoes carry viruses that can cause serious illness or death. The most dangerous times of day for mosquito bites are dusk and dawn. One of the viruses carried by certain types of mosquitoes causes Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). EEE is rare, but it is present in Alabama. The EEE virus can cause severe illness and death. There is no vaccine for EEE, and no specific treatments are available for this mosquito-spread illness. Two cases of EEE in humans have already been reported in Baldwin County this season, including one where a seven-year-old little girl died in Spanish Fort. In addition to EEE, other arboviruses that occur in Alabama include West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis virus, and La Crosse encephalitis virus. A case of West Nile Virus was recently identified in Mobile County. ADPH stays in contact with local community leaders regarding mosquito control and education efforts. A larvicide is an insecticide used to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors around homes. Larvicides work by killing mosquito larvae before they can grow into adults. When used according to product label instructions, larvicides do not harm people, pets, or the environment. Municipalities can control mosquitoes through spraying and placement of larvicide briquettes in areas with standing water. ADPH has created a new flyer to educate the public about prevention and how to protect yourself and your family. This flyer has been placed on the ADPH website and distributed to local boards of education. ADPH is asking local hospitals and medical offices to report diseases spread by mosquitoes. Mosquito repellents are particularly needed at the dawn and dusk hours. Municipal mosquito control spraying is needed to prevent new hatches. To avoid being bitten by mosquitos: · Use insect repellents. · Wear long sleeves and long pants whenever possible · Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothes · Treat clothing with repellents · Use air conditioning or screens on windows and doors. Mosquito Control Outside Your HomeMosquitoes tend to lay eggs near standing water. · Empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out any items that hold water. These include tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, or trash containers. · Tightly cover buckets, cisterns, and rain barrels. · If a container has no lid, cover it with wire mesh with holes. Holes need to be smaller than an adult mosquito. · If you have a septic tank, repair cracks or gaps. · Use larvicides if a body of water is large, cannot be covered or dumped out, and if water will not be used for drinking Go to the ADPH mosquito-borne diseases webpage and the CDC’s page on mosquito-borne illnesses for more information. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville urges Biden Administration to rescind rule setting aside 28,000 square miles of Gulf for endangered whale habitat
On Thursday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) called on the Biden administration to rescind its proposed rule establishing a 28,000-square-mile Critical Habitat for the Rice’s whale within the Gulf of Mexico. The Agency wrote: “We, NOAA Fisheries, propose to designate critical habitat for the endangered Rice’s whale pursuant to section 4 of the Endangered Species Act. The specific area proposed for designation as critical habitat is occupied by the whales and encompasses approximately 28,270.65 square miles of continental shelf and slope associated waters within the Gulf of Mexico. We have considered positive and negative economic, national security, and other relevant impacts of the proposed critical habitat.” Tuberville claims that there is a lack of evidence presenting the need for such a large protected area. Sen. Tuberville sent a letter to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Director Richard Spinrad and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management Director Liz Klein. In the letter, Tuberville cited the severe economic impacts the rule would have for Alabama businesses and the oil and gas industry along the Gulf. “Designating a Critical Habitat for the Rice’s whale throughout this expansive area will impose undue burdens and restrictions on all vessel traffic, especially in and out of the Port of Mobile in Mobile, AL,” said Sen. Tuberville. “The Port of Mobile covers over 4,000 acres, generates nearly 313,000 jobs, provides approximately $2 billion in state and local tax impacts, and $85 billion in economic value to Alabama as a whole.” The Biden Administration wants to lower the speed limit for ships to limit collisions with the endangered whales – collisions that are often fatal for the whales. “Requiring all lessees and operators to comply with reduced speeds of 10-knots or less and preventing them from traveling after dusk and before dawn within the designated areas will detrimentally impact our nation’s ability to domestically produce oil and gas in hopes of becoming energy independent,” Tuberville said. The Alabama Port Authority, Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA), and National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA), all praised Senator Tuberville’s efforts. Maggie Oliver is the Vice President of Communications and Federal Affairs. “Whether cars and fuel or forest products and steel, the State of Alabama and its Port are critical players in the global supply chain,” said VP Oliver. “Federal advocacy on this issue is key to preventing a rule that, if implemented, would bring operations at the Port of Mobile to a virtual standstill and upend the delivery of consumer goods and energy resources nationwide. Any potential rulemaking should be structured so as not to impede economic development in Alabama nor hinder our nation’s economic competitiveness globally.” “CEA thanks Senator Tuberville for urging NOAA and BOEM to drop the proposed expanded critical habitat designation for the Rice’s Whale in the Gulf of Mexico. Without more clear scientific data, this expanded designation is not warranted and would be unprecedented due to the lack of scientific evidence and overwhelming economic impact,” CEA Vice President Kaitlin Hammons said. “The proposed expansion of the area and the punitive, burdensome, and chilling restrictions it places on all vessel traffic and U.S. commerce – with especially arbitrary and onerous additional restrictions on natural gas and oil vessels – is a clear sign that ideology and not wildlife conservation has driven this proposal. Combined with the delayed five-year leasing plan, the U.S. will be needlessly hampered in its ability to supply natural gas and oil at a time when Saudi Arabia and Russia have extended production cuts through the end of 2023. With gasoline prices on the rise and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve drained, that is a recipe for economic failure. American families and small businesses cannot afford to have an essential industry financially punished because of backroom deals struck with organizations that use litigation to get what they can’t get by legislation.” Erik Milito is the President of the National Ocean Industries Association. “Senator Tuberville is standing up for Gulf of Mexico energy workers and the entire Gulf economy,” said President Milito. “The Gulf of Mexico oil and gas industry is responsible for hundreds of thousands of high-paying jobs and production of some of the world’s least carbon-intensive barrels. There is a noted lack of ample scientific evidence supporting the expansion of the Rice’s Whale protected area. The proposal locks away the vast benefits of the Gulf of Mexico while diluting critical conservation resources for the core habitat area. Moreover, this may be the first step expanding arbitrary restrictions to other ocean users and industries, imposing disruptions to the full Gulf Coast economy and reverberating throughout the whole U.S. economy. NOIA applauds the leadership of Senator Tuberville on this issues of national importance.” There are approximately 51 Rice’s whales left in existence, deeming them endangered and in need of certain protections covered by the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). The world’s last remaining Rices whales are located in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico in depths between 100- and 400- meters. Last week, the Gulf Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Lease Sale 261 (GOM Lease Sale 261) Final Notice of Sale was posted, as required under the Inflation Reduction Act, but with over 6.3 million acres removed from the sale due to potential presence of the Rice’s whale. Various restrictions have been imposed on all vessels, including a dedicated crew member to watch for whales, speed limits, use of automatic identification system for vessels of a certain size, and to the maximum extent practicable, avoiding transit through the Expanded Rice’s Whale Area after dusk and before dawn, and during other times of low visibility. Tuberville’s office said that this Administration continues to target the oil and gas industry, inhibiting the ability of our nation to become energy independent. The complete text of the letter can be found here. In the letter, Tuberville also expressed concern that the limits on maritime traffic could be further expanded to protect the endangered right whale. “I am greatly concerned that the reduced speeds and prevention of transiting Gulf waters at night will continue expanding to additional areas of the Gulf, parallel to regulations established to protect the Right whale,” Tuberville wrote. “Continued expansion would substantially disrupt economic prosperity, tourism, transportation, and our national defense.” Tuberville was concerned that
Supreme Court Justice Kavanaugh predicts ‘concrete steps soon’ to address ethics concerns
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh told a judicial conference on Thursday he hopes there will be “concrete steps soon” to address recent ethics concerns surrounding the court, but he stopped short of addressing calls for justices to institute an official code of conduct. “We can increase confidence. We’re working on that,” Kavanaugh told the conference attended by judges, attorneys, and other court personnel in Ohio. He said all nine justices recognize that public confidence in the court is important, particularly now. Public trust in the court is at a 50-year low following a series of divisive rulings, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade federal abortion protections last year, and published reports about the justices’ undisclosed paid trips and other ethical concerns. “There’s a storm around us in the political world and the world at large in America,” Kavanaugh said. “We, as judges and the legal system, need to try to be a little more, I think, of the calm in the storm.” Justice Clarence Thomas acknowledged recently that he took three trips last year aboard a private plane owned by Republican megadonor Harlan Crow even as he rejected criticism over his failure to report trips in previous years. Reporting by the investigative news site ProPublica also revealed that Justice Samuel Alito failed to disclose a private trip to Alaska he took in 2008 that was paid for by two wealthy Republican donors, one of whom repeatedly had interests before the court. The Associated Press also reported in July that Justice Sonia Sotomayor, aided by her staff, has advanced sales of her books through college visits over the past decade. The AP obtained thousands of pages of documents that showed how justices spanning the court’s ideological divide lent the prestige of their positions to partisan activity — by headlining speaking events with prominent politicians — or to advance their own personal interests. “My perspective is we’re nine public servants who are hard-working and care a lot about the court and care a lot about the judiciary as a whole,” Kavanaugh said. He added that he believes justices “respect the institution and want that respect for the institution to be shared by the American people, recognizing that people are going to disagree with our decisions.” Besides Roe v. Wade, Kavanaugh pointed to a series of lesser-noticed rulings that featured unusual line-ups that “didn’t follow some pattern” based on the political leanings of the justices’ appointing presidents. Kavanaugh, 58, is one of three justices nominated by former President Donald Trump who have reshaped the court in recent years. He has sided with conservative majorities in affirmative action and student loan rulings, as well as in the Dobbs case that overturned Roe. He joined liberal justices this term in backing Black voters in a case out of Alabama and preserving a federal law aimed at keeping Native American children with Native families. Kavanaugh took questions from Jeffrey Sutton and Stephanie Dawkins Davis, chief judge and judge, respectively, of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court, at the conference. At one point, brandishing a dog-eared copy of the Constitution plucked from his jacket, Kavanaugh urged the gathering to act with constitutional consistency, civility, and respect — including taking special care that losing parties in lawsuits understand their rulings. “I think this is important for all judges,” he said. “Respect for our system, which we all believe in, depends on the losing party still respecting the process. That’s hard to do. They’re not going to be happy, and so, to write an opinion the losing party understands and respects, they’re going to take the decision to heart.” Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Judge says protections for eastern hellbender should be reconsidered
In a victory for conservation groups, a federal judge on Wednesday overturned a finding that the eastern hellbender does not need protection under the Endangered Species Act. U.S. District Judge Lewis J. Liman in New York set aside the 2019 finding by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and ordered the agency to undertake a new analysis on whether the salamander should be listed as threatened or endangered. The eastern hellbender is an aquatic salamander that lives in rivers and streams across the eastern United States, stretching from New York to Alabama. Several conservation groups filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump-era finding that the eastern hellbender did not need the federal protections. “This ruling is a lifesaving victory for hellbenders and their declining freshwater habitats,” Elise Bennett, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity, said in a statement. “The Fish and Wildlife Service can no longer ignore overwhelming scientific evidence that hellbenders are in danger of extinction and face even greater threats ahead. These odd and charming salamanders can survive, but they desperately need the help of the Endangered Species Act,” Bennett said. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2021 listed eastern hellbender populations in Missouri as endangered, but other populations were not. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
