7. The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is looking to grow gambling in the state, again, with their “Win for Alabama” taking their message to the airwaves with claims of $700 million in revenue on the table for roads, education, and the like. But it seems unlikely, with legislative leaders reluctant to bring it up for consideration this year.

6. A pair of interesting polls show that Americans’ political ideologies are far more reasonable than the media portrays. When asked if they think “[c]limate change has become a religion,” 60% of all voters agree. When asked about what ideologies make them more likely to vote for a candidate, “moderate” led with 52% with “independent” (48%), “conservative” (48%) following, and “liberal” only getting 34%.

5. Hawkish Republicans, Democrats and the entire Ukraine flag-wearing media complex slammed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ position on Ukraine. Former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley strangely hit him for “copying” from Trump. Lots of war drum beating going on right now, even on Fox News.

4. Russian jet and an American drone’s collision interaction over the Black Sea could increase tensions between the two countries. The U.S. European Command says the drone and two Russian jets were flying in international waters when the drone was cut off and had fuel dumped on it before the jet hit the drone and forced it down.

3. Alabama-based Regions Bank says the issues affecting Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank will not affect it. Regions released a statement saying it is not in the same business as those banks: “Regions has constructed a balance sheet that is resilient, sustainable and will perform consistently over time. Regions is sound and stable, and we stand ready to support our customers in a wide array of economic conditions and cycles.”

2. State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) is ready to phase out the grocery tax. Orr’s proposal would take 1 cent off the 4-cent sale tax every year. The items that would be covered are staples such as infant formula, canned tuna, milk, eggs, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain bread – all items covered by the Women Infants and Children federal program.

1. The Alabama House of Representatives passed the plan to spend $1.06 billion of American Rescue Plan Act money easily with only 3 “no” votes and now heads to the Alabama State Senate. The Senate starts discussing it today and could vote for it  Thursday. It is expected to pass but may not pass that soon.

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Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and on Talk 99.5 from 10 a.m. to noon.