7 Things: Special session ends with bipartisan $772 million spending bill passed, Brooks blasts ruling on redistricting and more …

7. Murderer put to death — so sad

Unfortunately for the Alabama media, and the European Union ambassador to the United States for some reason, murderer Matthew Reeves was put to death last night. Attempts to claim he could not be executed because of his low IQ failed.
Just for context, Matthew Reeves was convicted for the murder of Willie Johnson, who was shot in the neck with a shotgun. Reeves robbed Johnson of $360, and went to a party where he danced and mimicked Johnson’s death convulsions. A witness also testified that Reeves’ hands were still stained with blood at this party, and he also bragged about getting a “teardrop” tattoo.

6. Walmart and Costco employees will have to babysit the unvaccinated in Canada

In Canada, individuals who are unvaccinated will not be permitted inside of Walmart or Costco establishments alone. Even when inside under the permitted conditions, unvaccinated people are only allowed to shop at the pharmacies for these stores.
Unvaccinated individuals must also be “accompanied at all times” by an employee while they’re shopping through the pharmacy. Canada requires large businesses to check vaccine status before customers enter.

5. ICE agents are having to coordinate travel for illegal immigrants

It’s been reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are having to coordinate travel for illegal immigrants, including some with criminal records. This is being done through ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations.
The fact that President Joe Biden’s administration has been working to transport illegal immigrants across the country has already been known, and with a record number of apprehensions at the southern border in 2021, the situation continues to get worse.

4. This is exactly what Putin wants

President Joe Biden and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly had a very tense phone call about the possibility of a Russian invasion. Anonymous sources told CNN that the call “did not go well” and that Zelensky told Biden to “calm down the messaging” because the Russian invasion isn’t a forgone conclusion.
The White House disputes the anonymous reports, saying, “anonymous sources are ‘leaking falsehoods.’” But they have also admitted it is a “distinct possibility that Russia will invade and that there is “little ground for optimism.”

3. Breyer wants his replacement confirmed before he steps down, Biden is playing identity politics

It’s official that U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer will be retiring, but in his letter to President Joe Biden, Breyer made it clear that his replacement needs to be confirmed before his last day on the bench.
Breyer said that he will let his retirement “take effect when the Court rises for the summer recess this year (typically late June or early July) assuming that by then my successor has been nominated and confirmed.” While speaking after receiving Breyer’s notice, Biden said, “The person I nominate will be someone with extraordinary qualifications, character, experience, and integrity, and that person will be the first Black woman ever nominated to the United States Supreme Court. It’s long overdue, in my opinion.”

2. Court order on congressional districts redistricting called out by Brooks

U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) criticized the decision by the three federal judges who ordered Alabama to redraw congressional districts. He called the judges “liberal, activist federal judges.” Brooks supports Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall’s efforts to appeal the ruling.
Brooks went on to say that “the entire federal court order is premised on the argument that different parts of Alabama should elect Congressmen based on whether they are white or black.” He added, “I thank Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall for rejecting this illegal usurpation of power by liberal activist federal court judges and pray that he will be successful in reversing this judicial abuse on appeal.”

1. Spending plan for coronavirus relief funds receives final passage

The Alabama Legislature has approved the allocation of $772 million in coronavirus relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act. Governor Kay Ivey touted the quick passing of the funding plan. $276 million of the funds will go to high-speed internet services for underserved areas, $225 million will go to water and sewer infrastructure projects, and $151.7 million be directed toward hospitals, nursing homes, telemedicine expansion, and related services.
Ivey said she’s “pleased Alabama will use these one-time federal dollars wisely thanks to the strong work by our Legislature.” She added, “I commend our legislators for their efficient work in directing these funds to meet some of Alabama’s toughest challenges.”