Did you know…?

• Senator Jeff Sessions, R-Alabama was one of nine senators to vote against a ban on “cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment” of anyone detained by the United States.  The amendment, sponsored by Senator John McCain, passed the Senate 90-9 on Wednesday, October 5.  The other Alabama Senator, Richard Shelby, voted with the majority.

• Of the nation’s 85 largest cities, the Birmingham area is the hardest hit by this year’s increase in gasoline prices. A study by Sperling’s Best Places found that families in the southern metro area of Birmingham with two members commuting to work would pay $2,420 more this year because of higher gas prices.  The study notes that inadequate public transit offers commuters few viable alternatives.