Feeling like a senior Wednesday, March 2, 2022
Trio of Cowgirls will be honored Wednesday Ben Hutchens Staff Reporter
The first time Kassidy De Lapp felt like a senior was during preseason conditioning this year. Tori Garza, a freshman on the OSU women’s basketball team, was excited for the seemingly endless running. “(Conditioning is) just this like, this very dreadful thing that nobody likes to do,” De Lapp said. “And she was like coming in like, ‘I want to be in your group, I want to be in your group.’” De Lapp is an encourager. She said she is always trying to uplift her teammates with high-fives and positive words because the conditioning is brutal. The fact that her teammates identified that and gravitate toward her, showed De Lapp she is no longer the wide-eyed freshman who stepped on to campus in 2018. “I was like, “‘Oh, I think I’m in a role this year’” De Lapp said. “Just like having girls come to me for advice or wanting me to be a part of their workout or something. And so, I thought it was really cool.” De Lapp, forward Brittany Reeves, and forward Abbie Winchester are seniors who will be honored Wednesday before OSU’s final home game this season against Oklahoma. De Lapp is graduating this year with a major in university studies and a minor in marketing, management and entrepreneurship. She doesn’t yet know if OSU will grant her a scholarship to play an additional “COVID year.” The Cowgirls have 16 scholarship athletes this season but will be forced to shave that number to 15 because the NCAA is no longer granting teams additional scholarships. Regardless of if its De Lapp’s final home game in Gallagher-Iba Arena, on Saturday she will have additional support in the stands. Her parents, Kathy and Keith, are making the 1,700-mile trip from El Dorado Hills, California to Stillwater. Kathy and Keith have traveled to Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Antonio to watch the Cowgirls play, but have never seen a regular-season game in Gallagher-Iba Arena. “(It’s) not as many as we would like, thank God for ESPN+,” Keith said. He said watching his daughter play in person is much better than watching online because he can yell at her and tell her what she is doing wrong. Both parents will be in the stands wearing custom-made orange De Lapp jerseys with their daughter’s number stitched on the back. De Lapp said she will cry when she is handed her framed jersey in the ceremony before the Bedlam matchup begins. To her, the jersey represents more than all the points, rebounds and blocks she has accumulated. “There’s been a lot of ups and downs with my time here,” De Lapp said. “And not a lot of people have survived I would say, like, we’ve had a lot of transfers. But to be able to fight through everything and be here for my team and be here with coach (Jim) Littell I think is definitely an honor. To have had these years here and to have something to represent that I think would be really special for me.”
sports.ed@ocolly.com
Abby Smith OSU senior forward Kassidy De Lapp will be one of three girls honored on senior night against Oklahoma.
Chloe Hatfield Brittany Reeves dribbles during Oklahoma State’s game against Kansas State inside Gallagher-Iba Arena on Feb. 17, 2021.
Ben Cohen Abbie Winchester sizes up the defense on the perimeter.
Page 2 Wednesday, March 2, 2022
O’Colly
News
Stillwater Animal Welfare in need of new building
Brylee Smith
There are not enough kennels to house stray dogs needing shelter at Stillwater Animal Welfare.
Brylee Smith Staff Reporter
Department set to be on the ballot in January 2023. They need a new office and space for kennels because they are out of space, director Rachel Wasserman said. There are 10 dogs on the adoption floor Animals housed at the Stillwater Animal Wel- and 10 in isolation. They also have four cats that are fare are in need of new home. being kept in the garage because they do not have The Stillwater Animal Welfare Department has space for isolation for the cats, so they are not able to been taken off the April 5 ballot for funding for a keep sick cats away from the healthy ones. Overall, new building. They are in need of funding for a new they are lacking all the facilities to take care of cats, building because the current situation of their facili- and are expected to face issues when litters of kittens ties is overwhelming. start coming in during the spring. They were previously on the ballot, but because At the Welfare department, they have three of the funding issue with the Stillwater Fire Deofficers and Wasserman. They are understaffed and partment. The city council has the Animal Welfare have started taking volunteers.
“To volunteer here you just fill out a waiver, sign in, and you can walk dogs or take care of the cats,” Madysen Jefferies, senior officer, said. The Animal Welfare department is set to get funding next year, so they are hopeful that they will build new facilities leading to a better home for these stray animals to recover and find a new home.
news.ed@ocolly.com
O’Colly
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Page 3
sports
Revisiting OSU’s recruiting classes from 2012 to 2017
Gabriel Trevino Staff Reporter Inspired by Max Olson’s (The Athletic) article re-ranking the 2018 college football recruiting
classes using a point system, The O’Colly decided to do something similar, re-ranking OSU’s recruiting classes from 2012-17. This time frame was selected, as 2012 followed the Cowboys’ historic 2011 season, and 2017 was selected because players on classes following 2017 are still rostered. The point system we created to assign points to a player in the recruiting classes goes as follows: 0 — the player transferred or left the program. 1 — the player stayed all four years but rarely played.
Adam Luther
2 — the player started a few games. 3 — the player started for a season, or seasons. 4 — the player earned conference honors or made it to the NFL. 5 — the player was a top NFL draft pick and was an All-American or major award winner. The average points per player in each class were then culminated to give us the rankings. Here are the results. sports.ed@ocolly.com
First - 2016 (2.3/5) The Cowboys’ 2016 recruiting was the highest ranked class, but also the class that OSU did not sign a four-star rated commit. The 2016 class had the most future NFL players, such as offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, cornerbacks Rodarius Williams and AJ Green and wide receiver Dillon Stoner. Running back Justice Hill was also a future NFL player, but also received All-American Freshman of the Year honors. Top signees: OT Teven Jenkins, CB Rodarius Williams, LB Calvin Bundage
OSU cornerback Rodarius Williams and DE Trace Ford are building up OSU’s defensive identity.
Second - 2012 (2.2/5) Barely falling short of the 2016 class, was 2012. The 2012 class is highlighted by future second-round pick, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. This class also featured several other NFL players, including Kevin Peterson, a cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals. Top signees: DE Emmanuel Ogbah, CB Kevin Peterson, DT Calvin Barnett O’Colly Emmanuel Ogbah participates in senior day festivities. The Cowboys lost 58-23 to Oklahoma on Nov. 28 at Boone Pickens Stadium. The Sooners won the Big 12 title from this win.
O’Colly Oklahoma State receiver James Washington runs up the sideline after catching a pass from Mason Rudolph during the fourth quarter of OSU’s 45-40 loss to Kansas State on Saturday at Boone Pickens Stadium.
\T-Third - 2014 and 2017 (1.5/5) Shockingly, there was a tie in the rankings, between the 2014 class and 2017 class. The 2014 class is trademarked by two Pittsburgh Steelers, quarterback Mason Rudolph and wide receiver James Washington. The 2017 class also has multiple NFL players, such as receiver Tylan Wallace and running back Chuba Hubbard. Also a part of the class was 2021 All-American linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez. 2014 top signees: QB Mason Rudolph, WR James Washington, QB Taylor Cornelius 2017 top signees: WR Tylan Wallace, RB Chuba Hubbard, LB Malcolm Rodriguez
Fifth - 2013 (1.3/5) The 2013 class was not particularly exceptional, but it did have four future NFL players, such as wide receiver Marcell Ateman and safety Tre Flowers. Other than the four professionals, nobody else stood out in the 2013 class. Top signees: WR Marcell Ateman, S Tre Flowers, DT Vincent Taylor O’Colly Tre Flowers takes a final look at the scoreboard as he exits the field.
O’Colly OSU celebrates after running back Chris Carson rushes for a touchdown in the 4th quarter.
HIMALAYAN GROCERY STORE
Sixth - 2015 (0.81/5) The 2015 recruiting class for OSU may be one of the worst in program history, as 10 of the 18 players would eventually leave the program before graduating. The highlight of the class is Chris Carson, the current running back for the Seattle Seahawks. The class also included Big-12 offensive lineman Marcus Keyes. Top signees: RB Chris Carson, OL Marcus Keyes, S Jordan Burton
Page 4 Wednesday, March 2, 2022
O’Colly
Lifestyle
Road to ‘The Batman:’ Ranking previous batman films Connor Gray Staff Reporter The world’s greatest detective will be returning to the big screen on Mar. 4 as director Matt Reeves shows the world his take on one of DC comics largest superheroes in the much anticipated “The Batman.” To prepare for “The Batman,” here are all the previous live-action film adaptations of the caped crusader ranked. 9) “Batman & Robin” (1997) “Batman & Robin,” to put it nicely, is a waste of time, and is nothing more than a movie that feels as if it was made for the sole purpose of selling toys. A film that is overly bizarre in the sets, full of terrible writing and cringeworthy performances from most of the cast, “Batman & Robin” feels like a parody of the beloved superhero and his villains. From bat credit cards and bat ice-skates, this movie is nothing short of an irredeemable Batman film. 8) “Batman” (1966) Based on the television series of the same name, “Batman” is a fun adventure with just the right amount of ridiculousness and enjoyable moments from all the classic cast including Adam West, Burt Ward and Cesar Romero. While it has not aged all that well, “Batman” still succeeds in just being a fun time, with the great Batman and Robin duo that does not take itself too seriously. 7) “Batman Forever” (1995) Director Joel Schumacher’s first attempt at a Batman story is a lighthearted and silly take, but also has a good balance of seriousness. Val Kilmer’s performance of Batman and Bruce Wayne is underrated, as he does a decent job at subtly portraying a tortured hero. Jim Carrey’s performance as the Riddler is so extreme and charismatic that while some would not enjoy it, majority of audiences find it entertaining while also being a good insight of a man with insecurities that parallels his life to Kilmer’s Bruce Wayne. 6) “Batman” (1989) The first live-action adaptation since 1966, director Tim Burton brought a darker, more gothic tone to Batman and the Joker. With grand sets, an iconic musical score from Danny
Elfman and great performances from Michael Keaton and Jack Nicholson, 1989’s “Batman” succeeded in bringing the most accurate representation, at the time, of the hero to the big screen. Though one critique many watchers stated was that Michael Keaton simply is not in it enough, which is baffling since he is the star of the movie. 5) “Batman Returns” (1992) The second and final installment for Burton and Keaton, “Batman Returns” does almost everything that “Batman” does, but better. Michelle Pfeiffer as Catwoman is the standout of the film, but Michael Keaton has another good outing as the Dark Knight. Danny DeVito makes for an enjoyable Penguin, however his storyline is easily the weakest point of a film that is a worthy sequel to 1989’s “Batman.” 4) “The Dark Knight Rises” (2012) The weakest of Christopher Nolan’s trilogy, this is far from being a bad movie. The writing is weaker and more convenient than Nolan’s usually well-crafted scripts and while there is quite a bit of action in the film, the choreography is just lacking. The film is packed to the brim with great performances and payoff from the rest of the trilogy that makes this one of the best conclusions to a series and a great Batman movie. 3) “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice” (2016) The most divisive movie on this list, Zack Snyder’s take on Batman is either loved or hated. Ben Affleck plays Batman that is old, beaten down by time and void of hope. Affleck does great in portraying a hero that thinks he is serving humanity by fighting Superman, but along the way rediscovers what hope truly is. With some of the best action and cinematography on this list, “Batman v Superman” is a unique and interesting take on Batman. 2) “Batman Begins” (2005) A grounded and realistic take on Gotham City and how Batman would exist in our world, “Batman Begins” tells the vigilante’s origin and is also probably the best pure Batman movie. Christian Bale’s portrayal of Bruce Wayne is phenomenal, and his Batman is also great. Cillian Murphy as Scarecrow is one of the most memorable villains to be put on screen and the world
Jeffrey Wright (left) as Lt. James Gordon and Robert Pattinson in “The Batman.”
building of Christopher Nolan’s Batman universe elevates the film to a whole other level. 1) “The Dark Knight” (2008) Regarded as the greatest comic book film of all time, “The Dark Knight” has been untouched as the best adaptation of Batman and the Joker on the big screen. “The Dark Knight” shows the Joker testing Batman’s morals and how far it takes to push someone over the edge in our current society. A visually stunning film, “The Dark
Knight” is also what would be considered a narrative masterpiece and is worth a watch from moviegoers whether they are Batman fans or not. Whether you choose to watch the new Batman movie or rewatch something from the past, many renditions of Batman will be sure to keep you entertained.
entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
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O’Colly
Lifestyle
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Page 5
Designers and models honor the late Virgil Abloh in Off-White fashion show Teyte Holcomb Lifestyle Editor Earlier this week, models like Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid were seen walking in the Off-White ready-to-wear fashion show honoring the once artistic director Virgil Abloh. Earlier this year, Virgil Abloh died from terminal brain cancer. Showing one of his last collections, models and designers alike gathered to honor his last collection as director of Off-White. Founded in 2012, Virgil Abloh founded the Off-
White brand as a way to express the new and upcoming street style trends seen in haute couture. Though the brand was founded in 2012, the brand gained major success in 2015. Abloh designed everything from street style wear to high fashion evening wear. Eventually becoming the artistic director of Louis Vuttion, Abloh transitioned from street wear to more classical ready-to-wear designs. After Abloh’s passing earlier this year, archived designs have since been released, showcasing his last works. Models like Kendall Jenner took to the stage earlier this week to showcase one of Abloh’s last Off-
White collections. The collection showcased everything from equestrian style racing helmets, to fitted blazers which were all colored black. Though pops of neon colors were present, the somber mood highlighted the devastation of Abloh’s last collection. The Off-White company has since consolidated to become part of LVMH. The licensing agreement will last until 2026, where the future of Off-White will then be reconsidered. entertainment.ed@ocolly.com
Comic by Anne Marie Chaney
Page 6 Wednesday, March 2, 2022
O’Colly
sports
Ferrari inks new NIL deal, reveals signature shoes Daniel Allen Staff Reporter On Tuesday morning, OSU wrestler AJ Ferrari and Nearfall Clothing, Ferrari’s NIL sponsorship, announced the official release of two pairs of shoes, “The Cowboy,” and “The Ferrari Classic.” The newly released shoes are available on Ferrari’s personal website, MrFastTwitch.net, Ferrari’s personal website, and Nearfall Clothing’s website as well. “These shoes will break-in in no time and deliver a light weight feel,” Ferrari said on his Instagram post announcing the official release of the shoe. “With it’s split sole design creating a superior mat feel and traction.” Ferrari is one of the many collegiate student athletes with a bevy of NIL deals since it officially launched, some deals including one with WWE where his would be promoted by the organization at a national stage to strengthen his name and personal brand. Others include a LoMelo’s Meat partnership and other personal clothing items involving shirts, masks, socks, knee pads, and others.
Abby Cage
sports.ed@ocolly.com
AJ Ferrari announced a new line of custom shoes as part of a new NIL deal.
WHEN IS LITTLE MUCH?
There is a short chorus that has encouraged me many times. “Little is much if God is in it. Labor not for wealth or fame. There’s a crown and you can win it. If you go in Jesus’ name.” The woman, who poured the precious ointment on Jesus just before he was crucified, was criticized for “wasting” this expensive item. Yet, Jesus said everywhere the gospel is preached this woman’s action would be told. (Mk 14:3-9) Little things mean a lot as we are willing to serve the Lord. Paul mentions many in Romans 16 who helped him. The Good Samaritan stopped to help the man beaten and robbed. (Lu.10:30-37) Paul writes as you have opportunity, do good to all men, especially to other believers.(Gal.6:10) When the poor widow dropped the two pennies, all that she had, into the temple offering. Jesus said she gave more the large offerings given. Her “large giving” was in relation to what she had. (Mk.12:41-44)
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Many people may plan to give when they receive a great amount of money, but that large amount of money may never come. We may plan to give time or talent to a project when we have more time, but that perfect time arrangement may never happen. Again, the apostle Paul encourages us “as you have opportunity, do good to all men.” We never know when a little gesture of kindness, with money, or helping in an area of service, spending a little time with a person, a word of encouragement, will be just the action that will be a great help to someone. These can be practical ways of living out the Lord’s challenge to love one another. This is the fulfilling of the many commandments in the Bible: loving people by word and action.
O’Colly
Wednesday, March 2, 2022 Page 7
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APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR BOTH SUMMER SEMESTER 2022 and FALL SEMESTER 2022 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE O’COLLY Applications for both Summer Semester 2022 and Fall Semester 2022 Editor-in-Chief of The O’Colly will be accepted from now thru Friday, March 4, 2022. Applications are now available in the Paul Miller Journalism and Broadcasting Building, room 106. Applicants must return their completed applications to room 106 no later than 4:00 p.m. Friday, March 4, 2022. This application process involves two separate positions; EIC for Summer and EIC for Fall. Applicants can apply for one or the other, or both positions. Be sure to indicate which position(s) you wish to be considered for on the application form. To be eligible for Editor-In-Chief, the applicant must be a student on the Stillwater campus of Oklahoma State University, be in good academic standing (i.e., not on academic probation), have a grade point average of not less than 2.5, and have completed at least 60 hours toward a degree. Applicant must show evidence of having worked one semester writing for The O’Colly. Students serving as an Editor-in-Chief may take up to 6 credit hours of independent study in consultation and approval of their major advisor. An internship on a newspaper in a newsroom capacity may be substituted for one semester of service on The O’Colly. The internship must meet the requirements of the School of Media and Strategic Communications’ current internship course.
Daily Horoscope
Nancy Black Tribune Content Agency Linda Black Horoscopes Today’s Birthday (03/02/22). Private productivity rewards this year. Plan, organize and coordinate to fulfill an inspiring vision. Ride a career surge this winter, before a springtime creative communications phase. Slow and shift trajectory with your summer explorations, before new autumn educational avenues invite investigation. Savor private rituals. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is a 7 — Insights, breakthroughs and revelations sparkle in the dark of tonight’s Pisces New Moon. Dreams seem within reach. Enjoy a two-week creative, imaginative and organizational phase. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is an 8 — Connect for shared support, fun and appreciation. This New Moon phase in Pisces benefits team efforts. Grow through friendships, social networks and community participation. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is an 8 — This New Moon illuminates professional opportunities. Develop interesting projects over the next two weeks. Pursue exciting possibilities. Your career, status and influence rise. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Educational opportunities arise after tonight’s New Moon. The next two-week phase favors study, investigation and exploration. Consider new perspectives. Make connections, contributions and bold discoveries. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Find creative ways to grow your family nest egg. A lucrative two-week phase dawns with tonight’s New Moon. Launch valuable initiatives with your partner. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is a 9 — Collaboration flowers. Your partnership blossoms with the New Moon. Strengthen bonds and deepen roots over the next two weeks. Begin another chapter together. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 9 — Energize your physical moves. The New Moon tonight initiates two weeks of growing health and strength. Put your heart into your actions. Practice makes perfect. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is a 9 — Enjoy yourself. Stir up some romance. The New Moon tonight begins a two-week family, fun and passion phase. Get creative. It’s all for love. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is an 8 — Realize domestic visions with upgrades over a two-week New Moon phase. Get creative. Improve the beauty and functionality of your home. Nurture family. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is an 8 — Profit through communications for two weeks. Possibilities spark in conversation over this New Moon phase. Creative projects flower. Express, share and connect. Write your story. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Begin a lucrative New Moon phase. Discover fresh markets and rising prosperity. Strengthen financial foundations for growth. Rake in and preserve a healthy harvest. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Pursue personal dreams. Expand talents, capacities and skills over two weeks with the New Moon in your sign. Grow and develop. Shine your light.
Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Animal fat 5 Mer, here 8 Business entities 13 State as fact 14 Photo 15 Patronize a bistro, say 16 Cover for a king 17 Onassis, familiarly 18 Catskills restaurant job for young Jerry Lewis 19 Acted with total independence 22 Parrot’s screech 23 Voiced sounds 24 Farm units 28 Yeoman’s “yo” 29 Some wind components 31 Smooch 35 Fluids used for blood typing 36 Theater reservations 38 Melville sequel to “Typee” 39 Rep on the street 40 Delay one’s decision 42 Camera variety, initially 44 Fills with passion 45 Garment aptly named for where it’s worn 49 Smack-__ 50 What the filled-in circles do, in a tots’ song 55 React to with a belly laugh 56 New start? 57 Inside information? 58 Queen of puzzles 59 Big name on Wall Street 60 To be, to Livy 61 “__ what I had in mind” 62 Stop on the road 63 Some coll. requirements DOWN 1 Mother on Krypton
Level 1
3/2/22
By Ed Sessa
2 Big name in romance fiction 3 Civil War soldiers 4 Overtook, with “of” 5 Kills it on stage 6 Auld land 7 Essential fatty __ 8 Florae counterparts 9 “The program’s starting!” 10 High-tech worker 11 Elementary particles 12 Lid bump 15 Dark wood 20 Still-life subject 21 Newlywed, at times 24 Pear variety 25 Lyft competitor 26 Really ticked 27 Blows a fuse 30 Indian lentil dish 31 Early hip-hop hardware 32 Curt refusal 33 Evening in Avignon 34 Tipplers 37 Demote to the minors
2
3
Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
©2022 Tribune Content Agency, LLC
41 Host before Carson 42 Comic store owner on “The Big Bang Theory” 43 Full of fuzz 45 Half a Yale cheer 46 Range with one end in Kazakhstan
3/2/22
47 Philosopher Kierkegaard 48 Zuckerberg Media founder Zuckerberg 50 Raised on a farm 51 Bright light 52 __ Major 53 Democratic donkey designer 54 Beauty salon supplies
4
3/2/22
Solution to Tuesday’s puzzle
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit, 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org.uk
© 2022 The Mepham Group. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency. All rights reserved.
Page 8 Wednesday, March 2, 2022
O’Colly
News In first State of the Union, Biden will pledge to lower inflation, criticize Putin Daniel Allen Staff Reporter WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden on Tuesday evening will deliver his first State of the Union address amid a series of geopolitical and domestic crises that threaten his presidency: a stalled legislative agenda, rising inflation, declining public support and an escalating war in Ukraine. Biden will focus much of the speech on the economy, according to senior administration officials who briefed reporters on the address. He will outline what the White House identifies as its recent accomplishments in job creation and recovery, as well as a plan to fight inflation in a way that he says will also slash the deficit. “Lower your costs, not your wages,” Biden will say, according to remarks released ahead of the speech, which is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Eastern time. “Make more cars and semiconductors in America. More infrastructure and innovation in America. More goods moving faster and cheaper in America. More jobs where you can earn a good living in America. And, instead of relying on foreign supply chains — let’s make it in America.” “I call it building a better America,” he will say. Presidents have typically used the address to tout domestic priorities and accomplishments with a mere nod to international issues. But as the crisis in Ukraine escalates — with images of Ukrainians battling Russian aggressors blasting around social media — Biden will be unable to do so this year. “There’s no question that this speech is a little different than it would have been just a few months ago,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said Monday. Every State of the Union speech, she said, “reflects a moment in time.” Biden is expected in his speech to lay out the United States’ global leadership position, spelling out the efforts of the U.S. and its allies to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin to
stop his nation’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, one that has posed the most dire threat to European security in decades. “Throughout our history we’ve learned this lesson — when dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos. They keep moving. And the costs and threats to America and the world keep rising,” Biden will say. “That’s why the NATO alliance was created to secure peace and stability in Europe after World War II. The United States is a member along with 29 other nations. It matters. American diplomacy matters.” He will call Putin’s war “premeditated and unprovoked” and praise the West and NATO’s response. “He thought he could divide us here at home. Putin was wrong. We were ready.” The speech comes as Biden is hoping for a reset, particularly when it concerns the economy. An NPR/PBS “NewsHour” poll released Friday found that only 36% of respondents agreed with how Biden is handling the economy and 39% approved of his overall job performance. Inflation was the top concern cited. To that end, the president plans to announce a new effort that officials say will help boost the economy by seeking to promote more competition in the ocean shipping market, one dominated by just three global alliances. He also plans to reiterate support for pieces of a massive spending bill, once known as “Build Back Better,” that was killed in December by Sen. Joe Manchin III, D-W.Va., a moderate concerned over the measure’s proposed cost. Administration officials said Biden would ask Congress to send him legislation that includes the effort’s proposals to reduce prescription drug costs, expand child care, tackle climate change and reduce the deficit. It is not clear how Biden will persuade Manchin to get on board with such proposals. Biden is unlikely to refer to the plan — which he once said would define his presidency — by its old moniker. “It’s not about the name of the bill,” a senior administration official
away! e d i H inal g i r he O t t ou k c e Ch
Jim Lo Scalzo President Joe Biden delivers the State of the Union address during a joint session of Congress in the U.S. Capitol’s House Chamber on Tuesday, March 1, 2022, in Washington, D.C.
said. “It’s about the ideas. It’s about lowering costs for families.” Biden is expected to tout recent administration successes, such as the historic nomination last week of federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. The president will have to walk a tightrope on the COVID-19 pandemic. He plans to talk about the toll the pandemic has taken on nursing homes and announce new steps to improve the working conditions in those facilities. The administration has framed the proposal as an economic initiative. Yet, while eager to show progress amid declining case numbers and hospitalizations, Biden must be careful not to declare early victory on a virus with a history of new variants. He made that mistake in July, just before delta and omicron battered the U.S. and the world. The administration is also aware
that many parents of children still too young to be vaccinated have not been convinced to put down their guard, hampering a return to normalcy. Biden will give the address at the Capitol amid tighter physical security but fewer COVID-19 precautions. U.S. Capitol Police Chief Tom Manger said a fence — similar to the one installed after last year’s insurrection — was going back up out of an abundance of caution. On Monday, Congress’ attending physician lifted a mask requirement on Capitol Hill, a move many Republicans have been demanding for months. While the vast majority of House Democrats have been wearing masks around the Capitol in recent weeks, most Republicans wear them only when they enter the House chamber. news.ed@ocolly.com
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