7 stories to know: Katie Britt, Christian nationalism, and the end of the GOP

Welcome to a new series to showcase stories that may have been ignored in the crush of news over the past few weeks, and stories that have continued to evolve over the weekend. Expect to read coverage about health, science, and climate that frequently take second chair to what’s happening at the top of the page, plus information from local sources that the national media may have overlooked. 

1. The Katie Britt saga is far from over

Until last Thursday evening, it’s safe to say that many Americans were blissfully unaware that Alabama even had another senator. For all anyone knew, the Cotton State had just elected Tommy Tuberville twice and called it done. Then Sen. Katie Britt appeared on America’s televisions following the State of the Union address, projecting her best mom-who-would-definitely-take-out-your-kid-so-her-daughter-could-be-head-cheerleader vibes.

Since appearing on America’s televisions, Britt’s drama club delivery has been the subject of a baffled response from Republicans as well as a vast number of social media memes. Those memes now include actor Scarlett Johansson dropping by “Saturday Night Live” to deliver a dead-on parody.

But the biggest problem with Britt’s SOTU response wasn’t just the disturbing level of scary-mom emoting on a kitchen set. By far the biggest problem was in what she said.