7 Things: Ainsworth says no vaccine mandate for children, state legislator spreads misinformation about Rittenhouse verdict, Cullman schools to consider policy changes for off-campus behavior and more …

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November 22, 2021

7. Chaos at a Christmas parade in Wisconsin

Five are dead and dozens are injured after a red SUV crashed through a barricade and careened into people marching in a parade and spectators who were watching a Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin.
A person of interest is in custody, but the motive for the incident remains unknown at this time. CNN is reporting that the suspect was fleeing another incident when the vehicle entered the parade route and was shot at by police.

6. Home testing demand is likely to increase

It’s anticipated that throughout the holiday season, demand for home coronavirus tests could increase as there will also be an increase in intimate gatherings, which could result in an increased spread of coronavirus infections.
Places such as Walgreens and CVS carry home tests and have removed limits on how many tests can be bought by individuals, but the White House has said that the country is on track to have nearly 200 million home test kits available every month by December.

5. Alabama is working to fulfill vaccine exemptions

Alabama Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington recently commented on employees being given exemptions to the coronavirus vaccine mandate across the state while appearing on Alabama Public Television’s “Capitol Journal.”
Washington said that they were working to get the process running and added that he felt “really good about where we are in the process, that we have this guidance up and running, again, by November 26.”

4. Lynda Blanchard could finally land a Trump endorsement

It’s been rumored that former U.S. Ambassador to Slovenia Lynda Blanchard could decide to run for governor of Alabama as her U.S. Senate campaign has struggled. Now, the rumor that former President Donald Trump would endorse Blanchard for governor has gained more credibility after a new Wall Street Journal report.
Trump is reportedly unhappy with current Governor Kay Ivey, somewhat in part due to the cancellation of a July 3 rally that was supposed to be held in Mobile at the USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park.

3. Cullman schools could change discipline policies

Cullman City Schools recently decided not to punish two students involved in a Snapchat video that was deemed racist since that video was taken off school campus and outside of school hours, but now they could reconsider how they discipline students. The board will host a listening session for suggestions on how to change policy.
Spokesman Trent Moore clarified that the school didn’t receive complaints about the video until after the discussion was made public. The listening sessions that the system will host will be for students. Superintendent Kyle Kallhoff said they “have a tremendous opportunity for growth. We have every obligation to make sure every student in Cullman City Schools is welcome and accepted. Our first step is already in motion.”

2. Rittenhouse wasn’t convicted; State Rep. Givan says it’s a ‘sad damn day’

When Kyle Rittenhouse was found not guilty in Wisconsin, there was outcry largely from Democrats, calling the verdict an “injustice.” In Alabama, State Representative Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) shared her reaction on social media that echoed these criticisms.
Givan tweeted, “A SAD DAMN DAY IN AMERICA THAT A JURY OF 12 WOULD SAY THAT ITS PERFECTLY OK THAT KYLE RITTENHOUSE A WHITE PUNK BOY CAN KILL TWO INNOCENT PEOPLE AND PARALYZE ONE!!! WHITE SUPREMACY IS AMERICA!!” Givan shared this on Twitter.

1. The state will get ahead of vaccine mandates for children

Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth has spoken out against the idea of mandating coronavirus vaccines for children. He described the idea as “dangerous,” adding, “[T]here needs to be a lot more research before you start dealing with children and kids on anything, and certainly on this issue.”
On the issue of vaccines being mandated locally, Ainsworth said, “I guarantee the Alabama Legislature will get involved and make sure we ban that.” He advised, “I’m certainly going to fight to stop that if there’s any talk of that…I would certainly encourage and push the legislature to pass legislation to make sure we stop that.”