7. Birx latest public health leader to not follow own advice
- White House coronavirus task force coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx told people to limit their holiday gatherings for Thanksgiving to “your immediate household,” but now it’s been found out that she didn’t follow her own advice.
- The day after Thanksgiving, Birx went to Delaware where she visited with those outside of her own household. Birx said that these people aren’t outside of her “immediate household,” and she explained she “did not go to Delaware for the purpose of celebrating Thanksgiving.”
6. Lottery could benefit Alabama
- Governor Kay Ivey put together a group to study the possible impact legalizing the lottery and other forms of gambling could have on the state of Alabama, and now their findings have been announced. One major point is that 71% of people support a lottery, 63% support casino slot machines, 61% support casino table games and 52% support sports betting online.
- The chairman of the group, former Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange, said that “the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.” The group estimates the revenue from legalizing gambling would be around $510-$710 million per year.
5. A push to increase support of opposing the 2020 presidential election results
- U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) will challenge the Electoral College results on January 6, and now State Representative Andrew Sorrell (R-Muscle Shoals) is advocating for more people to support him.
- Sorrell has put together a letter that he wants his colleagues to sign in support of Brooks’ efforts. State Representative Tommy Hanes (R-Bryant) has already co-signed the letter.
4. Moderna vaccinations starting Monday
- The coronavirus vaccine made by Moderna was approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and now the first shipments of the vaccine have been sent out and are likely to be administered today.
- This will now be the second vaccine available, with the Pfizer vaccine being the first. Frontline health care workers and those living in nursing homes are expected to be the first to receive the vaccine.
3. Next shipment of vaccines to be short after many get vaccinated in first round
- The Alabama Department of Public Health has said that there were 4,489 health care workers vaccinated in the first week of Pfizer vaccines being distributed. Facilities are required to report vaccinations within 24 hours.
- It’s also been reported that in the next shipment of Pfizer vaccines, Alabama will only receive 29,250 doses, instead of the expected 48,750 for this week. For context, Alabama is estimated to have over 200,000 health care workers.
2. Trump discusses election challenge with Tuberville
- U.S. Senator-elect Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has signaled that he might join U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) in challenging the Electoral College vote, and now President Donald Trump has said that he’s been talking with Tuberville.
- Trump didn’t disclose what the conversation with Tuberville was about, but when Tuberville said he’d look into challenging the votes, Trump said he’s “a great champion and man of courage. More Republican Senators should follow his lead.”
1. Coronavirus relief agreement reached
- It’s been announced that a deal has finally been reached on a coronavirus relief package that is around $900 billion. The bill provides additional unemployment benefits of $300 per week and $600 stimulus checks to those making less than $75,000 per year. The bill also includes more relief for small businesses.
- President Donald Trump has already voiced support for getting more financial assistance to people, simply saying “GET IT DONE” over the weekend.
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