7 Things: Omicron in Alabama, tax cuts for some Alabamians possible, 27% of Republicans think election was fair and more …

7. TikTok trend about school threats comes to Alabama

At Grissom High School in Huntsville, there was a threat made against the school on social media, according to school spokesman Craig Williams. Williams said the school would “take any and all threats extremely seriously, and we treat all threats as if they are legitimate.” The unnamed student will face disciplinary action, but there were no specifics given on the alleged threat, which is under investigation.
This nationwide trend “National Shoot Up Your School Day” has led to concerns from law enforcement and school systems across the state, including in Baldwin County, Madison County, Jefferson County and all over the state.

6. Jessica Taylor wants people to vote for true conservative candidate

U.S. Senate candidate Jessica Taylor said in a recent interview that she wants more people to vote for and elect “real conservatives” so that conservatives will regain the Republican Party. Taylor advocated for more financial conservatism and prided herself as an “outsider.”
According to Taylor, regaining control of the Republican Party “starts with making sure that we can get as many real conservatives elected as possible, and making sure that those within our own party who are just adamant that we need to pass these ridiculous spending measures are held accountable.”

5. Abortion pills will be more readily available as states restrict access

Reversing restrictions maintained by President Donald Trump’s administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has loosened some restrictions on telemedicine abortions. The FDA released a statement saying that it “determined that the data support medication of the REMS to reduce burden on patient access and the health care delivery system and to ensure the benefits of the product outweigh the risks.”
The loosened restrictions will specifically be on the in-person dispensing requirement. Pro-life groups have still argued that chemical abortions pose risks that aren’t well-known enough and increase emergency room visits and medical complications.

4. Settlement talks are over

The reported talks that the Department of Justice (DOJ) was having with families separated at the border during President Donald Trump’s term in office to give families a settlement payment of up to $450,000 have ended.
DOJ spokesperson Dena Iverson said, “While the parties have been unable to reach a global settlement agreement at this time, we remain committed to engaging with the plaintiffs and to bringing justice to the victims of this abhorrent policy.”

3. 27% of Republicans think Biden won fairly

A survey from Bright Line Watch was conducted in November and released this week that shows most Republicans don’t believe that President Joe Biden was elected fairly, with only 27% believing he was the rightful winner.
This percentage hasn’t changed since the same poll was conducted in February. There are 94% of Democrats who believe Biden was elected fairly. Going into the midterms in 2022, only 42% of Republicans and 80% of Democrats believe that the election will be fair and clean.

2. Orr, Greer move to cut taxes for elderly and low-income

State Senator Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) and State Representative Lynn Greer (R-Rogersville) plan to introduce legislation in the next legislative session that would lower taxes for those on a fixed income or who qualify as low-income.
There’s also legislation that would benefit those 65-years-old and older. The maximum standard deduction income range would increase from $33,000 to $35,000, and the dependent exemption income range would go from $20,000 to $50,000. Orr advised, “As a result of the large amount of federal COVID-relief dollars being injected into Alabama and the conservative budgeting approach the legislature has taken over the years, we find ourselves in a prime position to be able to deliver tax cuts to the people back home in our districts – particularly retirees and low-income individuals.”

1. You did it, Alabama

It’s been made official that the Omicron variant is in Alabama, but the first case comes from an individual who has not reported traveling outside of the state. This comes from the Alabama Department of Public Health, which has also said the individual had mild symptoms. The Omicron virus is expected to be the main variant in the state soon. State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris stated, “Alabamians know what to do to keep each other safe now – get the vaccine, get tested, wear a mask indoors, and get a booster. Together, we can fight the virus and help keep our residents safe.”
The Omicron variant itself is expected to bring less severe cases but it replicates 70 times faster than the Delta variant, which doesn’t mean it spreads 70 times faster. Because this strain spreads faster, it could cause spikes in death and illness because more people could be infected in categories that make them high-risk.