7. 48 schools in Alabama have closed over recent years

• Over the last six years, 48 school buildings in Alabama have closed while more virtual and charter schools continue to open every year. In looking at the numbers across the state more closely, there seems to be a nearly even trade from when a public school loses students and a charter school or virtual school gains students.
• Of course, there were just some school buildings that were closed, and the school reopened elsewhere, but there are also 69 school buildings in the state not being used. There has been a growing movement for more school choice options, such as charter schools, in the state. This is merely a minimal example of how that could impact public education.

6. Extremely low bond set for career criminal drove into crowd

• Darrell Brooks is the primary suspect in the Christmas parade attack that happened in Waukesha, Wisconsin, and killed five people and injured 48. Reportedly, Brooks was released on a $1,000 cash bail. Brooks had been in jail for hitting and running over the mother of his child on November 2. The suspect was also a sex offender and had a lengthy criminal record over multiple states.
• The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office stated, “The state’s bail recommendation in this case was inappropriately low in light of the nature of recent charges and the pending charges against Mr. Brooks.” The office also said that this bail was “not consistent” with how they treat “matters involving violent crime, nor was it consistent with the risk assessment of the defendant prior to setting bail.” There will be an investigation into the decision.

5. Democrats love criminals for some reason

• One day after a career criminal mowed down people at a Christmas parade after being released on $1,000 bond, multiple Democrats wrote a letter to New York City’s district attorneys demanding that cash bail be ended/lowered making it easier for career criminals to commit crimes and then remain on the streets as they await trial. U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) is leading the way, saying, “We have grave concerns that excessive bail amounts are leading to unnecessary pretrial detention and contributing to a humanitarian crisis in New York City’s jail system, particularly on Rikers Island.”
• Not to be outdone, fellow “Squad” member U.S. Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) has been taken to task by Axios’ Jonathan Swan, who pressed her on her BREATHE Act, which would free every person from federal prison in 10 years. The bill calls for “roadmap for prison abolition,” “full decarceration of federal detention facilities within 10 years,” and “a moratorium on all new federal prison, jail, immigrant and youth detention construction.” After being informed about her own bill, and what it does, Tlaib reluctantly admitted that some people legitimately belong behind bars for a long time.

4. More ramifications of mandates become clear

• There are different mandates in place across the country, but the impacts of those mandates will be felt more every single day. Yesterday, an emergency room on Long Island was closed. The ER is expected to be closed for four weeks, but it could be longer. This is allegedly being done for the health of patients. A hospital spokesman said, “This closure should not be interpreted as anything beyond what it is – a temporary measure designed to relieve current staffing challenges in our Emergency Department. Our nurses, physicians and support staff have been on the frontlines of the pandemic for more than 21 months. We will continue to be there for our patients.”
• For the United States Armed Forces, the impact of the vaccine mandate has not been fully felt yet, but it is estimated that the least vaccinated segment of the military is the Marines. Even as the least vaccinated, 91% of Marines are fully vaccinated and 94% are partially vaccinated. Marines who chose to not show documentation of their full vaccination could risk being kicked out of service.

3. 95% of federal workers have been vaccinated

• With the deadline for federal workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus passed, a senior official within the Biden administration advised that 95% of federal employees have complied with the mandate.
• The “education and counseling process” has reportedly started for those who are still unvaccinated. With more people concerned about traveling for the holidays, it was announced that 93% of TSA employees have been vaccinated. The official stated, “There won’t be disruptions to government services and operations,” adding that “vaccination requirements work.”

2. First negative ad out against Britt

• Club for Growth has released its first campaign ad against U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt for her support on the gas tax and ties to Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed. Club for Growth has previously endorsed U.S. Representative Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) for U.S. Senate.
• The ad, which will run in Montgomery after the Iron Bowl, states, “Wouldn’t it be nice if politics had clear lines like football? Look at Katie Britt. Whose side is she on? Britt worked for Democrat mayor Steven Reed’s transition team when he took over in Montgomery that pushed a ton of liberal policies, including massive tax increases. And Britt backed a $300 million, 10-cent-a-gallon gas tax hike. Katie Britt: If you’re a Trump conservative, she’s not on your team.” Britt served as the co-chair on the Economic Development Committee for Reed’s transition team.

1. Child care workers could get a bonus

• There are bonuses that some child care workers could be qualified for according to Alabama’s Department of Human Resources. Some bonuses for full-time employees could be as much as $1,500 quarterly through a grant program from DHR.
• Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said, “This immediate investment in childcare providers and their dedicated workers will generate long-term benefits for our entire state.”