7. Even though President Joe Biden’s own party shoved him out of the presidential race, he expressed confidence that he believes he could have defeated Donald Trump in the 2024 election but acknowledged doubts about his ability to serve a full second term. His withdrawal from the race in July came amid growing concerns about his health and cognitive abilities, particularly after a weak debate performance, since then the media and their Democrats have acknowledged they conspired to cover up his obvious mental decline.
6. President-elect Donald Trump blamed both President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom for the deadly Los Angeles wildfires, claiming poor water management and lack of firefighting resources exacerbated the disaster, citing cuts to budgets, while some point out the DEI focus harmed readiness. Firefighters face overwhelming challenges due to limited personnel and water shortages, with fire hydrants running dry after water demand surged to four times the normal level for over 15 hours
5. Alabama House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) explained the complexity of passing a statewide lottery bill, pointing to regional conflicts, opposition from some Republicans, and the high vote threshold required for a constitutional amendment. Despite 80% public support for a lottery vote, previous attempts failed when the House and Senate couldn’t reconcile differences on gaming regulations. Ledbetter stressed the need for legislative clarity to address unregulated gaming operations before moving forward with a lottery proposal.
4. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) indicated he might run for Alabama governor in 2026 but stressed his primary focus remains on his current role as a U.S. senator. He reflected on his service in Washington as a way to give back to the country and honor his late father’s military sacrifice. While Tuberville expressed support for President-elect Trump’s upcoming term, he left his gubernatorial intentions open, saying, “never say never.”
3. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, with 20 other Republican AGs, issued a joint statement backing President-elect Donald Trump’s immigration plans, committing to support the largest deportation effort in U.S. history and stricter border enforcement measures. The AGs praised policies like reinstating “Remain in Mexico,” finishing the border wall, and ending programs such as DACA. Marshall stressed Trump’s success in curbing illegal immigration during his first term and pledged to defend these policies in court if necessary.
2. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) stated the Senate has the votes to advance the Laken Riley Act, which would require Homeland Security to issue detainers for undocumented migrants arrested for specific crimes and allow states to sue for non-enforcement. Several Democratic senators, including John Fetterman and Mark Kelly, have expressed support for moving the bill forward, while others, like John Hickenlooper, have clarified their backing is limited to the procedural vote. Critics, including immigration advocates, warn the bill could harm immigrant families and potentially overturn federal authority on immigration enforcement.
1. The Alabama National Guard has activated around 350 Guardsmen to assist in severe winter weather response, with six Mobility Support Teams stationed across the northern and central parts of the state. The teams, operating under the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, are equipped for tasks like route reconnaissance, transportation of essential resources, and search and rescue efforts. The National Weather Service predicts up to 8 inches of snow in some areas, with hazardous road conditions expected through Saturday.
Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
