7. Auburn’s Hugh Freeze could be fired soon after a tough start to the season and a 5-15 SEC record overall, but he is pleading for a chance to turn things around.

6. National gas prices have dipped below $3 per gallon for the first time in years, offering relief to drivers and manufacturers across the country, and giving President Donald Trump something else to brag about.

5. A new study shows that school cell phone bans improve test scores and grades, suggesting a positive impact on student focus and performance.

4. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed optimism for Alabama’s position on redistricting after the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the subject, believing it could favor the state’s current map and national GOP redistricting efforts.

3. The arrest of a Fairhope “No Kings” demonstrator dressed in a penis costume during a protest sparked anger by some who believe someone in a penis costume in public around kids (they always want to be around kids) is acceptable.

2. U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) are calling out Democrats, with Palmer saying a radical minority is steering the party in a fringe direction and Britt urging that they end the government shutdown politics and reopen the government before talks, which could be happening soon.

1. Gov. Kay Ivey, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, and Police Chief Jim Graboys called the bond release of a teen charged in the Montgomery mass shooting a slap in the face and expressed the need to expand Aniah’s Law to cover alleged murderers who are currently eligible to be released on bond.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.