7. Alabama State Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove) is calling out the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission (AMCC) for wasting nearly $8 million of taxpayer money without delivering medical cannabis access as promised. Despite stringent licensing requirements, the AMCC granted licenses to unqualified applicants, leading to costly legal challenges and continued delays for patients. Coleman urges the commission to end legal battles, adhere to legislative guidelines, and prioritize accountability for taxpayers and patients in need.
6. Huntsville Councilwoman Michelle Watkins expressed concerns about potential abuse of police access to school cameras, despite supporting emergency use for incidents like active shooter situations. The City Council approved the measure 4-1, with provisions limiting access to emergencies and requiring officers to follow state and federal guidelines, but Watkins criticized the agreement as vague and lacking adequate safeguards, such as monthly usage reports. Supporters, including Council President John Meredith, emphasized the importance of rapid response to emergencies, citing past tragedies like the Uvalde shooting, while Watkins warned of potential legal risks and overreach.
5. Trussville Tribune publisher Scott Buttram is the latest media figure to roast aldotcom for publishing what he called “unfounded” claims of racism against Alabama entities, demanding a public apology during an interview. He cited two recent incidents: a November article accusing the Selma Times-Journal of racial insensitivity over a photo of hay bales and a now-deleted TikTok-based claim labeling Cullman a “sundown town” during its Christmas celebration. Buttram described the coverage as “race-baiting” and accused AL.com of damaging the reputation of respected institutions and communities in Alabama without credible evidence.
4. NASA announced further delays for its Artemis lunar missions, with Artemis III, the first crewed moon landing in over 50 years, postponed to mid-2027 and the Artemis II crewed flyby now expected no earlier than April 2026. The delays stem partly from unexpected heat shield erosion on the Orion spacecraft during its uncrewed Artemis I mission, prompting NASA to modify the capsule’s reentry trajectory for safety. These setbacks, coupled with an impending leadership transition under the next Trump administration, raise questions about future timelines and policies for NASA’s lunar exploration efforts amid a competitive space race with China. It also raises questions for many about how NASA will move on with programs in development.
3. Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide after a controversial trial initiated by Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg, who was accused of politicizing the case and ignoring evidence that Penny acted in defense of subway passengers threatened by Jordan Neely. The jury, rejecting allegations of racial bias and siding with passengers’ testimonies, deemed Penny’s actions justified, but the case highlighted procedural missteps, including Bragg’s handling of charges and the judge’s contentious rulings. Critics argue the prosecution’s approach could deter future good Samaritans from intervening in dangerous situations, potentially putting vulnerable individuals at greater risk.
2. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) criticized the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for celebrating “Pansexual and Panromantic Pride Day,” calling it an example of what he sees as activist-driven policies under the Biden administration. Tuberville tied his critique to the election of President-elect Donald Trump, expressing anticipation for the new administration’s changes, including Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the next HHS Secretary. Tuberville has consistently criticized the Biden administration’s health policies and expressed hope that Kennedy’s leadership would address issues such as corruption in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
1. Luigi Mangione, 26, was apprehended at a McDonald’s in Altoona, Pa., and identified as the suspect in the fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, a crime that has made him a hero among the worst people on the planet. Authorities linked Mangione to the crime after recovering a “ghost gun,” reportedly 3D-printed, along with writings criticizing corporate America and the healthcare industry. Following a multi-state manhunt, Mangione remains in custody without bail as investigations continue, with DNA and ballistic tests underway to solidify evidence in the high-profile case.
Listen here: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.
