7. Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville has implemented enhanced security measures, including pausing facial recognition and the Trusted Traveler Program, requiring all vehicle occupants to present agency identification cards for entry. Visitors without approved IDs must stop at the Visitor Control Center at Gate 9, and commuters are advised to allow extra time for access. The reason for the changes was not disclosed, but similar measures have been enacted at other military bases after recent attacks and threats.
6. Master Sgt. Matthew Livelsberger, a decorated Green Beret, detonated explosives inside a rented Tesla Cybertruck outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on New Year’s Day after fatally shooting himself. Investigators discovered notes on his phone citing grievances about political issues, personal struggles, and mental health challenges, including PTSD and guilt over past combat experiences, with messages suggesting the act was intended as a “wake-up call” rather than a terrorist attack. Authorities continue to investigate, but emerging details suggest his actions were more connected to personal struggles and emotional turmoil than political motives, though the symbolic elements of the vehicle and location have drawn national attention.
5. Alabama U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) was one of 158 House Democrats who voted against a bill to deport illegal immigrants convicted of sex crimes, demanding they be removed from the country. The Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act, which passed the House with Republican support and some Democratic votes, aims to deport offenders convicted of sex crimes or domestic violence but faced opposition from those claiming it “demonized immigrants.” Musk, a vocal Trump supporter, continues to push for political accountability, even pledging to fund moderate Democrats in deep-blue districts and is set to co-lead a presidential advisory committee focused on government efficiency under Trump’s upcoming administration.
4. President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel’s $15 billion takeover of U.S. Steel, a move supported by incoming President-elect Donald Trump, citing national security concerns and the need to protect domestic jobs, though critics argue it could harm workers instead. Nippon had pledged $2.7 billion in upgrades and a decade without layoffs, but with the deal rejected, U.S. Steel may shift toward electric arc furnaces, potentially risking union jobs in blast furnace operations. The decision has sparked criticism from analysts, but a new era of protectionism may be upon us.
3. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) criticized House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for blaming “far-right extremism,” arguing that Biden administration policies, particularly on border security, have led to increased violence, including the recent New Orleans attack. She cited the rise in known terrorists apprehended at the border under Biden compared to the Trump administration, linking it to weakened security measures. Britt expressed optimism for a renewed focus on public safety with Trump’s return to office, emphasizing plans to confirm key nominees committed to national security.
2. Alabama’s Republican congressional delegation unanimously supported Mike Johnson’s reelection as Speaker of the House, praising his leadership and readiness to advance conservative policies under Trump’s agenda. Reps. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), and Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) all voiced their approval and commitment to working with Johnson. Meanwhile, Alabama’s Democratic representatives, Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Shomari Figures (D-Montgomery), voted for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
1. As it is Jan. 6, the media, their Democrats’, and some sad Republicans’ favorite holiday is now here so the black security fences are back up, 500 National Guard soldiers are on call, the remembrances are underway, and the frowns on cable news hosts faces have returned as they wonder if President-elect Donald Trump can be stopped or if Democrats will hypocritically throw tantrums on the floor of the U.S. House. Try as they might, he will not be stopped, the certification will happen today and an embarrassed and diminished Vice President Kamala Harris will oversee the certification of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory, emphasizing a peaceful transfer of power despite her phony criticisms of Trump as a threat to democracy.
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.
