6. Students in Alabama could face a monetary fine if Alabama Rep. Pebblin Warren (D-Tuskegee) is able to pass a bill to impose fines on students who repeatedly violate classroom cell phone restrictions, emphasizing the need for stricter discipline to reduce distractions and improve student focus. The bill would require the state Board of Education to establish a model policy for K-12 schools, mandating phones be stored away during instructional time, with exceptions for emergencies. While some education leaders agree cell phones disrupt learning, others oppose fines as a disciplinary measure, arguing enforcement should be determined by local school districts.
5. Democratic Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has accepted an invitation from President-elect Donald Trump to meet at Mar-a-Lago, stating his goal of representing all Pennsylvanians, not just Democrats. Fetterman has recently distanced himself from the progressive wing, supporting Israel and considering backing Trump’s cabinet picks, including Pete Hegseth for Defense Secretary. As Trump seeks bipartisan cooperation for his legislative agenda, Fetterman has called on his Democratic colleagues to stay calm and prioritize the country’s success over partisan conflicts.
4. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey will joined President-elect Donald Trump and leading Republican governors, such as Ron DeSantis and Glenn Youngkin, for a strategy meeting at Mar-a-Lago focused on advancing Trump’s legislative agenda. Ivey, a long-time supporter of Trump’s immigration policies, aims to continue aligning Alabama’s state efforts with federal initiatives under the new administration.
3. The Laken Riley Act, sponsored by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), mandates ICE detention and deportation for undocumented immigrants charged with theft-related offenses, advanced in the Senate with bipartisan support. The bill was inspired by the murder of Laken Riley, allegedly committed by an undocumented Venezuelan national with a prior arrest record. While several Democrats, including Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), supported its advancement, the bill’s final approval remains uncertain despite Britt’s optimism about bipartisan agreement with the amendment process expected to be a hurdle.
2. President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and other critics are blaming California Gov. Gavin Newsom, DEI initiatives, COVID vaccine policies, and water policies for the devastating LA wildfires. The Los Angeles Fire Department’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under fire, after videos suggested that firefighting wildfire prevention efforts were more important than diversity in department. As fires burn, the national media is focusing on rebuking those being critical leading to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to eviscerate the media for trying to make this about Trump, “It’s INAPPROPRIATE for people in YOUR industry to try and create division, and to try and create narratives any time these things happen. Now, you’re NOT as interested in doing that because Newsom is a D. If Newsom was a Republican, you guys would go try to – you would have him NAILED TO THE WALL for what they’re doing over there.”
1. Gov. Kay Ivey has declared a state of emergency for 37 Alabama counties in anticipation of a winter storm bringing snow, sleet, and freezing rain. Alabama law enforcement agencies have implemented winter-weather operation plans and advise residents to winterize their vehicles and practice safe driving. Ivey emphasized the importance of staying informed, avoiding unnecessary travel, and being prepared for rapidly changing conditions during the storm’s impact.
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.