7. A recent Public Religion Research Institute poll reveals that one in four religious voters believe Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory was divinely ordained by God, with significant variation across faith groups. White evangelical Protestants were the most likely to hold this belief (60%), followed by Hispanic Protestants (45%), while white non-evangelical Protestants (80%) and Black Protestants (83%) largely rejected the idea. The poll results align with voting trends, as white evangelical and Hispanic Protestants strongly supported Trump, whereas Black Protestants overwhelmingly backed Kamala Harris.

6. U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) suggested that Donald Trump’s 2024 presidential victory should serve as a wake-up call for the mainstream media to align closer with public sentiment rather than personal narratives. Carl emphasized that the press might need to adapt to remain relevant and predicted changes in how written media operates under Trump’s leadership, he criticized platforms like “The View” for pushing divisive perspectives. This was further affirmed when Kamala Harris’ deputy campaign manager, Rob Flaherty, admitted that the Harris campaign saw little value in engaging with mainstream outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post, as their readers were already supportive, illustrating the close relationship between the Democrats and these outlets.

5. A 9-year-old boy was injured early Tuesday when at least 200 bullets were fired during a gunfight at the Springville Landing apartment complex in Birmingham. Although not involved nor targeted, the boy was struck while inside his home; his injuries are not life-threatening. Police recovered dozens of shell casings and detained five individuals for questioning, suspecting the violence stemmed from a feud between two known groups.

4. House Speaker Mike Johnson (D-La.) faces backlash from GOP hardliners over his handling of a continuing resolution to avoid a government shutdown, with some threatening to withhold support for his January speakership bid. Critics argue the CR includes last-minute, policy-heavy additions like healthcare reforms and ethanol provisions, deviating from promises of a “clean” funding extension. Despite frustrations within the party, Johnson remains focused on meeting the Dec. 20 deadline and insists he is not worried about his leadership position.

3. Alabama’s nine presidential electors officially cast their votes for Donald Trump during a ceremony at the state Capitol, reflecting his 65% victory in the state during the November election. Nationally, Trump secured 31 states and narrowly won the popular vote over Kamala Harris, with 49.9% to her 48.4%. Alabama’s electors also voted for Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, with Congress set to certify the results on Jan. 6, ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

2. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has hinted that Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal could become the permanent headquarters for the FBI under the incoming President Donald Trump administration. While the Biden administration previously selected Maryland for the new FBI site, ongoing controversies and discussions about the relocation process leave the final decision uncertain. Tuberville highlighted Huntsville’s existing FBI presence and infrastructure at Redstone Arsenal, emphasizing its potential to host the entire agency as an ideal long-term solution.

1. House Republicans, led by U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), have called for an FBI investigation into former-U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) for alleged witness tampering during her role on the Jan. 6 House Select Committee, specifically regarding communications with star witness Cassidy Hutchinson. A GOP report claims Cheney violated federal laws by encouraging Hutchinson to change attorneys and conducting a private interview in her Capitol hideaway, while also accusing the Jan. 6 committee of mishandling and deleting evidence. Cheney and other former committee members have denied the allegations, asserting the committee’s investigation was thorough and accusing Republicans of distorting facts to shield Donald Trump and this will undoubtedly call for more pre-emptive pardons.

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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.