7. Cliff Sims, a key player in Trump’s transition team, is helping manage personnel for the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, as reported by Punchbowl News. An Alabama native and founder of Yellowhammer News, Sims has close ties to Donald Trump Jr. and was actively involved in the 2024 campaign. With John Ratcliffe likely to head the CIA, Sims, who previously worked under Ratcliffe, may take on a leadership role at the agency following his recent book release on his experiences in the Trump administration and intelligence community.
6. Workers at Amazon’s Bessemer fulfillment center will vote again on unionization after an administrative law judge found that Amazon committed multiple labor violations during the 2022 vote. Judge Michael Silverstein cited Amazon’s confiscation of union materials from breakrooms as one of six unfair labor practices, warranting a third election. Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis said the company plans to appeal, while RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum criticized the ruling for lacking stronger remedies to ensure a fair election.
5.President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan, which would involve local law enforcement and National Guard troops, is facing opposition from Democratic governors. States like Massachusetts have vowed not to cooperate, and legal battles are expected if National Guard troops from Republican states attempt to assist in Democratic-led areas. The Trump administration may also pressure sanctuary states by withholding federal funding from law enforcement that refuses to aid in deportations, though legal challenges could complicate enforcement.
4. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has been a prominent force in securing a Republican majority in the Senate, actively campaigning for GOP candidates, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and raising significant funds to support the party’s efforts. Britt emphasized that Americans are eager for “common sense policies” focused on secure borders, stable prices, and a strong defense. As a key Trump ally, Britt also championed his agenda at the Republican National Convention and participated in strategic fundraising efforts to boost Republican campaigns for both Senate and House seats.
3. As President-elect Donald Trump begins the transition process, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has not ruled out a role in the administration, though he emphasizes his commitment to being a “sledgehammer” for Trump in a GOP-controlled Senate. Tuberville, who could be eligible for committee chairmanships, aims to impact issues like border security, military strength, agriculture, and veterans’ affairs. While open to opportunities where he could be more impactful, Tuberville has voiced the importance of returning Space Command to Huntsville and is speculated as a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate in Alabama.
2. Due to long lines on Election Day, some Alabama Republicans are considering implementing early voting options to improve accessibility and reduce wait times. State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) told media outlets Wednesday that early voting needs to be explored. Alabama is one of a few states without early voting, and the idea has gained attention from party members looking to modernize election processes and potentially increase voter turnout. Discussions about early voting align with national trends, as more states have adopted various forms of advance voting to ease election-day congestion.
1. In his first address since his Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss to President-elect Donald Trump, a happy and exuberant President Joe Biden urged Americans to accept the result peacefully and look toward the future, emphasizing resilience: “A defeat does not mean we are defeated.” Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden praised Harris’ character and dedication, calling her campaign inspiring and urging the nation to lower the political temperature after a divisive campaign season. Biden also underscored his faith in the integrity of America’s electoral system and encouraged his staff to “make every day count” in the remaining months of his presidency but he was so positive that some liberals are questioning when he went full MAGA and questioning Jill Biden’s vote.
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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.
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