7. Alabama and Auburn are clearly optimistic about their playoff hopes because, for the first time since 2009, neither Tuscaloosa’s Bryant-Denny Stadium nor Auburn’s Jordan-Hare Stadium will host the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s (AHSAA) Super 7 high school state football championships. The AHSAA announced the change due to the College Football Playoff expansion, which could add extra home games for both teams (but most likely for Alabama). Birmingham’s Protective Stadium, Mobile’s Hancock-Whitney Stadium, and Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl could be used instead.
6. The bad Amtrak deal that will not die may cost state taxpayers money the city of Mobile needs to finalize a ground lease and a $3 million contract. Mobile Mayor Stimpson proposed that the $3 million be equally shared between the state, the city, and the port. The governor’s office responded positively but noted the current budget is already passed. But Stimpson mentioned the city is now working on the agreement language and securing the necessary funding for a train that will lose $373 for every passenger who rides the train.
5. The Biden administration opened the door to commuting the sentence of President Joe Biden’s crackheads son on three federal gun crimes, because of course they are going to do all they can to keep him out of jail. While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that sentencing has not yet been scheduled and Biden has definitively ruled out a pardon for his son, she said there is no additional information regarding a commutation.
4. A new Politico/Morning Consult poll reveals significant doubts about Vice President Kamala Harris’s electability and performance as president, similar to concerns about President Joe Biden, who they want to dump. While Harris has slightly higher favorability among Black voters and key Democratic constituencies, only a third of voters believe she could win as the Democratic nominee, with skepticism about her leadership prevalent, especially among independents.
3. State taxpayers are getting soaked by liberal political blog the Alabama Political Reporter which is making almost $100,000 in 2024 in exchange for positive media coverage, according to 1819 News. APR received significant financial support from state agencies while maintaining a critical tone toward state Republicans and providing favorable coverage to certain state departments and officials.
2. After President Joe Biden threatened Americans with F-15s, pro-Ukraine groups have produced a hit list of Americans against the never-ending funding of Ukrainian flower shops and pension plans, allegedly with State Department support. Now, U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) and Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) are demanding answers from Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Vance and Gaetz want details on any funding or directives from the State Department to the NGO, stressing that U.S. tax dollars should not support attacks on Americans for their political views.
1. Dobson has a “clear path to victory” in Alabama’s Second Congressional District, according to new polling by Public Opinion Strategies, commissioned by the National Republican Congressional Committee and Caroleene Dobson for Congress. The poll shows President Joe Biden and Donald Trump in a statistical tie in Alabama’s newly drawn Second Congressional District. The poll indicates significant shifts, with Biden’s approval among Black voters in the district dropping 22 points since 2020 and economic issues being the top concern, leading to a 48%-43% lead for Dobson over Shomari Figures, once voters are informed about both candidates.
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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.
