7. The Madison City Council is poised to approve a $28.5 million, four-story expansion at Toyota Field to meet updated MLB standards, including upgraded training spaces and female staff accommodations. While Ballcorp LLC, the Rocket City Trash Pandas’ owner, supports the plan and will help cover bond payments, some council members expressed concerns over the city’s projected minimum revenue share of $1 million annually. City officials project up to $158 million in returns over 25 years with this plan, while a cheaper $4 million renovation option would generate no significant revenue.
6. Senate confirmation hearings for several of President-elect Trump’s Cabinet nominees took place, including U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) for Secretary of State, who emphasized Arctic trade routes and reaffirmed Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Pam Bondi, nominated for attorney general, faced tough questioning on potential conflicts of interest and criticized President Biden’s decision to commute federal death row sentences and she clashed with U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif) and rejected his questioning by noting his previous censuring for dishonesty.
5. The long-shot process of term limits is back on the table in the U.S. Senate with U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reintroducing a constitutional amendment seeking to impose term limits on Congress, capping senators at two six-year terms and representatives at three two-year terms. Britt emphasized that term limits would restore accountability and ensure leaders remain connected to the people they serve, while Cruz highlighted concerns about career politicians dominating Washington.
4. In response to the tragic terrorist attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Eve, the Mobile City Council approved a $167,371 purchase of portable bollard arrest systems from Delta Scientific Corp. to enhance security at Mardi Gras parades. These bollards can stop a 15,000-pound vehicle traveling at 30 mph and will be paired with additional barricades borrowed from Tuscaloosa and city vehicles to block unauthorized access. Public Safety Director Rob Lasky emphasized the urgency of the purchase to ensure safety before the parades begin, while long-term solutions are still being explored.
3. Kandace Brown, a breastfeeding mother from Jefferson County, was forced to attend jury duty with her three-month-old baby, who cannot take a bottle, despite her attempts to be excused. She described the staff as rude, the facilities as unsanitary, and felt threatened when a judge warned that DHR could become involved if the child returned from the courthouse. Brown’s story has gained widespread attention, prompting State Rep. Susan DuBose (R-Hoover) and State Auditor Andrew Sorrell to consider new legislation protecting breastfeeding mothers in jury duty situations.
2. President Joe Biden delivered his final Oval Office address, somehow emphasizing his administration’s accomplishments in job creation, economic growth, and foreign policy, while defending his Afghanistan withdrawal despite bipartisan criticism. He reflected on his 50-year public service career, stating his belief in America’s core values of equality and opportunity. Biden expressed gratitude for the privilege of serving and indicated he would remain active in public life after leaving office while sounding bitter about losing an election, being double-crossed by his party, and warning of a “tech industrial complex” after trying to weaponize that against his enemies.
1. Israel and Hamas have reached a 42-day cease-fire deal, securing the release of 33 hostages, including civilians and soldiers, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and humanitarian aid for Gaza. The agreement, brokered by Qatari and Egyptian intermediaries with U.S. involvement, includes phased releases and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. President Biden and President-elect Trump both expressed support, both also took credit, with Trump crediting his election victory for the diplomatic breakthrough, but now the deal is in question.
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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 on WVNN at 10 p.m.
