7. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) has been selected to join the influential House Appropriations Committee, making him the first Republican from Alabama’s Fifth Congressional District to serve in this role. Strong emphasized the importance of continuing Alabama’s historical influence on federal spending decisions and pledged to prioritize conservative fiscal ideals. Chairman Tom Cole (R-Okla.) praised Strong’s leadership and public service, calling him a valuable addition to the committee responsible for overseeing discretionary federal spending.
6. Unexplained drone-like objects over New Jersey have sparked widespread speculation, conspiracy theories, and social media frenzy, with officials unable to confirm their origin. Many believe they are drones or planes, others propose theories ranging from foreign threats to extraterrestrial activity, and lawmakers, including Gov. Phil Murphy, have demanded answers from federal authorities. Despite reassurances that the sightings pose no safety risk, public unease persists, with thousands joining online groups to share sightings, theories, and demands for transparency as the federal government insists this is no big deal.
5. Americans don’t like Luigi Mangione, young Americans are idiots, with recent poll revealing a significant generational divide in perceptions of Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. While 77% of Americans aged 45 and older view Mangione negatively, only 41% of those under 45 share this view, with 31% in the younger group expressing a positive opinion. The divide highlights contrasting attitudes toward the case, influenced by broader dissatisfaction with the health insurance industry and personal experiences, such as denied care.
4. Alabama State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) anticipates the reintroduction of lottery and gambling legislation in the 2025 legislative session after a similar proposal narrowly failed in 2024 but what that could mean for the state is a big question. The issue has gained renewed attention following Wind Creek Hospitality’s agreement to acquire Birmingham Race Course, potentially expanding gaming operations. Orr wants a lottery-only bill calling it “low-hanging fruit,” but debates about its broader implications, including the expansion of tribal gaming, are expected to shape the discussion.
3. Alabama’s sundown town Birmingham has tied its 1933 record for homicides in a single year, reaching 148 after the shooting death of 48-year-old Randolph Taylor Jr. at a West End walking trail. The city’s population decline since 1933 makes the current homicide rate of 7.5 per 10,000 residents significantly higher than the 1933 rate of 5.7 per 10,000. With 17 days left in 2024, police are working to solve the remaining cases and address the spike in violence, which has disproportionately impacted the community during the holiday season.
2. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) really hates the change away from Daylight Savings Time and President-elect Donald Trump is now calling calling for making Daylight Savings Time permanent, supporting Tuberville’s Sunshine Protection Act. Tuberville argues that eliminating time changes would benefit Alabamians by adding evening sunlight, improving daily routines, and modernizing outdated practices. Critics, however, warn that permanent DST could lead to late sunrises in northern areas, causing potential safety and logistical challenges.
1. ABC News and George Stephanopoulos reached a settlement with President-elect Donald Trump in a defamation lawsuit, agreeing to pay $15 million to a Trump presidential foundation and museum. The suit stemmed from Stephanopoulos inaccurately stating during a March interview that Trump was found “liable for rape,” when the jury had determined liability for “sexual abuse.” As part of the settlement, ABC issued a statement of regret and agreed to cover $1 million in Trump’s attorney fees, avoiding a costly trial, but a lot of people are upset about this.
Listen here: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.
