7. Alabama pollster Brent Buchanan of Cygnal polling revealed that younger voters are increasingly turning to social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for their news. This shift marks a departure from traditional outlets, with social media now shaping the opinions of many under 40. Buchanan emphasized the need for campaigns to adapt their strategies to effectively reach and engage this digital-savvy demographic with 40% getting news from influencers, with the breakdown of votes for each being rather surprising with YouTube and X users favoring the winner President-elect Donald Trump and TikTok users favoring loser Vice President Kamala Harris.
6. Gov. Kay Ivey has appointed Alabama Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed (R-Jasper), effective January, as Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation. Reed will oversee efforts to enhance Alabama’s workforce development initiatives, aligning education and job training with industry needs. This appointment underscores the state’s commitment to preparing Alabamians for high-demand, high-quality career opportunities.
5. Alabama GOP Chair John Wahl and the so-called anti-censorship group Read Freely Alabama are clashing over library policies and alleged extremist influences, Wahl is for decency and Read Freely Alabama is being touted as an anti-censorship group by an ignorant media. Read Freely Alabama accuses Wahl of enabling far-right groups to dominate the debate over book restrictions, while Wahl defends his stance, claiming he’s safeguarding parental rights. The conflict highlights growing tensions within Alabama’s conservative circles over free speech and content in public libraries.
4. An Alabama bill aims to ban cell phone use in K-12 schools to combat classroom distractions, improve engagement, and address mental health concerns. If enacted, students would store phones in designated areas like lockers during school hours, with exceptions for emergencies or educational purposes. Proponents highlight reduced disciplinary issues in districts with phone bans, while critics warn about potential safety risks in emergencies.
3. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) stated he would not vote for Matt Gaetz for any position, including a potential Trump Cabinet role, if credible allegations of sexual misconduct against Gaetz are proven true, emphasizing the need for accountability regardless of political alignment. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) defended Donald Trump’s nomination of Matt Gaetz as attorney general by challenging Republicans to release all ethics and misconduct reports, including allegations against other members of Congress and Jeffrey Epstein-related evidence.
2. As the media attempts to make it appear that Americans oppose the deportation policy they massively support and Democrat governors prepare to break the law, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) has condemned the Biden administration’s border policies. Strong noted Biden’s “open border” stance, which he claims has contributed to a surge in unaccompanied minors and overwhelmed public services in Alabama. Strong links these issues to a lack of proper vetting and the strain on local schools and hospitals due to the influx of migrants, emphasizing the need to revert to Trump-era immigration policies.
1. The Manhattan District Attorney has agreed to delay President-elect Donald Trump’s sentencing in his hush money case to allow time to litigate his legal motions, but opposes dismissing the conviction. Trump’s legal team argues his conviction should be overturned based on presidential immunity, as he prepares to retake the White House. The case, alongside other legal challenges, has been postponed indefinitely, reflecting the unprecedented intersection of Trump’s legal battles and his return to the presidency.
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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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