7. Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president and a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, passed away at 100, he is widely considered the worst modern president and the standard for bad presidents. Though his presidency faced challenges like economic stagnation and the energy crisis, his post-presidential work reshaped his global reputation as a humanitarian and advocate for human rights.
6. Democrats are still trying to figure out why they lost and U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) had a few ideas as he criticized Vice President Kamala Harris and Democrats for using “weird” and overly academic language, arguing it alienates average voters. Schatz pointed out Harris’ phrasing, such as “centering the needs,” and dismissed terms like “Latinx” as unfamiliar and unhelpful. While he claimed Harris ran a well-executed campaign, he emphasized the importance of using clear, popular language to connect with voters in the wake of the Democrats’ loss to Donald Trump.
5. An EF-1 tornado with winds reaching 100 mph caused significant damage in Athens, including tearing the roof off the Limestone County Courthouse and affecting about a dozen downtown businesses. The storm downed trees, utility poles, and Christmas decorations, leaving debris scattered across the area, while power outages initially impacted 2,500 homes, later reduced to 750. Cleanup crews and utility workers have been working diligently, with officials expressing gratitude that no injuries were reported despite the extensive damage.
4. The Mega Millions jackpot has surged to $1.15 billion, prompting renewed discussions in Alabama about establishing a state lottery, which remains absent due to legislative gridlock. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels hopes the Senate will align on a reasonable proposal, as polls show over 70% of Alabamians support a lottery, citing convenience and potential state benefits. Despite strong public demand, key lawmakers remain skeptical about compromise, leaving Alabama as one of five states without a lottery while residents cross state lines to participate in games like Mega Millions.
3. As bird flu fears are starting to spread nationwide, flu cases are surging across Alabama, with over 6% of recent emergency room visits attributed to the illness, a sharp rise from earlier weeks. Public health officials warn that flu cases typically peak around the start of the year and emphasize the importance of flu vaccines to reduce both the risk of infection and severe complications. Along with vaccination, Alabamians are encouraged to practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and protect vulnerable populations to curb the spread of the flu.
2. Newly released photos from the National Archives show then-Vice President Joe Biden meeting Chinese business associates of his son Hunter Biden, contradicting Biden’s knowingly-bogus claims of no involvement in his family’s foreign dealings. The images capture Biden’s interactions during a 2013 trip to Beijing, including introducing Hunter to Chinese President Xi Jinping and greeting executives from BHR Partners, a state-backed firm co-founded by Hunter. Critics argue these revelations bolster claims of ethical concerns and potential conflicts of interest, while the Biden administration has consistently denied allegations of wrongdoing
1. Mazda North American Operations CEO Tom Donnelly suggested that former President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs could lead to a shift in production from Mexico to the Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant in Huntsville. Despite warnings about potential job losses due to tariffs, Donnelly indicated the Alabama facility has capacity to increase output by 50,000 units annually, though such a transition would require time to align suppliers and train workers. Trump’s tariffs are a negotiating ploy and development contrasts with critics’ concerns that Trump’s trade policies could harm the state’s economy.
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.
