7. Two men, Derrick Bean and Keith Davis, were arrested near Alabama’s Fountain Correctional Facility on Christmas Eve after being found with potential Christmas presents for inmates – a backpack was found containing drugs, cell phones, and charging blocks. Authorities, K9 units, and local police discovered the suspects in a wooded area near the prison, where the backpack held marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl, and contraband items. Both men face multiple charges, including possession with intent to distribute and promoting prison contraband, as the investigation continues.

6. A FedEx contract driver from Alabama might be responsible for some missing Christmas gifts after he was arrested in Florida for dumping dozens of undelivered packages in wooded and roadside areas. Holmes County authorities identified Latavion Lewis as the culprit after contacting FedEx and traced the missing packages to him. During questioning, Lewis admitted to discarding them because it was late and he didn’t return to the warehouse. Authorities recovered 44 packages, which were redirected to the Bonifay Post Office for proper delivery, while Lewis faces charges of organized fraud, grand theft, and illegal dumping.

5. In his Christmas address, Pope Francis called on people worldwide to knock it off, silence their weapons and overcome divisions when he highlighted conflicts in Ukraine, the Middle East, and other global regions. The Pope emphasized reconciliation, even with enemies, and prayed for the release of hostages taken by Hamas in 2023. As throngs of pilgrims walked through the Holy Door at St. Peter’s Basilica to receive spiritual indulgences, the pope urged unity and mercy amid heightened security following recent global tensions.

4. Alabama reached record highs in employment, labor force participation, and wages but the unemployment rate increased to 3.1% in November, up from October’s 2.9%. The state’s labor force grew to 2.35 million, with wage and salary employment hitting 2.23 million, driven by gains in private education, health services, leisure, hospitality, and government sectors. Average private weekly wages rose to a record $1,065.50, reflecting robust growth across multiple industries, with Shelby County and Homewood boasting the state’s lowest unemployment rates.

3. Alabama has lost over 350 pharmacies since 2018, with closures occurring at a rate of more than one per week, prompting a federal lawsuit by five independent pharmacies, including Huntsville’s Star Discount Pharmacy. The suit accuses Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and GoodRx of price-fixing schemes that reduce reimbursements to pharmacies, making it financially untenable to operate, especially for rural and independent establishments. Amid ongoing struggles, calls for reform face resistance from powerful entities like Blue Cross Blue Shield, leaving pharmacists and patients grappling with dwindling access to essential healthcare services, Alabama lawmakers attempted to address this last year but the bill went nowhere.

2. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) touted over $1 billion in funding for Alabama’s military installations, personnel, and families through the FY25 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Major provisions include infrastructure investments at Anniston Army Depot and Redstone Arsenal, support for Fort Novosel’s future capabilities, and expanded access to behavioral health care for servicemembers and their families. Additionally, the legislation provides historic pay raises — 14.5% for junior enlisted servicemembers and 4.5% for others — while advancing missile defense, disruptive technologies, and military career development initiatives, reinforcing Alabama’s vital role in national defense.

1. President-elect Donald Trump was definitely working on Christmas Day by firing off Truth Social posts targeting Canada, Greenland, the Panama Canal, China, President Joe Biden, and “leftist lunatics.” He suggested annexing Canada as the 51st state to lower taxes, expand businesses, and enhance military protection, while mocking Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor.” Trump also renewed interest in buying Greenland for national security purposes and criticized Panama’s control of the canal, promising action against what he described as exploitation of U.S. investments. President-elect Trump is continuing to set expectations for his presidency through his social media site and making clear what his priorities are before he is even sworn in.

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.