7. Alabama’s playoff hopes took a significant hit with a lopsided loss to Oklahoma, as the Crimson Tide’s offense struggled under quarterback Jalen Milroe. Meanwhile, Auburn reignited its season with a thrilling 43-41 quadruple-overtime upset against No. 15 Texas A&M, keeping their bowl aspirations alive and gaining momentum ahead of the Iron Bowl. With these contrasting performances, both teams are set to clash in a pivotal showdown that could define their seasons​

6. The battle over public library materials continues in Alabama, with ALGOP Chairman John Wahl defending efforts to remove books deemed inappropriate for children. Wahl dismissed the characterization of these actions as “extremist,” framing them instead as a defense of traditional values and parental rights. This controversy highlights the broader national debate over book censorship and the role of public libraries in addressing diverse community standards​.

5. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall recently led efforts to seize hundreds of illegal gambling machines from around the state. These operations targeted facilities that continued to operate slot and electronic bingo machines despite court rulings deeming such activities illegal under state law. Notably, actions were taken against sites like the White Hall Entertainment Center, which had reopened unlawfully, and other locations, with investigations ongoing to ensure compliance with Alabama’s strict gambling regulations​.

4. A bill proposed by State Sen. Merika Coleman (D-Pleasant Grove) seeks to explicitly protect access to contraception, responding to concerns that reproductive rights could face challenges following the overturn of Roe v. Wade. The bill ensures citizens’ right to obtain contraceptives and healthcare providers’ right to distribute them, with the provision that the right applies only before an embryo implants in the uterus. While proponents highlight its importance for protecting personal freedoms, critics have raised questions about whether this is even needed or if such a bill would infringe on healthcare providers’ religious beliefs​.

3. Birmingham has recorded 145 homicides in 2024, surpassing the last year’s total of 135 and surpassing its deadliest year in recent history, 2022, with 144 homicides. Despite Mayor Randall Woodfin’s promotional efforts, including a book highlighting his accomplishments, the city struggles with systemic issues driving its rising violence, such as socioeconomic disparities and gun violence, which separates it from other cities in the state where murders are slowing. Critics argue that while achievements are celebrated, urgent solutions to the violence crisis remain elusive while the population shrinks, with many calling for comprehensive reforms and community-focused initiatives​

2. Alabama leaders have expressed strong support for Donald Trump’s nomination of Pam Bondi as U.S. attorney general, following the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz. Notable figures like Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) praised Bondi’s legal expertise and commitment to conservative values, emphasizing her readiness to address key national issues. Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, has a long history with Trump, serving on his legal team and contributing to his opioid and drug abuse initiatives, making her nomination a point of celebration among Alabama Republicans.

1. President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer for Labor Secretary has ignited criticism from conservatives who label her a pro-union “RINO,” citing her support for the PRO Act and policies opposing right-to-work laws. Labor advocates, including Teamsters President Sean O’Brien and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten, have praised the pick, viewing it as a pro-worker move and a nod to unions that supported Trump’s electoral coalition. Adding to conservative concerns, Trump’s Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent, a former partner of George Soros in the 1990s, faces scrutiny for launching his current fund, Key Square Group, with a $2 billion investment from Soros himself.

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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.