7. Legal experts are questioning whether prosecutors in New York can prove the first-degree murder charge against Luigi Mangione, who is accused of fatally shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione, 26, faces an 11-count indictment, including charges of murder and terrorism, after the Dec. 4 killing with some concerned that he may get off with the help of jury nullification. While Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg argues the crime was intended to evoke terror, some legal professionals believe the terrorism charge may be an overreach, given the lack of clear evidence that Mangione’s actions were part of a broader terroristic agenda. The case has sparked debate over whether the killing, which was followed by social media praise, truly meets the threshold for terrorism under New York law.
6. Five protesters were found guilty of disorderly conduct for blocking the U.S. 31 bridge in Decatur last year, with Judge Takisha Gholston emphasizing that their actions disregarded the rights of others. Coincidently, Morgan County NAACP President and protest leader Rodney Gordon took a plea deal and got a lesser sentence. The defendants received suspended jail sentences, probation, and fines, with some appealing the verdict while alleging bias against supporters of Steve Perkins, whose shooting by police sparked the protest. City Prosecutor Nicole Davis defended the sentences as appropriate, highlighting the need for protests to avoid disrupting daily life, while videos and police investigations played a key role in identifying the participants.
5. If the Grinch shows up in Alabama, and State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) gets her way, he could be looking at jail time if Weaver’s bill to combat “porch piracy” by amending theft laws to specifically target the unauthorized theft of delivered items is passed. The bill proposes penalties based on the value of stolen goods, with offenders potentially facing up to 20 years in prison for high-value thefts, aligning with similar laws in 11 other states. Weaver hopes the strict penalties will deter theft, which remains a growing issue despite widespread use of home security measures.
4. Birmingham City Schools are bringing an on-campus grocery store to Huffman Middle School after being inspired by a similar program in Atlanta. The project aims to combat food insecurity in the community by providing students and their families access to fresh food, including fruits, vegetables, meats, and pantry items. The store will be stocked in partnership with a local grocery and a group called “Goodr.” Funded by $277,500 from Councilor Clinton Woods’ American Rescue Plan Act fund, the pilot program will run for two years, with the possibility of expanding to other schools.
3. Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) is not happy about the talk of not extending or capping a tax exemption on overtime pay despite its larger-than-expected $230 million impact on the state’s Education Trust Fund. While critics like State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) propose adding caps to limit fiscal strain, Daniels emphasizes the tax break’s economic benefits, including increased productivity and higher long-term tax revenues. He argues the exemption directly supports hardworking Alabamians by allowing them to take home more of their earnings while boosting the state’s overall economic growth.
2. The stock market has taken a sharp downturn, with the Dow Jones dropping more than 1,100 points, marking its longest losing streak since 1974. This slide is largely attributed to a cautious outlook from the Federal Reserve, which signaled fewer rate cuts than anticipated for 2025. The Fed’s decision to lower the interest rate by a quarter point to 4.25%-4.5% offers some relief.
1. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) is facing a revolt in his caucus as his bipartisan spending bill to avert a government shutdown was abandoned after strong opposition from President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and a significant portion of the GOP. The plan, which included funding extensions and disaster aid, faced criticism for incorporating Democratic priorities, fueling discord among Republicans and jeopardizing Johnson’s leadership position. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) criticized the bill, calling the spending “absolutely ridiculous” as he voiced frustration with misaligned federal priorities ahead of the looming government shutdown.
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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.
