7. A mysterious object streaked across Alabama’s night sky, which meteorologist James Spann identified as likely the disintegrating Chinese satellite GaoJing 1-01. The satellite, used for Earth imaging, may have re-entered Earth’s atmosphere as part of orbital decay, sparking awe and speculation statewide. This incident has reignited public curiosity about aerial phenomena and raised calls for greater transparency in monitoring such events, and more conversation about the increase in the number of items being seen in the sky.
6. As murders spiral out of control in Birmingham, Attorney General Steve Marshall is quite ecstatic about putting killers down as the AG celebrated the state’s status as the national leader in executions in 2024, describing it as a “team effort” delivering justice to victims. Marshall and Alabama put down six individuals this year, including three using the controversial nitrogen hypoxia method, which has drawn international criticism for its potential to cause inhumane suffering of convicted killer scumbags.
5. The 2026 governor’s race might already be over if new polls are accurate showing Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth holding a commanding early lead over Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate in polls, with 34% support compared to Pate’s 5%, while 61% remain undecided. Ainsworth outperformed Pate across major cities and congressional districts, bolstered by a 30% statewide favorability rating versus 11% unfavorable. But, it is not even 2025 yet, so many things can change.
4. Alabama Crimson Tide fans, and others who rightfully noted that Alabama should have made the College Football Playoff, were right and the beatdowns of SMU, Clemson, and Indiana only proved those criticisms are correct. Alabama missed the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff after a 9–3 season, sparking controversy over their exclusion despite a No. 11 ranking in a much tougher schedule in a much tougher conference. But in the end, the College Football Playoff is accomplishing its main mission, making people care, watch, and discuss college football.
3. Alabama fans REALLY want to give Alabama money after University of Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne’s plea for increased NIL contributions sparked debate but delivered results, with nearly 800 new members joining the Yea Alabama collective in just two days. Byrne defended his approach, emphasizing that Alabama does not have “unlimited funds” and that competitive fundraising is essential in modern college sports. The surge in support underscores the effectiveness of Byrne’s call to action in rallying fans to secure top talent for Tuscaloosa.
2. U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) embarrassed herself as she joined the chorus of the media and their Democrats believing suggesting that DOGE committee chairman Elon Musk was acting as Trump’s “co-President.” The unclever claim is that he was controlling President Donald Trump and unduly influencing House Republicans to abandon a bipartisan funding deal, pushing the U.S. closer to a government shutdown, that did not happen. Sewell, however, had no response to reports that President Joe Biden has not been able to effectively act as president in years, nor is she concerned as to who is actually acting a co-President for him.
1. Government remains open after Congress narrowly avoided a government shutdown by passing a bipartisan bill that funds the government through mid-March, provides disaster relief, and extends the farm bill. The initial bipartisan deal collapsed under criticism, forcing Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) to present a revised bill that stripped out a President-elect Donald Trump-backed debt ceiling extension after significant GOP opposition. The Senate passed the bill early Saturday morning, and President Biden promptly signed it, highlighting ongoing partisan tensions likely to persist into the new Congress. Every Alabama U.S. representative voted “YES.”
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.
