April Benetollo is the CEO of Momentum, Alabama’s premier leadership organization dedicated to empowering women through transformative programs, mentorship, and community-building, helping women thrive personally and professionally.
7. Alabama State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) is advocating for a statewide alert system dedicated to finding missing black youths, similar to existing Amber Alerts but designed to address systemic disparities in attention to these cases. Givan highlighted that many families feel overlooked, stating, “Nobody sees us,” and emphasized the need for this initiative to address racial inequities in how missing persons cases are handled. The proposal is part of a broader effort to bring so-called equity to marginalized communities facing such crises without any evidence that there are some discrepancies in these incidences racially.
6. MSNBC staffers and social media users are expressing outrage at Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski for reportedly seeking to reopen communication channels with Donald Trump, a move seen as a betrayal by some colleagues and viewers. Critics on social media accused the “Morning Joe” hosts of hypocrisy and opportunism, given their past public feuds with Trump and sharp criticisms of his presidency. MSNBC insiders reportedly described the meeting as “disgusting” and “unsurprising,” reflecting internal tensions about the network’s relationship with political figures.
5. Wind Creek Hospitality has announced plans to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse, aiming to transform the location into a premier entertainment destination. This acquisition, part of Wind Creek’s broader expansion strategy, will include a variety of upscale amenities, such as hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities. The project is expected to significantly boost the local economy by creating jobs and attracting regional and national visitors
4. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that undated and misdated mail-in ballots must not be counted, rebuking election boards in Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Bucks counties for defying prior rulings. The decision, which applies statewide, comes as the Senate race between Republican David McCormick and Democrat Sen. Bob Casey heads to an automatic recount, with McCormick leading by fewer than 20,000 votes. While dissenting justices argued the case should proceed in lower courts, the majority emphasized the importance of adhering to the Pennsylvania Election Code and court orders to uphold the rule of law.
3. U.S. Rep. Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-Calif.), chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, vowed to oppose President-elect Donald Trump’s planned mass deportations, citing potential harm to the U.S. economy. Tom Homan, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming “border czar,” fired back, accusing Barragán of undermining law enforcement and calling for her resignation. Trump has reiterated his commitment to mass deportations, signaling he may declare a national emergency and use military resources to enforce immigration policies.
2. Concerns over secret voting practices in the U.S. Senate and Alabama State Senate leadership elections always draw a ton of fire to the process of a secret ballot, where the losers usually (and correctly) emphasize the importance of transparency and accountability in democratic processes. Secret votes allow leaders to avoid responsibility for decisions, undermine trust, and lead to conspiracy theories seen in the most recent U.S. Senate leadership race where .U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) voted for Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.). Scott and Scott ally Sen. Mike Lee (R-Utah) thanked Britt for the vote, yet many have suggested Britt voted for someone else. All of this easily avoided with open leadership votes, which will likely never happen.
1. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has urged Senate Republicans to unify and independently confirm President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees without relying on Democratic support, emphasizing that the GOP has sufficient numbers to act decisively. Tuberville criticized past Republican concessions and called for stronger backing of Trump’s agenda, aligning with his longstanding push for conservative judicial and military appointments. His remarks come as the GOP prepares to wield its majority in shaping the legislative and executive branches under the incoming administration.
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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.
Voters deserve to know about the votes their elected leaders make, even leadership votes, the media should probably care also.
Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN, Talk 99.5, and News Radio 1440 from 10-11 a.m., and on Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
7. After a decisive election loss, where America’s focus on Ukraine was drawn into question, President Joe Biden has reportedly approved Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles for strikes inside Russia, marking a significant shift/escalation in policy. These missiles, capable of targeting critical infrastructure and command centers far from the front lines, have been instrumental in Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts. While the decision underscores heightened U.S. commitment to Ukraine’s defense, it risks escalating tensions with Russia, which has previously warned against such measures and may view them as direct involvement in the conflict.
6. President-elect Donald Trump received a hero’s welcome during a UFC event, where the crowd erupted with cheers as he joined Joe Rogan, Dana White, and others in a high-energy victory lap. UFC champion Jon Jones was mimicking Trump’s signature dance before presenting his championship belt to the president-elect after his TKO win. In other combat sports news, the Netflix fight with Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was a nightmare for many fans as they could not handle the live-event demand, making their future NFL and WWE plans seem shaky.
5. Even U.S. Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and NBA legend Charles Barkley have figured out why Democrats faced losses in key elections. Barkley bluntly criticized the party, saying they lost because they were “stupid” and out of touch with voters. At the same time, Sen. Fetterman urged Democrats to avoid panicking over every move by President-elect Donald Trump, cautioning against overreactions as the next election cycle approaches. Together, their remarks emphasize the need for Democrats to shift toward effective messaging and strategy rather than emotional responses to setbacks.
4. Alabama libraries are getting positive press for the continued push of adult material for children. AL.com’s slobbering on libraries creating all-access cards for children, empowering them to explore adult reading materials because some parents are excited about them doing that, which is pretty weird. The political tensions surrounding book content nationwide continues, and the issue will continue until the people running the libraries learn that they are representatives of the community, not in charge of it.
3. Alabama legislative leadership battle starts with State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) confirming Sen. Greg Reed (R-Jasper) will step down as Senate President Pro Tem, sparking discussions about his successor. Senator Majority Leader Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro) and Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) are emerging as frontrunners. The transition is expected to shape the leadership dynamic in the state legislature ahead of the upcoming session.
2. Some Trump Cabinet members face uphill battles, specifically his choices for attorney general (former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz) and secretary of Health and Human Services (climate change advocate, vaccine skeptic, and nutritional activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.) drawing tons of fire. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) says each choice should make their case in front of the Senate and Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) suggested all the nominees should be discussed, “We need to all come together. Our job in the Senate is to advise and consent, and we need to talk about each one of these conferees.” The coming battle of their nominations and recess appointments will be comically stupid.
1. In Bucks County, Pa., Democrats have openly admitted to counting ballots that were ruled illegal due to missing or incorrect dates, sparking accusations of election law violations in the contentious McCormick-Casey Senate race. Meanwhile, in California, ballot counting continues at a slow pace due to the state’s extended deadline for mail-in votes postmarked by Election Day and its labor-intensive verification process. These issues have intensified scrutiny over election procedures, raising concerns about transparency and the potential impact of delayed or disputed results.
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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.
Radio talk show host Dale Jackson and 256 Today CEO Mecca Musick, take you through Alabama’s biggest political stories.
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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, Talk 99.5, and News Radio 1440 from 10-11 a.m., and on Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
U.S. Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mike Lee (R-UT) publicly thanked Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) for voting for Scott in Wednesday’s election for Senate Republican Leader.
“Thank you, @SenKatieBritt! Let’s get President Trump’s agenda done!” Scott posted to social media, confirming Britt’s support for him.
Lee – who is the chair of the conservative Steering Committee and a leading supporter of Scott’s candidacy – also posted, “Thank you, @KatieBrittforAL, for supporting @ScottforFlorida in his run for majority leader.”
Britt on Thursday morning joined “Alabama Morning News with JT” to discuss her support for Scott.
“[M]y biggest thing was I wanted change. I wanted to know how they would be different than the current leadership,” Britt explained of what she was looking for in leadership candidates.
“And for me, ultimately, that came down to Rick Scott,” she continued. “I had a list of questions. I wanted to know how the Senate could operate better, what they were going to do to advance the Trump agenda, how they were going to empower individual Senators – and not be a ‘super Senator’ like we see with Chuck Schumer and Mitch McConnell … So, I wanted to see who was ready for real change – and not just abstract conversation, but I wanted to hear, ‘What is your plan?’”
Britt outlined that after Lee’s candidate forum on Tuesday evening, she made her decision final to vote for Scott and called him before Wednesday morning’s vote to confirm her support.
“[T]here was no doubt, that when we look at needing change and we look at making sure that America’s voices are heard, that Rick was ready to just turn the applecart upside down and really move things in a different direction,” Britt remarked.
Britt concluded that Republicans are united and ready to advance President Trump’s agenda.
“The energy is just through the roof. People understand what the American people want, and I think everyone is ready to work diligently to get Trump’s agenda moving forward to actually make a difference. And look, we only have two years to do this, and that’s why we’ve got to get started.”
Despite a false list circulating on social media, only 9 Senators (in addition to Scott himself) have publicly stated they voted for Scott, who received 13 votes. Those 9 are: Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Britt, Ted Cruz (R-TX), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Ron Johnson (R-WI), Lee, Rand Paul (R-KY), Marco Rubio (R-FL), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn).
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
7. President-elect Donald Trump is appointing former Florida U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz as attorney general, undoubtedly the most shocking choice of his new administration, so far. Gaetz, a vocal ally of Trump, has been known for his staunch conservative views and support of Trump’s policies. This potential appointment signals Trump’s intent to place loyalists in high government positions to drive his agenda, just like other presidency.
6. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s 2024 election win, some Democratic voters, termed “BlueAnon” believers, are promoting conspiracy theories that accuse Trump and his allies of election interference. These claims mirror QAnon-style narratives, alleging a mix of sinister plots involving Trump, Elon Musk, and Starlink satellites to sway election results. Among the theories, some speculate Musk used Starlink to tamper with vote counts, while others assert the recent assassination attempts on Trump were staged to boost his support by portraying him as resilient.
5. Alabama’s new $1 billion Elmore County prison, currently under construction, will be named the Gov. Kay Ivey Correctional Complex. Approved unanimously by the Alabama Corrections Institution Finance Authority, this 4,000-bed facility aims to address prison overcrowding and substandard conditions highlighted by a Department of Justice lawsuit. The project’s budget has significantly increased, posing financial challenges as lawmakers also plan for a second prison in Escambia County.
4. During their White House meeting, President-elect Donald Trump thanked President Joe Biden for facilitating a smooth transition and pledged to work closely with the outgoing administration. The meeting, which discussed national security and domestic policies, was a return to tradition, contrasting with Trump’s previous refusal to meet Biden in 2020. Biden’s invitation marked a significant gesture, seen as reinforcing the norm of orderly power transitions, after four years of strained relations between the two leaders.
3. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) won the Republican Senate leadership election, defeating Sens. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) after two rounds of voting. Thune, who had garnered 29 votes, will succeed Mitch McConnell in January. The race saw intense campaigning, with Thune securing public support from several senators, while Scott and Cornyn were backed by prominent figures as well. Thune emphasized unity and the GOP’s commitment to advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda in his victory speech.
2. Sen. Katie Britt’s office has labeled as “misinformation” recent social media claims that she lied about voting for Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) as Senate majority leader, as did U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn). Right-wing activist Laura Loomer alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that an insider claimed Britt misrepresented her vote, suggesting she only publicly supported Scott for political reasons. Britt’s spokesperson clarified that she did vote for Scott in the first round, though she ultimately supports the elected leader, Sen. John Thune.
1. Republicans have secured control of the U.S. House of Representatives, solidifying their power in Congress ahead of Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration in January 2025. With at least 218 seats, Republicans will control both the White House and the legislative branches, leaving little room for Democratic opposition BUT Trump’s appointments can potential shrink that minority.
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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.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl said he wants the next Republican Senate Majority Leader to be someone who will help President-elect Trump implement his agenda.
Republicans will vote on their next leader Wednesday in a secret ballot since the current leader, Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is stepping down from the role.
Currently, the three candidates likely to win the election are U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.).
Wahl discussed the issue Tuesday on FM Talk 106.5’s “The Jeff Poor Show.”
“Look, Senate leadership only swaps out maybe once every 20 or 30 years, actually, who is picked now could be there a very long time. And so I think this is incredibly important, and I think we have to have a fundamental shift from the McConnell era,” Wahl said. “And I think it could be someone who’s in line with these American first policies that Donald Trump talks about.”
Wahl said the new leader needs to reflect the needs of the new Republican coalition that supports Trump.
“They know their mission and they know their duty to the American public, and that’s to put America first, and to kind of follow along this new movement of the Republican Party that really prioritizes the grassroots, defending people’s rights and freedoms, and getting back to the Constitution, and getting back to what our party always was supposed to be, which is a party that puts the Republic and the people of the Republic first,” he argued. “And so I think whoever it is, I think that’s the important thing, is that they understand their their role and the proper role they should have as leader of the USA.”
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has come out strongly in favor of Scott for the position, while U.S. Sen Katie Britt (R-Auburn) has not announced her choice for the role.
Wahl said he hopes senators will be open to their constituents about why they picked a certain candidate.
“Look, you owe that to your constituents,” he said. “And this thing that I believe very strongly, and because whether it’s this or whether it’s any decision made, you are elected to represent the people of your district or state. And so whether it’s a House member, Senate member, the thought is the same. If you’re actually representing them and that’s your first priority…you have no problem explaining who you’re voting for and why, for leaders position. And I think every single senator across the entire country owes after their constituents.”
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
As people speculate how Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) will vote in Wednesday’s Republican Senate leadership election, Yellowhammer News is examining her voting record in the Senate.
Following research that showed Britt has been the second most frequent opponent of President Biden’s judicial nominees, we took our own deep dive into Britt’s comprehensive voting history since taking office in January 2023, when the 118th Congress convened.
There have been 607 roll call votes during this time period, which predominantly come down on party lines. Comparing Britt’s votes to other members of the Republican conference, it is clear that Alabama’s junior senator tracks most closely to Senators with strong conservative bona fides.
For example, Britt’s votes corresponded with U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) 94.8% of the time, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) 91.7%, and Vice President-elect JD Vance (R-OH) 88.3%.
Despite being an advisor on the Senate Republican leadership team, Sen. Britt is more likely than not to break with current Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) when it comes to issues that divide the Republican conference. Britt has voted differently than McConnell a total of 92 times in her short time in office.
RELATED: Sen. Katie Britt second-most conservative opponent of Biden judicial nominees
Senator Mike Lee (R-UT), who chairs the conservative Steering Committee, on Tuesday evening is hosting a forum for the leadership candidates. Yellowhammer News used the occasion to scrutinize the votes during the 118th Congress when Lee voted differently than McConnell.
The results showed that Britt voted with Lee rather than McConnell in a majority of these instances. She was recently recognized for her staunch conservative voting record by the likes of CPAC and the Faith & Freedom Coalition.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
President Donald Trump will lead the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House, and the Republican Party
Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN, Talk 99.5, and News Radio 1440 from 10-11 a.m., and on Talk Radio 103.9 FM/730AM WUMP from 3-4 p.m.
The years-long saga over the question of where U.S. Space Command is to be headquartered will be resolved in the first week of President-Elect Donald Trump’s administration, Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers says.
Anticipated as one of President Trump’s many first executive actions, it will reverse President Joe Biden’s political, and arguably illegal decision in 2023 to headquarter Space Command in Colorado, despite numerous assessments identifying Huntsville as the superior location based on merit and operational criteria – including a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report obtained by Yellowhammer News declaring Huntsville as the No. 1 pick over No. 5 Colorado.
Rogers said Monday, “I told everybody then that Colorado Springs will not be the future location of Space Command. It will be Huntsville, Alabama who won it fair and square. And President Trump said in the campaign that he was going to reverse that decision if elected.
“And I knew he would because if you remember, not only did Alabama win two nationwide competitions, but President Trump’s secretary of the Air Force recommended Huntsville, President Biden’s secretary of the Air Force recommended Huntsville, and then Biden took it away for political reasons.”
“And we will start construction next year in Huntsville,” Rogers said.
RELATED: Rogers: Congress will ‘correct’ Biden on Space Command
All members of the Alabama federal delegation have been locked-in-step on the development of USSPACECOM’s permanent presence in Alabama, including U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, as well as Alabama’s lone Democratic representative, Terri Sewell. Sen. Britt spoke recently about what that consistent force has been like – and how it will multiply in the weeks to come.
“Everybody did their part to make sure that we have the moment that I hope that we have coming really soon, where we see President Trump say the rightful home of Space Command, where is best for national security, where is best for national defense, where it makes the most sense, without a doubt, is Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.
“I think that that will happen, and that would have never happened but for our delegation working in a bipartisan, bicameral way to put the people and the needs of Alabama before we did party or any other affiliation. So, I think that you’ll see a lot more of that.”
RELATED: GAO: Alabama 1st, Colorado 5th for Space Command HQ
Enthusiasm is building on the state level as well. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth said Tuesday he spoke with U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who assured him President Trump will return the USSPACECOM development to its proper home.
https://x.com/willainsworthAL/status/1856395328335057010
Sen. Tuberville has been equally persistent on the issue in Washington, asking Gen. Dickinson personally under oath about the decision last year. Tuberville spoke strongly on the incoming Trump administration’s priority to reactivate Alabama as the rightful place for USSPACECOM.
“He will give us Space Command. But here’s the one thing I want to tell American people, Alabama, I’m pretty going the best place, but we know the best place is Huntsville,” Tuberville said. “Because it was done the right way the first time. The president does not pick Space Command; the Secretary of the Air Force does. The Secretary of the Air Force under Biden even picked Huntsville two years ago and said, ‘Don’t send it to Colorado. Huntsville is the best place.’ So that’s where it’s going to end up. But President Trump has to — he doesn’t pull the trigger — that happens with the Secretary of the Air Force when we get a new one in.”
“But there’s going to be a lot of good things happening for Alabama. President Trump is huge for the state of Alabama.”
RELATED: Biden overturns Space Command HQ decision
In May of last year, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee initiated an investigation into the politicization of the decision under the Biden administration. Rogers said unequivocally the delays were politically motivated and made possible by unauthorized changes in Space Command’s mission requirements, which Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall disclosed in a meeting with Alabama representatives.
At the request of Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), the committee demanded unredacted documents by June 8 and ordered a halt to taxpayer-funded adjustments.
The House-approved FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act included language that would freeze funding for further Space Command facility development in Colorado until the permanent headquarters location was decided or an official report is submitted. Around the same time, Gen. Dickinson met with Alabama’s congressional delegation and reportedly told them Space Command “belongs” at Redstone Arsenal.
Rogers accused Pentagon officials in charge of the decision with “deliberate, taxpayer-funded manipulation.”
According to Alabama’s delegation in Washington, the incoming administration is prepared to fully resolve the years-long battle over U.S. Space Command’s headquarters and Redstone Arsenal stands ready to become its permanent home.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
7. In response to the absurd notion that people are talking about a return to slavery and clearly fake texts about plantations, MSNBC’s “The Root” explores “concerns” about modern practices that resemble past systems of bondage. The article highlights how exploitation in the prison-industrial complex, labor trafficking, and economic inequalities mirror conditions of forced labor. Additionally, it addresses fears that legislative shifts could further erode rights, leading some to question the societal and systemic safeguards against slavery’s re-emergence.
6. Trump derangement has turned deadly in Minnesota. A man named Anthony Nephew, who had expressed anger toward Donald Trump and society, killed his three children and their mother before taking his own life in an apparent murder-suicide. Family members reported that Nephew had been deeply troubled and had recently voiced frustration with the current political climate, which may have contributed to the tragic incident. In a separate case, 33-year-old Corey Burke allegedly killed her father with an ice ax in Rainier Valley, Wash., during an argument on Election Day; Burke later told authorities that election-related emotions and mental health struggles led her to “freak out” (a TV station has deleted that information without acknowledging it).
5. After a mass shooting during Tuskegee University’s homecoming that left sixteen people injured, the university has intensified its response by temporarily closing the campus and swiftly replacing the chief of police, Rodney D. Smith. The shooting took place during festivities at the university chapel, raising urgent safety concerns and criticism of campus security protocols. Tuskegee’s president, Dr. Charlotte Morris, emphasized that the safety of students and staff remains a top priority, with the university now implementing stricter security measures and a comprehensive campus safety review in hopes of preventing further violence.
4. A very small amount of Alabama lawmakers are debating whether creating a state holiday on Election Day could encourage greater voting turnout by removing barriers like work and school obligations. State Rep. Ontario Tillman (D-Bessemer) proposed the bill and Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa), a proponent of the idea, contends that making Election Day a holiday would send a strong message about the importance of civic participation and create a more equitable voting experience, especially for people with limited flexibility in their schedules. Critics, however, question whether a holiday would truly address underlying issues with voter access, noting that logistical and budgetary concerns might hinder its implementation, especially if it means closing government offices and services for the day.
3. President-elect Donald Trump has appointed former ICE Director Tom Homan as his Border Czar who will oversee mass deportations and increased immigration enforcement and streamlined processing of undocumented individuals. Trump’s proposed deportation plan includes using the military to house and process migrants for deportation, potentially on a large scale. This strategy would involve establishing temporary facilities on military bases to expedite removal proceedings, sidestepping traditional detention facilities and potentially reducing legal delays. The media and their Democrats are trying to argue that the plan raises serious concerns about human rights and military overreach, while supporters believe it could act as a strong deterrent to illegal immigration and the idea is popular, but the media is working on changing that.
2. President-elect Trump’s victory may lead to the reversal of a 2023 decision to move Space Command HQ to Colorado, a move initially opposed by Trump’s administration in favor of Huntsville. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, anticipates that Trump will overturn Biden’s decision soon after inauguration, with construction on the Huntsville site starting in 2025. Rogers argued that Huntsville was the top choice in multiple Air Force evaluations and highlighted that investigations by the GAO and Inspector General are expected to further support Huntsville’s claim, making a reversal even more likely.
1. U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), in the driver’s seat for Senate Republican leadership, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Rick Scott (R-Fla.) have all aligned with former President Trump’s demand for using recess appointments to bypass Senate confirmation processes. Trump is pushing for the Senate to recess early next year, which would allow him to appoint officials without traditional confirmations, a move aimed at expediting his administration’s agenda. Although Alabama U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) are likely split on the vote, Tuberville notes that whoever wins, Trump will be calling the shots, and it is hard to argue otherwise.
Listen here:
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.
Every mayor, county commissioner and economic developer knows that communities can’t recruit new or expanding industries without solid transportation infrastructure. This is true for both international mega-projects as well as local small businesses. Goods need to move efficiently and workers and customers need reliable access.
In short, highways, roads and bridges form the backbone of economic development. Especially for rural communities, access to transportation routes can mean the difference between growth and decline.
That’s one reason the construction of the West Alabama Highway is so important to the future of the Black Belt. For decades, rural communities in this section of the state have lacked the highway infrastructure necessary to attract industries and new jobs. Completing the West Alabama Highway is key to changing that.
It won’t guarantee wins, but the West Alabama Highway will at least keep us in the game. So much of this area is not even in the running for economic projects because many companies won’t even consider locating in an area without a four-lane highway or easy access to one.
The idea of the West Alabama Highway has been touted by a long line of public officials going back to the days of “Big Jim” Folsom. Fortunately, Alabama today has strong leaders pushing it forward because they understand the West Alabama Highway can transform our region and our state for the better.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt has highlighted how infrastructure supports rural economic development, especially in transporting goods from farm to market and attracting industry. In discussing the West Alabama Highway and transportation priorities, she wisely explained: “You can’t forget about our rural communities.” Senator Britt is absolutely right.
So is State Senator Gerald Allen, the Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Energy Committee. He said the West Alabama Highway “creates opportunities for rural Alabama for new jobs and new industry to come.”
Thomasville Mayor Sheldon Day has long championed this project. “The West Alabama Highway will improve the lives of rural Alabamians,” he said. “We will never lift up this state if we leave rural Alabama behind, and you can’t lift up rural Alabama without good infrastructure.”
Mayor Sandy Stimpson of Mobile has emphasized the project’s importance to his city and the Port of Mobile, the ninth largest port in the U.S.
“If you take a container and put it on a truck and come out of the port, it has one option of going north and that’s I-65,” Mayor Stimpson said. With the West Alabama Highway, he notes the benefit of “two routes coming out of Mobile to go north and connect to Tuscaloosa and I-22 and onto Florence.”
John Driscoll, Director and CEO of the Alabama Port Authority, agrees. The West Alabama Highway is not only “going to open up the floodgates for additional economic impact and investment into that area,” he said, it will also take “some of the pressure that we currently have on the interstate system – the 65 corridor.” That means more efficient transportation options for individuals and businesses.
State Representative Chris England called the West Alabama Highway an invitation to growth. “When the governor of the state of Alabama says we’re going to invest millions of dollars in an area of the state that has been historically neglected and denied this sort of opportunity, it’s a signal to other people that is it OK to invest in West Alabama as well,” he said.
Another strong advocate is Kyle South, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama: “We want the West Alabama Highway project to move forward without further delay.”
Thankfully, this project is moving forward. Since Governor Kay Ivey broke ground in 2019, there’s been steady progress. The Alabama Department of Transportation reports the first phase of the West Alabama Highway – nearly eight miles of a four-lane, divided highway near Linden – will be complete in fall 2025.
There’s obviously more work to do, but Alabamians can be encouraged the steadfast support of federal, state and local leaders is driving construction forward. When the first phase of the highway is complete about a year from now, West Alabama will be one giant step closer to more opportunities and a brighter economic future.
Ellen McNair was appointed as Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce on January 1, 2024 by Governor Kay Ivey. Prior to joining the Department of Commerce, McNair served as the chief economic development officer for the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt ranks second among all 100 Senators when it comes to their frequency of opposing President Joe Biden’s judicial nominees.
President Donald Trump over the weekend urged Senate Republicans to fight outgoing Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s push to rush through more of Biden’s nominees in the lame duck period that runs through the start of the 119th Congress in January.
“[N]o Judges should be approved during this period of time because the Democrats are looking to ram through their Judges as the Republicans fight over Leadership. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE. THANK YOU!” Trump wrote.
Biden has had 213 judicial nominees confirmed by the Democrat-controlled Senate since taking office in January 2021, which is approaching the landmark of 220 judicial nominees confirmed during the first Trump Administration.
According to research from Thomas Jipping of the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, Britt has more than done her part in standing strongly against Biden’s onslaught of nominees. According to Jipping, the average Senate Republican has opposed 77.9% of Biden’s judicial nominees.
RELATED: Katie Britt praised for ‘A+’ pro-life record in Senate
Britt (R-Montgomery) has voted against Biden’s judicial nominees 93.1%, which is second-highest across the nation. Only Senator Eric Schmitt (R-MO) at 94% was higher, and trailing right behind Britt was Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) at 93%.
On the Republican side of the aisle, the least opposed to Biden’s judicial nominees has been Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) at 15%.
While running for the Senate in the 2022 cycle, Britt outlined her approach to supporting judicial nominees, saying she would support judges and justices “who interpret laws instead of writing new ones from the bench.”
Britt added, “I will be an unwavering advocate for pro-rule of law, originalist and textualist judges and justices in the mold of the late Justice Antonin Scalia, who rightly said, ‘The judge who always likes the results he reaches is a bad judge.’”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
7. Cliff Sims, a key player in Trump’s transition team, is helping manage personnel for the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance, as reported by Punchbowl News. An Alabama native and founder of Yellowhammer News, Sims has close ties to Donald Trump Jr. and was actively involved in the 2024 campaign. With John Ratcliffe likely to head the CIA, Sims, who previously worked under Ratcliffe, may take on a leadership role at the agency following his recent book release on his experiences in the Trump administration and intelligence community.
6. Workers at Amazon’s Bessemer fulfillment center will vote again on unionization after an administrative law judge found that Amazon committed multiple labor violations during the 2022 vote. Judge Michael Silverstein cited Amazon’s confiscation of union materials from breakrooms as one of six unfair labor practices, warranting a third election. Amazon spokesperson Mary Kate Paradis said the company plans to appeal, while RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum criticized the ruling for lacking stronger remedies to ensure a fair election.
5.President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed mass deportation plan, which would involve local law enforcement and National Guard troops, is facing opposition from Democratic governors. States like Massachusetts have vowed not to cooperate, and legal battles are expected if National Guard troops from Republican states attempt to assist in Democratic-led areas. The Trump administration may also pressure sanctuary states by withholding federal funding from law enforcement that refuses to aid in deportations, though legal challenges could complicate enforcement.
4. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has been a prominent force in securing a Republican majority in the Senate, actively campaigning for GOP candidates, including Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and raising significant funds to support the party’s efforts. Britt emphasized that Americans are eager for “common sense policies” focused on secure borders, stable prices, and a strong defense. As a key Trump ally, Britt also championed his agenda at the Republican National Convention and participated in strategic fundraising efforts to boost Republican campaigns for both Senate and House seats.
3. As President-elect Donald Trump begins the transition process, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has not ruled out a role in the administration, though he emphasizes his commitment to being a “sledgehammer” for Trump in a GOP-controlled Senate. Tuberville, who could be eligible for committee chairmanships, aims to impact issues like border security, military strength, agriculture, and veterans’ affairs. While open to opportunities where he could be more impactful, Tuberville has voiced the importance of returning Space Command to Huntsville and is speculated as a potential 2026 gubernatorial candidate in Alabama.
2. Due to long lines on Election Day, some Alabama Republicans are considering implementing early voting options to improve accessibility and reduce wait times. State Rep. Steve Clouse (R-Ozark) told media outlets Wednesday that early voting needs to be explored. Alabama is one of a few states without early voting, and the idea has gained attention from party members looking to modernize election processes and potentially increase voter turnout. Discussions about early voting align with national trends, as more states have adopted various forms of advance voting to ease election-day congestion.
1. In his first address since his Vice President Kamala Harris’ election loss to President-elect Donald Trump, a happy and exuberant President Joe Biden urged Americans to accept the result peacefully and look toward the future, emphasizing resilience: “A defeat does not mean we are defeated.” Speaking from the Rose Garden, Biden praised Harris’ character and dedication, calling her campaign inspiring and urging the nation to lower the political temperature after a divisive campaign season. Biden also underscored his faith in the integrity of America’s electoral system and encouraged his staff to “make every day count” in the remaining months of his presidency but he was so positive that some liberals are questioning when he went full MAGA and questioning Jill Biden’s vote.
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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.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt criticized Democrats in the Senate Monday for blocking the Laken Riley Act from moving forward in the upper chamber. An illegal immigrant accused of killing a nursing student in Georgia, Laken Riley, will be tried later this month after his attorneys attempted to delay proceedings in the investigation.
“The first action the Senate should take when we reconvene is passing the bipartisan Laken Riley Act,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said. “No family should endure such heartbreak due to failed border policies. It’s past time to put Americans’ safety first & pass this bill.”
Britt introduced the bill earlier this year that would require U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to arrest illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses and would mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot reoffend and commit further crimes.
“As America watches this trial unfold, I am once again calling on Senate Democrats to pass the bipartisan Laken Riley Act,” Britt added in a statement. “Laken’s death was preventable, but President Biden and Vice President Harris chose mass migration over the safety and security of the American people.”
The legislation would also ensure that States have standing to bring civil actions against federal officials who refuse to enforce immigration law or who violate the law.
“Meanwhile, Senate Democrats have enabled their dangerous open-border policies and blocked our efforts to pass the Laken Riley Act,” Britt said. “There is no responsibility more important than keeping the American people safe, and I remain committed to passing this bill named in Laken’s honor to ensure more families are spared this type of unthinkable tragedy.”
Senate Democrats have twice now blocked passage of this law.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) on Friday sounded off on the Kamala Harris campaign’s closing message, which has largely focused on denigrating Americans who don’t support the Vice President’s candidacy.
In recent days, Harris herself has called President Donald Trump a “fascist” while her running mate Tim Walz compared Trump supporters to Nazis. President Joe Biden called Americans voting for Trump “garbage,” while top Harris surrogate Mark Cuban claimed you won’t see “strong and intelligent women” around Trump.
Calling into Montgomery-area Newstalk 93.1’s “News and Views” with host Joey Clark, Britt outlined that the latest incident with Cuban is merely the latest example of Democrat elites being honest about how they view most Americans.
“This is what Democrats do. If you do not agree with them, then they find a way to demean the position that you hold,” Alabama’s Senator said. “And it goes back to Hillary Clinton calling us deplorables. You look at what happened in the last week with Joe Biden calling us garbage and now you see Mark Cuban…”
“This is what the elites think about the American people. And, you know, from time to time they say the quiet part out loud.”
Britt continued to tee off on Cuban as “wildly out of touch.”
“First off, Mark Cuban is the definition of the 1% of the 1%, right? He is wildly out of touch and openly disdains hardworking, everyday American families with rhetoric like that. I mean, this is a guy who likely has full time security. You know he doesn’t do his own grocery shopping or pump his own gas. He doesn’t understand what real people are going through.”
“[H]e can’t understand why women want stable prices, secure borders, safe streets, strong communities,” Britt added.
Despite the personal attacks on Americans who don’t support Harris, Britt expressed optimism that Democrats’ tactics wouldn’t succeed on Election Day.
“I think it’s just a desperate attempt to try to convince women not to vote for President Trump. But, look, we know what President Trump stands for. We know what life was like under him. We are strong and patriotic Americans who want to preserve the American Dream for our children and our children’s children. And I think this just exposes that it’s Democrats who are actually weak and insecure on their own policy positions.”
Democrats have recently used coastal celebrities like former P. Diddy girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, Beyonce, Cardi B, and Samuel L. Jackson on the campaign trail.
Britt commented, “[T]hey use the 1% of the 1%. And it’s not just Mark Cuban. They’ve been strolling stars out all week, people who don’t understand what it’s like to make ends meet, that don’t understand what it’s like to want your child to have the opportunity to go to a better school … because they have it all at their fingertips.”
“And ultimately, I think it backfires on them,” she concluded. “Because Americans are sick of being looked down on by the elites, people looking down their nose and thinking less of us because we deal with a different set of problems than they do.”
Britt also addressed Cuban’s comments on Fox News’ “America Reports” and the nationally syndicated Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
Across our state, working moms are forced to choose between their jobs and their families. In Alabama, women’s workforce participation rate is 52% compared to men’s at 63%. As CEO of Momentum, an organization created to advance women in the workplace, I see mothers faced with this choice all too often, and there has to be a better way.
Especially today, households are struggling due to inflation and rising costs of living, and the added expense of child care is often just too much for many families to handle. Some women may even elect not to have children in the first place due to financial constraints or feel they have no choice but to leave the workforce entirely to start a family. Some don’t have much of a choice at all, since more than 60% of Alabamians live in child care deserts. Child care is primarily shouldered by mothers, but this isn’t just a women’s issue—it’s an economic and workforce crisis. Our nation’s current laws and policies do not adequately support working families in today’s economy, and change is long overdue. With the introduction of a new legislative package, Senator Katie Britt (R-AL) and Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) are working across the aisle to make this change.
The two bills in this plan, the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act and the Child Care Workforce Act, would support Alabama families and fuel economic growth at the same time by incentivizing child care workers to stay in the field and making child care more affordable and accessible for working parents. By updating the tax code to give working parents a much-needed break, Sens. Britt and Kaine’s legislation would give families the freedom to choose the best child care option for them with fewer financial constraints.
As Senator Britt explains, these solutions include expanding the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC), expanding access to child care options, and incentivizing businesses to provide child care to their workers. Specifically, the Child Care Availability and Affordability Act would make the CDCTC accessible for more low- and middle-class families by making the credit refundable and increasing the maximum amount parents can receive. It would also expand the Dependent Care Assistance Program and support businesses as they seek to provide child care for their employees through an improved Employer-Provided Child Care Tax Credit.
While these changes would benefit American families across the nation, these changes are especially crucial for the people of Alabama. A 2021 study found that one in five parents across Alabama missed work due to child care challenges, the highest rate of any state in the nation. That same report concluded that 64 percent of Alabama’s parents with a young child worked fewer hours due to child care constraints. Clearly, our families need the support this proposal would provide.
In addition to the benefits individual families would see as a result of this package, the plan also aims to address workforce shortages and retention issues in the child care industry. As Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, emphasized when praising the legislation, the Child Care Workforce Act is an important, bipartisan solution to make substantial direct investments in early childhood education and educators. By addressing the most pressing issue disincentivizing qualified individuals from joining the field, Sens. Britt and Kaine’s plan would increase the supply and improve the quality of our children’s caregivers.
With better access to affordable child care, working parents would have the choice whether or not to return to work while raising a family. In fact, increasing the supply of child care could bring nearly 70,000 people, many of them women, back into the workforce in Alabama alone. Every industry in America right now faces a workforce shortage—from manufacturing and small businesses to nursing and education. Senator Britt’s legislation would help reduce dependence on public entitlement programs by empowering and equipping families to determine their child’s and their family’s best path.
This combination of pro-family and pro-growth policy should be a no-brainer for legislators on both sides of the aisle. By boosting workforce participation while ensuring every family has a choice in child care, this legislation could be life-changing for millions of Americans.
Our current system for providing support to working families is clearly not working. Sens. Britt and Kaine’s proposed improvements would help ensure children have ample access to greater opportunities, provide families a solution without creating an entitlement program, and boost workforce participation and economic growth. Our nation’s lawmakers should be quick to support these bills.
Basic household costs have soared across the United States since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris first took office in 2021. From electricity to rent and groceries, overall prices are now up by 20.5% nationally.
Even the cost of garbage collection and disposal has spiked, reaching a year-over-year increase of 5.8% in June of last year — amounting to be 18.5% more expensive than when Biden-Harris took office.
Breitbart News first reported the data one day after after President Joe Biden referred to Republican nominee Donald Trump’s supporters as “garbage.”
According to the Alabama Department of Revenue, the cost of garbage disposal in the state varies by location and service type. But, Alabama has been no exception to the rising inflation.
RELATED: Biden called Trump supporters ‘garbage’ – Dale Strong says their policies are garbage
Lawmakers are also raising the alarm with hard numbers in recent months. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) recently said that the hardship Americans are facing as a result of the “disastrous agenda” imposed by the Biden-Harris Administration.
https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1844569359072755937
Senator Tommy Tuberville called the rise in inflation and a drop in real wages the Biden-Harris Administration’s “economic policies in action.”
https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1849093602942558686
Republican candidate for Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, Caroleene Dobson, said that families in the state are paying a thousand dollars more each month for basic living costs.
https://x.com/dobsonforal/status/1850931304033833399?s=46&t=S7xDregvxoY6bt7EmgMHLA
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
7. State Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) is proposing legislation to double Alabama’s rural physician tax credit from $5,000 to $10,000 annually and update eligibility requirements to attract more doctors to underserved areas. Oliver argues that enhancing healthcare access in rural Alabama is crucial, as the current limitations deter physicians from practicing in these communities.
6. A coalition of 25 state attorneys general, including Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, is urging Columbia University to resist pressure to divest from Israel amid campus protests. In a letter to Columbia’s interim president, the group expressed concerns about rising anti-Semitism and praised the university’s previous refusal to divest. Marshall emphasized the importance of standing firm against “radical demands” linked to anti-Semitic sentiments on campus.
5. Alabama’s ban on lab-grown meat has sparked interest in other states, with Michigan being the latest to consider a similar measure. Alabama State Sen. Jack Williams (R-Wilmer), who sponsored the bill, cited health concerns and lack of research on lab-grown products as primary reasons for the ban, referring to the products as “Frankenstein meat.” While Alabama’s law prohibits the sale of lab-grown meat, it includes exemptions for research by federal and educational institutions, a compromise Williams made after discussions with NASA officials in Huntsville.
4. U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), alongside Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.), is advocating for the Stop the Scroll Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the youth mental health crisis by adding warning labels to social media platforms. Britt emphasized the correlation between rising depression rates among youth and the increased use of social media, highlighting alarming statistics on suicide attempts among high school students. The proposed warning labels would inform users of potential mental health risks and include a link to resources like the 988 helpline for immediate support.
3. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) expressed optimism on Fox News that former President Donald Trump could make a surprising impact in New York, a typically Democratic state, due to focused efforts on voter outreach and addressing urban issues. Tuberville also voiced concerns over younger voters potentially leaning toward Kamala Harris, emphasizing that Trump’s policies align with a future he believes benefits them. He added a Republican sweep across the presidency, House, and Senate is feasible, predicting the GOP could secure between 51 and 54 Senate seats.
2. After former President Donald Trump drew 35 million+ viewers to the Joe Rogan podcast, Vice President Kamala Harris went on the much less popular “Club Shay Shay” with a clearly confused Shannon Sharp and made some puzzling claims while breaking out her favorite “blackcent“. She told Sharp that Trump wanted to end the U.S. Constitution, including the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th and 6th Amendments, apparently he wants to keep the ban on housing soldiers, she also insultingly told black men, “Don’t think you in Donald Trump’s club… you’re not. He not gonna be thinkin’ about you. You think he’s having you over for dinner?”
1. Future Forward USA Action, the primary super PAC for Vice President Kamala Harris, advised against focusing campaign messaging solely on negative character attacks against Donald Trump, like calling him and his supporters fascists and Hitler, because they do not work. The PAC’s recent email noted that Harris’ comments on substantive issues, such as Medicare expansion, resonate more with voters than attacks on Trump’s alleged fascist tendencies. Harris’ campaign’s latest ad, which highlights Trump’s disregard for presidential checks, has struggled to sway voters significantly, moving the race by only 0.7 percentage point, according to Future Forward’s ad testing.
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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.
Since the Alabama Supreme Court’s decision, in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been at the center of political conversation in Alabama and nationally. A lot has been said about IVF, but everyone should agree that it is about bringing new life into the world.
At its core, IVF is about giving people struggling with infertility the ability to enjoy God’s greatest gift: Having children. Alabamians believe in family values. We believe in promoting pro-family policies.
What is more pro-family than giving options to the many Alabamians who desperately want to start families but are struggling with infertility issues? What is less pro-family than preventing these folks from achieving their dream of parenthood? Simply put, IVF is as pro-family as it gets.
After Alabama clinics stopped providing IVF services, one thing became apparent: almost everyone knows someone has used the IVF process or other reproductive care to have children. Infertility issues are not uncommon. Approximately 2% of births in the United States and over 8 million babies have been born because of IVF technology.
There is a large segment of the population that struggles with infertility issues. Infertility affects around 1 in 6 couples.
If IVF access is limited or the cost of IVF services is increased, many people will be negatively affected. Many people discussing increased regulations do not have real-world experience with the IVF process; they are speaking from an abstract and theoretical framework.
In Alabama, the average cost of IVF is $10,000 to $15,000, and most Alabama-based insurance carriers do not cover the procedure. As conservatives, we know burdensome regulations always lead to increased costs. Many IVF patients are already struggling to afford the procedure, and the last thing the state should do is pass regulations that make IVF even more expensive.
Additionally, increased regulation of the IVF process could mean subjecting women to unnecessary rounds of medications and invasive procedures. It will raise risks for patients, leading to poor pregnancy outcomes and ultimately reducing the availability of IVF in our state.
President Trump has strongly advocated for accessible and affordable IVF procedures. He has pledged to fight for government assistance and insurance coverage for IVF patients if elected. Other conservative leaders, including Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), have also fought to ensure that IVF access is protected.
I agree with Senator Britt’s assessment that “for many Americans, building a family, becoming a mom or a dad, that’s their American Dream. IVF makes the difference in achieving that dream for millions of Americans who are facing infertility.”
Many Americans and Alabamians also agree with this sentiment. IVF is widely popular because having more families and children is a righteous goal. The Lord commands us to be fruitful and multiply. Why would we crush the dreams of so many people simply trying to do that?
The author, Jim Zeigler, is a retired Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can contact him by email at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
7. Former Alabama head football coach Nick Saban, now a fan of the team after retiring, urged fans to support the program, players, and coaches during its challenging season. Following a loss to Tennessee, Saban emphasized that unity and support from the fanbase are crucial for the team’s success in the current transition. When asked if the team is living up to his standard, Saban refrained from judgment, saying the focus should be on the players striving to meet their own standards.
6. For some reason the McDonald’s story continues as the media attempts to turn a brilliant campaign move by former President Donald Trump into a blunder. The restaurant chain (with a net favorability of 39 points) can not confirm Kamala Harris’s claim of having worked there and a branch in Alameda, Calif., where she allegedly worked, instructed employees not to discuss her employment history which is not suspicious at all. Trump’s favorite McDonald’s order during Clemson’s championship visit to the White House was two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish, and a chocolate milkshake, a whooping almost 2,000-calorie meal, which may make Trump the most American man ever.
5. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) criticized the DOJ’s lawsuit against Alabama over purging noncitizens from voter rolls, framing it as a partisan move by Democrats and advocated for former President Donald Trump saying he is the best hope for the country and praised his relentless work ethic. Tuberville also discussed Republicans learning to embrace early voting, noting a record turnout in southern states, and the importance of staying engaged in elections.
4. Pathetically sad Alabama Democrats are going to making appearances with a giant inflatable intra-uterine device (IUD) named “Freeda Womb,” an incredibly forced unclever play on the words “Free The Womb.” State Rep. Marilynn Lands (D-Madison), a one-trick pony obsessed with abortion, and Second Congressional District candidate Shomari Figures will both hold events with this monstrosity proving that they think women ONLY care about abortions but are so stupid they can sell it to normal people under the guise of “reproductive health” if they talk about IVF and IUD.
3. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, who was recorded saying, “I don’t have to do no work systemically, and I’m going to be fine. And guess what? I will always get 38 to 45% of the white vote. If I can get 30 to 45% of the white vote, I don’t fucking have to damn get the black vote I got this past election. I’ll fucking win,” has now criticized Donald Trump’s remarks about Arnold Palmer’s masculinity, calling them “unbecoming of the office.” Reed suggested that Trump’s comments reflect mental decline and questioned whether the former president should be held to the same standards as other leaders like Vice President Kamala Harris, ignoring his own comments and not being asked about it by Dan Abrams on NewsNation. He emphasized that such remarks do not align with the concerns of everyday Americans and should be scrutinized more seriously by the media.
2. Sen. Katie Britt praised Israel’s successful elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, crediting their decision to ignore President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’ opposition to a ground invasion. Britt criticized Harris’ stance, emphasizing that the operation in Rafah, where Sinwar was found, was necessary to prevent further attacks on innocent civilians. She reaffirmed her support for Israel’s right to defend itself and called for the destruction of Hamas to restore peace.
1. Republicans are seeing a surge in early voting, with encouragement from former President Donald Trump, who has shifted his stance and urged supporters to vote before Election Day. This increase in GOP early turnout is particularly strong in swing states like Georgia and North Carolina, where record-breaking numbers are being reported. Early voting totals in Nevada show Republicans leading by about 6,000 ballots, raising concerns for Democrats, as longtime state political reporter Jon Ralston noted this shift could signal potential danger for Vice President Kamala Harris and the Democratic Party.
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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.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt said Israel’s elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is proof that the Jewish state was right to ignore Vice President Kamala Harris’ objections to a ground invasion into Rafah.
She joined Rightside Radio on Monday and discussed her support of Israel’s right to self-defense and its use of hardline tactics in the hunt for radical Islamic militants.
“Isn’t that the way you want to be known,” said Britt (R-Montgomery). “It’s like if you come for me, you can go hide but guess what? I will find you. And that is what Israel has said. You think back to October 7 and obviously just the devastation and the barbaric terrorist attack, and there were so many, even this ground invasion.”
https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/1848395843478679678
Britt bashed Vice President Kamala Harris’ efforts to stop an incursion into Rafah, the city where Sinwar was eventually found and eliminated by the Israeli Defense forces.
“Think about Sinwar. So you have Kamala Harris saying, you know, I quote, I’ve studied the map and a ground invasion will not work in Rafa. Well, aren’t we glad they didn’t listen to Kamala Harris? Aren’t they glad that they went in because otherwise, he would still be out there plotting, killing more innocent Jewish people and Americans?”
RELATED: Britt tells Iran, Hamas ‘we will take you down’ during Israel visit
“We’ve got to take a step back and just applaud Israel for making sure that barbaric terrorists are no longer on the face of this globe.”
Weeks after the October 7th attack, Britt visited Israel and emphasized the country’s duty to defend itself.
“Israel has– not only the right – they have the obligation, the obligation to their children and their children’s children,” she said. “They have an obligation to the innocent. They have an obligation to the peace-loving people of this world. And that is ultimately what we want. We want Hamas to be destroyed and we want peace to be restored. President Reagan said that ‘evil cannot exist if the good are unafraid.”
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
7. Israel announced it killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader in Gaza and mastermind behind the deadly October 7, 2023, attack, during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called this a major blow to Hamas, while President Joe Biden praised the action, stating it was a significant achievement for Israel and its allies.
6. Bama kills another one (leaving 161 inmates on Alabama Death Row, including five women) after Derrick Dearman, convicted of killing five people in 2016 with an axe and guns, was executed by lethal injection in Alabama. Dearman was the state’s fifth execution of 2024, Dearman had given up his appeals and expressed remorse in his final words, asking the victims’ families for forgiveness, and ultimately, to be executed.
5. The FBI will investigate the death of Dennoriss Richardson, a Black man found hanging at an abandoned house in Colbert County, following concerns raised by his family and civil rights attorney Roderick Van Daniel, who disputes the sheriff’s ruling of suicide. Richardson had previously filed a federal lawsuit against the Sheffield Police Department, alleging abuse, and his family asserts he was not depressed and would not have taken his own life.
4. Legislative pay raises coming as Alabama legislators’ salaries will increase to $62,212 in 2025, a 4.25% raise from their 2024 pay of $59,674. The salary adjustments are tied to the state’s median household income, and Alabama legislators currently earn the highest salaries in the South.
3. The arrest in Birmingham’s September mass shooting outside Hush lounge revealed connections to eleven other homicides spanning eight years, with the accused, Damien Laron McDaniel III, facing charges in multiple murders. Two of the four Hush victims were previously charged in separate homicide cases, and another victim had lost the father of her child in a still-unsolved 2022 murder, a culture of crime and revolving door criminal justice system is to blame for this.
2. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) criticized former President Bill Clinton for not addressing the Biden-Harris administration’s immigration policies while making references to the murder of nursing student Laken Riley by an illegal immigrant, arguing that proper border screening might have prevented the tragedy. Britt reiterated her support for the Laken Riley Act, aimed at detaining and deporting illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes and noted Democrats made it “crystal clear from the start of their tenure that their goal was mass migration – not the safety and security of the American people.”
1. Former President Donald Trump has taken a narrow lead over Vice President Kamala Harris in Nate Silver’s prediction model, leading by 0.7 percentage points at 50.2% to Harris’s 49.5%, this follows multiple national polls showing Trump leading with him doing better in swing states. Silver notes that this is Trump’s first lead since mid-September, and although the race remains highly competitive, recent polls have given Trump a slight edge heading into the final weeks, with a much bigger lead on betting markets.
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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.
Alabama’s $1.4 billion proposal to expand high-speed internet has been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) proudly reported on Thursday.
The funding, which comes through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, or BEAD, was initially announced in 2023. As part of the federal requirements, Alabama and the other states submitted proposals for deploying the BEAD funds to connect communities across Alabama with reliable high-speed internet access
Since 2018, the state has invested more than $500 million in broadband infrastructure projects. Once completed, the over 200 projects are expected to connect an estimated 140,000 households, businesses, and community anchor institutions like schools and libraries.
With approval of the plan, ADECA says the state will begin launching the next phase. Alabama will open a process in 2025 to receive applications from internet service providers for projects targeting unserved households and businesses across all 67 counties. The funds will focus on “last-mile” projects that connect homes and businesses to service.
“From the beginning, my goal to expand access to high-speed internet to every area of Alabama has been a team effort, and our plan to utilize these substantial BEAD funds to close the gap in broadband coverage is no different,” Governor Kay Ivey said.
“ADECA, lawmakers, local leaders, and internet service providers each play a valuable role to ensure all of Alabama is connected. I commend all our partners in the approval of the plan and look forward to rolling out this funding in 2025.”
RELATED: Be Linked Alabama: Interactive map lights up broadband growth
ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division is also managing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund.
“High-speed broadband internet access is key to the success of students, families, small businesses, and industries across our nation. With continued state-federal and public-private partnerships making strategic investments in closing the digital divide, more Alabamians will have the opportunity to achieve their American Dream,” U.S. Senator Katie Britt said.
“I appreciate the leadership of Governor Ivey and ADECA in advancing this tailored plan for our state. I’ve always said we need to put Alabama first, and Governor Ivey is doing just that. I look forward to seeing how increased connectivity elevates our state and our communities long into the future.”
The funds are focused on permanent fiber infrastructure, for which the federal BEAD program prioritizes funding. Alabama’s broadband expansion strategy has also prioritized fiber-optic networks to ensure the infrastructure not only meets current needs, but also serves communities well into the future.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270