7. Alabama placed items representing the state into the America 250 time capsule that will be reopened in the year 2276 as part of the nation’s 250th anniversary commemorations; Alabama items were poems title “America” by James Matthew Wilson, for some reason when we could have put a BBQ recipe, a model rocket, or an ill-fitting suit worn by Doug Jones.

6. A judge denied Jackson Hospital’s bid to force Blue Cross Blue Shield to approve a rate increase, ruling that the request was against the public interest and would burden patients and the broader health care system in Alabama.

5. Trans Lives Matter activists, lawmakers, and Black Lives Matter representatives responded to the jailhouse suicide of an individual known as “Peaches” as they suggested a nefarious end to a mentally-ill person without evidence.

4.  Barely one-in-ten Alabama voters showed up for the primary runoff election as the state’s years-long decline in voter turnout continues; Trump-backed Republicans won big in key races for U.S. Senate and lieutenant governor.

3. A New York Times report examined Jeffrey Epstein’s final days leading up to his death in federal custody, revisiting the circumstances, investigations, and the days he spent trying and failing to gain leverage over Donald Trump.

2. Reactions to the proposed Iran deal poured in from Republicans and Democrats as the Trump administration unveiled terms including a 300 billion dollar redevelopment fund (which is not taxpayer money), with Israeli officials expressing concerns while the agreement aims to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions and bring regional stability.

1. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) praised President Donald Trump’s handling of Iran but pushed for clear answers on the fate of the country’s nuclear program and the Iran deal, while Governor-elect National Championship-winning Coach U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) strongly backed the deal, declaring “NEVER bet against Donald J. Trump” and warning that “all heck will break loose if Iran breaks the treaty.”

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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.