7. The University of Alabama athletics department operated at a $28 million loss in 2024, driven by substantial one-time coaching transition expenses following Nick Saban’s retirement. Some argue Saban was worth more than $1 billion to the school, which caused football profits to drop sharply. Although total revenues climbed to $140 million, operating expenses surged to $113 million, reflecting increased costs in coaches’ salaries and support staff compensation. Men’s basketball profits declined slightly, and all other sports collectively reported over $25 million in losses, underscoring the high cost of maintaining Alabama’s premier athletics program.
6. The Huntsville City Council voted unanimously to rename the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion to the Office of Multicultural Affairs, citing a desire to better align the office’s title with its job, duties, and mission. The decision, co-sponsored by Council Members Michelle Watkins and Jennie Robinson, aims to refocus efforts on inclusivity and cultural engagement within the community. Mayor Tommy Battle and council members reassured residents that the office’s mission has not changed, emphasizing its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for all residents
5. Alabama State Representative Marilyn Lands (D-Madison) has introduced House Bill 89, the Alabama Maternal Health Care Act, to address the state’s critical maternal and infant health crisis. The bill seeks to grant presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant women, ensuring they can start prenatal care immediately upon submitting proof of pregnancy and household income to qualified providers. Supported by public health experts, nursing institutions, and organizations like the League of Women Voters, the legislation aims to improve maternal and infant outcomes, save state healthcare costs, and reduce preventable prenatal complications.
4. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) wrote a Fox News op-ed condemning the Biden administration for escalating inflation and implementing overreaching EPA regulations that she claims have crippled domestic energy producers and increased costs for consumers. Britt highlighted specific policies, such as emissions standards for vehicles and methane taxes, as detrimental to industries and energy affordability, particularly in states like Alabama. She praised President Donald Trump’s strategic cabinet picks, Lee Zeldin and Doug Burgum, for their commitment to deregulating energy policy and championing a new era of American energy independence.
3. It was time for President Donald Trump to drive home his “Make America Great Again” agenda to the world when he addressed the World Economic Forum via videoconference earlier this week. While delivering his remarks, Trump proposed a 5% GDP defense spending target for NATO (up from 2%, which most don’t meet), warned of tariffs on companies manufacturing outside the U.S., and criticized the EU’s restrictive trade practices. He noted the reduction of oil prices and claimed it could immediately end the Russia-Ukraine war while pledging direct engagement with Vladimir Putin. Trump also reassured allies about continued U.S. LNG exports while emphasizing his commitment to fast-tracking energy projects and reasserting America’s dominance in global affairs through economic pressure.
2. The Trump administration has launched its mass deportation initiative, with ICE operatives focusing on removing criminal aliens deemed significant public safety threats, such as MS-13 members and individuals charged with violent crimes, as highlighted in Boston raids documented by Fox News. ICE has reported over 538 arrests nationwide, including collateral detentions in sanctuary jurisdictions that failed to honor ICE detainers. Arrested individuals include nationals from countries such as El Salvador, Mexico, and Venezuela.
1. Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin labeled President Donald Trump’s executive orders dismantling federal DEI offices and affirmative action as the “Alabama-fication” of the federal government, stealing a line from Kyle Whitmire’s pathetic writings at aldotcom. Woodfin also referenced Alabama’s similar 2024 legislation banning DEI in public institutions and warned of its negative effects on veterans and white women. Speaking on CNN, Woodfin underscored the broader benefits of DEI programs while questioning the administration’s motives in targeting them. However, when pressed about Birmingham’s potential sanctuary city status and cooperation with federal immigration authorities, Woodfin deflected, instead highlighting the city’s focus on gun violence and police.
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 on WVNN at 10 p.m.
