7 Things: Debate was a disaster; Aderholt wants federal employees back in the office; and more ...

7. As he seeks a fifth term, Mayor Tommy Battle of Huntsville is running unopposed, making it the first time he has faced no challenger but Battle plans to run a campaign to share his vision for the city’s future. He has raised over $500,000 for his campaign, spending around $100,000 on various expenses, leading some to think that he may have ambitions for some higher office after being drubbed by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2018 in a GOP primary.

6. The mayor of Orange Beach is having quite the week. Mayor Tony Kennon has spoken out on a proposed gambling amendment that nearly reached the ballot in Alabama this year, saying he was skeptical of amendments aimed at prohibiting casino gambling in Baldwin County, despite reassurances from legislators. Additionally, some beachgoers at Orange Beach were surprised when a plane flew a banner advertising an OnlyFans account, the mayor expressed frustration but noted that the city has no control over such advertisements, which are regulated by the FAA.

5. Former First Lady Michelle Obama is reportedly frustrated with the Bidens over their treatment of her friend Kathleen Buhle, Hunter Biden’s ex-wife, and she doesn’t want to campaign for President Biden. Her husband, former President Barack Obama, is campaigning for Biden BUT also reportedly said the Biden family has some “weird shit” going on, which could include Hunter dating his dead brother’s wife and getting her addicted to drugs.

4. The Birmingham Police Department’s Operation Knight Rider, aimed at curbing illegal racing and exhibition driving, is netting some arrests being made after legislation was passed increasing penalties. Charges included exhibition driving, receiving stolen property, unlawful possession of marijuana, and other offenses, four cars were impounded and seven firearms were seized since April 12.

3. Another day, another series of illegal immigrant crimes being brought to the public’s attention as the Biden administration attempts to argue bringing down illegal entries from their own record highs is worthy of praise. Yesterday’s stories include Oved Bernardo Mendoza Argueta, an El Salvadoran national in the U.S. illegally, for the shooting deaths of two people at a Chick-fil-A where his wife worked and Cory Alvarez, who raped a 15-year-old disabled girl at a hotel for illegals, was released on to the streets.

2. The push to get federal public sector employees back to work continues with U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) criticizing federal agencies for allowing excessive remote work, particularly for employees providing direct public services, like the Social Security Administration, and those who abuse work-from-home policies and sometimes live out of the area while receiving D.C. locality pay. House Republicans plan to mandate public posting of in-office attendance for transparency and Aderholt stresses that telework should be limited and urges a return to in-person work to ensure better public service.

1. In the first of allegedly two 2024 election debates between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump, Biden’s performance, marked by a raspy voice and some rambling answers, drew significant attention and criticism. Biden’s performance sparked new discussions about his candidacy, while his allies defended him and criticized Trump for dishonesty, the debate covered a wide range of topics, including the economy, immigration, abortion, and foreign policy.

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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.