7. President Donald Trump took credit for the NCAA’s decision to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports, attributing the policy change to his recent executive order and calling it a victory for female athletes. The signing ceremony was attended by U.S. Sens.Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), Katie Britt (R-Montgomery), and Attorney General Steve Marshall. He further announced that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would deny visas to transgender athletes trying to compete in the 2028 Olympics, reinforcing his administration’s stance. Trump also expressed confidence that the International Olympic Committee would follow suit, especially if British Olympic champion Sebastian Coe, a proponent of stricter transgender regulations, becomes its next president.
6. A firearm inside a second-grader’s backpack at Challenger Elementary School in Huntsville accidentally discharged during dismissal, hitting another student’s backpack and damaging their laptop, though no serious injuries were reported. Huntsville City Schools responded with increased security, weapons detection measures, and counseling support while urging families to keep firearms properly secured at home. State Rep. Barbara Drummond (D-Mobile) has suggested a bill to criminalize parents who let this happen. Additionally, A 39-year-old man was arrested at East Lawrence Middle School for public intoxication, possessing a firearm on school property, and violating a protection order involving a student.
5. HB29, introduced by Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville), aims to reduce unemployment benefit misuse by requiring claimants to contact five employers per week instead of three, with Republicans framing it as a workforce development measure. Supporters argue the bill is necessary given Alabama’s 127,000 job openings and estimated $1.5 million in improper unemployment payments. However, Democrats, particularly Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Madison), went after the proponents’ Christian faith, “And I often think about, you know, what Jesus would do. And I feel like this bill is not in the spirit of Jesus. And I just have to say that I just feel like that this is a bad bill, and it’s cruel.”
4. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) has renewed his push to improve Postal Service operations, calling on Elon Musk and DOGE via social media to help fix the agency, which he labeled inefficient and poorly managed. Highlighting bipartisan frustrations, Aderholt previously introduced the Deliver for Democracy Act to aid local newspapers struggling with postal delays and rising costs. His efforts underscore a broader movement to reform government-run organizations plagued by bureaucracy and inefficiency.
3. Democrats, who once condemned President Donald Trump as a “threat to democracy,” are now engaging in their own obstructionist tactics, including stalling cabinet confirmations and protesting his administration’s initiatives like government buyout and ICE raids. High-profile lawmakers, such as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), State Rep. Alecandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y), and Cory Booker (N.J.), have used fiery rhetoric to mobilize opposition, calling for mass protests, fights in the street, and resistance. Meanwhile, the Trump administration argues that it is simply enacting the agenda voters elected him to pursue, condemning Democratic officials for inciting unrest.
2. A federal judge delayed President Donald Trump’s buyout deadline for federal workers, initially set for Thursday, after labor unions challenged the program’s legality and potential consequences. Spearheaded by advisor Elon Musk, the buyout aims to downsize the federal workforce, with employees set to receive pay benefits through September if they accept and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the extension is good, “We are grateful to the judge for extending the deadline so more federal workers who refuse to show up to the office can take the administration up on this very generous, once-in-a-lifetime offer.” However, unions argue the plan is rushed, lacks funding guarantees and could disrupt essential government functions, prompting a legal battle that will continue in Monday’s hearing.
1. Attorney General Pam Bondi has blocked federal funding for sanctuary cities, escalating tensions between the federal government and local jurisdictions that limit cooperation with immigration enforcement; the impact on a city like Birmingham, which is not technically a sanctuary city is unknown. Republican lawmakers support the move, arguing it enforces the law and prioritizes public safety, while Democratic leaders warn of financial hardship and potential legal challenges. As cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Chicago brace for funding losses, the battle over immigration policy and federal authority continues to intensify.
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.
