7. Former Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban broke his long-standing political silence by endorsing Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox’s re-election campaign, citing Maddox’s exceptional leadership as pivotal to making Tuscaloosa the best college town he’s ever experienced. Saban’s endorsement is especially significant given his typical apolitical stance and underscores the deep community ties he has developed over his years in Alabama. The move comes ahead of a crucial municipal election where Maddox faces first-time challenger Denson Ferrell II, a military veteran and former police officer, setting the stage for a closely watched contest in Tuscaloosa.
6. President Donald Trump signed an executive order declaring English the official language of the United States, effectively nullifying the 2000 Clinton-era rule that required federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. The order emphasizes that having a single, nationally designated language is essential for national unity, consistent government operations, and enhanced civic engagement, while still leaving it up to individual agencies to decide whether to adjust their existing accommodations. Now, Alabama Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) introduced the Designation of English as the Official Language of the United States Act of 2025, a bill intended to permanently codify the executive order into law by mandating that all official government functions be conducted in English — with exceptions for critical areas like national security and public health.
5. Gov. Kay Ivey commuted the death sentence of Robin D. “Rocky” Myers, reassigning him to life without parole due to unresolved doubts about his guilt stemming from a lack of physical evidence linking him to the murder of Ludie Mae Tucker. Ivey defended her decision by noting that, while the jury’s conviction stands, the conflicting and circumstantial nature of the evidence did not justify execution, aiming to bring closure to Tucker’s family. In response, Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed astonishment and frustration that Ivey had not directly communicated her decision with his office, arguing that her action undermines decades of legal precedent and the extensive appeals efforts his team had pursued.
4. After ZERO Democrats supported U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and his bill to ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports, meant to codify President Donald Trump’s executive order by stripping federal Title IX funding from schools that allow trans participation, the bill failed to advance in the Senate by a vote of 51-45, falling short of the 60-vote threshold. Tuberville decried the vote as evidence that “Democrats STILL support men competing in women’s sports” and vowed to continue his fight, while Sen. Katie Britt expressed her disappointment and reiterated her commitment to protect female student-athletes’ opportunities. Both lawmakers, along with Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall, maintain that the legislation is essential to preserving fairness in women’s sports and safeguarding the integrity of Title IX.
3. President Donald Trump’s 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada went into effect at midnight. He framed the move as a way to force both nations to intensify their efforts against fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, while also pushing for a rebalancing of trade and a boost to U.S. manufacturing. The decision has already rattled the stock market, with retaliatory measures from Canada and Mexico expected to further complicate North American trade relations and potentially drive up prices for American consumers. China swiftly countered Trump’s new 10% tariff, with import levies on $21 billion of U.S. agricultural and food products and export curbs on 25 American firms pushing the two economic giants closer to a trade war.
2. President Donald Trump has ordered a pause on military aid to Ukraine following a highly-charged Oval Office confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during which Trump accused Zelenskyy of showing insufficient gratitude for the billions of dollars in U.S. assistance and warned that Ukraine must act swiftly toward peace. The decision, which comes as part of a broader review of U.S. support to Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia, was explained by White House officials as a measure to ensure that aid is effectively contributing to ending the conflict. While Senate Republicans expressed hope for a quick resumption of support and a peaceful resolution, Democrats and some European leaders criticized the move as potentially undermining Ukraine’s security at a critical moment in the war.
1. President Donald Trump’s upcoming joint address to Congress tonight, themed “The Renewal of the American Dream,” will highlight his administration’s accomplishments during his first month back in office. The speech will detail major domestic successes, including over $1.7 trillion in investments aimed at revitalizing U.S. manufacturing and energy production, and a renewed push for border security funding, and outline his plans to end the economic fallout from the previous administration. On foreign policy, Trump intends to reveal his approach to ending the war in Ukraine and ensuring the release of hostages from Gaza, signaling a bold, assertive vision for both U.S. prosperity and global peace.
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