7. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas criticized the NCAA’s handling of Charles Bediako’s eligibility ruling as hypocritical, arguing that the organization’s eligibility rules are not grounded in consistent principle but rather in arbitrary enforcement that doesn’t treat European pros and college athletes the same.
6. The Alabama Department of Corrections seized a massive Valentine’s Day contraband haul, including 171 grams of methamphetamine, 802 grams of marijuana and 87 grams of synthetic cannabinoids, as well as 99 Black and Mild cigars, around Staton Correctional Facility near Wetumpka.
5. State Sen. April Weaver (R-Brierfield) filed a bill that would criminalize ignoring lawful orders from first responders during emergencies, making refusal a misdemeanor punishable by jail time to ensure compliance and protect public safety in critical situations.
4. Former Alabama Republican Party Chairman and candidate for Lt. Gov., John Wahl blasted left-wing media for attempting to divide President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) through what he called another baseless political attack, defending their strong relationship and accusing outlets of manufacturing drama to weaken conservative unity.
3. Alabama State House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R-Rainsville) declared he could not care less about the Alabama Republican Party in a blunt statement among infighting in the Alabama State House, emphasizing independence from party loyalty amid ongoing legislative debates and frustrations with internal dynamics.
2. Minneapolis faces months-long economic recovery as ICE enforcement operations have allegedly created fear that froze spending at immigrant-owned businesses, while ICE Acting Director Tom Homan told Minnesota leaders to say thank you instead of demanding reimbursement for the operation that targeted criminal offenders.
1. President Donald Trump could issue an executive order directing federal agencies to enforce voter ID and proof of citizenship requirements in elections. While legality seems questionable, GOP senators reached the key 50-vote threshold to advance a Trump-backed voter ID bill facing a likely Democratic filibuster in the Senate.
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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.
