7. The Trump administration approved Alabama’s final broadband proposal, awarding $460 million across 63 projects to expand high-speed internet access in unserved and underserved areas of the state, marking a major step in closing the digital divide and boosting economic development in rural communities.

6. University of Alabama students and a web of left-wing legal action groups sued over the shutdown of two campus magazines, alleging censorship and violation of free speech rights after the publications were suspended amid DEI laws.

5. Authorities determined that the death of Alabama student Jimmy Gracey was accidental after reviewing video footage and autopsy results, closing the case with no foul play suspected following the incident that occurred while he was out of the country.

4. The 6-year-old son of State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) accidentally shot and injured his 13-year-old brother at the family’s home, with the incident under investigation as a tragic accident involving unsecured firearms, prompting renewed calls for safe storage education.

3. U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is pushing a bill to withhold congressional pay until the resolution of the partial government shutdown.

2. The ongoing partial government shutdown has caused widespread airport delays, although that may be lessening with the deployment of ICE agents, top Democrats are warning of risks of ICE agents killing customers.

1. President Donald Trump’s Iran strategy showcases his “doctrine of unpredictability” amid strike threats and a sudden pause, with the U.S. and Iran giving conflicting signals on talks but talks in Pakistan appear to be happening this week, as Trump continues to signal the conflict is nearing its end while maintaining pressure on Tehran.

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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.