7. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis defended Alabama legend Nick Saban, against backlash from his participation in President Trump’s NIL roundtable, stating Coach Saban is spot on about needing federal reforms to restore fairness and integrity in college athletics amid the current chaotic landscape.

6. Former Trump official and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) staffer, Morgan Murphy announced he is dropping out of the Alabama U.S. Senate race and pledging to flip a U.S. House seat from blue to red, while stating Trump deserves the senator he wants in the contest.

5. In the Georgia special election to replace former U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), questions arose about whether President Donald Trump’s endorsement swayed voters toward Fuller Moore’s victory, with turnout and polling data suggesting it played a significant role in solidifying GOP support.

4. Alabama State Rep. Terri Collins (R-Decatur) credited Alabama’s education comeback to meeting students where they are through targeted reforms, individualized support, and practical policies that have improved outcomes and engagement in classrooms across the state.

3. New Alabama Republican Party Chairman Scott Stadthagen outlined his priorities for the Alabama Republican Party, including closing primaries to prevent crossover voting, building the base through grassroots engagement, and strengthening unity ahead of future elections.

2. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall expressed disappointment after Governor Kay Ivey commuted the death sentence of an inmate who had been on death row for 35 years for murder, describing him as a convicted murderer while acknowledging the governor’s authority in the decision.

1. Ongoing U.S.-Israel strikes in Operation Epic Fury have intensified tensions in the Strait of Hormuz with Iran threatening laying mines and threatening more attacks, leading to calls for U.S. Navy escorts for vessels, oil price volatility, energy policy, stock market reactions, up to 150 American troops wounded so far, and The View’s Whoopi Goldberg is now claiming President Donald Trump’s actions are a distraction from the missing mother of Savannah Guthrie.

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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.