7. Alabama authorities are alerting residents to a surge in phone scams demanding cash or gift cards, urging vigilance to protect vulnerable individuals.

6. A gunman who wounded a state trooper fled to a Kentucky church, where he killed two people and injured others before being apprehended.

5. Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed fired back at Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth’s criticism of the city’s crime rates, insisting his focus is on results, but Attorney General Steve Marshall said Reed is misleading people.

4. “Alligator Alcatraz” is drawing criticism from the media and their Democrats over allegedly inhumane conditions for the illegal immigrants that are being held there.

3. State Superintendent Eric Mackey reported gains in Alabama’s statewide test results, which show gains in both reading and math.

2. Alabama jumped eight spots to 19th in CNBC’s Top States for Business rankings, earning praise for its workforce improvements.

1. President Donald Trump is defending his administration, including the DOJ and FBI, from criticism from his supporters over the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, fueling accusations of a cover-up and suggestions that Dan Bongino and Kash Patel might resign.

Dale Jackson is a thought leader for Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 5-9 a.m. weekdays on WVNN.