Over the weekend, the United States launched “Epic Fury” against Iran, hitting nuclear sites, toppling military bases, and killing its senior-most leadership.
In a national address Sunday evening, President Trump confirmed the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei and other top officials.
“Iran’s formerly supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, is dead,” Trump said. “We have hit hundreds of targets in Iran, including Revolutionary Guard facilities, Iranian air defense systems. Just now, it was announced that we knocked out nine ships, plus their naval building. All in a matter of literally minutes.”
Now in day three, Iran’s retaliation has claimed 18 lives, including four brave U.S. troops.
In a briefing today, U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth said that U.S. forces are dominating the battlefield.
Alabama’s Republicans are hailing the decisive action against the world’s top terror sponsor – while Democrats bemoan the lack of congressional involvement.
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) wrote, “Thanks to President Trump, the America-hating Ayatollah, FORMER leader of the largest state sponsor of terrorism, is DEAD. Strength is back at the White House.”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) hailed the “decisive, necessary action.” Britt, a lead negotiator in talks to end the Democrats’ funding freeze, called for full Department of Homeland Security funding to counter potential retaliation.
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, commended Trump’s “decisive action” against Iran’s terrorism and nuclear threat in a committee statement.
Rogers added that Khamenei’s elimination offers “hope for a more peaceful” Middle East
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) declared it “a matter of time before Iran would face full retribution” for violence against Americans and allies in, urging Iranian forces to oust their leaders for peace.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, called Khamenei’s death “a measure of justice” for victims — including Americans.
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), a veteran himself and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026, celebrated Trump’s takedown of the “architect of the world’s leading sponsor of terror” in a post that shared an early report of Khamenei’s death.
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) celebrated Trump’s intolerance for Iran’s “aggression and nuclear aspirations” and stressed that accountability equals peace.
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures (D-Mobile), Alabama’s two Democrats in Congress, made procedural and clerical gripes, arguing the unilateral strikes are sidestepping Congress.
However, Sewell acknowledged that, “Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” while Figures was more supportive of Iran.
“The President has America on the brink of war, and is doing so again without Congressional approval. Using our military to seek a regime change is war,” Figures wrote.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
East Alabama’s largest military industrial facility is set for one of its biggest single infusions of construction money in decades — courtesy of Congressman Mike Rogers.
Rogers (R-Saks) announced Monday that $949.1 million in funding tied to President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act will be directed to military construction projects at Anniston Army Depot, with an additional $82 million secured through the annual appropriations process for a new access control point and a general-purpose warehouse at the installation.
“I am proud to announce over $949 million in funding for Anniston Army Depot,” Rogers (R-Saks) said.
“This funding from President Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act is critical to ensuring continued success at Anniston Army Depot. I am also excited to see $68 million going to Redstone Arsenal for the design of the new, state-of-the-art Space Command Headquarters. President Trump is delivering for our national security and delivering for the state of Alabama.”
The Redstone design funding is separate from the Anniston Army Depot total.
According to Rogers’ office and local reporting, the $949.1 million package for Anniston Army Depot will be executed across five major projects.
Component Remanufacturing Facility: $495,000,000
Small Arms Warehouse: $280,600,000
Vehicle Paint Shop: $69,500,000
Replace Buildings 293, 294, and 295: $60,000,000
Guided Missile Maintenance Building: $44,000,000
In addition, Rogers said he secured $82 million through the appropriations process for an access control point and a general-purpose warehouse, pushing the total investment he announced for the depot to more than $1 billion.
Anniston Army Depot (ANAD), located in Calhoun County, is one of the Army’s premier heavy maintenance and sustainment centers—an installation that keeps major U.S. Army ground systems ready by conducting depot-level repair and overhaul work on platforms such as the M1 Abrams, M88 Recovery Vehicle, Stryker, M113, and others.
Recent GAO work has pointed out that major depots like Anniston play a central role in sustaining key ground systems (including the Abrams and Paladin families) and that availability challenges can be tied to maintenance and industrial capacity constraints.
Anniston Army Depot is one of the biggest economic engines in Calhoun County. The depot and its tenant organizations employ 3,771 people, making it the county’s largest employer, with an estimated $1 billion impact on Alabama’s economy.
In Pentagon terms, Rogers’ announcement is about strengthening the “depot industrial base” — the government-run repair-and-modernization network that keeps major platforms in the fight instead of replacing them outright.
The GAO has repeatedly flagged that depots like Anniston are central to sustaining big ground systems — including families like the Abrams and Paladin — and that readiness can suffer when maintenance capacity or supply chains get tight.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
After months rumblings about whether U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers’ (R-Saks) was in or out, the longtime Alabama Congressman ended all speculation on Monday by qualifying for re-election in 2026.
“I want to thank the constituents of Alabama’s third district for their continued faith in me to represent them in Washington. I’d also like to thank President Trump for his early and strong endorsement. I am very grateful for his trust in me to champion and help pass his peace through strength agenda in Washington. Throughout the next two years we must complete what we started under President Trump. We must close our borders, protect the unborn, unleash American energy, and grow our economy!”
Trump’s endorsement of Rogers arrived months ahead of the qualifying window as part of a major wave of early backing for Alabama’s GOP House incumbents.
Rogers, first elected in 2002, has built one of the most senior power positions Alabama has held in modern congressional politics. He currently serves as Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee.
Through that role in recent years, Rogers became arguably Alabama’s most influential voices in the years-long fight to keep U.S. Space Command’s headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama.
Rogers, along with the totality of Alabama’s congressional delegation aggressively and repetitively pressed multiple presidential administrations on adherence to merit-based criteria in the basing decision.
Earlier this year, the war was won, and President Trump formally re-named Huntsville as the permanent headquarters site. U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth visited Alabama to showcase the rapid progress.
Rogers enters the the 2026 cycle with a legendary financial runway. According to latest FEC filings, Rogers’ principal campaign committee reported $2,441,805 cash on hand as of late 2025.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
With the holiday break over, and 2026 in full swing, Congress is headed back to Washington to kick off the second session of the 119th Congress.
The U.S. Senate is scheduled to convene beginning today, and the House is set to return for recorded votes tomorrow.
January will be busy. Lawmakers are immediately staring down a January 30 government funding deadline under the current stopgap measure, along with a packed agenda.
Yellowhammer News asked Alabama’s federal delegation to share their New Year’s resolutions — and what they want to prioritize for the year ahead:
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn)
“To make every American, starting with all the people in Alabama, more prosperous, give them a better state and a better country.
That’s the job of any civil servant, and I wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New and a prosperous new year, because this coming up will be one of the best years economically for the United States of America, with the tariffs that President Trump put on and with the Big Beautiful Bill kicking into effect, January 1st, you’re going to see the sky is the limit for what we’re getting ready to do in this economy.
So we wish everybody the best in the future, coming of next year.”
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery)
“Every new year, Alabamians share similar resolutions: get our finances in order, live healthier, and spend less time online and more time with loved ones. My goals as your Senator are much the same.
Congress must return to regular order, get our fiscal house in order, and restore accountability to government spending.
Congress must also work to fix our country’s health care crisis, created by Democrats, by putting patients first and lowering costs. I’ll continue supporting reforms that make coverage affordable and will benefit those who need it most.
Since Day One, I’ve worked to protect children online, put parents back in the driver’s seat, and hold Big Tech accountable. In 2026, that remains a top priority: Congress must pass legislation that addresses this generational crisis.
Above all, I’ll keep working to make Alabama the best place to live, worship, work, and raise a family. We have a lot to do in 2026, and I’m ready to deliver more results.”
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville)
“As we enter 2026, I pray that my work in Congress reflects the faith that guides my life, working diligently, listening carefully, and always putting Alabama first.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks)
“In 2026 I will be squarely focused on pursuing Alabama’s priorities, including passing the FY2027 NDAA to ensure a ready, capable, and lethal fighting force.”
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover)
“I don’t make resolutions, I set priorities. My priorities will be giving people more choice in their health care plans, lowering the cost of health insurance, bringing price transparency to health care, and eliminating our reliance on China for materials essential to our economic security and national security.”
U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise)
“My New Year’s resolution is to spend less time listening to bureaucrats, more time listening to the people of Alabama, and all of my time putting Alabama and America First. Same mission since I first got elected, just a new calendar year.”
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville)
“My resolution for 2026 is simple: to continue turning conservative priorities into real results, champion North Alabama’s capabilities, and support the permanent relocation of U.S. Space Command headquarters to Redstone Arsenal.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump endorsed all four Republican incumbent members of Alabama’s U.S. House delegation seeking reelection in 2026.
However, he left one unaddressed: Alabama’s open, competitive 1st Congressional District.
Trump threw his support behind U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) and Dale Strong (R-Huntsville). He praised their work on his “America First” agenda.
The 1st District was the lone exception made by President Trump as the race heats up in Alabama.
The south Alabama seat is open in 2026 as Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) seeks the open U.S. Senate seat, setting off a scramble among Republicans along the Gulf Coast. Former U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl has launched a comeback bid and State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) has entered the race with a strong early fundraising haul and a swath of heavyweight endorsements.
Below are President Trump’s endorsements of each incumbent official:
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks)
Congressman Mike Rogers is doing a truly fantastic job representing the Great People of Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District! As the first Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee from Alabama, Mike is working tirelessly to advance our AMERICA FIRST Agenda. He knows the Wisdom and Courage required to Defend our Country, Support our incredible Military/Veterans, and Ensure PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH. In Congress, Mike is working tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Mike Rogers has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election – HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville)
Congressman Robert Aderholt is a Tremendous Champion for Alabama’s 4th Congressional District! As a Member of the POWERFUL House Appropriations Committee, Robert knows the America First Policies required to Create GREAT Jobs, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy Dominance, Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, and Advance our Nation’s Golden Age. He is also fighting tirelessly to Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Strengthen our incredible Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment. Robert Aderholt has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover)
Congressman Gary Palmer is doing a fantastic job representing the incredible people of Alabama’s 6th Congressional District! Gary is a Conservative Warrior who has strong support from his Community. In Congress, he is working hard to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Advance Election Integrity, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Strengthen our Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Gary Palmer has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville)
Congressman Dale Strong is a terrific Representative for the incredible people of Alabama’s 5th Congressional District! Dale has a Strong Record of SUCCESS, and compelling support from his Community. In Congress, he is fighting tirelessly to Champion our Amazing Farmers and Ranchers, Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Unleash American Energy DOMINANCE, Keep our now very Secure Border, SECURE, Stop Migrant Crime, Advocate for our Great Military/Veterans, and Protect our always under siege Second Amendment. Dale Strong has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!
President Trump also did not make endorsements in Alabama’s 2nd and 7th Congressional Districts, occupied by Democrat U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Shomari Figures (D-Mobile).
The 2026 Alabama Republican Party primary elections will be held May 19 — now less than 200 days away.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
Alabama business and economic development leaders traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of Alabama’s Congressional delegation and administration officials.
The meetings highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration to attract investment, grow the workforce, and drive sustainable economic development across the state.
During group sessions and individual meetings, representatives from industry, workforce development organizations, public-private partnerships, as well as state officials, shared perspectives on opportunities and challenges facing Alabama.
“One of the most powerful tools we have is maintaining a constant pipeline of feedback between Alabama’s job creators and our federal delegation,” U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) said.
“I’m proud to be a partner in Washington fighting for pro-Main Street policies that strengthen Alabama families, communities, and workers.”
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the role of Alabama’s growing aerospace and defense sectors.
“We have a tremendous opportunity to grow Alabama’s economy, create jobs, and position our state for the future,” Rogers (R-Saks) said.
“Leaning on our state’s private sector and industry groups is critical to develop a workforce and environment that will attract industries from across the country and the world. With generational opportunities such as the U.S. Space Command headquarters coming to Huntsville, we will need to rely on our state’s business community, education systems, and workforce development programs to facilitate this growth. Alabama is the best place to do business, and we would not be here without the private sector.”
Representing Alabama Power, Clay Ryan, senior vice president of External Affairs, emphasized the value of constructive dialogue and between business and federal leaders.
“Alabamians are fortunate to have a congressional delegation that works together to create jobs and enhance our quality of life,” Ryan said.
“Visits with our leaders on Capitol Hill are essential to align our shared vision for growing Alabama’s economy. We appreciate their service and leadership.”
Discussions also addressed:
Workforce development, particularly STEM education and retention of skilled labor
Infrastructure investments in broadband, transportation, and energy
Strengthening supply chains and Alabama’s defense and aerospace sectors
Federal regulatory policies and their impact on Alabama businesses
Inclusion of rural and underserved Alabama communities in economic growth plans
Leaders from Governor Kay Ivey’s office, the Alabama Department of Commerce, the Business Council of Alabama, Innovate Alabama, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama and others joined the trip.
They stressed that strong communication with Washington is key to ensuring federal policies align with Alabama’s priorities and assets.
The meetings are part of ongoing efforts to build long-term collaboration between Alabama’s business community and its federal representatives.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
All Republican members of Alabama’s congressional delegation voted Wednesday to direct the U.S. House of Representatives Oversight Committee to continue its investigation of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Both Democrats, U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Shomari Figures (D-Mobile) voted against the measure. It ultimately passed 212-208 along party lines.
The resolution was touted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) as a meaningful alternative to U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie’s (R-Kentucky) proposed legislation to compel the release of the Epstein files in their entirety within the next 30 days.
Massie’s legislation has caused a stir in the narrowly Republican House, prompting Johnson to send members home earlier than planned for the August recess, and has drawn considerable ire from President Donald Trump.
“Today, I voted for the Oversight Committee to continue its full and thorough investigation into Jeffrey Epstein,” U.S. Rep. Barry Moore (R-Enterprise) said in a statement.
Moore, along with U.S. Reps. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Gary Palmer (R-Hoover), and Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), were among 212 members of Congress that voted yes on H. Res. 688.
“Congress has a responsibility to pursue the truth wherever it leads and ensure there is accountability,” Moore added.
“President Trump’s administration has been the most transparent administration in history, and I have no doubt they will continue to support a full and thorough investigation until the American people have the truth.”
The Oversight Committee released thousands of documents related to Epstein and Maxwell’s alleged sex trafficking ring earlier this week.
Riley McArdle is a contributor for Yellowhammer News. He is a Senior majoring in Political Science at the University of Alabama and currently serves as Chairman of the College Republican Federation of Alabama. You can follow him on X @rileykmcardle.
In a high-profile announcement from the Oval Office of the White House, President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Space Command’s permanent headquarters will be located in Huntsville.
Joined by Alabama’s U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and Alabama Congressmen Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Gary Palmer, Barry Moore and Dale Strong – Trump brought an end to years of delay and politicization by the Biden administration.
“As you know, this has been going on for a long period of time, and I am thrilled to report that the U.S. Space Command Headquarters will move to the beautiful locale of a place called Huntsville, Alabama,” President Trump said, “forever to be known from this point forward as Rocket City.”
“We love Alabama.”
“This will result in more than 30,000 Alabama jobs, and probably much more than that, and hundreds of millions of dollars of investment. And that’s billions, because it can’t be millions, it’s billions and billions of dollars. Most importantly, this decision will help America defend and dominate the high frontier, as they call it,” President Trump said.
Today’s announcement is the final chapter in a situation that began in 2021 when the U.S. Air Force selected Redstone Arsenal as the preferred site, identifying Huntsville as objectively best suited for the mission.
President Joe Biden stalled and ultimately reversed the process in July 2023, opting instead to locate the headquarters in Colorado Springs.
Throughout the remainder of Biden’s administration, Alabama’s congressional delegation unleashed a relentless campaign to investigate the decisionmaking process and secure the merit-based choice to base the headquarters in Huntsville.
Numerous government reviews have since reaffirmed that Huntsville won on the merits, which Alabama lawmakers celebrated on Tuesday.
In March 2023, Yellowhammer News published a non-public, 87-page Government Accountability Office report showing Redstone ranked first in both the Air Force’s Evaluation and Selection phases, while Colorado Springs ranked fifth in the final Selection Phase.
On Tuesday, President Trump also said Space Command in Huntsville would play a key role in building the “Golden Dome” missile-defense shield, which help keep U.S. technological capabilities unmatched.
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) each spoke from the White House on Tuesday.
“This move will save the taxpayers $480 million. It’s not going to cost more — it’s going to cut $480 million, we have the plans intact,” Tuberville said.
“It will be behind a secure wall in Huntsville, Alabama — Redstone Arsenal. We have 40,000 people there. We have the FBI there. We have missile defense. There we have NASA, Blue Origin, and SpaceX. It is the perfect place for Space Command, I would tell you today, and again, I’ve spoke with the President for the last three or four years about this. If I thought it needed to go somewhere else, because I understand the security of our country, I’d be for that,” Tuberville continued.
“But the best place for Space Command is Huntsville, Alabama, because what we have and what it means to this country is going to be so important. So thank you, Mr. President, for this, and we look forward to building a huge space command and having the ‘Donald J. Trump Space Command Center’ in Huntsville, Alabama,” Tuberville said.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt also thanked President Trump and said that locating the permanent Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal is in the best national security interest of the United States.
“To the detriment of U.S. national security, President Biden chose to undermine the integrity of the process and put politics ahead of merit by yanking this military decision out of the Air Force’s hands.”
“I’m deeply grateful to President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to keep politics out of this basing decision and allow the Air Force to proceed with doing its job. Alabama’s world-class aerospace and defense workforce, capabilities, and synergies stand ready to fulfill the mission and strengthen our national security long into the future,” Britt continued.
“I’m proud that Alabama’s congressional delegation – working tirelessly together on a bipartisan basis – has won this fight on behalf of our great state and America’s national security interests.”
Two Alabama congressmen, Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) and U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville), who’s district includes Redstone Arsenal, were on the forefront of the fight to maintain Alabama as the final headquarters location.
“Space Command is finally coming home to Alabama. This announcement by President Trump is yet another in a long line of strong decisions that benefit America’s national security,” Rogers said.
“Alabama was chosen in 2021 because it was the absolute best location for the Space Command headquarters. Today, in 2025, it remains the best location for our national security and for the taxpayer. This basing decision has been affirmed and reaffirmed by multiple agencies and multiple officials throughout both the Trump and Biden administrations. Biden was content to have Space Command located in the fourth best location because it served him politically. The differences between him and President Trump has never been clearer.”
Rogers concluded, “On this historic day, I am extremely proud to be an American, proud to be an Alabamian, and proud to support the Administration who made this possible.”
U.S. Space Command is a unified combatant command that plans, fights, and integrates U.S. military space power. It is distinct from the U.S. Space Force, which organizes and equips space forces that Space Command employs in operations.
The original Space Command stood up in 1985, was folded into U.S. Strategic Command in 2002, and was re-established in 2019.
It employs roughly 1,700 personnel and oversees global military space operations.
Moving the headquarters is a multi-year project that entails facilities work, workforce planning, and phased transition of staff and functions.
Unofficial estimates indicate it will cost hundreds of millions of dollars, but ultimately align the command with the Air Force’s most cost-effective, mission-ready option.
Huntsville offers an ideal ecosystem, including Redstone Arsenal, NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, and a major defense-industrial base, that leaders say will speed full operational maturity at a lower long-run cost than any other alternative.
North Alabama’s Congressman, Dale Strong, celebrated the news from the White House today, saying that Space Command is returning to its rightful home.
“I join all of Alabama in welcoming Space Command to our great state. I’ve said all along that basing the Headquarters in Huntsville is not a political decision; it’s a national security one. North Alabama has long been the linchpin of defending our interests at home and abroad, and we are prepared to now do our part in defending American interests in space,” Strong said.
“It’s been rewarding to play a role in every step of this process and to ensure that Space Command’s Headquarters rightfully resides in the most capable and best-equipped community – which has been proven time and again to be Redstone Arsenal.”
Strong added, “I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Hegseth for their commitment to doing what is best for the security and future of our nation, and I remain grateful for the unified support of the entire Alabama delegation along the way. I am excited for all that is to come, and now – it’s time to move dirt.”
According to the City of Huntsville, about 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to Redstone Arsenal over the next five years and that state and local partners have reaffirmed their original commitments made during the original 2020 site selection process.
“This decision is not about what’s best for Huntsville – it’s about being mission-focused,” said Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle.
“The decision to locate U.S. Space Command at Redstone ensures our nation is prepared to meet growing challenges in space. Huntsville is ready with our experienced workforce, resilient infrastructure and deep commitment to national defense.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) is expressing continued confidence that the U.S. Space Command headquarters will be relocated to Huntsville after years of political controversy and bureaucratic delays.
In 2023, then President Joe Biden announced that the Space Command HQ would remain in Colorado despite the Air Force Secretary identifying Redstone Arsenal as the best site just two years earlier.
While it is widely expected that the newly confirmed U.S. Air Force Secretary, Troy Meink, will officially move the Space Command HQ back to Huntsville, nothing has been officially announced.
Britt discussed the issue during a recent appearance on WVNN’s “The Yaffee Program.”
“I am confident that we will return Space Command to Alabama,” Britt said. “I have no doubts. I’m hopeful that that will come soon.”
Her colleague U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) recently said the same.
“Obviously, Huntsville and Redstone Arsenal were the location that should have been chosen,” Britt continued.
“They did the assessment. That’s where it came down, and unfortunately, President Biden chose to play politics, attempting to move it to Colorado, which was the fifth choice on the list, not even tow, three, or four… It’s what’s best for national security. We won, fair and square. And I have all the confidence in the world that it will be coming back to Alabama. And I think at this point, it’s a matter of weeks, and we’ll be able to start that transition and get moving.”
Earlier this year, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report revealing some of the shortfalls in the process of reversing the decision to locate the new U.S. Space Command HQ at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.
“And I will look forward to welcoming those men and women to the Huntsville and Alabama area,” Britt said. “And I’m looking forward to doing great things for our nation, and what we know is going to be a critical area moving forward in 21st Century.”
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
Just ahead of ushering his committee’s passage of the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) posted the highest fundraising gain of any member in Alabama’s U.S. House delegation.
Rogers, who has served as Alabama’s 3rd District Congressman since 2003 and as Chairman of the all-powerful U.S. House Armed Services Committee since 2023, reported $2,393,061.39 cash on hand in his second quarter FEC filing.
That gives him the largest war chest among any Republican member of the state’s congressional delegation, rivaled only by Democrat U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) with $3.6 million.
But it was the $413,843.19 he raised that stands out, marking one of his highest quarters on record.
By comparison, in the upper chamber, U.S. Senator Katie Britt raised $779,512.55 in the second quarter.
As head of the House Armed Services Committee, Rogers wields immense influence over defense policy, budgets, and military oversight.
As a sixth-generation East Alabama native, Rogers is also deeply tied to Alabama’s 3rd District. This combination is responsible for his effectiveness both in Washington and at home, his campaign reports.
“Chairman Rogers would not be where he is without the generosity of his supporters,” a campaign spokesperson said this week. “These numbers prove that he’s a well respected leader not only in Alabama but also across the country.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
Republican officials across the Yellowhammer State are lauding President Donald Trump’s decision to bomb three of Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend.
Trump announced the decision to send B-2 bombers to the region with the goal of destroying Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear weapon.
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) June 22, 2025
Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth believes Trump is doing what is necessary to protect American interests in the world.
I trust President Donald Trump and believe he is taking the steps necessary to protect our country, promote its interests, and put America first. Iran has been a bad actor for 46 years, and bad actions reap bad consequences. Support our President, and ask God to bless America.
U.S. Sens. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) called the world a safer place because of Trump’s decision.
Last night, President Trump addressed the nation and reiterated his commitment to peace through strength, and the world is now a safer place because of his leadership.
I’m proud to stand with the President and grateful we have him as a leader during this defining moment in our…
— Senator Katie Boyd Britt (@SenKatieBritt) June 22, 2025
— Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) June 22, 2025
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, said Trump “made the correct decision.”
Chairman @RepMikeRogersAL: The President made the correct decision to strike Iran’s nuclear sites. Iran made the choice to continue its pursuit of a nuclear weapon and would only be stopped by force. It would be a grave mistake to attempt any retaliation against our forces or… pic.twitter.com/KDSBrmwg8O
— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) June 22, 2025
Every other Republican member of Alabama’s House Congressional delegation also showed their support for Trump’s ordered strike against the Islamic Regime’s nuclear facilities.
There are crisis points in history when leaders must decide whether to take the Winston Churchill path or the Neville Chamberlain path. Tonight, President Trump has chosen the Churchill path, recognizing—just as Churchill did—that you cannot negotiate with a regime that…
I fully support President Trump’s decision to destroy Iran’s nuclear facilities.
This decision was forced upon us by the refusal of the Iranian leadership to accept the reality that the U.S. would never allow them to have a nuclear weapon. With this action, American resolve to…
A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to the entire world. They had ample time to come to the table and make a deal, but forced President Trump to take action to ensure the safety of our country and our allies.
Yaffee is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts “The Yaffee Program” weekdays 9-11 a.m. on WVNN. You can follow him on X @Yaffee
7. Gov. Kay Ivey invited Alabama students to join her third annual summer reading challenge to boost literacy skills while winning tablets and gift cards.
6. Birmingham reported a significant decline in homicides in 2025 compared to 2024, but old habits die hard: There was a nightclub shooting that wounded two this weekend.
5. Alabama lawmakers, State Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur), Rep. Parker Moore (R-Hartselle) and State Rep. Ernie Yarbrough (R-Trinity) signed a Moms for Liberty parental rights pledge. This week, Moms for Liberty is bringing U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) to the state for an event online mobs are trying to disrupt.
4. A federal judge has ordered the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an accused gangbanging, human-trafficking, wife-beater, inside the United States after another judge released anti-Israel activist Mahmoud Khalil who was embraced by U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.).
3. President Donald Trump launched military action against Iran this weekend in what appears to be a successful attempt to knock out Iranian nuclear enrichment capabilities to “Make Iran Great Again;” some in the GOP are not happy and are joining Democrat calls for a vote on the matter.
2. Iran has not yet retaliated after American air strikes but it has threatened to activate sleeper cells in the U.S. and many are warning that open borders under Biden may have enabled Iran to retaliate against the U.S. Meanwhile, a Russian leader claims that Russia and China could provide nuclear warheads for the country.
1. Alabama’s Republicans in Washington D.C., praised President Donald Trump’s “strong and surgical” strikes on Iran, with U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) warning Iran would not hesitate to use nuclear weapons against America and U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) saying it would be a “grave mistake” for Iran to retaliate.
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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.
President Donald Trump has announced the projected price tag and timeline of completion for the ‘Golden Dome’ missile defense system.
According to a report from Politico, the commander in chief has set aside $175 billion for the system, with $25 billion of that sum included in his new ‘big, beautiful bill.’ Trump expects the Golden Dome to be fully operational within three years.
“Once fully constructed, the Golden Dome will be capable of intercepting missiles even if they are launched from other sides of the world,” Trump said in the Oval Office on Tuesday. “This design will integrate with our existing defense capabilities and should be fully operational before the end of my term.”
In late January, the President issued an executive order formalizing the Golden Dome initiative.
“President Ronald Reagan endeavored to build an effective defense against nuclear attacks, and while this program resulted in many technological advances, it was canceled before its goal could be realized,” the EO read. “And since the United States withdrew from the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty in 2002 and initiated development of limited homeland missile defense, official United States homeland missile defense policy has remained only to stay ahead of rogue-nation threats and accidental or unauthorized missile launches.”
“Over the past 40 years, rather than lessening, the threat from next-generation strategic weapons has become more intense and complex with the development by peer and near-peer adversaries of next-generation delivery systems and their own homeland integrated air and missile defense capabilities.”
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth issued a statement elaborating on the design process of the Golden Dome.
“The United States will continue to enhance its existing capabilities to provide a thorough layered defense for its homeland,” Hegseth said. “This EO does not represent an abandonment of existing ground, sea, and air-based kinetic defenses focused on missile interception in the midcourse or terminal phases of flight. Golden Dome is being designed in close coordination with NORAD, USNORTHCOM, USSPACECOM, and other DoD stakeholders to ensure full interoperability and real-time integration with our existing defense architecture.”
During the announcement, Trump named Gen. Michael Guetlein, the Space Force’s vice chief of space operations, to lead the project.
U.S Rep. Dale Strong, who represents one of the premier congressional districts in the nation for space exploration and missile defense, has been perhaps the most vocal advocate of the Golden Dome missile defense system in the House or Senate.
Strong told WVNN’s “The Dale Jackson Show” in late March that much of Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system capabilities are made possible by contributions from the North Alabama area and emphasized the expertise of the area’s workforce in creating such networks.
“It’s an intercontinental ballistic system, and the big thing is it’s a bullet hitting a bullet,” said Strong (R-Huntsville). “But let me tell you something: A lot of that technology for Iron Dome, Huntsville, and Redstone Arsenal, North Alabama, played a big part in it. The big thing we’re going to do is just be sure to say, ‘Look, this is what our scientists are able to do. This is what our electrical mechanical engineers are able to do.’ I think that we will be a part of the process of creating the Golden Dome. How deep we will be into that is still to be determined.”
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
A Department of Defense Inspector General report released publicly today details a Biden-era conflict between the Department of the Air Force and U.S. Space Command over where the nation’s newest combatant command should be permanently based.
Despite the Air Force’s consistent recommendation of Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, as the permanent headquarters of U.S. Space Command, President Biden intervened in July 2023 to move the command in Colorado Springs, Colorado—where it was tentatively housed.
At that time, the administration said its rationale depended on maintaining “peak readiness in the space domain.”
However, the Inspector General’s findings indicate that readiness risks had been both anticipated and mitigated in planning for relocation to Alabama. As extensively reported, between 2022 and 2023, four Air Force reviews reaffirmed Redstone Arsenal as the preferred site, citing major cost savings.
“The one-time cost for moving to RSA was $426 million less than remaining in Colorado Springs,” the report states, due to “lower personnel costs and construction savings.”
Even after U.S. Space Command achieved full operational capability at its temporary headquarters in Colorado Springs, the Air Force insisted the command could have transitioned to Alabama without compromising national security.
Still, USSPACECOM leadership resisted.
In an April 25, 2023 memorandum to the SECAF, Commander Gen. James Dickinson urged that the headquarters remain in Colorado. “Mission success is highly dependent on human capital and infrastructure,” he wrote. “There is risk that most of the 1,000 civilians, contractors, and reservists will not relocate to another location.”
However, the Inspector General found that “USSPACECOM did not conduct any formal surveys to determine how many civilian personnel would relocate.”
The report also clearly states that the IG’s investigation was obstructed by executive-branch legal interference.
“We did not interview the SECAF and SecDef because the Office of White House Counsel and DoD Office of General Counsel would not agree to make these officials available… citing concerns about potentially confidential communications that could implicate presidential executive privilege,” the report states. The IG rejected that condition, stating that allowing legal chaperones “might have negatively impacted the DoD OIG’s unfettered access to such confidential information.”
As a result, “we could not determine why [the SECAF] did not use the authority delegated to him by the SecDef to make and announce a final decision,” the report concludes. Nor could the Inspector General fully determine the Secretary of Defense’s role in the process.
In effect, the final basing decision bypassed standard DoD channels: “On July 31, 2023, the DoD Press Secretary announced that the [President] decided USSPACECOM HQ would permanently remain in Colorado Springs,” the report recounts.
On Tuesday, members of Alabama’s congressional delegation said the report offers continued proof that their years-long concern was deeply legitimate.
“The Biden administration’s attempt to cover up its unjustified political decision is appalling,” U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) said.
“The Inspector General’s report confirms that the Trump Administration was correct in selecting Huntsville, AL, as the site for SPACECOM Headquarters, and reveals an astounding lack of transparency and accountability by the Biden Administration. After years of promises about ‘due diligence’ and ‘careful consideration,’ political employees at the White House cut out the Air Force and senior defense leaders to select Colorado over Alabama as the site for SPACECOM headquarters.”
Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, recently announced with confidence that once President Trump’s nominee to lead the Air Force, Troy Meink, is confirmed, a long and needless political war will come to an end — but not without grave consequence.
“According to the IG, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall refused to cooperate with the IG investigation and would not even consent to be interviewed. The Biden administration’s attempt to cover up its unjustified political decision is appalling,” Rogers said.
“The fact is that the Air Force recommended SPACECOM HQ be built in Huntsville, that any disruption associated with that move could be mitigated, and that moving to Huntsville would save the taxpayer over $420,000,000.”
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
After years of politicized delay by the Biden Administration, Alabama Congressman and Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee, Mike Rogers announced that the headquarters of U.S. Space Command will officially be built in Huntsville.
Speaking on Auburn University’s McCrary Institute’s “Cyber Focus” podcast, Rogers confirmed that the long-awaited decision will be finalized this month.
“I expect sometime during the month of April, that space command will officially be assigned to build its headquarters in Huntsville,” Rogers (R-Saks) said.
“I’ve already talked with the contractor. He is ready to turn dirt on the day the announcement’s made, and we do expect it to be announced right after the Air Force Secretary is named.”
President Donald Trump nominated Troy Meink to serve as the Secretary of the Air Force earlier this year. His confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee was successful in March.
The Senate has not yet scheduled a vote to confirm Meink’s nomination, but it is expected sometime in April, according to reports.
“Everyone knows that U.S. Space Command headquarters should be in Huntsville because that is best for our national security,” U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia) told Yellowhammer News. “I’ve met with President Trump and Vice President Vance and can assure you the topic of Space Command came up.
“The 21-category selection speaks for itself and I look forward to the new Air Force secretary recommending Huntsville to be the permanent home for Space Command headquarters when he is sworn in.”
Roger’s statement marks the most consequential development in a long and politicized struggle with the previous Democrat-controlled White House.
In January 2021, during President Donald Trump’s first administration, the U.S. Air Force announced that Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal in Alabama was the preferred location for U.S. Space Command’s permanent headquarters.
That decision followed a comprehensive evaluation process in which Redstone Arsenal ranked first, surpassing all other contenders, including Colorado’s Peterson Space Force Base, which ranked fifth.
After taking office, Joe Biden’s administration initiated a review of the basing decision. By May 2023, reports indicated that the administration intended to reverse the previous decision and keep SPACECOM in Colorado.
Alabama’s congressional delegation responded vigorously to the potential reversal. U.S. Sens. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) adamantly sounded the alarm in Congress that Huntsville was selected through a fair process and that political factors should not override national security interests.
Rogers’ remarks came during a wide-ranging conversation with host Frank Cilluffo that covered cyber threats, space policy, national defense priorities, and technological readiness.
During the interview, Rogers also discussed a potential new missile defense initiative called “Golden Dome,” echoing President Trump’s desire to mirror Israel’s Iron Dome system with a layered U.S. approach.
“Obviously, this would be exactly in the wheelhouse of Huntsville… They already have a big space mission up there,” he said. “This is exactly in their wheelhouse.”
As Rogers put it: “There will be a lot of battles fought where there’s not a gun fired. It’s going to be through cyber and through space.”
For Huntsville, that future is about to become official.
Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.
Formally adopted by the U.S. Army in March of 1911, the Colt 1911 is arguably one of the most storied firearms ever carried by American service personnel.
In recent years, thousands of the sought-after pistols were held in surplus storage due to the Biden Administration’s suspension of a federal program that allowed for the sale of the guns to interested, potential buyers across the country.
On Monday, U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers announced that the pistols in storage are once again available for purchase thanks to President Donald Trump’s decision to reimplement the Civilian Marksmanship Program, saving taxpayers thousands yearly and also giving them a chance to own something of historic value.
“I am pleased to see that the Trump Administration has decided to release 10,000 surplus pistols and to allow the CMP to resume sales,” said Rogers (R-Saks)
“When I introduced the amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016, I said it was a ‘win-win for the taxpayers.’ I stand by that statement. Before this program, the surplus M11911A1 pistols produced by the U.S. Armed Forces were held in storage costing the taxpayer around $200,000 annually. The CMP 1911 program allows those who would like to own a piece of American military history to apply for ownership and buy these firearms.”
“The Biden Administration characteristically decided to put a halt to this effective program last year. Thankfully, the Trump Administration continues to be a champion for gun owners and American excellence.”
Prior to his Chairmanship of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Rogers introduced the amendment included in the FY16 NDAA to allow the Army to transfer its surplus vintage firearms to the Civilian Marksmanship Program (CMP) for sale. CMP South, in Anniston, Alabama, oversees these sales.
Austen Shipley is the News Director for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @ShipleyAusten
7. Alabama Athletics Director Greg Byrne has proposed a controversial solution to prevent fans from storming fields and courts after upsets: penalizing the home team with an automatic loss if fans rush the playing area. Byrne cited safety concerns, particularly after incidents involving Alabama’s football and basketball teams, and acknowledged the unpopularity of his idea while remaining open to other solutions. The proposal has reignited debates about the tradition of storming, with Byrne arguing that drastic measures are necessary to protect players, staff, and fans.
6. The anti-religion Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation is at it again, targeting the Alabama Legislature after an Alabama House committee advanced a constitutional amendment (requiring a vote of the people) mandating the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance and a Judeo-Christian prayer in public schools, with penalties for non-compliance including withholding up to 25% of state funding. The bill faced limited Democratic pushback, though State Rep. Marilyn Lands (D-Madison) questioned its inclusivity, suggesting alternatives like a moment of silence. The Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) has denounced an Alabama bill requiring public schools to begin each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and a Judeo-Christian prayer, calling it a blatant violation of the constitutional separation of church and state, urges Alabama lawmakers to reject the bill and promises to challenge it in court if enacted.
5. Promoting American Patriotism in Our Schools Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), would mandate that schools receiving federal funding require daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, prominently display the U.S. flag in classrooms, and incorporate educational materials on the flag’s history and significance. The bill, aimed at fostering patriotism among students, has received support from 12 Alabama school districts and co-sponsorship from fellow Alabama congressmen, including Barry Moore (R-Enterprise), Mike Rogers (R-Saks), Robert Aderholt (R-Haley), and Gary Palmer (R-Hoover). Strong emphasized the importance of instilling appreciation for America’s values and symbols in the next generation, citing a decline in patriotic education in schools.
4. Huntsville Utilities made national news as they were the only utility in the country to immediately seek to have grant recipients pay $100 after President Donald Trump’s executive order that paused some federal spending under the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act, Huntsville Utilities customers reported sudden $100 debits on their accounts. In response, the Huntsville Alabama Community Resources worked to raise emergency funds and coordinate with the utility provider to help mitigate the impact of the funding pause; there are no reports of other utilities taking this action at this time.
3. Proving dishonesty is a key currency for modern Democrats, a billboard in Birmingham is slamming U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) and Elon Musk over proposed federal budget cuts that could strip $70 million in annual funding from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, which they argue will cripple Birmingham by trimming overhead costs. The billboard, funded by a group called BBD, accuses Britt of prioritizing political loyalty over public service and urges residents to contact their representatives, but Britt’s office defends her focus on efficient spending and support for health research. Joellyn Beckham, speaking to a slobbering aldotcom, said the billboards, one which suggests Musk is a Nazi, raise the issue of Musk as an “unelected shadow president,” when he is clearly appointed to do the job he is doing.
2. Alabama state senators passed three bills targeting illegal immigrants which require law enforcement to collect DNA and fingerprints from individuals suspected of being unlawfully present, allows time to verify immigration status for those charged with crimes, and invalidates out-of-state driver’s licenses issued without proof of lawful U.S. citizenship. Additionally, SB77 proposed a fee on international wire transfers to fund immigration enforcement, though it was carried over due to procedural rules. The bills, part of a broader push to strengthen immigration enforcement, passed despite opposition from Senate Democrats and following a visit by several lawmakers to the U.S. Southern Border last year.
1. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) has voiced strong support for President Donald Trump’s plan to move 100,000 federal jobs out of Washington, D.C., arguing it will help “drain the swamp” and align agency leadership with the “real world” beyond the U.S. capital’s unique culture. Rogers, who chairs the House Armed Services Committee, emphasized the role of technology in enabling this shift and suggested the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, will spearhead the effort. Rogers also said jobs in federal defense and aerospace jobs in Alabama are not the target of the government cost-cutting, as “buyouts” and the firing of probationary employees could trim the workforce.
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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 and from 10-11 a.m. on Talk 99.5 and News Radio 1440, with a rebroadcast on WVNN at 10 p.m.
7. Kyle Benjamin Douglas Calvert, a 26-year-old from Irondale, Ala., has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for detonating an explosive device outside the Alabama Attorney General’s office in Montgomery earlier this year. The attack, which occurred in February, was motivated by Calvert’s extremist ideologies, with stickers at the scene expressing support for groups like Antifa and slogans targeting government authority. Law enforcement praised the collaborative effort that led to his arrest and emphasized the serious threat such actions pose to public safety and democratic governance.
6. Now-U.S. Sen.-elect Dave McCormick’s victory in the Pennsylvania’s U.S. Senate race marks a significant Republican gain, flipping a key seat and contributing to the GOP’s Senate majority. Sen. Bob Casey (D-Pa.) had a strong political legacy and expensive campaign, McCormick’s appeal and Republican backing prevailed in one of the nation’s most expensive and closets contests. The pathetic loser tweeted, “All public service is a trust, given in faith and accepted in honor” as his fellow Pennsylvania Democrats are apologizing for willfully breaking the law and they will suffer no penalties.
5. Alabama U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) has been appointed as a vice chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is part of an effort to bolster Republican leadership and secure a larger Senate majority in the 2026 election cycle. She joins other key figures, including Sens. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), and Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), on a team led by NRSC Chair Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.). Britt’s role involves resource mobilization, expanding the electoral map, and reinforcing the GOP’s legislative and policy priorities, aligning with her advocacy for Alabama’s values and a next-generation conservative perspective.
4. Several Alabama congressmen have called on the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to release the results of a study on the effects of puberty blockers on the mental health of transgender youth. The study, led by Dr. Johanna Olson-Kennedy, found no significant mental health improvements after two years of puberty blockers, yet the NIH has withheld publication, citing concerns over political repercussions. Rep. Gary Palmer (R-Hoover) argued that “delaying the release of this data undermines the scientific process,” while Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks) stressed the importance of transparency, stating, “Taxpayer dollars were used to fund this research, and the public deserves to see the results.” Some researchers involved in the study, like Amy Tishelman, believe that even neutral findings could offer valuable insight for clinical practice, with Tishelman absurdly noting, “No change isn’t necessarily a negative finding” in a study about giving children medical intervention for a mental illness.
3. Carey Dale Grayson was convicted for the brutal murder of Vickie Lynn Deblieux, a 26-year-old woman who was hitchhiking in Alabama in 1994 and now he is dead. During his execution, Grayson defiantly refused to offer traditional last words, instead telling the warden to “f*** off” before dying like a dog. Gov. Kay Ivey sent this monster to hell with some biting words, “Some thirty years ago, Vicki DeBlieux’s journey to her mother’s house and ultimately, her life, were horrifically cut short because of Carey Grayson and three other men. She sensed something was wrong, attempted to escape, but instead, was brutally tortured and murdered. Even after her death, Mr. Grayson’s crimes against Ms. DeBlieux were heinous, unimaginable, without an ounce of regard for human life and just unexplainably mean. An execution by nitrogen hypoxia bares no comparison to the death and dismemberment Ms. DeBlieux experienced. I pray for her loved ones that they may continue finding closure and healing.”
2. Apparently, gay people in 2024 have to pretend they are being oppressed on Auburn’s campus because of President-elect Donald Trump and after Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs were closed. The students are so oppressed they are doing interviews with aldotcom about it. Whines about the closing of exclusively gay “safe spaces” and ” people that make homophobic jokes, transphobic jokes, even around people that they know are queer, because they just don’t care,” really dive home the fearful environment. It is so scary, they have to go to gay groups off campus for fellowship in public parks, which obviously highlights what a non-story this is.
1. In a completely predictable move, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) has withdrawn his nomination as attorney general in Donald Trump’s potential future administration. His decision comes amid growing public concerns over his past, including an investigation into sex trafficking allegations, which had raised doubts about his ability to pass a confirmation vote in the Senate. Pam Bondi, former Florida attorney general, is Trump’s replacement nominee, Bondi is known for her staunch support of Trump, having defended him during the investigations into his 2016 campaign.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt has been named a Vice Chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC). Britt reports she will be laser focused on solidifying and expanding the Republican majority in the U.S. Senate.
“Senate Republicans are ready to get to work! The American people delivered the White House and the Senate majority because we need to secure the border, turn our economy around, and preserve the American Dream for our kids,” Sen. Britt (R-Montgomery) said. “Fighting alongside President Trump, four years of a Republican Senate majority is critical to fulfilling this mandate. I’m excited to work with Senator Tim Scott to protect and build upon the success we had on November 5.”
The announcement came from NRSC Chairman Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), who introduced the full slate of Vice Chairs, including U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), and Senator-elect Jim Banks (R-IN).
According to the NRSC, now in power alongside a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives and control of the White House, the group of five will work with Scott to deliver unity, transparency, and accountability for the committee as the team continues to form.
“Republicans are united around advancing President Donald J. Trump’s agenda and defending our U.S. Senate majority,” said U.S. Senator and NRSC Chairman Tim Scott. “There is too much at stake to do this alone, so I’m thankful to my colleagues for stepping up to serve as Vice Chairs to the NRSC. Raising the resources, expanding the map, and building the organization to win is going to be an all hands on deck task.”
As previously reported, Sen. Britt was instrumental in securing the new Republican Senate majority. She campaigned and fundraised to flip three U.S. Senate seats red while retaining critical incumbencies, including U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX).
“America is ready for a change,” Britt said after a full GOP sweep earlier this month. “The want secure borders, they want stable prices, they want a strong defense understanding peace through strength, no new wars like we had under President Trump, and people are ready for common sense policies.”
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
The years-long saga over the question of where U.S. Space Command is to be headquartered will be resolved in the first week of President-Elect Donald Trump’s administration, Chairman of the U.S. House Armed Services Committee and Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers says.
Anticipated as one of President Trump’s many first executive actions, it will reverse President Joe Biden’s political, and arguably illegal decision in 2023 to headquarter Space Command in Colorado, despite numerous assessments identifying Huntsville as the superior location based on merit and operational criteria – including a 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report obtained by Yellowhammer News declaring Huntsville as the No. 1 pick over No. 5 Colorado.
Rogers said Monday, “I told everybody then that Colorado Springs will not be the future location of Space Command. It will be Huntsville, Alabama who won it fair and square. And President Trump said in the campaign that he was going to reverse that decision if elected.
“And I knew he would because if you remember, not only did Alabama win two nationwide competitions, but President Trump’s secretary of the Air Force recommended Huntsville, President Biden’s secretary of the Air Force recommended Huntsville, and then Biden took it away for political reasons.”
“And we will start construction next year in Huntsville,” Rogers said.
All members of the Alabama federal delegation have been locked-in-step on the development of USSPACECOM’s permanent presence in Alabama, including U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt, as well as Alabama’s lone Democratic representative, Terri Sewell. Sen. Britt spoke recently about what that consistent force has been like – and how it will multiply in the weeks to come.
“Everybody did their part to make sure that we have the moment that I hope that we have coming really soon, where we see President Trump say the rightful home of Space Command, where is best for national security, where is best for national defense, where it makes the most sense, without a doubt, is Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville,” Britt (R-Montgomery) said.
“I think that that will happen, and that would have never happened but for our delegation working in a bipartisan, bicameral way to put the people and the needs of Alabama before we did party or any other affiliation. So, I think that you’ll see a lot more of that.”
Enthusiasm is building on the state level as well. Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth said Tuesday he spoke with U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn), who assured him President Trump will return the USSPACECOM development to its proper home.
Sen. Tuberville has been equally persistent on the issue in Washington, asking Gen. Dickinson personally under oath about the decision last year. Tuberville spoke strongly on the incoming Trump administration’s priority to reactivate Alabama as the rightful place for USSPACECOM.
“He will give us Space Command. But here’s the one thing I want to tell American people, Alabama, I’m pretty going the best place, but we know the best place is Huntsville,” Tuberville said. “Because it was done the right way the first time. The president does not pick Space Command; the Secretary of the Air Force does. The Secretary of the Air Force under Biden even picked Huntsville two years ago and said, ‘Don’t send it to Colorado. Huntsville is the best place.’ So that’s where it’s going to end up. But President Trump has to — he doesn’t pull the trigger — that happens with the Secretary of the Air Force when we get a new one in.”
“But there’s going to be a lot of good things happening for Alabama. President Trump is huge for the state of Alabama.”
In May of last year, the U.S. House Armed Services Committee initiated an investigation into the politicization of the decision under the Biden administration. Rogers said unequivocally the delays were politically motivated and made possible by unauthorized changes in Space Command’s mission requirements, which Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall disclosed in a meeting with Alabama representatives.
At the request of Rep. Dale Strong (R-Monrovia), the committee demanded unredacted documents by June 8 and ordered a halt to taxpayer-funded adjustments.
The House-approved FY2024 National Defense Authorization Act included language that would freeze funding for further Space Command facility development in Colorado until the permanent headquarters location was decided or an official report is submitted. Around the same time, Gen. Dickinson met with Alabama’s congressional delegation and reportedly told them Space Command “belongs” at Redstone Arsenal.
Rogers accused Pentagon officials in charge of the decision with “deliberate, taxpayer-funded manipulation.”
According to Alabama’s delegation in Washington, the incoming administration is prepared to fully resolve the years-long battle over U.S. Space Command’s headquarters and Redstone Arsenal stands ready to become its permanent home.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
7. A “mass shooting” occurred early Sunday morning at Tuskegee University, following its 100th homecoming celebration, resulting in one death and multiple injuries. Videos posted on social media captured the chaos, with sounds of gunfire and attendees shouting to “stay down” as they sought cover. The deceased victim was not affiliated with the university, while several others, including students, are receiving medical treatment for injuries.
6. Following President-elect Donald Trump’s election win, social media saw a surge of conspiracy theories, mainly from left-leaning users, but some from the right about 2020. Claims, including assertions of “missing votes,” spread quickly, paralleling past right-wing election denial but from a new angle. Experts caution that these baseless allegations erode trust in democratic systems regardless of political origin. Election officials emphasize that slower vote counting in certain states explains any perceived vote discrepancies.
5. Former Joe Biden spokesman Michael LaRosa urged President Joe Biden to resign, advocating that this move would allow Vice President Kamala Harris to take office and make history as the first female president. LaRosa, who previously worked with First Lady Jill Biden, argued that Biden’s resignation could reinvigorate the Democratic base and enhance the party’s legacy by highlighting its commitment to diversity and leadership progress. He pointed out that the party could benefit from a younger, dynamic figure in Harris, who could help address current challenges and ensure continuity in Democratic leadership amid shifting political tides.
4. U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank (R-Colo.) vowed to “resist any attempt” to relocate U.S. Space Command HQ from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, despite expected moves under President Trump. Crank argued Colorado has the “military value” to retain Space Command, warning that a move would be a “political” choice. Although Trump initially supported the relocation to Huntsville in 2021, Crank expressed uncertainty about Trump’s current stance, given his shifting positions.
3. U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), recently named chair of the House Armed Services Committee, is being considered by President-elect Donald Trump for the secretary of defense role, positioning him as a leading candidate alongside Mike Pompeo (which Trump denied) and U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark). Rogers has pushed for enhanced military readiness in light of perceived threats from countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Known for his strong stance on national defense, he aims to bolster the U.S. military’s “lethality and capability,” focusing on addressing emerging security challenges.
2. Authorities are investigating racist, hateful text messages that were sent anonymously to black individuals in several states, including Alabama, Pennsylvania, Georgia, and Michigan, on Election Day. The messages, described as deeply disturbing, contained references to slavery and reportedly targeted individuals through spoofed phone numbers, making it challenging to trace the senders. Both the FBI and state law enforcement are involved, condemning the messages as “unacceptable” and pledging to pursue those responsible for these racist and intimidating acts.
1. Republicans are on the verge of retaining House control with 213 seats secured and just five more needed, following their Senate victory but the counting is still happening and House Democrats are still fighting for votes. With Trump’s presidential win, this would give Republicans significant legislative power to advance their agenda on tax cuts, spending, energy deregulation, and border security. Remaining competitive House races are mostly in Western states, where counting has been slower, while the GOP Senate leader race sees Rick Scott (R-Fla.) challenging front-runners John Thune (R-S.D.) and John Cornyn (R-Texas), who have vowed to expedite Trump’s cabinet confirmations if chosen.
Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, is under consideration for Secretary of Defense in the incoming Trump administration according to sources close to the process, Bloomberg Government reported late Friday.
Rogers (R-Saks), who has served Alabama’s 3rd Congressional District since 2003, was contacted by President-Elect Donald Trump’s transition team as they begin the process of forming a new cabinet following Trump’s election victory.
Bloomberg described Rogers as, “one of the brains behind the creation of the Space Force and has pushed consistently for improved military quality of life as well as adopting innovative new technologies at the Pentagon. He is negotiating the annual defense authorization bill with his Senate counterparts, pressing for sweeping legislation to boost junior enlisted troop pay among many other provisions.”
https://x.com/rtiron/status/1855000645108941186
According to Bloomberg, Rogers is a new addition to the list of officials being considered for top national security positions, alongside former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and other currently-serving members of the U.S. House and Senate.
Rogers has yet to publicly comment on his consideration for the role and did not respond to a late Friday request from Yellowhammer News. The Trump-Vance transition team has also not issued any statements on potential cabinet selections beyond the appointment of longtime Republican operative Susie Wiles as White House Chief of Staff.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers visited a Goodgame Company job site at Associated Metal Cast in Oxford on Wednesday as part of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Alabama’s 2024 Congressional Hard Hat Tour.
During his tour, Rep. Rogers (R-Saks) spoke with industry leaders and frontline construction workers about the construction industry’s issues. The discussions focused on reducing red tape and burdensome regulations, implementing a new market-driven visa program that discourages illegal immigration while addressing workforce needs, and other workforce development strategies, according to ABC Alabama.
“I was happy to tour the new Associated Metal Cast warehouse facility in Oxford,” said Rep. Rogers. “Sites like this showcase how business and growth-friendly Alabama is. Far too often, Washington gets in the way of industry growth and piles on overburdensome regulations. With the help of industry leaders like these, we can work together to keep Alabama prosperous.”
Following the tour, the Goodgame Company’s Corporate Vice President Jason A. Goodgame said, “East Alabama has a great opportunity to be our state’s next big economic engine. It was great to showcase some of that progress with Congressman Rogers and discuss our concerns about the detrimental policies coming out of Washington that could cripple our industry.”
The ABC Alabama’s Hard Hat Tour gives Alabama’s federal delegation the opportunity to visit active job sites and gain firsthand knowledge of our state’s construction industry. Delegation members meet with industry leaders and frontline construction workers to discuss issues affecting the industry and craft forward-thinking solutions that promote the industry’s advancement.
Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270
As the United States prepares for the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026, the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission first began its work with authorization from Congress in 2016. On Tuesday, U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La) announced the appointment of Jimmy Rane to the Commission.
U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville), Val Croft and Thomas Walker, Jr. of the American Village in Montevallo, and now, Jimmy Rane of Abbeville, are among the Alabamians involved in the multi-year leadership effort. U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, a native of Mobile and graduate of Auburn University, is also on the Commission, which consists of eight Congressional members and sixteen private citizens appointed by Senate and House party leaders.
According to America250, the nonpartisan initiative coordinating the nationwide celebration, “On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, honor the contributions of all Americans, and look ahead toward the future we want to create for the next generation and beyond.”
Jimmy Rane is a self-made billionaire from the small town of Abbeville. After earning degrees from Auburn University and Samford, Rane began a career in law before founding Great Southern Wood Preserving. He transformed a small family sawmill into a national leader in pressure-treated lumber with his iconic “YellaWood” brand.
In the years since, his Jimmy Rane Foundation has awarded millions in college scholarships, and he’s a major benefactor of Auburn University, where he serves as a trustee. Last week, Rane was appointed to the Alabama Growth Alliance by Governor Kay Ivey, which will serve as a guiding force in the state’s reinvigorated economic development efforts.
U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) along with U.S. Reps. Robert Aderholt and Mike Rogers (R-Saks) shared congratulations for their fellow Alabamian being appointed to serve on the commission:
