March Madness is in full swing and college sports fanatics from the West Coast to the East Coast are tuning in to watch their teams battle it out over the next few weeks.

But once the season is over, the chaos of the modern NIL era returns. Players walk away from contracts just to chase a new shiny opportunity.

Coaches are left begging their alumni to donate to their collectives so that they can “afford” to constantly be re-recruiting their roster. It’s a complete disaster.

College athletics used to be about education, now it’s sadly all about money.

It’s not uncommon nowadays for 17-year-old high school students to sign brand deals with brands like Nike, be gifted sports cars, and to have their bank accounts flooded with more money than you can imagine. America is a capitalist country. If you work hard, the sky is the limit for what you can achieve. But we’ve got to have some rules around this.

Now, I’m all for college athletes getting paid. But unfortunately, the current system has created an unlevel playing field. Sports like football and basketball are thriving while women’s sports and Olympic sports are being hung out to dry.

At this point, I don’t even blame the athletes. The system is fundamentally broken.

You’ve heard me say it: NIL is the Wild West, and it is in need of some major reining in. There is no accountability and absolutely ZERO loyalty in college athletics today. The arbitrary transfer windows don’t line up with the expanded college football playoffs, leading players to announce their intent to transfer before the playoffs are even decided.

This not only interrupts the team dynamics, but it also undermines what student-athletics is supposed to be all about: education.

RELATED: Tuberville proposes Student-Athlete Act to end transfer portal chaos

As you all know, I spent nearly 40 years coaching. I’m not a politician, but in my current role as Alabama’s senior Senator, I’m asked often about my thoughts on NIL.

Over the past few years, my team and I have met with dozens of coaches, administrators, athletes, and other stakeholders with one goal in mind: how can we protect student-athletes while preserving college sports?

I’m excited to announce that I am introducing a bill this week that I believe will solve many of the problems plaguing college athletics today. My bill is called the Student-Athlete Act and has two main provisions.

First, it would clarify eligibility rules to allow student-athletes to have five consecutive years to play five consecutive seasons.

After that, you’re done. We’re not doing this COVID free year of eligibility anymore. We can’t be having 25-year-old “students” who graduated three years ago still competing in the NCAA. A student-athlete gets five years to get an education, compete, and then move on.

Second, student-athletes can transfer ONE time without penalty, after that, they have to sit out a year if they choose to transfer again. I truly think that the unregulated transfer portal is the worst thing to happen in the history of college sports. Look, this is a free country. If you get a better opportunity somewhere else, you owe it to yourself to consider it.

But if college athletics is truly about education, we have to prioritize coursework and help set these kids up for success in life. Every time a student transfers, they lose credits, have courses interrupted, and often are set back in their timeline to graduating. There’s no question that transferring multiple times has a negative impact on a student’s education.

This is not to mention the tragic impacts that the unregulated transfer portal has had on the culture of college sports. When I was coaching, the players in my locker rooms were brothers. If someone needed help moving, they knew that their teammates would show up to help.

If someone had a death in the family, they could count on their brothers to be there for them. That type of bond between student-athletes requires time, trust, and consistency.

That kind of trust is hard to build if you’re worried that the person you share a locker room with isn’t going to show up the next day.

We have a President in the White House who is an avid sports fan. He has attended some of America’s most-watched sporting events over the years — he’s even visited Bryant-Denny Stadium a handful of times.

I have spent a lot of time talking to him about this issue and he’s in agreement that we have to do something about college sports. And as a friend of the President’s and a former Coach, I have full confidence that we can work this out for the betterment of our universities and our players.

The game clock is ticking, but we aren’t going to wait until the clock gets to zero.

Now is the time to move the ball forward and get something done for the future of college athletics.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has proposed a new bill which would get a handle on the chaos that the NCAA transfer portal has produced over the last half decade.

This week, Tuberville proposed a bill he is calling the “Student Athlete Act Of 2026” which would prevent athletes from being able to transfer as many times as they want and return to a system where a second transfer would require sitting out a full season.

https://x.com/outkick/status/2036489655864975790?s=46

“The transfer portal has made it easier than ever for athletes to move from one program to another, and repeated transfers have contributed to a system that often resembles unrestricted free agency rather than amateur competition,” Tuberville said.

During an appearance on Outkick, Tuberville spoke about the bill and shared his goals in what it would mean for the future of college athletics, a future that looks more and more precarious by the day.

“Sixty to seventy percent of them (college programs) don’t even look at high school athletes, they look at the portal and say ‘How can we win now? How can we bring players in?’ It’s going to bring the price down on a lot of these players in which to me, it’s ok because they’re going to be making money anyway,” Tuberville said. “I’m all for them making money. But for them to keep selling themselves for $50,000 to $100,000 more, I think it’s creating a huge problem.”

The bill also targets eligibility concerns as athletes increasingly remain in college longer to maximize NIL earnings.

It would give student-athletes a hard five years of eligibility to play five years of intercollegiate athletics, regardless of any sort of injury or hardship request to prevent the endless court cases regarding eligibility.

“I’ve talked to President Trump about it, he knows it and understands it. We can’t get into all the antitrust, the agents, we can’t do that,” Tuberville continued. “That’s gotta be handled by the NCAA. But one thing we can do is stop this transfer every year, and give these kids the chance to get a degree, and one time transfer if they have a death in the family, circumstances or don’t get along with the coaches…But, if you use it, it’s over with. But if you use it, you have to sit out a year, though most of them won’t do that anyway.”

Citing statistics of over 10,000 college football players entering the portal this year alone, Tuberville says the emphasis on education has been completely lost.

“This year alone, in 2026, we’ve had over 10,000 young men get into the transfer portal in college football, that probably will not get a degree when they transfer because once you transfer, it takes forever to get those hours back because most of them don’t transfer,” he said. “So, we’re trying to put education back into college sports, common sense.”

What happens next remains uncertain, but Tuberville’s proposal is promising — and likely to gain broad support from fans if it can clear the necessary hurdles.

As a prelude to this year’s Power & Influence Top 50 list, launching April 1 in a special 15th anniversary year for Yellowhammer News, we are proud to continue a tradition that asks an important question in Alabama’s political landscape: Who’s Next?

Year after year, Power & Influence offers the most candid insight into the top 50 influential leaders moving the needle in Montgomery across business, politics and public service — leveraging their influence to the benefit of Alabama.

RELATED: 2025 Power & Influence: Who’s Next? / 2024 Power & Influence: Who’s Next?

Today, we’re directing that insight into the next generation of Alabama leaders. The eleven individuals below are described in a quote from leaders speaking to their impact, effectiveness, and upward trajectory. They are each well on their way to running the state.

Emory Cox

Special Assistant to the President for International Economic Relations

“I’m incredibly proud to see Emory receive this honor, but in no way am I surprised. Emory’s personable nature, vast policy knowledge, and sharp political instincts are far beyond his years.

He proved to be an incredible asset to my office and the State of Alabama during his four years as my Senior Economic Advisor, and is now playing a critical role in helping carry out President Trump’s economic agenda to help all Americans.

From Larry Kudlow to Kevin Hassett, Emory has learned under some of the most brilliant economic leaders in American history, while coming into his own as a leader in this space. One of the things I most admire about Emory is that his success has never caused him to forget where he came from.

He is a proud Pell City native and keeps his Alabama values at the forefront of everything he does.

Emory’s dedication to public service and his love for our great state will continue to bring about meaningful results in both Washington, D.C. and Alabama.”

– U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn)

Maggie Oliver

Chief Development Officer, Alabama Port Authority

“In leadership and in economic development, vision and strategic focus are essential to driving meaningful growth. Maggie Oliver embodies both.

Throughout her time at the Alabama Port Authority, she has articulated a clear and compelling vision for how the Port has and will serve as a catalyst for economic development across our state – strengthening supply chains, attracting new industry, and expanding opportunities for Alabama businesses.

Maggie has a presence that commands a room, but more importantly, she pairs that presence with thoughtful leadership and a deep commitment to Alabama’s future.

I am excited to see her continued leadership at the Port and know she will have a positive impact on our state for many years to come.”

– Zeke Smith, Chairman, Alabama Port Authority Board of Directors

Harrison Adams

Alabama Department of Workforce

“As SGA president at the University of Alabama, Harrison Adams learned much about constituents and politics. He had interest early in his career to positively engage in state government policy growth.

He brought that interest and experience to my Senate President Pro Tem office growing strong relationships, while accomplishing much with our team.

He has spent the last 15 months navigating change that is yielding strong outcomes as a Deputy Secretary at the Alabama Department of Workforce.

His calm and efficient demeanor has elevated the department’s profile and effectiveness with all those he interacts with.

Harrison continues to impress me and many in our state as his impact through dedicated and effective public service continues to grow.”

– Greg Reed, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Workforce

Kristin Hellmich

Director of External Communications, Poarch Creek Indians

“Kristin Hellmich leads with intention, listens carefully, and understands the responsibility that comes with telling the story of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Kristin approaches her work with respect for our history and a clear eye toward the future, ensuring our voice is represented accurately and authentically.

In a fast‑moving and often complicated political environment, her steady approach and sound judgment make a meaningful difference.”

– Stephanie Bryan, Chairwoman and CEO of Poarch Creek Indians

Phillip Johns

Chief Financial Officer, Alabama Farmers Federation

“As chief financial officer, Phillip has transformed the Federation’s accounting, membership and Alfa Health divisions through technology, professional development and expanded services for members and county Federations.

His investment strategies have resulted in record growth for Alabama FarmPAC and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, deepening the organization’s impact in both the political arena and philanthropic efforts such as scholarships and Ag in the Classroom. Last year, Phillip and his team led implementation of Alfa Health Plans, delivering an affordable health care option for members just five months after Gov. Kay Ivey signed the legislation into law.

Phillip is a graduate of the Alfa Leadership Academy, a successful small business owner and newly appointed member of the Dixie Electric Cooperative board of directors.

He is a devoted husband and father and embodies Alfa’s Core 4 Values of Faith, Family, Community and Integrity. Phillip is already building a legacy of leadership within our organization and certainly is deserving of recognition.”

– Paul Pinyan, Executive Director, Alabama Farmers Federation

Lindsey McAdory

CEO and Chief Strategist CBG Strategies, LLC

“Lindsey McAdory has many exceptional attributes. He’s a seasoned political storyteller who can frame the challenges facing our city and develop a plan of action.

He’s a builder — bringing people together, forging strong partnerships, and uniting leaders into coalitions that get things done. And when crisis situations arise, Lindsey excels at mapping out effective solutions.

But what truly sets Lindsey apart is his vision. He sees where Birmingham is headed, and he knows how to carve the path to get there.

He helps us turn potential into promise. Lindsey’s not just thinking about the next step forward; he’s charting the course for what comes next. His eyes are fixated on building a better Birmingham.”

– Randall Woodfin, Mayor of Birmingham

Saylor Cuzzort

Communications Director + Alabama Senate Republican Caucus

“It is rare to find a person who possesses true talent, innate instinct and abundant affability in the perfect balance, but one such person is Saylor Cuzzort.

Her love for this state and insatiable work ethic are exceeded only by her ability and her integrity.

Saylor’s impressive intelligence enables her to effectively analyze all facets of a complicated issue, but what most distinguishes her from other capable young people is her ability to act on her knowledge and timely execute the task at hand with grace and poise.

With everything she does, her kindness and humility shine through, and I’m excited to see all the ways in which she impacts our state and our nation for the better — she’s just getting started!”

– Caroleene Dobson, 2026 candidate, Alabama Secretary of State

Annie Dunne Meissner

Director of Finance and Events, Alabama Republican Party

“Annie Meissner has quickly become an invaluable leader on the Alabama Republican Party team.

As Director of Events and Finance, she has been instrumental in strengthening our fundraising efforts while planning and executing events that bring together grassroots supporters, donors, and Republican leaders from across Alabama.

If you’ve attended an ALGOP event recently, you’ve likely seen Annie’s work firsthand. She executed an incredibly successful Trump Victory Dinner featuring Donald Trump Jr., organized a sold-out Candidate Meet & Greet with Senators Katie Britt and Tommy Tuberville, and leads numerous donor events that keep our supporters engaged.

Annie is absolutely a rising leader in Alabama politics.”

– Shannon Whitt, Chief of Staff, Alabama Republican Party

Anna Grace Gamble

External Affairs Manager, Alabama Rural Electric Association

“Anna Grace has been an exceptional addition to the Electric Cooperative family. She reflects the values and character of our members and has cultivated invaluable relationships with legislators and policymakers that help advance the cooperative mission.

She is thoughtful, professional, and well-regarded by those around her. She brings a steady presence to her work and approaches it with care. Those qualities have helped her make a positive impression early in her career, and will continue to do so.”

– Sean Strickler, Chief Operating Officer, Alabama Rural Electric Association

Scott McClintock

Vice president of Policy and Public Affairs, Business Council of Alabama

“Scott’s recognition on Yellowhammer’s ‘Who’s Next’ list is a well-deserved honor and a testament to the impact he has already made in Alabama’s policy and political landscape.

Scott brings a rare combination of strategic insight, policy expertise, and a deep commitment to advancing pro-growth, pro-business solutions for our state.

His leadership has strengthened BCA’s advocacy efforts and helped ensure the voice of Alabama’s job creators is heard clearly in Montgomery and beyond.

We are proud to see him recognized as one of the rising leaders shaping Alabama’s future.”

– Helena Duncan, President and CEO, Business Council of Alabama

Justice Smyth

Executive Director, Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority

“I couldn’t be more proud to see Justice receive this well-deserved recognition. His strategic thinking, uncompromising integrity, and commitment to results have made a real difference for our community and for economic development across our region.

He approaches every challenge with intelligence and purpose, and he does so with the kind of character that makes everyone around him better.

Justice represents the very best of what a young leader in this field can be, and I am confident his impact on our state will only continue to grow.”

– Tim Parker, III, President & CEO, Parker Towing Company

Yellowhammer News’ 15th Anniversary Power of Service event will be held on April 7, 2026 in Montgomery. The 2026 Power & Influence list will debut its first installment of 10 honorees on April 1, 2026. For sponsorship opportunities, please contact courtney@yellowhammernews.com. 

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

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. 

https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/2028484823250043025

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.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/2028182192648814874

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.

https://x.com/SenKatieBritt/status/2028192600398725496

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

https://x.com/hascrepublicans/status/2027761153984663584

https://x.com/hascrepublicans/status/2027897475260981266

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.

https://x.com/USRepGaryPalmer/status/2027809682014789930

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.

https://x.com/Robert_Aderholt/status/2027852921837093067

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.

https://x.com/RepBarryMoore/status/2027847922696536132

U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R-Huntsville) celebrated Trump’s intolerance for Iran’s “aggression and nuclear aspirations” and stressed that accountability equals peace.

https://x.com/RepDaleStrong/status/2027782850213285923

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.

https://x.com/RepTerriSewell/status/2027763012342255625

https://x.com/repscfigures/status/2027934424159969308

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has named U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Parker of Montgomery as his February “Veteran of the Month,” elevating Parker’s decades of service in uniform — and the way he’s continued serving others long after retirement.

Tuberville made the monthly recognition in a video statement praising Parker as an example of what it looks like to seize opportunity and turn it into a life of impact.

“I often say, ‘This country owes you one thing — and that’s an opportunity.’ But it’s up to you what you do with that opportunity,” Tuberville said. “No one demonstrates making the most of this opportunity better than Master Gunnery Sergeant Antonio Parker of Montgomery.”

Parker grew up in a small town in southern Virginia, where his mother emphasized service and education, tutoring those who struggled to read and serving through her church. Parker enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1981, one week after graduating from high school, as a way to pursue college and keep a promise he made to his mother.

RELATED: In 2025, Tuberville honored 12 veterans ‘who bravely answered the call to defend our country’

What began as an education pathway became a 28-year Marine Corps career that included more than ten deployments. Along the way, Parker earned five degrees focused on business and leadership.

After retiring from the military in 2009, Parker and his family put down deeper roots in the River Region. He and his wife, Jean — a Montgomery native — have been married for more than 30 years. Their son, Antwon, is a two-time University of Alabama graduate and is now pursuing a medical degree in Nashville.

Parker’s post-military mission has centered on community health and mentorship. A dedicated runner, he has completed 59 marathons and has worked to encourage healthier lifestyles across the Montgomery area. He’s also organized multiple community health events, including the “Fit-4-Life” 5K, with proceeds supporting education for those in need.

That commitment to health and service took on even deeper meaning after Parker was diagnosed with stage IV cancer while training for his 60th marathon. Years later, those close to him say he continues to make the most of every day — drawing strength from faith and family while still showing up for his community.

Beyond organized events, Parker is known for the quieter, day-to-day ways he serves: speaking with students across the Southeast, stepping in to help elderly neighbors with everything from mowing lawns to small repairs, and serving as a deacon at Maggie Street Missionary Baptist Church in Montgomery.

Tuberville’s office also shared praise from Officer Benjamin Duffy, who nicknamed Parker “Superman” and described him as “truly an exceptional man, great patriot, and an even better Alabamian!”

“It’s my honor to recognize Antonio Parker as the ‘February Veteran of the Month,’” Tuberville said.

Tuberville’s office accepts nominations from constituents for the Veteran of the Month program at press_office@tuberville.senate.gov. Tuberville serves on the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP, and Aging Committees.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this report drew Ag Commissioner candidate Corey Hill’s fundraising totals from a previous month. The current and accurate total is reflected in the graphic above. 

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, HELP and Aging Committees. Tom Neely is Chairman of Birmingham-based Oxford Pharmaceuticals.

While many of us try our best to forget the COVID pandemic in 2020, one serious issue that was revealed during that chaotic time is still impacting us today—our reliance on other countries for medications.

Most Americans are so used to taking medicines that they don’t stop to think where the medicine in their cabinets is coming from. 

The pandemic revealed how dangerous it is for the United States to be completely reliant on other countries for medications we could be making right here at home. 

More than 90 percent of the prescriptions filled in the United States each day are generic drugs. Those medicines keep our families healthy, help seniors manage chronic conditions, and ensure our troops and veterans get the care they deserve.

But the vast majority of those generics are no longer made in America. They’re made overseas—primarily in China and India. 

That didn’t happen by accident. It happened because Washington let it happen.

For years, we offshored generic drug manufacturing in the name of lower costs and “efficiency.” What we got instead was dependence on foreign supply chains, chronic drug shortages, and serious questions about quality and safety. That’s not efficiency. That’s negligence.

Americans are paying the price of Washington’s poor decisions. Last year, we spent $5.7 trillion on health care. Yet, we’re still the sickest and fattest country in the world. It’s embarrassing.

I appreciate President Trump and HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy for wanting to ‘Make America Healthy Again.’ Part of this involves producing our own medicine.

A major study published in 2025 found that generic drugs manufactured in China and India are 54 percent more likely to cause severe adverse health events than comparable drugs made in the United States or Europe.

Severe means hospitalization—or worse. These are medicines people take every day, trusting they’ll make them better, not harm them.

Anyone who’s toured a modern domestic pharmaceutical facility has seen the quality difference between foreign-made and American-made medications firsthand. American plants operate under strict standards, constant inspection, and a basic moral obligation: we’re making medicine for our neighbors, our parents, and our kids.

That same accountability does not exist overseas. FDA inspectors have documented animals in production areas, shredded quality records, and contaminated batch logs in foreign facilities supplying the U.S. market.

Critics of American-made medicines argue that they’re too expensive. The reality is we don’t have a cost problem. We have a policy problem. The United States still has the capacity to make generic drugs at home. Some American facilities are operating at 50 percent utilization or less. 

Alabama is home to such facilities, like Oxford Pharmaceuticals located in Birmingham, Alabama. It produces a generic tablet for a little over one cent per pill.

A bottle of 100 doses costs about $1.50 to make. Medicare reimburses that same bottle at more than $13. The money is there—it’s just being siphoned off by a supply chain that rewards middlemen and foreign producers instead of American workers and patients.

We can quickly return to ‘Made in America’ when it comes to medicine if we put the right incentives in place. First, we should use federal procurement to support domestic manufacturing.

The federal government is one of the largest buyers of medicines in the world—through Medicare, Medicaid, the VA, and the Department of Defense.

We should use that buying power to prioritize U.S.-made generics and provide long-term contracts that give manufacturers the confidence to invest and expand. 

Second, we need targeted trade enforcement. Generic drugs are essential medicines. If we’re serious about reshoring them, then trade policy—including Section 232 actions—has to address generics directly.

There is no national security crisis in branded pharmaceuticals. The crisis is in generics, where foreign dependence has hollowed out domestic production and left us exposed. 

Third, we need transparency. Americans should be able to know where their medicines are made. Right now, it’s often impossible to tell. That’s nonsensical.

If country-of-origin labeling matters for food, it should matter for medicine. No country should rely on its top adversaries for the medicines that keep its people alive.

Americans deserve better than the status quo. We can’t wait for another pandemic to hit to take this seriously. It isn’t just a health crisis; it’s an urgent national security concern as well.

We haven’t been preparing to win in America when it comes to our generic drug supply chain, and we are another disruption away from failure. 

Making medicine in America again isn’t radical. It’s common sense. And it’s long overdue.

All data drawn from the Federal Elections Commission campaign finance database: 

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

With the Super Bowl coming to television screens across America next weekend, fans all over the Alabama will be tuning into the NFL despite college football generally being the more popular sport by far in this part of the country.

The league has found itself in hot water for woke stunts many times in recent years, and U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) has always made it clear that he and his constituents are sick of it.

As the league trended on social media this week following the exclusion of legendary New England Patriots former head coach Bill Belichick from the Hall of Fame as a first ballot entry, Tuberville ripped everything wrong with professional football during an appearance on “The Scott Jennings Show.”

https://x.com/JenningsShow/status/2016605057307828517?s=20

“It’s a disgrace. The people that are on that committee that did not vote for him should step down immediately because they have no business being on there,” Tuberville said on Belichick before going into the Super Bowl and the controversial halftime show featuring Puerto Rican rapper “Bad Bunny”, along with all the other issues plaguing the league.

“The NFL is in a tailspin, they have been in a tailspin [since] Colin Kaepernick took a knee and all this woke nonsense. I don’t call this the Super Bowl with this rabbit or bunny guy or whatever he is at halftime. I call it the woke bowl. It’s all about money and getting out there not representing our country, but representing themselves and showing how great they are. It’s sad how we’ve let team sports get to this point,” Tuberville said.

The game will be played next Sunday, February 8 from Santa Clara, CA at Levi’s Stadium — home of the San Francisco 49ers — between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.

As the full scope of fraud continues to come to light in Minnesota, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is working with GOP colleagues to launch a new task force aimed at rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in taxpayer-funded programs.

The new watchdog group is being formed as further discoveries are being made in Minnesota over widespread fraud in its child-care subsidy system.

The task force will focus on three areas under the committee’s jurisdiction: health care, education, and labor and pensions. Tuberville will co-lead the subcommittee examining education-related programs alongside U.S. Sen. John Husted of Ohio.

“A little more than a year ago, the American people overwhelmingly voted for President Trump’s agenda to cut out waste, fraud, and abuse from our government,” Tuberville said.

“After losing more than 19 BILLION American taxpayer dollars under Tim Walz’s watch to fake Somalian daycares, it’s evident that there’s still work to be done. We must aggressively tackle this issue from all sides to ensure corrupt politicians never misuse Americans’ hard-earned taxpayer dollars again. As Chairman of the HELP Subcommittee on Children and the American Family, I’m proud to co-lead this task force alongside Sen. Husted to make sure every cent allocated for American education reaches its intended purpose.”

The HELP Committee has also launched an online portal for Americans to report fraud involving taxpayer dollars.

Tuberville has also introduced legislation aimed at cracking down on fraud in federal child care programs. He recently joined Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, John Kennedy of Louisiana, and Rick Scott of Florida to introduce the Stop Fraud by Strengthening Oversight and More Accountability for Lying and Illegal Activity (Stop Fraud by SOMALIA) Act.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/2015861803469636071

“Taxpayer-funded, Somalian-run ‘child care centers’ in Minnesota are one of the biggest scandals in American taxpayer history,” Tuberville said.

“Governor Tim Walz is 100% responsible for this disaster. He welcomed Somalian illegals to Minnesota, handed them billions in taxpayer dollars, and then refused to ask basic questions about where the money was going. It’s beyond embarrassing and should NEVER be allowed to happen in this country. Congress needs to pass the Stop Fraud by SOMALIA Act to ensure this is the last time taxpayers have to foot the bill for illegal operations like we have seen in Minnesota.”

The legislation would amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act to impose strict penalties on child care providers who commit fraud, including mandatory permanent debarment from federal child care assistance programs, repayment of misspent funds, and required referrals for federal criminal investigations. The bill would also require states to enforce these bans and prevent providers from evading penalties through restructuring or name changes.

 Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.  You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

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.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville met with members of the Alabama National Guard deployed in Washington, D.C. earlier in December as many of the troops concluded their mission and returned home to their families ahead of Christmas.

Tuberville shared a message following the visit, saying, “Honored to meet some of the brave men and women from the Alabama National Guard who are keeping our nation’s capital safe.”

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1998435301518200854

The meeting came as Governor Kay Ivey continues to reinforce Alabama’s long-term commitment to the Guard, both through active deployments and new efforts to strengthen recruitment and readiness statewide, as the National Guard marked its annual birthday this month.

Earlier this month, Ivey signed Executive Order No. 740, reviving the Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program to support the Alabama State Military Department, which oversees the Army and Air National Guard.

“We call on the men and women of the Alabama National Guard often, so to ensure Alabama’s force stands ready, we have to continue increasing our support for them,” Ivey said.

The order directs the department to expand incentives for soldiers, airmen, retirees and qualified employees who assist with recruitment efforts that result in new enlistments, while also rewarding Guard recruiting and retention personnel who exceed annual goals.

Ivey has also authorized multiple deployments of Alabama National Guard troops to support the Trump Administration’s “Making D.C. Safe and Beautiful” mission. The first wave of 191 soldiers was mobilized in late September and is expected to return home by Christmas, with additional Guard members scheduled for deployment in the coming months.

“The safety of the United States begins and ends in our Nation’s Capital, and I am proud of the Alabamians serving to support that mission. I thank the men and women of the Alabama National Guard, as well as their families.”

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

Alabama U.S. Senator Katie Britt thinks it should come as no surprise that Birmingham is making headlines this week for its latest big-league corporate get.

It was announced yesterday that Fannie Mae, a federally chartered mortgage-finance giant, is relocating its San Francisco, California workforce to Birmingham, Alabama under the direction of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and President Donald Trump.

On Thursday, Britt (R-Montgomery) celebrated that move, saying it will result in high-quality jobs, including finance, servicing and accounting roles relocating to Alabama next year.

“I’m proud to celebrate this announcement today, which reflects the hard work and talents of Alabama’s skilled workforce and pro-jobs environment,” Senator Britt said.

“This move will not only boost economic growth in our state but will also contribute to meeting the housing needs of families across the country.”

While exact manpower figures have not yet been released, officials say Fannie Mae’s Birmingham operation is expected to open in 2026.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) first announced news of the move yesterday, describing the impact as “hundreds of jobs” coming to the Yellowhammer State.

In her role as Chairman of the U.S. Senate Banking Committee’s Housing, Transportation, and Community Development Subcommittee, Britt has been working alongside Director Pulte to address challenges with the American housing finance system, affordability, and homeownership.

RELATED: Katie Britt taking action to revive a hallmark of the American Dream: Homeownership

“As Chairman of the Housing Subcommittee, I have been dedicated to addressing our nation’s affordable housing shortage, including working with the Trump Administration to identify innovative ways to increase our housing stock and strengthen local communities,” Britt said.

“I’m proud to celebrate this announcement today, which reflects the hard work and talents of Alabama’s skilled workforce and pro-jobs environment. This move will not only boost economic growth in our state but will also contribute to meeting the housing needs of families across the country.”

Director Pulte said Britt’s housing work in Washington is already translating into results back home in Alabama and across the nation.

“Senator Britt has been a tireless advocate for Alabama and longstanding supporter of strengthening our housing finance system,” Pulte said.

As Chair of the Banking Subcommittee on Housing, she has been an invaluable partner to the FHFA as we work hard to bolster access to rural housing and grow the availability of manufactured housing. I’m incredibly thankful to both Senators Britt and Tuberville who have both made Alabama a place we’re proud to be.”

Fannie Mae, formally the Federal National Mortgage Association, plays an outsized role in the U.S. housing finance system.

It purchases mortgages from lenders and bundles them into mortgage-backed securities, a process designed to keep money flowing through the mortgage market and ultimately make it possible for more Americans to buy a home.

Next year, a segment of Fannie Mae’s workforce will be advancing that mission from Alabama.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) says Alabama just got an “early Christmas present” from President Donald Trump and Federal Housing Director Bill Pulte — and it’s coming straight out of “woke California.”

On Thursday, Tuberville announced that the Trump administration will relocate Fannie Mae’s San Francisco office to Birmingham, bringing one of the world’s largest mortgage financers out of a deep-blue coastal state and into the deep south.

“Thanks to President Trump and our collaboration with and confidence in Senator Tuberville, Fannie Mae’s San Francisco Office will be relocating to Birmingham, Alabama. Congratulations, Alabama!” Bill Pulte, Chairman of Fannie Mae and Director of the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency, said.

https://x.com/pulte/status/1999174501758554588

For decades, Birmingham has been a powerhouse in banking and finance, and home to Fortune 500 companies like Regions Financial.

In his announcement today, Sen. Tuberville said Fannie Mae’s move is a big step “to making Birmingham boom again.”

“Thanks to the leadership of President Trump and Federal Housing Director Bill Pulte, Fannie Mae is immediately leaving woke California for sweet home Alabama. Fannie Mae is one of the biggest mortgage financers in the world.

Relocating Fannie Mae from San Francisco to Birmingham will not only save taxpayers money, but it will bring jobs and opportunities to our state. Birmingham used to be the financial capital of the South and this is an important step to making Birmingham boom again,” Sen. Tuberville said.

According to recent filings, company-wide, Fannie Mae reports more than 7,000 employees nationwide.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

College football is a special sport that brings fanbases together during what is the best time of the sporting calendar every fall, especially in this region of the country.

Unlikely bonds and friendships are formed as iconic brands take the field and battle it out, but perhaps just as iconic and unlikely are bonds that are formed behind closed doors in locker rooms and on coaching staffs. Apparently, this is the case between former Ole Miss and Auburn head coach and current United States Senator, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) and former LSU national title-winning coach Ed Orgeron.

During an appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Orgeron hopped on and shared some classic stories about recruiting, his time leading the Tigers, the 2019 national title team and much more. But the most hilarious one was from way before he was LSU’s head coach, in his time as a graduate assistant where he was roommates with Tuberville:

https://x.com/bussinwtb/status/1998545039123759121?s=46

“On Wednesday nights we got travel money for the GA’s, we got 20 bucks,” Orgeron began in his thick Cajun accent. “So we go get some beer and at the end we go to Kentucky Fried Chicken and get a four piece…we allotted $2 for chicken and $18 for beer…If we got a case of beer, I would drink 22 and Tommy would drink two, that’s just the way we were. There was the four pieces of chicken and we both like the white meat and we must have did that the whole season 12 games, and I guaran-damn-tee you I ate the white meat 12 times. There was fighting over the white meat!”

Each man has found tremendous success since their days of battling over the white mean in a KFC four-piece, but it’s a fascinating insight into the lives of coaches trying to climb the ladder in the profession and how many great coaches there may be currently going through similar situations at the graduate assistant level.

For Orgeron and Tuberville, they can look back fondly at their days of arguing over chicken and beer and know it was the foundation of helping each find their own success later in life.

The College Football Playoff field is set, and — as always — it did not come without controversy.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish were left out of the field entirely in favor of the Alabama Crimson Tide and Miami Hurricanes. Fans and analysts across college football seem to have some strong thoughts on whether or not it was justified.

All three teams finished 10-2 in the regular season. While Notre Dame may just be the best team of the three at this point, they lost head-to-head to Miami, leaving the committee with a tough call.

U.S. Senator and former longtime college football coach Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) offered his thoughts, dismissing the Irish’s case during an appearance with Will Cain on Fox News:

https://x.com/WillCainShow/status/1998153304010883516?s=20

“You shouldn’t lose ground because you played in a championship game. Notre Dame needs to get into a conference,” Tuberville said, referencing the program’s independent status. “At the end of the day, they don’t have a conference championship game…they’ve got a good football program, they’ve got a good team this year. They can’t win a national championship.”

The Irish did make the national title game last season, but ultimately, they were defeated by Ohio State in a game that was not all that close.

Now, Notre Dame will have to wait until next year to try to avenge that loss.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joked today that Lane Kiffin, LSU’s new head coach, did the same thing he did when he left Ole Miss for Auburn over two decades ago.

“He left in a pine box,” Tuberville reported told Capitol Hill reporter Eric Garcia of the Independent. 

https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/1996312768702747046?s=20

In 1998, Tuberville famously told media at the time, while denying his interest in the Auburn job, the only way he was going to leave Oxford would be “in a pine box” — less than a week before he packed up and headed to the Plains.

Kiffin, while he never said he was not leaving Ole Miss in the lead up to his abrupt departure to LSU this weekend, will go down much less favorably in the history books.

For Kiffin, he left during a historic season for the program ahead of his team’s first-ever appearance in the College Football Playoff.

His run as head coach of the Rebels, despite being the best stretch in the school’s football history, will always be remembered for the way it ended: On a tarmac. In a pine box.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.

Leaders from Washington to Montgomery are praising Alabama Power’s new two-year rate stability plan approved by the Alabama Public Service Commission, calling it a major step toward keeping power affordable as families continue to feel the sting of high prices nationwide.

The PSC voted Tuesday to approve Alabama Power’s proposal to hold several major adjustable rate factors at current levels through 2026 and 2027 to lock in what commissioners described during the meeting as a needed period of predictability for customers.

Following the decision, Governor Kay Ivey said the move helps Alabama stay ahead of the curve on cost of living and economic competitiveness.

“As prices are going up all over the country, this action in Alabama ensures we remain leaders in affordability and reliability,” Governor Ivey wrote.

“I thank the PSC for making wise decisions for the people and businesses that make our state great.”

https://x.com/GovernorKayIvey/status/1995975287516135951

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville said the efforts of the company and commission is both proof and in service of American energy dominance.

“I’m glad to see Alabama Power freezing rates for two years through 2027,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) said. “We have an abundance of riches in Alabama when it comes to energy, including coal, natural gas, hydro and nuclear power plants. But moving forward, we have to focus on cutting regulations.”

“Alabama has the opportunity to lead the nation in recruiting new manufacturing and jobs while focusing on a lower cost of living for our citizens and providing them with more opportunities for a higher standard of living,” he said.

https://x.com/SenTuberville/status/1995957469982454205

The plan approved by the PSC also includes steps designed to protect customers from storm-related cost spikes, such as action involving Alabama Power’s Natural Disaster Reserve to better prepare for future severe weather costs.

The Alabama Farmers Federation, representing over 350,000 member families across all 67 counties, also weighed in on Tuesday’s vote.

“While all Alabamians are dealing with the lingering effects of inflation, farmers have been hit especially hard. Commodity prices are at record lows, and farmers can’t pass along rising production costs,” Federation President Jimmy Parnell said.

“Keeping electricity rates stable through 2027 is good news for all farmers, particularly those who rely on Alabama Power for everything from poultry house ventilation and greenhouse fans to catfish pond aeration and irrigation pumps,” Parnell added.

https://x.com/AlfaFarmers/status/1995962271877792116

Clay Scofield, President and CEO of the Energy Institute of Alabama, and former GOP Majority Leader of the Alabama Senate, said the decision sends a strong signal to households and employers that Alabama is making cost stability a top priority.

“Energy isn’t just important — it is the backbone of Alabama’s economy.”

“By approving this multiyear rate stability plan, the Commission and Alabama Power have taken decisive action to give Alabama families and businesses the certainty they deserve. This is the kind of leadership that keeps Alabama growing.”

“And as always, we are deeply grateful to our utilities and the lineworkers who show up every single day to keep our lights on and our economy moving forward,” Scofield added.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

Former Alabama Democrat U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) has reportedly taken the first official step toward running for Governor of Alabama in 2026.

According to the Alabama Political Reporter, Jones has “quietly filed paperwork with the Alabama Secretary of State’s Office to run for governor,” and the state’s leading Democrats are already converging to give him a boost.

His campaign confirmed the filing to APR on Monday, saying only that “Doug believes Alabama deserves leadership that listens, unites, and delivers real results.”

Two of the state’s most high-profile Democrats, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) and Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D-Huntsville) also provided statements praising Jones’ longshot candidacy to the governor’s mansion.

“I am excited that Doug is entering the governor’s race. He will elevate the entire democratic ticket statewide,” Sewell told APR.

“He was a terrific senator and is a well-respected legislator, attorney, and solid fundraiser who has the smarts, connections, and dogged determination to take on Senator Tuberville,” she said. “Doug has beaten the Republican machine before, and he cannot be counted out. I am grateful for his willingness to serve the people of Alabama.”

RELATED: POLL: A Doug Jones vs. Tommy Tuberville gubernatorial rematch in 2026 would be another massive blowout

“Having a quality candidate, like Doug, who generates excitement at the top of the ticket is very important for the entire party,” Anthony Daniels also told APR .

“That’s especially true when that candidate is also very pro-worker and pro-growth, like Doug. In this current climate, a lot of working folks are realizing that they’ve been getting a raw deal at the national level and they’re looking for other options.

“People want candidates who have their best interests at heart. Having a serious challenge at the top of the ticket will ensure candidates get the attention they deserve. And it hopefully gives us an opportunity to provide the government the people of this state deserve — one that addresses kitchen table issues that works for the average Alabamian and their family,” Daniels said.

Jones is reportedly in search of an event venue to hold a campaign kickoff rally on December 12, likely in Birmingham, near where Jones lives in Mountain Brook.

Tuberville’s top spokesperson, Mallory Jaspers, offered a dose of reality on Monday morning as news spread that Jones was making his bid official.

“Last time Doug Jones ran against Coach Tuberville, it didn’t go well for Doug,” Jaspers wrote. “Coach has spent the past six months building coalitions across the state, securing endorsements from every key player in Alabama politics, and shattering fundraising records.”

“This race is already over — but if Comrade Doug wants to get blown out again, be our guest.”

https://x.com/MalloryJaspers/status/1992982387844637035

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) easily dispatched Jones by a 60/40 margin in the November 2020 primary election when Jones was an incumbent Democrat on the ballot.

Currently, Tuberville has over $6 million in his campaign war chest and no real primary competition in sight.

Jones is entering a crowded field of Democrat contenders, including Chad “Chig” Martin, Dr. Will Boyd, and JaMel Jermaine Brown.

Party primary elections will be held on May 19, 2026, and general election, the likely venue of a Tuberville vs. Jones rematch, will be held on November 3, 2026.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

When I was in college, if we needed a ride, we would either call a friend or walk home. These days, however, millions of Americans rely on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft.

And the truth is, many of us get into a rideshare vehicle without any clue who is behind the wheel.

As someone who has spent a large part of my life in college towns and the past few years in Washington D.C., I know just how important rideshare drivers have become. While these apps provide a great service, they can also pose a serious threat to many passengers.

I have heard from countless people who have had negative—and sometimes even scary—rideshare experiences. If you have ever used Uber or Lyft in a big city like D.C. or New York, you have likely experienced a driver who doesn’t speak English.

This begs further questions—is the driver able to read and obey road signs? If something goes wrong, would this driver be able to communicate what is going on or ask for help? Not to mention that some of these non-English speaking drivers don’t adhere to basic rules of the road.

That’s why I decided to do something about it. I introduced the Understanding Basic English Requirements (UBER) Act in the Senate.

It’s pretty simple—if you are going to drive for rideshare services like Uber or Lyft in the United States, you need to be able to speak our official language. If you want to live and work here, you should be proficient in English. This isn’t just commonsense—it’s potentially life-saving for both drivers and passengers.

People may not know this but rideshare companies like Uber can receive taxpayer dollars through contracts with the federal government. So, this isn’t just about safety—it’s also about holding these companies accountable to the American people.

If they don’t enforce English-literacy standards, they should have to face the consequences.

My bill would make sure no rideshare platform receives a federal contract for at least five years if they are unwilling to comply.

This legislation also requires rideshare companies to make their drivers meet the same federal minimum standards as Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders to ensure an extra layer of safety for Americans. These companies have an obligation to protect their passengers by making sure their drivers are vetted and proven to be safe on the road.

The reality is, people will do anything to make their lives easier. And because these huge companies know that consumers will pay for convenience, they have taken our safety for granted.

While using taxpayer-funded grants, rideshare platforms have hired drivers who cannot read a stop sign. This is not to mention the real concerns about if some of these drivers are even here legally. Is this who you want driving your family? I sure don’t.

If these platforms are going to benefit from taxpayer dollars through these contracts, they should be held accountable for who they are putting behind the wheel.

Unfortunately, these problems aren’t limited to rideshare platforms. There have recently been multiple fatal crashes involving commercial truck drivers who don’t speak English.

Just a few months ago, Thomasville, Alabama was the site of a fatal crash where two people were killed and four others were injured because of a Ukrainian truck driver who doesn’t speak our language.

That’s why I also introduced the Secure Commercial Licensing Act, which would require all commercial driver’s license testing to be conducted in English only.

You’d think these commonsense bills wouldn’t be controversial. Unfortunately, many of my Senate colleagues seem to care more about making illegal aliens comfortable than they do the wellbeing of their own constituents.

Too many accidents are happening as a result of non-English speaking drivers who should have never received their licenses in the first place. I’ll never stop fighting to make sure Alabamians feel safe when they call an Uber or get on the road.

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville is the senior senator from Alabama, a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans Affairs committee, and a candidate for Governor of Alabama in 2026.

Fresh polling shows U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville issuing another beatdown against former Democrat U.S. Senator Doug Jones (D-Mountain Brook) in a hypothetical 2026 matchup for Governor of Alabama.

According to a memo from Cygnal, one of the nation’s top polling firms, Tuberville (R-Auburn) leads Jones 53% to 34% among likely 2026 general election voters.

“Former U.S. Senator Doug Jones was beat by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville in the 2020 election, a race that saw one of the largest defeats for a sitting U.S. Senator in recent history. If Jones decides to go on a futile mission in the 2026 gubernatorial election, he will meet a blowout defeat,” Cygnal reports.

Additional metrics show Tuberville dominating Jones on the ballot as he mulls a run for the state’s top office.

A year out, Tuberville is already performing at the margin Ivey won by in her first election in 2018, Cygnal reports. Tuberville kicked off his campaign officially over the summer and has reported blockbuster campaign fundraising hauls.

According to his latest filing, Tuberville’s campaign has $6,262,614.25 cash on hand.

The latest polling figures pretty much replicate Tuberville’s domination (60.1%) of Jones (39.7%) in the 2020 blowout that ended Democrats’ brief control of an Alabama U.S. Senate seat.

According to Cygnal, swing voters are breaking for Tuberville at a 2:1 ratio – 46% compared to Jones’ 21%.

Tuberville performs well with high-propensity voters, those who voted in 4 of the last 4 elections, with 57% supporting him compared to Jones’ 36% — a 21-point margin.

Also according to the poll, two thirds of Alabama general election voters said the U.S. government shutdown did not affect them personally, however, those most likely to say they were affected are self-identifying Democrats.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.

Former Auburn Tigers head coach, current U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville, and frontrunner to become Governor of Alabama in 2026 is being inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class, announced on Monday.

Tuberville was named alongside fellow 2026 inductees:

• Former Major League Baseball star pitcher Jeff Brantley

• His former Auburn quarterback Jason Campbell

• Former Alabama Crimson Tide and Cincinnati Bengals standout defensive lineman John Copeland

• Legendary Auburn head women’s golf coach Kim Evans

• Former Alabama and Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Evan Mathis

• Former Alabama and Canadian Football League standout Ray Odums

• Recently retired three-decade UAH head softball coach Les Stuedeman

https://x.com/ashof/status/1990435205178405179?s=46

Campbell would go on to play nine seasons in the NFL with five different teams after being selected in the first round of the draft.

During his time at Auburn, Tuberville led the Tigers to a record of 85–40 with a 50-30 record in SEC play including five bowl wins and six straight victories in the Iron Bowl over Alabama.

His 13-0 2004 team — which was quarterbacked by Campbell — being left out of the national title game despite not losing during the year is considered one of the greatest injustices in the history of the sport.

Auburn made headlines in the offseason when they claimed a national title for the season and Tuberville was among the first to congratulate his players for the honor.

Tuberville also spent time as the head coach of Ole Miss, Texas Tech and Cincinnati and compiled an overall head coaching record of 159-99.

On Monday, Tuberville thanked the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame.

“It was an honor to educate, mentor, and teach my players the importance of grit, perseverance, and hard work,” Tuberville (R-Auburn) wrote. “War Eagle.”

https://x.com/CoachForGov/status/1990489191785115842

The ceremony will be held in Birmingham at the Hall of Fame on May 9, 2026.

Michael Brauner is a Senior Sports Analyst and Contributing Writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @MBraunerWNSP and hear him every weekday morning from 6 to 9 a.m. on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5, available free online.