A.J. McCarron Ends Lt. Gov. Bid to Become Coach of Birmingham Stallions
A.J. McCarron, former University of Alabama quarterback and two-time national champion, has decided to step down from his campaign for Alabama’s lieutenant governor to pursue a career in coaching. McCarron, who was competing in a crowded GOP primary for the state’s second-highest office, made the announcement in a statement today. He revealed that he has been appointed head coach of the Birmingham Stallions, a professional football team in the United Football League.
Senate Judiciary Democrats Call for Hearing on Caribbean Boat Strikes
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee are urging Republicans to hold hearings regarding the Trump administration’s controversial military strikes on boats in the Caribbean, which have resulted in the deaths of at least 95 individuals in 25 different operations. In a letter to Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the committee highlighted concerns over what they described as extrajudicial killings. The strikes, primarily targeting alleged drug traffickers, have raised questions about the legality and ethics of the actions, with Democrats asserting that these operations violate both U.S. and international law.
Led by Ranking Member Dick Durbin, D-Ill., the letter criticized the administration’s justification of the strikes, which claims that those killed were involved in terrorism or criminal activity, labeling them “combatants” in an undefined armed conflict. The committee members argued that this rationale is insufficient to justify what they termed as unlawful state-sanctioned executions.
Trump Launches ‘Freedom 250’ for U.S. 250th Anniversary Celebrations
Former President Donald Trump has launched a new, nonpartisan initiative called “Freedom 250” in honor of the United States’ upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. According to the press release, the group will coordinate a series of events next year to commemorate the nation’s founding.
These celebrations will include a “Great American State Fair” on the National Mall from June 25 to July 10, alongside a major address from Trump on the Fourth of July. Other planned events include a new “Patriot Games” for high school athletes in the fall and a parade for Memorial Day. The group has also promised a UFC event at the White House on Flag Day, which also coincides with Trump’s birthday.
Trump Media to Merge with Fusion Power Company
Trump Media & Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, will merge with TAE Technologies, a leader in nuclear fusion technology, in an all-stock deal valued at over $6 billion. The merger will create one of the first publicly traded companies focused on nuclear fusion.
Devin Nunes, who left Congress in 2021 to lead Trump Media, will serve as co-CEO alongside TAE Technologies’ CEO Michl Binderbauer. Despite a significant drop in Trump Media’s stock this year, shares rose 20% ahead of the announcement.
Trump to Sign National Defense Authorization Act
Former President Trump is set to sign the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) today, following its passage in both the House and Senate. The bill outlines military funding and programs for the upcoming fiscal year.
One notable provision in the NDAA restricts the travel budget of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to 75% unless he provides the House and Senate Armed Services Committees with unedited video footage of military strikes against designated terrorist groups in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of operations.
Trump Defends His Economic Policies in Prime-Time Address
In a prime-time speech yesterday, President Trump defended his economic policies in the face of falling approval ratings. He boasted about the success of his economic plan, arguing that it is slowly improving the country’s financial state.
Trump, who spoke for 18 minutes, used the occasion to criticize his predecessor, President Joe Biden, and highlight improvements in key areas such as lower prices for eggs, Thanksgiving turkeys, and airline tickets. He also introduced a new initiative: a $1,776 “warrior dividend” for nearly 1.5 million military service members, commemorating the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Additionally, he claimed that his administration had made more money than anticipated, largely due to tariffs. The speech served as a platform for Trump to reinforce his message about the need for patience as his policies take effect and to position himself as the one to fix what he described as the “mess” left by the previous administration.
