Alabama News

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Trump pulls Congresswoman’s Cabinet nomination out of fear of losing seat to Democrat

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he was pulling Rep. Elise Stefanik’s nomination to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, a stunning turnaround for his Cabinet pick after her confirmation had been stalled over concerns about Republicans’ tight margins in the House.

Trump confirmed he was withdrawing the New York Republican’s nomination in a Truth Social post, saying that it was “essential that we maintain EVERY Republican Seat in Congress.”

“We must be unified to accomplish our Mission, and Elise Stefanik has been a vital part of our efforts from the very beginning. I have asked Elise, as one of my biggest Allies, to remain in Congress,” the president said, without mentioning who he would nominate as a replacement for his last remaining Cabinet seat.

Stefanik’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump had tapped Stefanik to represent the U.S. at the international body shortly after winning reelection in November. She was seen as among the least controversial Cabinet picks, and her nomination advanced out of committee in late January, but House Republicans’ razor-thin majority kept her ultimate confirmation in a state of purgatory for the last several months.

In recent weeks, it had seemed as if Stefanik’s nomination would advance to the Senate floor, given two U.S. House special elections in Florida in districts that Trump easily won in 2024. Filling those vacant GOP seats would have allowed Stefanik to finally resign from the House and given Republicans, who currently hold 218 seats, a little more breathing room on passing legislation in a growingly divided Congress. Democrats hold 213 seats.

But Democrats’ upset in a Tuesday special election for a Pennsylvania state Senate seat in Republican-leaning suburbs and farming communities surely gave the GOP pause.

Stefanik is the fourth Trump administration nominee who didn’t make it through the confirmation process. Previously, former U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general, Chad Chronister was pulled for the Drug Enforcement Administration and former Florida congressman Dr. David Weldon was yanked from contention to lead the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The former congresswoman had been in a state of limbo for months, not able to engage in her official duties as a member of the 119th Congress or to participate in the action at the U.N. The vacancy of a permanent U.S. ambassador was happening at a critical moment for the international body as the world leaders had been discussing the two major wars between Russia and Ukraine and Israel and Hamas.

In late February, the U.S. mission, under Trump, split with its European allies by refusing to blame Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in votes on three U.N. resolutions seeking an end to the three-year war. Dorothy Shea, the deputy U.S. ambassador to the U.N., has been the face of America’s mission in New York during the transition.

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More people are staying longer in Starbucks: Here’s why

Starbucks has plans to return to its roots as a community coffeehouse.

Earlier this year, the coffee chain announced a wave of changes, including reserving bathrooms for paying customers and downsizing its overly complex menu.

Another change: Offering free refills of hot or iced coffee to customers, as long as they order the beverage to drink on the premises.

Starbucks said the free refills strategy is working and more customers are sticking around.

The coffee chain told Axios that over the past three weeks, “the number of customers who choose ceramic mugs and glasses to sit and stay in cafes has on average increased by more than 3 (times) in the U.S.”

Axios reports Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said he was “pleased at the early reaction to changes we’ve made from both customers and partners.”

Niccol, who joined the company in September, is focused on implementing a wave of changes to reposition the coffee chain after a turbulent year, reports the Wall Street Journal.

“We will be the community coffeehouse known for great coffee,” Niccol told employees at an internal meeting in 2024.

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What we know today about Alireza Doroudi, Alabama graduate student detained by ICE

A University of Alabama student was detained by immigration officials and held in a rural Alabama jail this week.

Court records Thursday showed that Alireza Doroudi, a mechanical engineering doctoral student originally from Iran, was being held at the Pickens County Jail in Alabama.

AL.com contacted Doroudi’s attorney, David Rozas, but Rozas’s office said he could not comment on the case at this time.

Rozas is a criminal and immigration lawyer based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

No formal charge was listed in court records on Thursday. Doroudi previously had a speeding ticket in Tuscaloosa County.

Public records indicate that Doroudi had lived in an apartment in downtown Tuscaloosa since 2023. The property manager for his apartment did not respond to a request for comment from AL.com.

The University of Alabama enrolled about 1,200 international students in the fall 2024 semester, according to a recent report, and 90 of those students were from Iran. Across Alabama, about 9,000 international students were enrolled at different universities, according to the Alabama Council on Higher Education.

Why was Alireza Doroudi detained?

We don’t know a reason right now. Public records from U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement do not detail any specifics.

What is the University of Alabama saying?

A spokesperson for the university confirmed on Wednesday that a doctoral student had been detained off campus by federal immigration authorities, but declined to name the student, citing privacy protections.

What are other people saying?

The National Iranian American Council, an advocacy organization, issued a statement March 27.

“We are deeply disturbed by the arrest of Alireza Doroudi, a doctoral student at the University of Alabama, by ICE agents. At a minimum, ICE must make his whereabouts known and make clear if he has been charged with any crime. If not, he should be immediately released,” the organization wrote.

University of Alabama College Democrats also issued a statement.

“Donald Trump, [ICE Acting Director] Tom Homan and ICE have struck a cold vicious dagger through the heart of UA’s international community,” the organization wrote. “As far as we know right now, ICE is yet to provide any justification for their actions, so wea re not sure if this persecution is politically motivated as has been seen in other universities across the country.”

What happens next in the immigration or deportation process?

People picked up in Alabama in connection to an immigration charge typically are held in a local jail for a few days and then transported to Louisiana for processing.

What should international students know about immigration enforcement?

Immigration rules are complicated and students should research their university’s policies and any updated state or federal guidelines.

University of Alabama guidelines for international student orientation say that students may have an expired visa as long as they maintain their studies. The school’s International Students and Scholars Service supports people on F-1 and J-1 visas.

AL.com contacted the ISSS office who directed comments to the university’s communications office.

ICE agents may be in public spaces on university campuses. They typically need a warrant in order to enter private spaces, such as a home or residence hall.

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Birmingham drag bar and restaurant opening in former Hush Lounge location

A drag bar and eatery is planning to open later this year in Five Points South at the site of a deadly mass shooting last September.

Opulence Drag Lounge & Taqueria on Magnolia Avenue will be located at the former site of the Hush Lounge, where a September 2024 mass shooting left four people dead and at least 17 injured on the sidewalk outside.

Scott Charby and his business partner Wade Brooks are hoping to open in time for Pride Month in June. The club is currently being remodeled.

Opulence will be a taco bar from 10 a.m. through 7 p.m., with drag entertainment through the evening, and a full-service bar and dinner menu through the night. The owners also intend to host drag brunches on Saturday and Sunday.

Opulence will have a capacity of roughly 160 to 180 people.

“We wanted to make sure we had a good restaurant menu,” Charby said.

“We’ll have early shows and later night shows as well. We really want to be inclusive to all types of drag, all LGBTQ community people and allies, as well as people who are just looking for good entertainment.”

That means celebrity impersonators, celebrity entertainers, group performers and a wide variety of different styles of drag.

“And even non-drag,” he said. “As long as it works and is respectful and it’s inclusive, we’ll be happy to look at it. Obviously, it won’t all fit but we really want to be involved with any possible group that wants to be involved with us as well.”

Hush Lounge and the nearby Sleek Sports Bar closed in December. The nightspot, known for its hookah, bottle service, parties, and DJs had just celebrated its fifth-year anniversary last June.

But the shooting claimed the lives of Carlos McCain, 27, Roderick Lynn Patterson Jr., 26, Anitra Holloman, 21, and Tahj Booker, 27.

Damien Laron McDaniel III, 22, charged with killing 14 people and wounding 30 others over a span of 14 months, was the only person charged in the Hush case until last week.

Ny’Quan Lollar, 22, and Crishawn Ja’mel McLemore-Bruce, 23, are charged with capital murder of two or more people, and with 17 counts of first-degree assault for those who were injured.

Charby said there was some trepidation about opening at the scene of the deadly shooting.

But he was interested in contributing to the revitalization of the Five Points area. The owners also plan on several security measures for the lounge.

Connor Sanburn, Five Points South district manager for REV Birmingham, the addition of Opulence to Pickwick Place and Five Points South is important. Sauce and Suds is also expected to open soon on 20th Street South.

“The owner has already done a great job to get to know the people around him,” Sanburn said.

“Everyone’s very excited for something like this to go in there. We’re excited to see new businesses coming to Five Points. We’ve still got work to do, but this is just one stepping stone to continued recovery.”

Charby said he has spent several weeks meeting with neighboring businesses.

“We want to be a part of the community,” Charby said.

“We knew we wanted to be downtown. We weren’t there five minutes after putting up the ‘coming soon’ banner after we signed the lease when we had multiple different business owners pop out and welcome us, which was pretty amazing. We wanted to make sure that what we’re doing isn’t going to have any negative impact on the neighborhood.”

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140 jobs at risk as Trump, DOGE cut $190M Alabama health department grant, Rep. Sewell says

Alabama has lost $190 million to fight infectious diseases as a result of cuts by the Trump administration.

U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham, said 140 employees of the Alabama Department of Public Health could lose their jobs because of the funding cut, which was implemented “without warning.”

“What this means is investigations of outbreaks in prisons and nursing homes and daycare are gonna go without personnel to actually do those investigations,” said Sewell, who is calling on Alabama’s Republican congressional delegation to push back against the decision. “There’s currently an outbreak of measles that hasn’t come to the state of Alabama yet, but lack of workforce in county health departments means that so many communicable diseases may go undetected. It will affect the most vulnerable in our communities.”

In a post on X on Thursday, Sewell said the funding, which came from the Centers for Disease Control, was cut, effective immediately, as of Monday. According to Sewell, the cut “means we will lose personnel in county health departments all across the state of Alabama.”

According to ADPH, the grant was related to COVID-19. The department said they have been expecting funding reductions or cuts as the pandemic dies down.

“ADPH has already made a number of staffing and budget adjustments to accommodate changes in funding,” a spokesperson said in an email to AL.com. “In light of this information, ADPH will continue to review its plans and take measures to protect and promote the health and well being of the citizens of Alabama. This is the information that ADPH can provide, at the moment, related to these changes.”

The state agency did not comment further on the details provided by Sewell.

Sewell, who called the funding decision “unacceptable,” said it was the latest cut by Elon Musk, who leads the so-called Department of Government Efficiency.

“The state public health department is scrounging to find alternative funding and I really hope our senators are listening and are going to do something to push back against these horrible cuts,” Sewell said.

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Walmart’s $500 Segmart gas grill is on sale for just $169 this week

With grilling season just around the corner, right now is a great time to take advantage of limited time deals on grills and griddles during Walmart Super Savings Week.

During this online sale, Walmart customers can get the Segmart 4-Burner Gas Grill for just $169 compared to its list price of its original list price of $500. You can also get the 3-burner Segmart grill on sale for $149.

Walmart+ members will also get free shipping on all orders among other benefits. Those who want to try Walmart+ can get a 30-day free trial upon sign up.

RELATED: Walmart just dropped a huge deal on the Blackstone ProSeries XL Griddle

The Segmart 4-Burner Gas Grill is also a top-rated item with an overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Walmart’s website from over 200 reviews.

“A very convenient and fast gas grill! It ignites in seconds, cooks food evenly, and gives dishes a fantastic flavor. Perfect for picnics and family barbecues!” a March 2025 review states.

“I bought this grill online because it’s a very good deal, and I was pleasantly surprised by the heavy duty quality and performance of this product. It is sturdy and easy to clean up. The grill has wheels for easy mobility and a cover for protection. It is easy to put together as the instructions are easy to understand and details, it took me only 15 minutes. I am satisfied with the purchase,” another recent review states.

Those interested in this deal can checkout the full listing on Walmart’s website here.

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Former Tennessee coach sues NCAA in Alabama for $100 million for ‘making him sacrificial lamb’

Jeremy Pruitt has filed a $100 million lawsuit in DeKalb County against the NCAA.

The former Tennessee head football coach and former Alabama assistant is suing for lost wages, according to documents obtained Yahoo Sports.

In the complaint, Pruitt, per reporter Ross Dellenger, claims that the NCAA “conspired with Tennessee” to make him a “sacrificial lamb” for rules violations.

Pruitt, who was fired from Tennessee in 2021, received a six-year, show-cause order for what the NCAA Committee on Infractions termed “aggravated” violations during his tenure as Tennessee coach.

As reported by AL.com, Pruitt and several members of his Volunteers staff were charged with 18 NCAA violations that encompassed more than 200 individual infractions involving 29 recruits and their families and 10 active players that occurred from 2018-20. Among the charges were impermissible cash and benefits totaling more than $60,000, as well as recruiting during the NCAA-mandated COVID-19 dead period.

Pruitt claims, however, Tennessee was illegally paying players before he arrived. He also claims to have reported multiple violations in 2017 to then-Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer.

Per Yahoo, Fulmer told Pruitt that “he would handle it,” according to the complaint.

Pruitt said the NCAA applied rules against him in 2023 that “had been essentially abolished in 2021 by the United States Supreme Court ruling.”

Tennessee as an institution was placed on five years probation, fined $8 million, saw its scholarships reduced by 28 over a five-year period, must vacate all victories in which ineligible student-athletes participated and was hit with various recruiting restrictions, but did not receive a postseason ban. The school, which had already self-imposed numerous penalties, was charged with “Failure to Monitor” its football program.

According to the Committee on Infractions, Pruitt and his Tennessee staff engaged in “paid unofficial visit scheme” that was against NCAA rules and involved 12 members of the football staff, 29 recruits, 39 members of their families, 10 active players, three family members of players, nine of those recruits’ coaches and three boosters. Included in the scheme were “110 impermissible hotel room nights, 180 impermissible meals, 72 instances of providing impermissible entertainment or other benefits, 41 impermissible recruiting contacts, 37 instances of providing impermissible game day parking, and 14 times in which gear was impermissibly provided to prospects.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.

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Teen facing 2 murder charges now arrested in fatal shooting at Birmingham Airbnb

Two suspects have been charged in a fatal shooting at a Birmingham Airbnb, including a teen who is already charged in two other murders.

Cameron Scales, 19, and Daveon Dortch, 20, are charged with capital murder in the 2024 slaying of 21-year-old Phong “Timmy” Nguyen.

Scales, whose sister Anitra Holloman was killed in the Hush lounge mass shooting, is among three people charged with capital murder in June 2024 slaying on First Avenue North near East Lake Park and the May 2024 shooting of a teen outside his family’s west Birmingham home.

Scales’ mother previously told AL.com he is innocent.

Nguyen was killed March 3, 2024. West Precinct officers were dispatched at 2:35 a.m. to a report of a person shot in the 900 block of Dugan Avenue.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said police entered the house and found Nguyen unresponsive inside. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service pronounced him dead on the scene.

The house where the shooting happened was a short-term rental Airbnb. There was a party or gathering being held there when someone fired shots.

A motive has not been disclosed.

Officer Truman Fitzgerald said the warrants against Scales and Dortch were issued Tuesday.

Scales is already being held without bond in the Jefferson County Jail because of his previous murder charges.

The U.S. Marshals Southeast Regional Fugitive Task Force and Birmingham officers arrested Dortch in Atlanta. He is awaiting extradition.

“This shows that you will be sought no matter where you are,” Interim Police Chief Michael Pickett said.

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New docuseries ‘Accused: Did I Do It?’ series premiere: How to watch, where to stream free

The brand new crime docuseries Accused: Did I Do It? premieres on A&E Thursday, March 27 at 10/9c.

The A&E original series follows the high-stakes stories of individuals who stood trial and are facing charges for serious offenses such as first-degree murder, manslaughter, domestic terrorism and aggravated assault. Every piece of evidence may lead to an answer, but the truth is never quite clear until the final moment of reveal.

Intimately filmed in prisons and homes across the U.S., the location of the accused is kept a mystery as the story unfolds. Key turning points, evidence and decisions that led to charges and eventual verdicts are pieced together with nail-biting testimony, explosive trial footage and interviews with their defense attorneys and family members.

The series premiere episode titled “Pocketknife Killer of Vulnerable Vacationer?” shows when a day out on the river with friends ends in a deadly encounter when a man stabs five people with a pocketknife following a terrifying confrontation. Later, the defense argues the man believed his life was in danger and acted in self-defense.

Where can I watch Accused: Did I Do It? season 1?

Those interested in catching this chilling true-crime series can stream the show for free through Philo or DirecTV Stream—both of which have free trials set up for new subscribers. Out of the two, Philo is the cheaper option at just $28 a month after its free trial concludes.

The A&E original docuseries is also available for streaming through Sling. Although there is no free trial through Sling, new subscribers receive half off their first month when they commit to a paid plan.

What is Philo?

Philo is one of the cheapest basic cable alternatives out there. Users can access over 70 live TV channels for just $28 a month after its 7-day free trial.

Some of the most popular channels available through Philo include MTV, AMC, HGTV, Discovery Channel, CMT, TLC, BET and more. Users can stream these channels and various movies/TV shows on-demand.

Philo subscribers can take advantage of useful features such as the unlimited DVR option which makes recording favorite content simple.

What is DirecTV Stream?

DirecTV Stream offers subscribers with a plethora of live TV channels and helpful features, too. The Entertainment package, also known as DirecTV Stream’s base package, starts at just $86.99 a month after its 5-day free trial and includes popular TV channels such as HGTV, ESPN, Bravo, CMT, CNBC, BET, CNN and more.

Two other DirecTV Stream packages are the Choice package (original price $114.99) and the Ultimate package (original price $129.99), both of which are part of an ongoing promotion that offers new subscribers $25 off the original price for the first three months of their subscription.

Those interested in comparing all DirecTV Stream’s channel packages can check them out here.

What is Sling?

Sling is another streaming service to consider if you want to stream live TV channels like A&E. Though no free trial is available to new subscribers, those interested in committing to a paid plan get half off the first month.

Both the Sling Orange plan and the Sling Blue plan are normally $45.99 a month, but with the current promotion, Sling users will pay just $23 a month for the first month.

For those who wish to access channels from both the Sling Blue and Sling Orange plans can do so by signing up for the Orange + Blue plan, which combines the best of both plans for just $60.99 a month ($30.50 for the first month).

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Watch Pete Hegseth do a spot-on Donald Trump impression

Perhaps Pete Hegseth has a future as a comedian specializing in impressions of his current boss if the whole defense secretary thing doesn’t work out.

While touring Andersen Air Force Base in Guam, Hegseth put on his best Donald Trump impersonation while relaying the advice the president gave him upon leading the Pentagon.

“When the president told me to do this job, he told me two things upfront – amongst many. He said, ‘Pete, you’re gonna have to be tough as shit,‘” Hegseth said to laughter.

Returning to his normal speaking voice, the defense secretary said Trump told him “‘you’re gonna have to be tough.’ And that has proven to be true.

“But, No. 2, he said, ‘I need you, I want you to restore the warrior ethos to our military,” Hegseth continued. “Get it back to basics: warfighting, lethality, accountability, readiness, standards. Across our formations …”

Hegseth was in Guam as part of a tour of Indo-Pacicific Command, which also includes military bases in Alaska, Hawaii and Japan.

The secretary is facing criticism from Democrats for detailing parts of a military operation over group text that included a reporter.

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