U.S. Patriot Missile Stockpiles Severely Strained After Iran Conflict, Raising Pentagon Readiness Concerns

New CSIS analysis warns the United States may have expended nearly two-thirds of its Patriot interceptor inventory during operations against Iran, highlighting growing concerns over air-defense readiness, missile production capacity, and the ability to respond to future global conflicts.

WASHINGTON | A new analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) concludes that the recent conflict with Iran significantly reduced America's inventory of advanced air-defense interceptors, raising concerns about the U.S. military's ability to sustain another major conflict before production replenishes critical stockpiles.

Using publicly available information on missile expenditures, production rates, and estimated inventory levels, CSIS analysts estimate the United States has expended approximately 65% of its Patriot interceptor inventory, leaving fewer than 1,000 Patriot missiles available for future operations.

The report also estimates that inventories of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors have declined by roughly 38%, leaving an estimated 234 to 278 interceptors available for deployment.

While the Pentagon has not publicly confirmed the inventory estimates or the methodology used in the report, defense experts say the findings underscore a growing challenge confronting the U.S. military: maintaining global readiness while supporting sustained high-intensity operations.

Texas Volleyball Stars Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears Earn Spots on 2026 AVCA Player of the Year Preseason Watch List

Longhorn standouts join an elite group of 30 student-athletes nationwide as Texas continues its tradition of producing national volleyball award contenders entering the 2026 NCAA season.

AUSTIN, Texas | The University of Texas enters the 2026 women's volleyball season with two of the nation's premier players already receiving national recognition, as Torrey Stafford and Cari Spears have been selected to the 2026 American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Division I Women's Volleyball Player of the Year Preseason Watch List.

The announcement places both Longhorns among 30 of the nation's top collegiate volleyball players representing 16 Division I programs, underscoring Texas' continued status as one of the sport's elite programs. Compiled by the AVCA Division I Women's Volleyball Awards Committee, the preseason watch list serves as the opening stage in the organization's annual Player of the Year selection process.

For Texas, the recognition extends an impressive streak: the Longhorns have placed at least one player on every AVCA preseason watch list since the honor debuted in 2024.

Torrey Stafford Returns as One of College Volleyball's Elite Veterans

Senior outside hitter Torrey Stafford enters the 2026 campaign as one of the nation's most accomplished players.

The Torrance, California, native earned AVCA First Team All-America honors for the second consecutive season in 2025 after leading Texas in several offensive categories. Stafford recorded:

• 516 kills
• 33 service aces
• 580.5 total points
• 4.69 kills per set
• .360 hitting percentage

Her dominant season also earned her AVCA Southwest Region Player of the Year honors while finishing as an AVCA National Player of the Year semifinalist, placing her among the elite players in Division I volleyball

Former Bulldogs Take the World Stage: Mississippi State Stars Set for USA Softball International Cup Showdown

Four former Mississippi State standouts—including three representing American Samoa under head coach Samantha Ricketts—headline the WBSC-sanctioned USA Softball International Cup in Oklahoma City.

OKLAHOMA CITY | Mississippi State softball will have a significant international presence this week as four former Bulldogs compete in the 2026 USA Softball International Cup, one of the premier international softball tournaments on the calendar.

Leading the charge is Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts, who returns for her second international tournament as manager of Team American Samoa. Joining her roster are former Bulldogs Chloe Malau'ulu, Matalasi Faapito, and Kiarra Sells, while Sierra Sacco-Ferrie will represent the U.S. Women's Elite Team.

The five-day tournament, running July 30 through Aug. 3 in Oklahoma City, features many of the world's top softball nations and serves as a key international showcase sanctioned by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC).

Florida Gators Land International Diving Star Miguel Tovar, Bolstering NCAA Championship Aspirations for 2026-27

Colombian national team standout and two-time World Junior silver medalist brings elite international pedigree to Gainesville as Florida strengthens its men's diving program.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. | The Florida Gators have added one of the world's most accomplished young divers to their roster, announcing the signing of Colombian standout Miguel Tovar for the 2026-27 men's swimming and diving season. The addition immediately strengthens an already talented Florida diving squad and reinforces the program's commitment to competing for SEC and NCAA championships.

Tovar arrives in Gainesville with an impressive international résumé that includes multiple podium finishes on the global stage. A member of Colombia's national diving program, he captured silver medals in the 1-meter springboard at both the 2022 and 2024 World Junior Championships, establishing himself among the sport's elite young competitors.

His breakthrough continued in 2025 when he made history for Colombia at the Pan American Junior Games, winning the nation's first-ever Pan American Junior diving medal with a bronze in the 1-meter event. He later partnered for another podium finish, earning silver in the 3-meter synchronized diving competition.

Those accomplishments have made Tovar one of the most highly respected international recruits entering NCAA competition this season.

Congressman Shomari Figures Warns Alabama Faces Economic, Healthcare and Food Security Challenges During Montgomery Washington Brief

At a Washington Brief in downtown Montgomery, Rep. Shomari Figures outlined concerns over tariffs impacting Alabama farmers, SNAP benefit restrictions affecting thousands of children, and efforts to preserve Jackson Hospital through regional collaboration.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Congressman Shomari Figures delivered a wide-ranging assessment of the challenges confronting Alabama during a Washington Brief held Wednesday morning in downtown Montgomery, warning that federal trade policy, changes to nutrition assistance programs and healthcare instability are converging to create significant economic and social pressures across the state.

The briefing, held from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. CDT at 201 Dexter Avenue, brought together business leaders, elected officials and community stakeholders to discuss issues currently shaping Alabama's economy and public policy.

Among the topics receiving the greatest attention were international trade, food assistance programs and the future of one of Montgomery's largest healthcare providers.

Tariffs Continue to Impact Alabama Agriculture

Congressman Figures said Alabama farmers remain caught in the crossfire of international trade disputes, particularly as retaliatory tariffs have altered long-established agricultural markets.

According to Figures, China has increasingly shifted purchases of soybeans and peanuts to South American suppliers, reducing demand for American agricultural products and placing additional financial pressure on Alabama producers.

Ole Miss Basketball Adds International Coaching Powerhouse Petar Aleksić to Chris Beard's Staff

Veteran FIBA coach, seven-time Swiss Coach of the Year and former Swiss National Team leader reunites with Chris Beard as Rebels strengthen their championship aspirations ahead of the 2026-27 season.

OXFORD, Miss. | Ole Miss men's basketball has added one of Europe's most accomplished basketball minds to its coaching staff, as head coach Chris Beard announced the hiring of Petar Aleksić as an assistant coach, bringing decades of international coaching experience and championship success to Oxford.

Aleksić arrives after nearly 35 years in European basketball as both a player and coach, adding a global perspective to a Rebels program that continues to build toward SEC and NCAA Tournament success.

The move also reunites Beard with a longtime coaching colleague. The two previously worked together with the Swiss National Team, helping engineer one of the nation's most memorable international victories.

"Petar has built a reputation as a winner everywhere he's coached," Beard said. "His experience developing players, leading championship programs and competing at the highest levels of European basketball brings tremendous value to our staff. He's a teacher, a proven leader and someone who shares our commitment to building a championship culture at Ole Miss."

Tennessee Volleyball Names MaryAnn O'Toole Director of Operations, Bolstering SEC Program with Rising Sports Management Leader

Former Xavier and Bellarmine standout brings tournament operations expertise from 3Step Sports as Lady Vols continue building one of the SEC's premier volleyball programs.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. | Tennessee Volleyball has added an emerging leader in collegiate athletics administration, announcing MaryAnn O'Toole as the program's new Director of Operations, a move expected to strengthen the day-to-day operations of one of the Southeastern Conference's rising volleyball programs.

Head coach Eve Rackham Watt announced the hiring Wednesday, praising O'Toole's organizational leadership, operational experience, and commitment to student-athlete success.

"We are excited to welcome MaryAnn to Tennessee and know she will be a tremendous addition to our staff," Rackham Watt said. "Her attention to detail and commitment to creating an efficient, supportive environment will enhance the day-to-day experience for our student-athletes and coaching staff. We look forward to the energy and expertise she brings as we continue building on our success."

The addition reflects Tennessee's continued investment in building a championship-caliber volleyball program both on and off the court. While directors of operations often work behind the scenes, the position is critical to managing travel logistics, scheduling, compliance coordination, practice operations, recruiting visits, and countless administrative responsibilities, enabling coaches and athletes to focus on competition.

Governor Ivey Touts Alabama's Global Aerospace Momentum After Farnborough Airshow Generates Major Investments, New Jobs and Strategic Industry Pipeline

State delegation returns from one of the world's premier aerospace and defense trade shows with two major industrial expansion announcements, more than 50 executive meetings, and a strengthened position in the global competition for aviation, aerospace and defense investment.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Governor Kay Ivey announced Tuesday that Alabama strengthened its position as one of America's fastest-growing aerospace and defense hubs following a highly successful showing at the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, where the state's economic development team secured two significant industrial expansion announcements and conducted more than 50 strategic meetings with global aviation, aerospace and defense companies.

The results underscore Alabama's broader strategy of leveraging its expanding aerospace ecosystem, skilled workforce and business-friendly environment to compete for international investment at a time when defense spending and commercial aviation manufacturing continue to accelerate worldwide.

"Our 10th and final Farnborough Airshow under my administration featured our strongest effort yet," Governor Ivey said. "We brought our A-game by showcasing Alabama's advantages to companies looking for opportunities to expand and invest. With more than 40 percent job growth across aviation, aerospace and defense over the past decade, Alabama is poised to reach even greater heights. The sky truly is the limit for Sweet Home Alabama."

Widely regarded as one of the aerospace industry's most influential trade events, the Farnborough International Airshow brings together aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, suppliers, investors and government officials from around the globe. More than 1,500 exhibitors representing approximately 60 countries participated in this year's exhibition outside London, making it one of the world's premier venues for industrial recruitment, strategic partnerships and commercial aviation announcements.

VA Pharmacy Chief: Medication Safety, Access and Innovation Remain Top Priorities for America's Veterans

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System Chief of Pharmacy Nick Bennett discusses prescription safety, digital health tools, chronic disease management, and the evolving role of VA pharmacy services during "Medical Monday" on 'TELL IT LIKE IT IS'.

As healthcare delivery continues to evolve across the Department of Veterans Affairs, pharmacy services have become one of the most critical components of ensuring America's veterans receive safe, effective and timely medical care. From managing chronic illnesses to preventing dangerous drug interactions, VA pharmacists play an increasingly vital role in improving health outcomes for millions of former service members.

During a special edition of Medical Monday on 'TELL IT LIKE IT IS', Nick Bennett, Chief of Pharmacy for the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System (CAVHCS), discussed how VA pharmacy professionals are working to enhance medication safety, expand patient access, and leverage technology to better serve veterans throughout Alabama and across the nation.

Originally from Arizona, Bennett spent a decade in community pharmacy before joining the Department of Veterans Affairs. He relocated to Alabama in August 2024 to lead pharmacy operations for CAVHCS, bringing extensive experience in medication management, patient education, and healthcare leadership.

Throughout the interview, Bennett emphasized that modern pharmacy care extends well beyond dispensing prescriptions. Today's VA pharmacists work closely with physicians, nurses and specialists to monitor medication effectiveness, identify potentially harmful drug interactions, improve treatment adherence, and educate veterans about safely managing complex medication regimens.

Veterans Conquer Heat, Rain, and Highland Park as VGA Alabama Crowns Flight Champions in Birmingham

Thirty-six veterans battled torrential morning rain and a scorching 105-plus heat index at Highland Park Golf Course, where resilience, camaraderie, and championship-caliber golf highlighted another memorable VGA Alabama tournament.

The Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Alabama Chapter once again proved that determination outweighs difficult playing conditions as 36 competitors battled through one of the toughest weather days of the 2026 season at Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham, Alabama.

Beginning the day under rainy skies before enduring a heat index exceeding 105 degrees by the final holes, veterans representing multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces demonstrated the perseverance and competitive spirit that defines the Veterans Golf Association. By the time the final putts dropped, nearly every player returned to the clubhouse drenched from either rain or sweat—but with smiles that reflected another successful day on the course.

Despite ongoing air-conditioning issues inside the clubhouse, Highland Park Golf Course maintained its welcoming atmosphere, giving competitors an opportunity to cool down, reconnect with fellow veterans, and celebrate another outstanding VGA event after completing one of the year's most physically demanding rounds.

James Thomas Battles Tough Greens to Finish Fifth in Senior C Flight at VGA Highland Park Tournament

Despite putting struggles on one of Alabama's most challenging municipal courses, Thomas posts a 104 gross, 72 net, and earns valuable VGA Tour points at historic Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Golf often comes down to a few strokes on the putting surface, and for James Thomas, that reality was evident Sunday during the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Tour event at Highland Park Golf Course.

Competing in the Senior C Flight, Thomas battled through a difficult day on the greens to finish fifth, carding a gross score of 104 and a net score of 72 while earning 11 VGA Tour points.

Although his ball striking and course management kept him in contention throughout the round, Thomas acknowledged that missed opportunities with the putter prevented an even stronger finish.