South
Former NFL player launches bid for newly drawn Alabama congressional district in potential blow to Dems
FIRST ON FOX: An Alabama football star who went on to play in the National Football League (NFL) is looking to earn support from voters in Alabama’s newly drawn 2nd Congressional District as he seeks election to the U.S. House.
Wallace Gilberry, a Republican, will formally announce his candidacy in the race Wednesday morning.
A native of Bay Minette, Alabama, Gilberry told Fox News Digital he’s looking to “fire” President Biden and push back against liberal Democrats’ hold on Black Americans as a voting bloc.
“I’m running because Joe Biden and the liberal politicians have let down my community and failed Alabama. Folks here at home are hurting and too many politicians don’t understand that – I see it every day,” he said. “My mission is simple: we’ve got to fire Joe Biden, beat back the liberals who have held down the Black community for too long, put the people of Alabama first, and help President Donald J. Trump Make America Great Again.”
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Wallace Gilberry, an All-SEC standout at the University of Alabama who spent nine seasons in the NFL with various teams as a defensive end, will run to represent Alabama’s newly drawn Second Congressional District. (Wallace Gilberry, Getty Images)
Alabama’s Second Congressional District, which previously covered southeast Alabama, now extends across the lower portion of the state from the Georgia line to the Mississippi line. Montgomery County and a northwest portion of Mobile County are included in the majority-Black district, which has a Black voting age population of nearly 50%.
Black voters remain a strong Democratic constituency in the Yellowhammer State, and the new district will favor Democrats as both parties battle for control of the House in 2024. However, Gilberry, an All-SEC standout at the University of Alabama who spent nine seasons in the NFL with various teams as a defensive end, believes he’s the candidate who’s got what it takes to defeat his challengers and come out on top.
“Out-of-touch, out-of-state Democrats wasted all kinds of time and money trying to buy themselves another seat in Congress because they take Black folks for granted and think we will all just vote Democrat. Problem for them is that Alabama can’t be bought,” he said. “A Black man is going to win this race – but it’ll be me, a conservative Republican who puts Alabama first.”
Recognizing the current state of the economy and financial issues that have plagued thousands of American families, Gilberry, one of five children who was raised by his great-grandmother and a single mom, said he’s focused on “lifting up” Alabamians and providing opportunities for minority children “that go beyond sports.”
Wallace Gilberry, a Republican running to represent Alabama’s newly drawn Second Congressional District, pictured with his great-grandmother. (Wallace Gilberry campaign)
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“My focus is on lifting up the people of Alabama. I’ve been blessed with incredible success, success that came from playing football. I’m running to have a platform to help create opportunities for young men who look like me that go beyond sports,” he said. “More jobs at local businesses, helping entrepreneurs thrive, keeping our communities safe. In order to do that we have to get rid of career politicians, get rid of Joe Biden, and elect people focused on putting the people of Alabama first.”
“I’m going to win this race by telling the truth and doing what’s right for Alabama, it’s pretty simple,” added Gilberry.
Wallace Gilberry of the Cincinnati Bengals during a game against the Steelers at Heinz Field on Nov. 1, 2015, in Pittsburgh. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
Gilberry, who spent nine seasons playing in the NFL before returning home to Alabama and reinvesting in his community, has seen his fair share of cultural and social issues on the national stage.
Highlighting two issues that have arisen in recent history, Gilberry slammed the attempted eradication of female sports, as well as the Black Lives Matter movement over its protest of kneeling during the national anthem.
“BLM has way more in common with the KKK than they do MLK,” Gilberry said. “While others were kneeling during the national anthem, my team was standing. We were united as a team, while others were focused on media attention and self-promotion – it was wrong then and it’s wrong now. I’ll always stand to honor those who keep us free.”
Wallace Gilberry of the Bengals sacks quarterback Tom Brady of the New England Patriots at Paul Brown Stadium on Oct. 6, 2013, in Cincinnati. (Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)
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“Allowing men to compete against women, that’s ‘abolishment’ of women’s sports, plain and simple. And we should never allow men into girls’ bathrooms and locker rooms. We have to protect women and girls; we can’t let a sex offender put on a wig and lipstick and say he’s a female,” he added.
Gilberry, who grew up a Democrat before establishing his own beliefs about the political system, joins a crowded field of nearly two dozen challengers. All in all, 13 Democrats and eight Republicans have qualified to run for the seat.
A Dallas firefighter was taken to the hospital after being injured in a house fire near Fair Park early Friday, officials confirmed.
Dallas Fire-Rescue told CBS News Texas that at about 1:50 a.m., crews were called to the blaze at a home in the 2600 block of Birmingham Avenue. When they arrived, fire was seen at the back of the residence.
DFR said one man was inside when the fire started, but he was able to make it out safely.
Firefighters reportedly deployed hand lines and began an offensive attack, working for almost an hour before extinguishing the fire. During the operation, one firefighter suffered a minor injury and was transported to the hospital for evaluation.
DFR said the cause of the fire is being investigated, and the American Red Cross was notified and will help the man who lived inside the home.
Miami, FL
Exclusive | Inside Alix Earle and ex Braxton Berrios’ reunion at star-studded Miami Grand Prix party
Exes Alix Earle and Braxton Berrios attended the same star-studded party ahead of the Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix.
The TikTok star and NFL wide receiver were spotted interacting at the posh Sports Illustrated x Authentic Brands Group fête at The Surf Club Restaurant on Thursday night.
“The vibes were super friendly,” a spy told Page Six, adding, “They spoke briefly, but both of them were just doing their own thing.”
We’re told Earle, sporting a red minidress, was seen snapping photos with friends before settling into a corner booth with pals, including Authentic Brands Group CEO Jamie Salter.
Berrios, for his part, stayed low-key in an all-black ensemble and was overheard telling a friend that he was down to “do a lap.”
At the end of the evening, Earle was seen chatting with fellow influencer Xandra Pohl. The two social media stars were long-rumored to have had a falling out, though our source tells us they were getting along great and even walked out of the party together.
Elsewhere at the soirée, Kevin Hart was spotted pouring himself a glass of his own tequila brand, Gran Coramino, while vibing at his VIP table. Behind the velvet ropes and a group of several burly bodyguards, Hart was joined by singer Mario and Draymond Green.
“He was taking photos with fans and being so sweet with everyone,” the source said of the comedian.
Bethenny Frankel was also in tow with her new boyfriend, Shane L. Campbell.
The “Real Housewives of New York City” alum and the investment banker were seen being affectionate and staying close as they weaved through the bustling private affair.
Shaun White arrived at the event later in the evening and posted up by the bar, schmoozing with influencer Hannah Bronfman.
Serena Williams enjoyed the restaurant’s outdoor patio area as she gabbed with her entourage under a festive balloon display.
Earle, 25, and Berrios, 30, who started dating in early 2023, confirmed their breakup in December 2025.
In February, she opened up about how it was difficult running into her ex at the Palm Tree Music Festival, sharing in a TikTok, “I was really emotional the first night.”
“We were, like, in the same place, but we didn’t say ‘hi’ to each other, just ’cause I didn’t want to, like, go up and annoy him, I don’t know.”
Judging from their most recent interaction, it’s clear they are now in a place where they can be cordial with one another.
Following their split, Earle has since sparked dating rumors with Tom Brady, who was notably not at the party.
However, a source tells Page Six that she and the retired quarterback, 48, are just having “fun.”
Berrios, for his part, was spotted with model Hollie Ford at the Bird Streets Club in Los Angeles last month.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
A historic showcase of Christian Dior’s fashion, including pieces never before seen in a public exhibition, is now on view at SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film. Dior: Crafting Fashion showcases carefully preserved toiles, Lady Dior handbags, and exquisite gowns worn by celebrities such as Lady Gaga and Demi Moore. “This exhibition is a master class in the magic of a legendary maison,” says SCAD President and Founder Paula Wallace.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
The exhibit tells the story of the French Couture House’s designers, from Christian Dior to Jonathan Anderson. It shares who they were before they became household names and how they put their own stamp on their collections. It also presents their early design sketches, gardens that inspired them, and some of their most iconic looks.
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Photograph courtesy of SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film
Not only does Christian Dior rarely partner with universities; this exhibit marks its first presentation in the Southeast. The design house was likely inspired to come to SCAD’s Atlanta campus by the blockbuster success of 2025’s Christian Dior: Jardines Rêvés at SCAD FASH’s Lacoste location in Provence, France. That exhibit enjoyed record-breaking attendance and rave reviews.
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