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Democrats and South Africa: An Unexpected Stance?

Hold on, folks, did we just hear right? It seems the political winds are shifting! Word on the street is that some Democrats are now voicing concerns about the violence facing South Africans.

Dale Jackson Weighs In

Our man Dale Jackson, the insightful mind behind Yellowhammer News, is sure to have some thoughts on this evolving narrative. Catch his hot takes weekdays from 5-9 a.m. on WVNN!

ChumCity Scoop: Montgomery's Movers & Shakers!

Yellowhammer News just dropped their annual Power & Influence Top 50 list for 2025, and it's the hottest take on who's calling the shots in Montgomery! This year's list is extra juicy, especially with the massive 2026 elections already brewing. These are the folks positioning their teams for victory.

We're talking deep dives, insider info, and the latest in Alabama's political scene. This list shines a spotlight on the top dogs using their power to make things happen.

And get this: Yellowhammer News is hosting their "Power of Service" event in Montgomery this week! Sounds like a party!

So, who made the cut? Let's dive into the Top 20!

#20: Anthony Daniels – Dem Dynamo!

Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels is a 21st-century force. Unlike some, he campaigned on being a dealmaker for his district. And he delivered! Sure, he fights for progressive ideas, but his bipartisan compromises have been key to keeping the Alabama Legislature productive. We wish more lawmakers were like Daniels!

#19: Danny Garrett – The Budget Boss!

Alabama House Ways & Means Education Committee Chair Danny Garrett had a killer year, thanks to that sweet $190 million tax cut. He's famous for breaking down complex budgets and making reforms. Word on the street is he hammers out budget details with his Senate counterpart, Chairman Orr, over breakfast at the Farmer's Market. Garrett's also played a big part in the CHOOSE and RAISE Acts!

#18: Bobby Singleton – Senate Showman!

Alabama Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton's got game. Some days he's playing all the angles, others he's bluffing. He knows when to slow things down to fight for his district and caucus. "Little Bobby" has been in the Senate for 20+ years and his flair is no joke. He's as shrewd as they come.

#17: Steve Marshall – Law & Order!

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall sees his mission as battling out-of-state left-wing radicals trying to force their ideas on Alabama. He's all about amicus briefs and lawsuits, challenging them at every turn. Big-time conservative legal minds trust Marshall to do what's right.

#16: Ginger Avery-Buckner – The Legal Lioness!

For over a decade, Ginger Avery-Buckner has been a State House mainstay. As CEO of the Alabama Association for Justice, she fiercely defends Alabama's litigators. She's known for her strategic mind and memory. Get on the wrong side of her spreadsheets, and you'll regret it!

#15: Steve Windom – The Dealmaker!

Steve Windom is the guy you call to get things done. His firm's stacked with talent, and Windom's approach is pure art. He's a machine – always working! Never bet against the former lieutenant governor. Want to pass a bill in Alabama? Windom's your guy.

#14: Houston Smith – Power Player!

As VP of Government Affairs for Alabama Power, Houston Smith helps shape the state's policy scene. He's known for building trust and using policy to drive growth across Alabama. Smith's a trusted voice and brings insight to every deal.

#13: Ted Hosp – Healthcare Hero!

Ted Hosp is a master navigator of complex healthcare legislation. If you want to know how power works in Montgomery, Ted Hosp is the example. He's the go-to guy on insurance legislation and gets results for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

#12: Steve Raby - The Fixer!

Steve Raby runs Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter’s political operations. He is one of the most effective individuals in Alabama politics. He's a seasoned veteran of campaign politics and keeps the stove hot since the primary runoff election in 2022.

#11: Quentin Riggins - Well Respected Leader!

Quentin Riggins is one of the most respected and well-liked figures in Alabama’s political and business landscape. As a senior leader at Alabama Power, Riggins is a tireless advocate for the company and the communities it serves.

Alabama Pharmacies Weigh In on Trump's Drug Pricing Order

Alabama pharmacists and pharmacy leaders are taking a "wait and see" approach to President Trump's new executive order aimed at lowering prescription drug costs. The order, issued on May 12th, gives drug manufacturers 30 days to cut prices for American consumers, comparing them to international rates.

The Goal: "Most-Favored-Nation" Pricing

The order, officially named "Delivering Most-Favored-Nation Prescription Drug Pricing to American Patients," hopes to bridge the gap between U.S. drug prices and those in other developed nations. The idea is simple: as the biggest buyer of drugs, America should get the best deals!

Will It Work for Alabama Patients?

Local pharmacists acknowledge the huge price differences between medications here and in places like Australia. However, Bobby Giles, with the Alabama Pharmacy Association, points out that pharmacies here don't typically buy directly from manufacturers. They use wholesalers and operate within a system controlled by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs).

The PBM Problem

Experts say that unless these middlemen are also held to new pricing standards, any lower manufacturer costs might not trickle down to patients. Some worry that the existing drug supply chain could limit the effectiveness of reforms that only target manufacturers.

Medicare Part B Only?

Another concern is the order's limited scope. Right now, it only covers Medicare Part B, which includes drugs given in clinical settings like chemotherapy. It doesn't touch Medicare Part D, which covers most prescriptions filled at your local pharmacy. Pharmacists are hoping future changes will include Part D for a more direct impact.

Waiting to See

While Alabama pharmacies appreciate the effort to address rising costs, they say the real-world impact is still uncertain. They're waiting to see how it all plays out, how insurance companies will react, and most importantly, whether patients will actually see savings.

Hope for Change

Alabama's pharmacy pros are encouraged that efforts are being made to tackle this long-standing issue of healthcare affordability.

Alabama's Hemp Industry Faces a Major Shakeup!

Hold on to your hats, ChumCity! A controversial bill aimed at regulating hemp-derived products in Alabama is now sitting on Governor Kay Ivey's desk. House Bill 445, which cruised through the Legislature in early May, is causing a stir among small business owners, folks who rely on these products for health reasons, and advocates. Of course, law enforcement and some legislators are all for it, saying it's time Alabama tightened its grip on the hemp scene.

Ivey's Decision Time: Sign, Veto, or...?

So, what's gonna happen? Ivey could sign the bill into law, veto it, or just let it slide into law without her signature. If she vetoes it, it's back to the lawmakers, who could try to revise the bill or override her veto with a 51% vote. If they fail to override, the bill is likely toast.

Opposition is Heating Up!

Not everyone's happy about HB445. Opponents have launched a Change.org petition, racking up over 800 signatures. They claim this bill could seriously hurt local economies.

Personal Stories Fuel the Fight

Folks signing the petition are sharing some powerful stories. A veteran with PTSD says THC-A has helped with appetite, sleep, and digestion. A disabled business owner says her dispensaries are her only income source and would probably have to close shop if the bill passes. One Mobile dispensary owner fears his entire supply chain would crumble, cutting off legal access for customers seeking alternative wellness solutions.

What's in HB445? A Breakdown

This bill would put some serious restrictions on hemp-based consumables across Alabama, including:

• Banning smokable hemp products
• Capping THC in edibles at 10mg per serving
• Banning online sales and delivery
• Slapping on a 10% excise tax
• Requiring a $1,000 annual license for retailers
• Introducing potential prison sentences of up to 10 years for non-compliance

Local Businesses Fear the Worst

Business owners like Joe Resha of Avondale Apothecary in Birmingham, and Ashley Otwell of Magic City Organics, are worried they won't be able to stay afloat, even though they're playing by the current rules.

Personal Testimonials on the Line

Abby Rice told FOX10 News that hemp-derived products have been a game-changer for managing her rheumatoid arthritis and anxiety, without the need for potentially harmful meds.

Supporters Say It's Time for Regulation

But wait, there's another side to the story! Supporters of HB445 argue it's a much-needed regulatory update. Rep. Andy Whitt (R-Harvest), the bill's sponsor, told the Alabama Reflector that unregulated hemp products are winding up in the hands of minors at convenience stores, and the state needs to step in.

Concerns about Product Safety

Law enforcement agencies backing the bill point to lab results showing that some products on shelves exceed the legal THC limit of 0.3%. Proponents believe HB445 is a long-overdue response to the increasing availability of intoxicating hemp products marketed toward youngsters.

ABC Board to Take the Reins

The bill would hand regulatory oversight to the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, with enforcement kicking off on January 1, 2026.

Katie Britt Blasts Dem Immigration Policies!

Senator Katie Britt recently went on Fox News' Hannity and didn't hold back, slamming Democratic immigration policies. She argues they're prioritizing violent undocumented immigrants over the safety of everyday Americans.

"Whose Side Are They On?"

Britt questioned why Democratic lawmakers are protesting outside an ICE facility holding convicted criminals. "It's clear whose side Democrats are on," she said, accusing them of siding with child molesters and gang members illegally preying on the vulnerable. Ouch!

Border Security a Must

According to Britt, Republicans stand with the American people. She contrasted that with what she sees as a lack of Democratic concern over the border in recent years. She praised the significant drop in border crossings under a Republican administration as proof that decisive action, not new laws, is what's needed.

Legislation Not the Answer?

Britt challenged the idea that new legislation is the only way to secure the border. She argues it's about willpower and purpose.

Protecting Criminals?

Britt expressed outrage over Democratic efforts to protect criminals from deportation, insisting that removing those individuals would be a priority and promised Republicans would continue to support border agents and immigration officers.

Backing Law Enforcement

"We have the backs of our law enforcement officers!" Britt declared. "We’re going to use every tool in our toolbox to make the interior of the United States of America safe again."

Alabama Showdown: THC Tug-of-War!

Gov. Kay Ivey's got a tricky decision on her hands! Groups are battling it out over a bill tightening THC regulations, with some worried about store closures and others concerned over the potential legalization of previously "illegal" goodies. What's a governor to do?

Space Command: Huntsville's Looking Good!

The Senate gave Air Force Secretary Troy Meink the thumbs-up, clearing the way for the U.S. Space Command's permanent home. Fingers crossed for Huntsville's Redstone Arsenal – it's in the lead!

Impeachment Attempt Fizzles!

Rep. Shri Thanedar (D-Mich.) tried to impeach President Trump for "abuse of power," but even his own party wasn't having it, calling it a "selfish" move. Talk about a swing and a miss!

Tuberville's Budget Battle!

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Auburn) is playing hardball! He's demanding significant spending cuts in President Trump’s “big beautiful bill.” No cuts, no support, he says. He is aiming for 2019 budget levels!

Trump's Immigration Wins and Courtroom Chaos!

President Trump scored big in immigration court as a judge backed his deportation powers. Meanwhile, a Milwaukee judge got indicted for helping an illegal in her courtroom, and a politician who stormed an ICE facility is now comparing himself to King David. Seriously?

Alabama's Legislative Frenzy!

Hold on tight, folks! The Alabama Legislature is gearing up for a wild final day, wrestling with hot-button issues like immigration, out-of-control bureaucrats, and – you guessed it – gambling. Democrats are promising gridlock. Buckle up!

Big Bucks for America!

President Trump inked a massive $600 billion deal with Saudi Arabia, including $142 billion for our defense industry and billions more for AI data centers right here in the U.S.A.! Ka-ching!

The Dale Jackson Show

Catch Dale Jackson dishing out the real talk on Yellowhammer News and on WVNN weekdays from 5-9 a.m.!

Hemp Bill Blues: Navigating the THC Tightrope

Alright, ChumCity citizens, let's talk about HB445, Alabama's brand new hemp law! It's been a wild ride since the feds gave the green light to hemp back in 2018, and this bill aims to bring some order to the chaos of gummies and hemp-infused drinks.

A Compromise, Not a Conquest

This wasn't a slam dunk for anyone. On one side, you had the hemp industry, understandably wary of new rules. On the other, folks who wanted these products gone completely. The result? A compromise. And you know what that means… both sides are a little salty.

The Feedback Frenzy

Now that the bill's passed and heading to the Governor's desk, I'm hearing from everyone! Some think I've snatched their favorite treat away, while others are accusing me of "legalizing recreational marijuana!" Seriously?

Let's Get Real

Here's the bottom line: This bill doesn't ban all hemp-derived THC, and it certainly doesn't turn Alabama into a Colorado clone. It's about putting sensible rules in place for something that's already legal federally.

The Nitty-Gritty Details

• No more smokable or vape products.
• Gummies and drinks stay legal, but with a 10mg THC limit per serving.
• Sales are restricted to 21+ specialty stores.
• Hemp seltzers can hang out in big grocery stores (14,000+ sq. ft.) but behind the counter, just like cigarettes.

Fake News Alert!

And then there's the misinformation floating around. One "conservative thought leader" even claimed this bill makes Alabama's marijuana laws more lenient than Colorado's. Come on!

Common Sense, Not Extremes

I've heard concerns from parents, teachers, and even the Poison Control Center about kids getting into these products. My goal was to address those worries with reasonable guardrails, not all-out bans.

Read It and Weep…or Not

Is this bill perfect? Probably not. But it's a step in the right direction. So, before you believe the hype, read the bill for yourself. Don't let bruised egos and political agendas cloud your judgment!

Trader Joe's Lands in Hoover!

Hey ChumCity foodies! Get ready to rumble! Trader Joe's just swung open the doors to its brand-spankin' new location at 1769 Montgomery Highway in Hoover. Yep, that's right across from the Riverchase Galleria!

New Groceries, New Crew

Store Captain Jason Dew is steering this delicious ship, making it the third Trader Joe's to call Alabama home. They celebrated with a quick ribbon-cutting at 8:55 a.m. this morning, and started slinging groceries at 9 a.m.

Shopping Hours & Local Love

You can get your TJ's fix every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Plus, they've hired over thirty awesome Crew Members from around Hoover, with some familiar faces joining from other locations.

Giving Back to the Community

Trader Joe's is also committed to giving back! Through their Neighborhood Shares Program, they'll be donating 100% of unsold (but still yummy!) products to local non-profits. Talk about a win-win!