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!

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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!

Good News, ChumCity! Crime is Down!

The Mobile Police Department just dropped its annual report, and the news is worth celebrating! Overall, crime in our beloved Port City has taken a nosedive in the past year. MPD leadership credits this victory to the hard work and dedication of officers across every district.

By the Numbers

Chief William Jackson highlighted the city-wide improvement. “I think precinct by precinct, you will see that, overall, it’s down in all precincts.”

Violent crime is down more than 11% compared to last year and a whopping 20% since 2022! Looking back further, violent crime has plummeted by over 56% in the last decade!

Specific Wins

Check out these impressive reductions:

• Shots fired into vehicles or homes: Down 42%!
• Rapes: Down over 28%!
• Robberies: Down 15%!
• Aggravated Assaults: Down almost 10%!

One Area of Concern

Unfortunately, domestic violence remains a challenge. Chief Jackson noted that domestic violence incidents, across all categories, are significantly impacting crime numbers.

A Proud Chief

Chief Jackson expressed immense pride in his department's leadership, emphasizing that the officers are personally invested in making ChumCity the safest it can be. "They don't just come to work here; this is their city as well, and they want to make it the safest city."

Big News for the Women’s Foundation of Alabama!

Get ready, ChumCity! The Women’s Foundation of Alabama just announced Kimberly L. Jackson as their new President and CEO, starting June 16th! She's stepping into the shoes of Melanie R. Bridgeforth, who rocked the role for seven years.

A Round of Applause for Bridgeforth!

Under Bridgeforth's leadership, the foundation became a statewide powerhouse, diving into research, shaping public policy, and strategically giving grants to boost women's economic game. LaShundra Pinkard held down the fort as interim leader during the search.

Jackson Brings the Heat

Jackson's no newbie – she's got over two decades of experience in corporate leadership, community investment, and nonprofit governance. She was most recently a big deal at Alabama Power Company, managing partnerships across multiple counties. Plus, she’s the current Board Chair of the Hoover Area Chamber of Commerce!

What They're Saying

"Kimberly’s leadership and dedication are unmatched," said Yvonne Essix, a Board member. "Her community spirit and economic development smarts are exactly what Alabama needs to push women and the economy forward. She's the perfect mix of experience and innovation!"

Big Goals Ahead!

The foundation's aiming to move 10,000 women into the workforce and toward economic mobility by 2027. Ambitious? You bet!

Jackson's Ready to Roll

"Alabama is home, and this mission is vital!" said Jackson. "I'm ready to shape policy, influence philanthropy, and deliver economic strategies that reach women where they are. Let's partner with communities, invest in solutions, and make sure progress is felt across the entire state!"

The Board is Thrilled

Elizabeth Goodrich, Board Chair, gushed, "Kimberly's the right leader to accelerate economic opportunity for women. Her results-driven leadership will strengthen our statewide impact in both proven and innovative ways.”

About the Women's Foundation of Alabama

Founded in '96, they're the only public women's foundation in Alabama focused on economic opportunity through grantmaking, research, and advocacy. Let's give Kimberly Jackson a big ChumCity welcome!

Birmingham's Tourism Scene is BOOMING!

Big news, ChumCity folks! The Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau (GBCV just dropped a bombshell during National Travel & Tourism Week: Jefferson County's tourism scene is hotter than ever, clocking in at a record-smashing $2.57 billion in economic impact for 2024!

Numbers Don't Lie!

During their annual luncheon, the GBCVB revealed that Birmingham's tourism sector is flexing some serious muscle. We're talking over 51,000 jobs supported, a whopping $302 million in tax revenue generated, and over 4 million overnight visitors – the most we've seen since 2017! Looks like people are lovin' our city!

Hall of Fame Honors Local Legend

But the celebration didn't stop there! The GBCVB officially launched their new Tourism Hall of Fame, and the first inductee is none other than Alabama State Senator Jabo Waggoner! The man's a legend, having dedicated decades to boosting our region's tourism.

Celebrating Senator Waggoner's Legacy

GBCVB President and CEO John Oros, along with Executive Sports CEO Gene Hallman, couldn't sing Waggoner's praises enough. They pointed out he was instrumental in creating the Convention and Visitors Bureau way back in 1969. Plus, he's been a board member since '93, even serving as chair twice! From bringing major sports events to helping develop UAB and the BJCC, Waggoner's been a true champion.

A Humble Hero

Waggoner, clearly moved by the honor, expressed his gratitude and reminisced about his time with the bureau, calling it one of his most cherished affiliations. He promised the Hall of Fame award would have a place of honor in his office and home.

Farewell to a Leader

The event also served as a heartfelt send-off to GBCVB CEO John Oros, who's retiring later this year after a decade of awesome leadership.

The Future is Bright!

The GBCVB is committed to making Birmingham an even bigger tourist hotspot, while always remembering and celebrating the amazing people who helped build this city up!

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Get Ready to Boat Safe, ChumCity!

National Safe Boating Week is almost here, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) is hitting the water with a statewide campaign to keep everyone safe this Memorial Day weekend. Think of it as a heads-up to avoid crashes, injuries, and the worst-case scenario by focusing on learning, sticking to the rules, and working together on Alabama's awesome waterways.

Boating is Big, Safety is Bigger

We all love a day on the water! But with tons of people boating nationwide, safety's gotta be top of mind. Sadly, around 650 folks die in boating accidents each year in the U.S., with drowning being a major factor. ALEA's campaign is all about boosting awareness of what causes these accidents and how we can avoid them.

Smart Boating: It's All About You!

Most boating mishaps aren't due to equipment problems or bad weather; it's usually human error or just plain bad decisions. Often, simple steps could have made all the difference. So, what can you do to stay safe?

Boating Safety Checklist:

• Wear a Life Jacket: Keep it on! A life jacket's useless if it's stowed away. Kids under 8 in Alabama must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket, unless they're below deck or in a cabin.

• Take a Boating Course: Learn the ropes! A safety course gives you vital knowledge and real-world experience.

• Check Your Gear: Make sure everything's there, working, and in good shape.

• Float Plan: Let someone know your itinerary. Boat details, passenger info, where you're going – share it all.

• Engine Cut-Off Switch: Use it! It's the law, and it can save you from serious injury if you're thrown overboard.

• Watch the Weather: Check the forecast before you go, and keep an eye on conditions while you're out there.

• Stay Alert: Don't get distracted! Operator inattention is a major cause of accidents.

• Know the Area: Follow speed limits and local waterway rules.

• No BUI: Never boat under the influence! It's a factor in a third of all recreational boating fatalities.

• Stay Connected: Bring waterproof communication devices like a VHF radio, satellite phone, or emergency beacon.

National Safe Boating Week: Your Reminder!

National Safe Boating Week happens May 17–23, supported by the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Safe Boating Council, and agencies like ALEA. Time for us Alabamians (and visitors!) to take those easy steps for a fun, safe summer on the water!