Senator Britt Battles for Rural Pharmacies!

Senator Katie Britt is not backing down! She's fighting tooth and nail for rural communities struggling with pharmacy closures.

Shining a Light on the Pharmacy Crisis

During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Senator Britt spoke passionately to a panel of experts about the alarming rate at which rural pharmacies are vanishing, especially in Alabama. She highlighted the devastating trend of closures over the past 15 years.

The Numbers Don't Lie

"We've seen over 6,500 independent pharmacies close their doors since 2010," Britt stated. "In Alabama, data shows over 225 closures between 2015 and 2018. That's roughly one per month! In rural communities, these local pharmacies are often the only healthcare provider for miles."

PBMs in the Hot Seat

Britt didn't mince words, calling the closures "absolutely and completely unacceptable." She pointed a finger at pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and their role in squeezing these vital rural businesses.

"When PBMs impose retroactive clawbacks, DIR fees, and below-cost reimbursement rates, they're not just hurting profits, they're creating pharmacy deserts, pushing communities away!" she exclaimed.

More Than Just Medicine

Britt emphasized the critical "relationship aspect" of rural pharmacies. "They're essential for creating opportunities and attracting jobs," she argued. "No one will invest in a place without access to healthcare and pharmacies. It's common sense!"

She concluded, "Alabama, where the majority of our communities are rural, deserves better."

Rep. Aderholt Lands Huge Advocacy Award!

Our man in Washington, U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt, just snagged the prestigious Quincy Jones Exceptional Advocacy Award! The award, a testament to his unwavering dedication to folks with Down syndrome, was presented at the Global Down Syndrome Foundation’s annual AcceptAbility Gala in D.C.

A Special Guest Appearance

Aderholt (R-Haleyville) didn't take the stage alone! He invited Julia Greene, an amazing intern from his Washington office who has Down syndrome, to join him. Julia, along with her dad Bill, has been a key part of the Aderholt team this spring.

"Perseverance, Possibility, and Promise"

The congressman described Julia as embodying "perseverance, possibility, and promise," perfectly capturing what the Global AcceptAbility movement is all about.

Quincy Jones' Legacy

The award is named after the legendary Quincy Jones, who became a passionate advocate after his daughter was born with Down syndrome.

A Humble Honor

"I am deeply humbled," Aderholt shared. "To be recognized by an organization that does so much to empower people with Down syndrome is an honor I will treasure." He emphasized that everyone is "fearfully and wonderfully made," and that people with Down syndrome enrich our communities with their joy and strength.

More Than Just an Award

The Global Down Syndrome Foundation presents this award to leaders who show exceptional dedication to advocating for people with Down syndrome and their families. The Foundation is a driving force in research, medical care, and advocacy, promoting inclusion for all.

Every Life Has Value

Aderholt concluded, "From the halls of Congress to the heart of this community, we must act on the belief that every life has value."

Courtesy of 256 Today.

Longshore & McKnight: Memorial Day Mayhem!

John and Barry are BACK, baby! They reunited just in time for a lively Memorial Day weekend edition of Longshore & McKnight.

Sun Belt Showdown

Barry's fresh off covering Troy baseball's Sun Belt tournament run, where they battled it out with Old Dominion. Drama on the diamond, folks!

CFP Chaos: "The SMU & Boise State Rule"?

The guys dove deep into the wild changes coming to the 12-team College Football Playoff. Apparently, it’s the "SMU and Boise State rule" designed to... well, let's just say the big boys get preferential treatment. John joked that mid-majors probably won't be getting any love when it comes to seeding. They also hit on the stalled College Sports Commission and the growing buzz around a possible "college football czar," maybe even someone in the Nick Saban mold. Centralized power, anyone?

Longshore's Confessions

Time for John's annual "Where I Was Right, Where I Was Wrong" prediction smackdown! He owned up to missing the mark on Auburn's 2023 record. "Dead wrong," he confessed. No wiggle room indeed!

Gridiron Gab and Playoff Pondering

The show also tackled Alabama and Auburn football, SEC tournament baseball in Hoover, plus NBA and NHL playoff action. And get this - Braves stars Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña are back! Later on, they hinted at their predictions for the year ahead, while giving shout-outs to Memorial Day deals.

Doc Talk Gets Real in Alabama!

Governor Kay Ivey just signed a game-changing law, folks! It's all about beefing up the connection between you and your doctor. Prepare for some seriously transparent convos about your health!

No More Gag Orders!

Senator Tim Melson (R-Florence) championed SB43, which becomes official October 1, 2025. The Medical Association of the State of Alabama is HYPED, calling it a win for healthcare transparency. What's the big deal? This law kicks "gag clauses" to the curb! These sneaky clauses kept doctors from spilling the tea on treatment costs, how well stuff works, and other options. Not cool!

Open and Honest, Baby!

The Medical Association says no insurer or facility can punish a doctor for being upfront with you. They get it: honest talk is key to good care and trust!

Dr. LeQuire Speaks!

“This bill ensures that nothing gets in the way of physicians being fully transparent with their patients,” says Dr. Mark LeQuire, president of the Medical Association. "No insurance contract or facility policy should ever silence a doctor who is trying to help their patient make an informed decision.” PREACH!

What Does it Mean for YOU?

Any contract trying to shut down doctors from sharing cost info or comparing treatments? TOAST! It's unenforceable. The Medical Association is thrilled and thanks Sen. Melson for making this happen!

Bama WR Williams Sharpening Skills with Philly's DeVonta Smith!

Alabama's Ryan Williams isn't kicking back this offseason, folks! After a phenomenal freshman year, this dude is putting in WORK.

Training with a Legend

Word on the street (and Instagram!) is that Williams has been down in Tampa, Florida, hitting the field with none other than Eagles superstar and Crimson Tide legend DeVonta Smith!

Like Father, Like Son? (Well, Sort Of...)

Williams and Smith? The comparisons are already flying! Both a little undersized, both underestimated. But Smith silenced the critics with a season for the ages. Now, Williams, at just 17, is looking to do the same.

Get Hyped, Tide Fans!

Could Williams be on the verge of a HUGE sophomore season? Absolutely! And with Smith keeping him grounded and hungry, the sky's the limit. Seeing one Bama legend mentoring the next? That's what we love to see! Prepare for an electrifying season, y'all!

Helena Mulls Sales Tax Hike: Will it Help the City Thrive?

Helena is facing some serious budget challenges as elections loom, and city officials are considering a 1-cent sales tax increase, bumping the rate from 9% to 10%. Could this be the key to unlocking a brighter future for our town?

The Proposal: $2 Million for Public Good?

The proposed tax hike aims to generate roughly $2 million each year. This influx of cash would be earmarked for crucial public services and much-needed infrastructure improvements, according to reports. Councilman Chris Willis presented the idea, highlighting it as a potential solution to manage Helena’s rapid growth and support essential services.

Helena's Growth Spurt

Helena, one of Shelby County's fastest-growing communities, currently operates with fewer resources compared to many neighboring areas.

Public Input is Key

City leaders are planning at least one public hearing, with a possible second, to gather feedback from residents and business owners. These discussions are slated to begin in June, with a final decision possibly coming by the fall. Now's your chance to weigh in!

Budget Woes Uncovered

This proposal comes after an audit revealed some concerning financial details. Apparently, Helena exceeded its budget by over $11 million in the last fiscal year. Reports indicate a significant deficit and overspending in various departments, especially regarding big-ticket capital projects like the new city hall and sports complex.

Expert Analysis Raises Questions

Sungho Park, a public policy professor at the University of Alabama, analyzed Helena’s finances. His findings suggest that Helena’s debt ratio is alarmingly high, exceeding acceptable thresholds. Park also pointed out that the per-resident cost for the new city hall was significantly higher than national averages for similar projects.

Acknowledging the Issues

City leaders have acknowledged the audit's findings, attributing the deficit partly to outdated budgeting practices. While Mayor Brian Puckett (who isn't seeking re-election) stated that the audit was a snapshot from before a bond sale replenished reserve funds, concerns remain about long-term financial stability.

Political Winds of Change

With municipal elections in August, the political landscape is also shifting. Most current council members, including the mayor, are not seeking re-election. Only Council President Alice Lobell and Councilman Andy Healy are running. The new council will decide how to use any new tax revenue.

Calls for Transparency

Residents are increasingly demanding transparency and fiscal responsibility, questioning the decision-making behind major expenditures. While the tax increase could offer budget relief, concerns about oversight and financial governance persist.

What's Next?

City officials emphasize that the upcoming hearings are a vital opportunity for the community to share their thoughts before any final decisions are made. If approved, the tax increase could take effect as early as this fall.

Tuscaloosa's New Leaders Sworn In!

Big things are happening in Tuscaloosa! On May 19th, the River Market was buzzing as city and school officials officially kicked off their new terms at a joint inauguration ceremony. Get ready for another four years with Mayor Walt Maddox, the whole City Council crew, and our Tuscaloosa City Board of Education members!

Election Recap

Remember those municipal elections? It all went down back in March, with a nail-biting runoff in April that saw Joe Eatmon snag the District 1 City Council seat from Matthew Wilson. Welcome aboard, Joe! He's joining familiar faces like Raevan Howard, Norman Crow, Lee Busby, Kip Tyner, John Faile, and Cassius Lanier.

Mayor Maddox's Vision

Mayor Walt Maddox, now in his sixth term, laid out his vision for the future. His big focus? Shared responsibility and keeping Tuscaloosa financially strong. He called out Alabama’s Simplified Sellers Use Tax (SSUT), explaining how it's costing the city big bucks by favoring online sales over our local businesses. To combat this, he unveiled "Tuscaloosa First," an initiative designed to ensure that every tax dollar is used wisely.

City Council President's Perspective

City Council President Kip Tyner (entering his eighth term!) is stoked about the new council lineup and excited to work with Eatmon. His message? Support local businesses! Let’s keep those dollars circulating right here in Tuscaloosa!

School Board Updates

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education also took their oaths. Chair Eric Wilson and fellow board members are ready to roll. Wilson gave a shout-out to Superintendent Mike Daria for his incredible service to the district, announcing his retirement in 2026. Also, despite the property tax referendum failing, Wilson vowed the board is committed to moving "onward, upward, full speed ahead!" for our schools.

Alabama's Legislative Session: Wrapped Up & Ready!

Governor Kay Ivey just slammed the gavel! "All done!" she declared, signing the last bills from the 2025 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature. Remember her State of the State address back in February? Public safety, veterans, education, family values, and stronger governance were all hot topics then, and guess what? Mission accomplished on pretty much every front!

Public Safety Takes Center Stage

Ivey wasn't kidding when she said public safety was priority number one. She unveiled a whole package of criminal justice and law enforcement goodies, and now they're officially law.

• Bye-Bye Glock Switches: Those nasty trigger-conversion devices that turn pistols into automatic weapons are now a Class C felony to possess statewide.
• Backing the Blue: Police recruitment is getting a boost, and officers are getting extra legal support and scholarships for their families.
• Second Chances: Nonviolent offenders can now seek a review of those pesky habitual-offender sentences.

Education Gets a Refresh

Remember Ivey's call for better school environments? Well, the legislature delivered:

• Phone-Free Learning: Say goodbye to distractions! Cellphones are getting locked away during instructional hours in K-12 schools.
• The FOCUS Act: This aims to amp up school learning environments, tying in with Ivey's push for effective education tools.

Veterans: From Rhetoric to Reality

Inspired by Army veteran Jae Barclay's story, lawmakers revamped how Alabama supports its veterans and their families. It's not just talk anymore – it's law!

Family Values & Social Issues

• "What is a Woman" Act: This defines gender based on biological definitions, a reflection of Ivey's commitment to "Alabama family values."
• Paid Parental Leave: Teachers and state employees, rejoice! You're finally getting paid parental leave.

More Wins: Taxes, Immigration, & the Coast

Ivey kept pushing for tax relief and made sure the state's core functions and education got the funding they deserve.

• Immigration & Elections: The Legislature tightened up immigration enforcement and election security laws.
• Coastal Safety: Officials in Baldwin and Mobile counties now have more power to keep Gulf Coast tourists safe. Sun's out, safety's in!

Roll Tide! A Crimson Tide Documentary is Coming!

Let's be real, the Alabama Crimson Tide is basically college football royalty. With a whopping 18 national championships and coaching legends like Bear Bryant and Nick Saban, they've got a legacy that's tough to beat.

A New Chapter in the Crimson Story

Now, one of their own, former Tide cornerback and NFL star Marlon Humphrey, is teaming up with his sister to tell the Bama story in a brand new way: a documentary!

'Nothing But a Winner': Coming Soon!

They've dropped the trailer for "Nothing But a Winner," and it's hitting theaters July 31st! Get ready to dive deep into the Crimson Tide's winning tradition.

Star-Studded Interviews

The documentary is packed with interviews from the man himself, Nick Saban, along with Bama legends like Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Ha Ha Clinton Dix, plus President Stuart Bell, Gene Stallings, Ozzie Newsome, Antonio Langham, and tons more!

Made By a Crimson Tide Champion

This isn't just another football documentary; it's made by someone who lived it, bled crimson, and helped bring championships to Tuscaloosa. This makes it even more special and a must-see for any true Bama fan!

Tragedy in D.C.: Israeli Embassy Staff Killed

This week, a shocking event in the nation's capital has grabbed headlines. Two Israeli embassy staff members were tragically killed in a senseless attack Wednesday as they left an event at the Capital Jewish Museum.

Victims Remembered

Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim, the victims of this awful crime, were reportedly engaged to be married. Their lives were cut short in a truly heartbreaking manner.

Suspect in Custody

Within hours of the news breaking, Elias Rodriguez, 31, of Chicago, was arrested in connection with the killings.

Bruce Pearl Responds

Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, a prominent voice in the pro-Israel movement, reacted strongly to the incident and subsequent support for Rodriguez from pro-Palestine groups.

Pearl's Outrage

Taking to social media, Pearl expressed his dismay: "These people are sick and demonic. This coward guns down 2 beautiful young Israelis and the Jihadis Celebrate the DC Shooter."

Pearl's Commitment

Named chairman of the U.S. Israel Education Association last month, Pearl has consistently used his platform to address issues close to his heart, a commitment that will likely only deepen in the wake of this tragedy.