Alabama News

General

Is Alabama’s long stalled medical marijuana dispute finally nearing a solution?

Lawyers involved in the conflict that has delayed medical marijuana in Alabama are trying to reach an agreement through court-ordered mediation.

Mark Wilkerson, an attorney for the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission, said there have been at least three mediation sessions involving all the parties in the lawsuits. Wilkerson gave members of the AMCC an update on the litigation during a Zoom meeting Thursday.

The disputes are mostly over the AMCC’s efforts to issue business licenses to integrated companies that will cultivate, process, and dispense medical cannabis products.

Some companies denied licenses claim the AMCC has not followed the law in awarding licenses. The AMCC disputes that, but the court found enough merit to the claims to put the process on hold.

Retired Montgomery County Circuit Judge Eugene Reese is overseeing the mediation. Wilkerson said the talks are confidential.

“I will say that I think progress has been made generally,” Wilkerson said. “And Judge Reese has done a good job at pushing that process, communicating with everybody.

“And we’ve certainly made it clear that our goal under the participation is to achieve the objectives that the Legislature has given you to have an outcome that results in products being available to Alabama patients, people that need it.”

The Legislature approved medical marijuana in 2021 and created the AMCC to oversee the industry. The AMCC awarded business licenses three times in 2023 but rescinded the first two rounds of awards because of mistakes and lawsuits filed by companies that were denied licenses.

The AMCC successfully issued licenses for cultivators and in some other categories in December 2023. But licenses for the integrated companies and for dispensaries are on hold. That has prevented the industry from fully launching.

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals will hold oral arguments Monday in a key part of the case.

The AMCC is appealing a temporary restraining order issued last July by Montgomery Circuit Judge James Anderson, who is presiding over the lawsuits. The order prohibits the AMCC from issuing the licenses to integrated companies.

The Compassion Act, passed by Alabama lawmakers in May 2021, made Alabama one of more than 30 states to authorize medical marijuana.

Patients who receive a recommendation from a certified doctor and receive a medical cannabis card from the AMCC will be able to buy medical marijuana products at licensed dispensaries.

The products can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, weight loss and nausea from cancer, depression, panic disorder, epilepsy, muscle spasms caused by disease or spinal cord injuries, PTSD, and others.

Products can include gummies, tablets, capsules, tinctures, patches, oils, and other forms allowed by the legislation.

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Madison opens community center after $11M facelift of troubled juvenile facility

With the opening of a new community center Thursday, Madison completes a yearslong effort to revitalize a troubled parcel of land on the north side.

The 30,000 square-foot center at 1329 Browns Ferry Road houses multiple meeting rooms, arts and craft spaces, a multiuse gym, courtyard and performance stage. The city’s recently opened senior center occupies a wing of the building.

“A community center is the hub for your city,” Mayor Paul Finley said. “What was a facility that was an eyesore has turned into the hub and a central part of community for Madison.”

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Investigation complete after three homeless men killed by train in Mobile

According to the Mobile Police Department, no criminal activity was found involving a train incident that killed three men Tuesday night.

The three individuals were also believed to have been unhoused the department said.

According to a department spokesperson, a train operator blew the horn but the men were not able to clear the tracks in time.

“Evidence revealed the train’s horn was sounded prior to impact shortly after 5 p.m., but the three victims were unable to clear the track,” the spokesperson said.

It took the train operators several hours before they knew that the men had been struck.

Mobile police were contacted immediately after the discovery and officers arrived at approximately 11:40 p.m. the department said.

The train involved was being operated by the Port of Mobile. Maggie Oliver, a spokesperson for the port, provided a statement regarding the “tragic” incident.

“This is a tragic event, and the Port is grateful for MPD’s leadership on the investigation …. The Port will continue working with MPD along with other relevant agencies to provide information that will bring the families closure and assist in our understanding of this accident.”

The department said the identities of the victims will be released once their families have been notified.

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Why do we rush to buy bread and milk when it snows? Here are 3 theories

Milk sandwiches? Bless our sarcastic little hearts, y’all. The memes work overtime when snow is in the forecast. But we Southerners can’t deny we have a strange urge to buy bread and milk when it snows and now the joke is that we use them to make “milk sandwiches.”

Our panic-buying is a quirk makes folks who aren’t from around these parts wonder. (You can read responses to a curious Canadian’s questions here.)

In Alabama, our brains tell us: Go to the grocery store. Buy milk and bread. And sometimes eggs. Or toilet paper, depending on how much you stockpile. Why do they tell us that? Because it’s what our grandmothers did. Because it’s what our neighbors do. Because nine out of 10 people on Facebook said so.

We never questioned why. We just knew the ingredients for French toast were synonymous with winter storm watches.

Now we’re asking the burning question: Why? Why those products? Why the urgency?

I set out to find the answer and here it is: I’m not sure. But hold on a second – I did find a few theories and I collected them below so you can decide for yourself.

The symbolism of comfort theory

Paul Farhi from The Washington Post weighed in with a bread-and-milk panic theory way back in 2005.

He floated the hypothesis that it’s the symbolism of bread and milk – as old as humanity itself – that makes them first on our list when disaster looms: “Bread is the host, the staff of life, a palpable object of survival. Milk is a no-brainer, too – it’s the sustenance that a mother provides an infant, a biblical promise (”a land flowing with milk and honey”), a smooth and nutritious foodstuff (except for the lactose-intolerant).”

The historic storm theory

AccuWeather.com had a more concrete theory of pre-storm panic, writing “nothing seems to strike fear into people like snowstorms,” according to a CNN article.

The writer theorized that the tradition of flocking to stores began in contemporary times, and with a single snowstorm – and it’s one that didn’t occur in the South.

“It appears that New Englanders can take credit for the purchasing of milk and bread prior to the storm. It was the monumental blizzard in 1978 that trapped many in homes for weeks that gets at least some credit for the current tradition.”

The psychological theory

A writer for HowStuffWorks.com interviewed a couple of psychologists about what the writer termed: “The compulsive desire to stockpile perishables.”

Psychotherapist Lisa Brateman told the reporter: “The thought to get milk before a storm is followed by the action or compulsion to go out and stockpile it. In one way or another, we spend a lot of time and energy trying to feel in control, and buying things you might throw out still gives the person a sense of control in an uncontrollable situation.”

So buying canned goods and non-perishables sends the message that you think the storm may trap you in your house for an extended period.

Perishables, though, are the epitome of optimism. As licensed clinical psychologist Judy Rosenberg said in the article: “Buying perishables is like saying, ‘the storm will be over soon and I won’t be stuck in this situation for long.’”

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Huntsville staging snowplows in advance of winter storm

Huntsville is staging snowplows and motor graders throughout the city in advance of the winter storm expected to bring a mixture of snow, freezing rain and sleet to the Tennessee Valley on Friday.

The city is putting a priority on areas with steep grades and areas near hospitals, officials said during a briefing at City Hall on Thursday. Main roads and roads leading to major employers such as Greenbrier Road are also expected to be given priority with a winter storm warning going in effect for north Alabama.

Huntsville, Madison County and Madison city officials are coordinating their efforts in preparation for the storm.

“We want to assure everyone that we are working closely with local, regional and state officials to ensure that we have a proactive response,” Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said. “We have been monitoring this weather event closely. We are preparing for the worst while hoping for the best.”

Local officials are hoping to avoid many of the problems that plagued north Alabama during January 2024’s winter storm, which was mainly as ice event that crippled the area for days.

Huntsville recently retrofitted 10 of its 1-ton trucks with plows, resulting in a total of 15 1-ton trucks with plows. Huntsville also has 20 half-ton trucks with bumper-mounted plows as well as motor graders.

Huntsville Police (HPD) is positioning barricades in areas where roads may need to be closed, such as bridges and overpasses. HPD Chief Kirk Giles stressed that bypassing barricades is illegal and traffic accidents that occur on closed roads will not be worked by HPD.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has treated federal and state roads in advance of the storm. In Huntsville, ALDOT is responsible for Interstate 565, Memorial Parkway (U.S. 231), Governors Drive (U.S. 431), Research Park Boulevard (Alabama 255), Alabama 53 and U.S. 72 (University Drive).

Madison County Commissioners have treated rural roads beyond the city limits of Huntsville and Madison. Madison and Madison County will have heavy equipment in place to help clear major roads.

“Today we started applying salt brine to the county roads in District 4,” County Commissioner Phil Vandiver said in a statement. He said the work will continue on Friday.

“Many of the other Madison County Districts were also picking up brine and putting it on roads within their districts,” he said.

In Athens, Public Works trucks are loaded with sand, and the plows are ready, Communication Specialist Holly Hollman said. She said crews will sand the bridges in heavily traveled areas first (I-65, Alabama 251, Forrest Street) and then areas around emergency facilities, such as Athens-Limestone Hospital, Fire Stations and Police Dept. and Nuclear Plant Road to Browns Ferry Nuclear Plant. Hollman said.

Crews from Athens Utilities have their equipment ready and are on standby in case they need to respond, she said.

Local officials are urging residents to take steps to be ready to remain at home if the weather creates lingering road issues.

“The most important message we want to convey is the need for personal preparation,” Battle said. “You can still go to the grocery store, get the food, gas and prescriptions you need and have a plan in place so you can ride out this winter weather event over the next 72 hours.”

“Ask yourself, ‘Do I need to get out of this house?’” Madison Mayor Paul Finley said. “Is it a want or a need? If we stick with the needs, we’ll be in much better position to take care of those who truly need help and this community is stepping up and doing that.”

If residents do have to get out on the roadways, the Huntsville Police Department offers the following tips for drivers:
The department offered tips for drivers

• Respect road closures and barricades: Going around barricades placed on closed roads is illegal. These closures are in place to protect the public from unsafe conditions.
• Do not leave vehicles abandoned on roadways: If your vehicle becomes disabled, pull it to the right of way if it is safe to do so. Abandoned vehicles block access for first responders and road crews.
• Plan ahead: Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking tires, brakes, windshield wipers and fluid levels. Carry an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight and a fully charged phone.
• Drive with caution: If you must drive, reduce speed, increase following distances and allow extra time to reach your destination. Watch for icy patches, especially on bridges and overpasses.

Warming Centers

Warming shelters are open for anyone who needs temporary shelter from the elements. The Community Warming Center at The Livin’ Room has extended its hours to Sunday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m.

Community Warming Center – The Livin’ Room (2820 Governors Drive SW): Call 256-427-5400 or email [email protected].

First Stop (206 Stokes St.): Open Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 256-533-3391.

Downtown Rescue Mission (1400 Evangel Drive NW): Open 24/7. Call 256-536-2441.

Salvation Army (305 Seminole Drive SW): Open Monday-Sunday, 6 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Call 256-536-9147.

If the City is open, Huntsville Transit will provide transportation to warming centers. If the City is closed, those needing a ride should call the Huntsville Police Department’s non-emergency number at 256-722-7100.

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How many faucets you should drip in freezing weather? How to protect outdoor faucets

Amid the potential for snow and ice are concerns over days of freezing temperatures in Alabama.

More than half of Alabama’s 67 counties are under a state of emergency due to the forecast of severe winter weather. The threat of ice, snow, freezing rain and prolonged sub-freezing temperatures will continue through Saturday. Cold temperatures will be in the teens in North Alabama overnight and into Sunday morning. Central Alabama will have lows in the 20s with southern portion of the states climbing into the low 30s.

One of the big concerns with the weather is the potential for frozen and broken water pipes.

Experts with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management recommend allowing faucets to drip cold water to avoid frozen pipes. As soon as the temperatures are above freezing, however, ADEM recommends discontinuing the dripping faucets.

“Dripping faucets, when unnecessary, can lead to increased water demand on utilities which can be worsened by leaks from frozen pipes when they thaw,” ADEM said. “Increased water demand might lead to diminished or exhausted water storage. You can help by checking your home for leaks inside and outside and by shutting off your water supply if leaks are found.”

What about outdoor faucets? Instead of letting those drip, ADEM recommends purchasing inexpensive and easy-to-install insulated covers. These cover protect your outdoor fixtures during very col weather and can be found at home centers and hardware stores, the agency said.

If you don’t have insulated drain covers, wrapping an exposed pipe in newspaper, a towel or fabric can provide some level of protection against the cold.

Tips for avoiding frozen pipes

Here’s what you need to know, according to the Department of Energy and Huntsville Utilities:

• Allow the faucet to drip to relieve pressure on your home’s water system.
• Run cold water. All you need is a trickle of water to keep it flowing through the pipes consistently.
• What’s a slow drip of water?  A slow drip of water will fill up a gallon pitcher in about an hour, equaling about 2 cents per night to drip one faucet. That’s considerably cheaper than repairs on a broken pipe.
• The faucet farthest from your water meter should be left dripping if you can only leave one running. It will draw the water throughout the house.
• Can’t I just open cabinet doors and prevent freezing pipes? It is recommended to open cabinet doors to allow for warm air into enclosed spaces and this works well in the kitchen and bathrooms. Most pipe problems, however, occur in less-accessible places like garages, crawl spaces and attics. That’s why it’s important to insulate exposed plumbing.

More plumbing protection

• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors and make sure you’ve closed inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Disconnect your hose and keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• You can use a “pipe sleeve” like those sold at home repair stores or even heat tape other specially made products to protect exposed water pipes. Even newspapers can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much costlier repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

What to do if you suspect a frozen pipe

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. If that happens, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you think your pipe has burst, turn off the water at the home’s main shut-off valve but leave the faucets turned on before calling in your plumber.

How to thaw frozen pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Seal any leaks that allow cold air into your home where pipes are located. This is an issue around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or another open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

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Best Notre Dame vs. Penn State same game parlay for CFP semifinals

Get set for what should be an outstanding College Football Playoff semifinal matchup Thursday night when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish meet the Penn State Nittany Lions in the Capital One Orange Bowl.

Let’s get into our same game parlay picks for Notre Dame vs. Penn State at Caesars Sportsbook.

RELATED: Check our our best Notre Dame vs. Penn State player props.

Best same game parlay for Notre Dame vs. Penn State

• Leg 1: Notre Dame -1.5
• Leg 2: Riley Leonard over 49.5 rushing yards
• Leg 3: Jaden Greathouse over 11.5 receiving yards

• Same game parlay odds: +440 at Caesars Sportsbook

SGP Leg 1

I like Notre Dame to beat Penn State, but I also believe it’ll cover the -1.5 (-110) at Caesars Sportsbook.

The Fighting Irish were 12-2-0 ATS and have covered the spread in 10 consecutive games. Notre Dame’s pass defense should thwart Penn State quarterback Drew Allar enough to make enough stops and simply outscore the Nittany Lions.

Penn State is 6-4-0 ATS in its previous 10 games. It’s also suffered losses to Ohio State and Oregon. The Nittany Lions had an easy run to the CFP semifinals, but that run ends by at least a field goal Thursday night in Miami.

SGP Leg 2

Riley Leonard over 49.5 rushing yards: -125 at Caesars

Notre Dame quarterback Riley Leonard is the straw that stirs the drink for the Fighting Irish.

The dual-threat quarterback has thrown for 2,383 passing yards with 18 touchdown passes, but he’s also scampered for 831 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns.

We are interested in Leonard’s feet Thursday, and he should rush for at least 50 yards. Otherwise, the Fighting Irish will end their season with a loss.

Leonard meets a Penn State rushing defense that allows 112 rushing yards per game against nationally ranked opponents.

Leonard has rushed for 110 yards across his two CFP games. He’s cleared Caesars’ rushing prop number in half of his 14 games, and I like him to rush for at least 50 yards in the Orange Bowl.

SGP Leg 3

Jaden Greathouse over 11.5 receiving yards: -130 at Caesars

Nationally ranked teams have dented the Nittany Lions defense for an average of nearly 230 passing yards on a 63% completion rate across three games.

That bodes well for Notre Dame wideout Jaden Greathouse. The sophomore standout hauled in at least one pass in every game he played (13), while averaging one reception for at least a dozen yards.

That type of dependability matters in big games, and if the Fighting Irish’s ground game stalls, Leonard could be forced to throw more than he typically does. Greathouse could have himself a terrific evening.

Leonard is a more than capable passer, and Greathouse is as dependable as an old Swiss watch.

One catch likely takes him over Caesars’ number.

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Winter weather advisory affecting Central Alabama Friday

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory at 2:24 p.m. on Thursday valid for Friday between midnight and 3 p.m. for Sumter, Greene, Hale, Perry and Autauga counties.

The weather service says to be ready for, “Sleet accumulations up to one half inch.”

“Plan on slippery road conditions. The hazardous conditions could impact the Friday morning commute,” explains the weather service. “Slow down and use caution while traveling.”

Mastering winter roads: Guidance from the weather service for safe winter travel

Winter’s icy grip often turns roads treacherous, leading to over 6,000 weather-related vehicle fatalities and more than 480,000 injuries each year. When you find yourself on snowy or freezing rain-slicked roads, your top priority should be safety. Slow down and exercise caution. In temperatures near freezing, it’s prudent to assume icy patches on the road and adjust your driving accordingly. Be on alert for ice accumulating on power lines and tree branches, as they may break and fall. If possible, avoid driving in these conditions altogether. But if you must venture out, choose routes with fewer trees and power lines, and never touch a downed power line. If you encounter one, dial 911 immediately. Here are additional winter driving tips from the weather service:

Share your travel plans:

When traveling out of town in hazardous winter weather, inform your family or friends of your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.

Prepare your vehicle:

Ensure your gas tank is full and equip your vehicle with essential winter supplies, including a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket, extra warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food.

Stay calm when stranded:

If you become stranded, remain composed. Inform someone about your situation and location. Avoid attempting to walk to safety. Indicate that you need assistance by attaching a cloth to your car’s antenna or mirror, and make your vehicle more visible by using the dome light and flashers

Be mindful of snow plows:

Keep an eye out for snow plows and provide them with ample room to pass. Only overtake a plow when you have a clear view of the road ahead.

Check road conditions:

Before embarking on your journey, check the latest road conditions to make informed travel decisions.

Stay safe on wintry roads with these valuable winter driving tips from the weather service, and reduce the risk of accidents during challenging weather conditions.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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16-year-old is 2nd teen charged with capital murder in Montgomery homicide

A second teen has been charged in the October shooting death of a young man in Montgomery.

Police on Thursday announced the arrest of a 16-year-old boy. He was taken into custody earlier today by U.S. Marshals.

The teen is charged with capital murder in the Oct. 23, 2024, killing of 22-year-old Eldren Wright.

Earlier this week, police announced charges against 18-year-old Bakeith Lavaughn Jackson Jr.

Both teens are charged with two counts of capital murder – capital murder during a robbery and capital murder by shooting into a vehicle – and three counts of attempted murder.

Montgomery police were notified about 6:15 p.m. that Wednesday that the five victims showed up at the hospital with gunshot wounds.

Investigators determined the shooting happened in the 1000 block of Liberty Square Drive.

No additional details have been released.

Three men and two juveniles were injured. Wright and one of the juveniles sustained life-threatening injuries.

The other three victims had non-life-threatening injuries.

Wright died on Oct. 29.

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