ABC Board Mulls Booze Fee Hike: Will Your Drink Cost More?

The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board is back at it today, potentially pulling the trigger on a controversial proposal: raising the central warehouse bailment fee.

The meeting agenda includes a juicy item under "other business": "Consider increase of the Central Warehouse Bailment Fee." The ABC says this increase is needed to help pay for its shiny new $98 million Montgomery warehouse.

Delayed Decision, Looming Cost

Last month, the board pumped the brakes on a vote about this increase, opting for more deliberation. Now, the day of reckoning has arrived.

What's the Deal?

The proposal would see liquor suppliers cough up more dough per case for storing their goods in the ABC's warehouse. We're talking a jump from the current 72 cents to a possible $1.50 per case by 2028, rolled out in three stages.

Senator Says "Hold Up!"

State Senator Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) isn't happy, calling the proposal an "after-the-fact" move and a sneaky "grab of additional revenue." He argues this goes against what the ABC told lawmakers when it sought the green light for the warehouse project.

No Legislative Approval?

"The Legislature would have never approved it had they said they were going to need to increase fees," Elliott stated. He believes the ABC is trying to quietly change the rules to cover the warehouse costs, which will ultimately hit consumers in their wallets.

Accountability Time

The Senator is challenging the board to prove they disclosed these fee hikes before getting the go-ahead for the warehouse. He points out that because the fee is being implemented through rulemaking, it bypasses legislative approval.

Hidden Costs

Elliott fears many people won't even know what a "bailment fee" is, but warns the increase will trickle down to higher prices at bars, restaurants, and stores.

Broken Promises?

Back in August, ABC bigwigs assured legislators the warehouse would only cause a slight short-term dip in distributions to the state's General Fund, with long-term gains expected. However, the agency later revealed it doesn't anticipate dishing out profits for several years, as the money is being used for the warehouse.

Industry Impact

"This is going to be a big issue for my constituents and and the restaurant and hospitality industry in general," Elliott warned. He urges the board to reconsider their funding plans and ensure they were upfront with the Legislature.

Senator Britt Sounds Off on Shutdown!

Alabama Senator Katie Britt didn't hold back during a recent ABC News interview, blasting Democrats for what she sees as a failure to prioritize funding and protect vulnerable Americans amid the ongoing government shutdown.

Ready to Work, Ready to Open

According to Britt, Republicans are geared up and ready to get back to business ASAP. She urged Democrats to return to the negotiation table, emphasizing the importance of getting the government back up and running. "We're ready to open the government today," she stated, highlighting the urgent work needing to be done for the American people.

"Premature" Shutdown Hurts the Most Vulnerable

Senator Britt called the shutdown "absolutely premature," stressing its potential negative impact on critical programs like WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). She questioned the logic of jeopardizing support for the most vulnerable, especially when funding the government should be the priority.

A Tale of Two Leaders: Republicans vs. Democrats

Britt contrasted the approaches of Republican and Democratic leadership on funding. She pointed out that last year, Democrats under Chuck Schumer didn't bring a single appropriations bill to the floor, while Leader John Thune put three up before August.

Standing in Solidarity

Showing her support for affected federal workers and military personnel, Senator Britt announced she'll be withholding her pay for the duration of the shutdown. She believes that if Congress isn't doing its job, they shouldn't be getting paid, and she hopes her Democratic colleagues will follow suit.

Get Your Daily Dose of Longshore & McKnight!

Tune in daily for Longshore and McKnight's takes on all things sports! Catch their episodes on YouTube, Spotify, and of course, Yellowhammer News. 🎙️🔊

Today's Highlights:

• Auburn-Georgia Week: It's Deep South rivalry time! (002:13)
• The Water Cannon Game: Remembering the legend at Jordan-Hare! (002:56)
• Kirby to the Plains? Why Smart didn't coach at Auburn. (005
• Gus Hired: Revisiting Auburn's coaching call! (006:57)
• Coaching Carousel: The Marshall Report fires up the debate. (008:41)
• Rivalry Breakdown: Mike Griffith dives into Auburn vs. Georgia! (00:13:31)
• Georgia's Hurdles: Early struggles and NIL talk. (00:15:1
• Freeze Factor: Auburn fans feeling the heat. (00:18:38)
• NIL Gold: Auburn-Baylor in Atlanta means serious cash! (00:22:11)
• Money Moves: Neutral-site games are the SEC's new obsession. (00:23:58)
• Bama's Drive: A Missouri matchup preview. (00:27:36)
• Pearl's Praise: Is Bruce Pearl the most underrated coach in college hoops? (00:31:11)
• SEC Showdown: Predicting Alabama vs. Georgia in the Championship! (00:35:28)
• MLB Update: Yankees out, Blue Jays still swinging! (00:472)
• CFB Quick Hits: Tulane, Southern Miss, and more midweek action! (00:507)

Huge Breakthrough in Huntington's Disease Treatment!

Big news, ChumCityzens! Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UA have made a groundbreaking discovery in the fight against Huntington's Disease (HD), a devastating genetic disorder. They've developed a new treatment that slows the disease's progression by a whopping 75%! This is a first in the ongoing battle against HD and offers real hope for those affected.

A "Huge Step" Forward

Dr. Victor Sung, a neurologist at UAB, calls the results "a huge step" towards changing the course of this previously untreatable disease. For over 30 years, scientists have been searching for a way to slow or stop HD, and this preliminary study is a major leap in that direction.

How Does It Work?

The new gene therapy, called AMT-130, is delivered through brain surgery and works by blocking the messenger RNA (mRNA) that produces the toxic huntingtin protein – the main culprit behind the brain damage in HD. Unlike some other genetic therapies, AMT-130 doesn't alter your DNA, which is a big plus for safety.

Promising Results

The study showed that patients receiving a high dose of AMT-130 experienced a 75% slower disease progression over three years! They also maintained better movement, cognitive function, and overall daily living abilities, with no significant side effects reported. While the treatment requires an invasive procedure, it's designed to be a single dose that could potentially last a lifetime.

The Future of HD Treatment?

While the treatment hasn't received FDA approval yet, uniQure is working hard to get it fast-tracked. If approved, AMT-130 could become the very first therapy to actually modify the course of Huntington's Disease, rather than just treating the symptoms.

Gratitude and Caution

Dr. Sung is cautiously optimistic about the results but also emphasized the bravery of the study participants who volunteered for the trial. He acknowledges that there are still challenges in making the treatment widely accessible, but he believes these are "far preferable to continuing without any effective therapies."

About Huntington's Disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary condition that causes involuntary movements, cognitive decline, and emotional disturbances. It's caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the degeneration of brain cells. Symptoms typically appear between the ages of 30 and 55, and it affects men and women equally.

Giving Alabama Foster Teens a Fighting Chance!

Every year in Alabama, hundreds of young folks "age out" of the foster care system, facing adulthood without a solid foundation. It can be a seriously scary time, leaving them feeling lost and unsupported.

Enter Erica Hardesty: Making a Real Difference

But Erica Hardesty is on a mission to change that! She's the powerhouse behind Make It Matter: The Collective, a Huntsville-based non-profit dedicated to empowering foster teens as they transition to adulthood. Erica believes every kiddo deserves to know they matter and have the tools to build a bright future.

From Social Work to Making Waves

Erica's passion sparked during her years as a foster care social worker. Witnessing the struggles these teens faced fueled her drive to create tangible change.

A Collective Effort: Launching Make It Matter

Together with her husband, David, Erica launched Make It Matter: The Collective, a beacon of hope offering resources and unwavering support.

Flowers with a Purpose: Noëlla's Blooms

Erica even blended her love of flowers with her mission by launching Noëlla's Flowers. This cool flower shop in Huntsville's Stovehouse doesn't just brighten days; it funds the non-profit, with a portion of proceeds going directly to Make It Matter. They also host Fête en Blanc, a fancy event to raise funds!

Equipping Teens for Success

Make It Matter focuses on mentorship, resources, and stability. Through one-on-one guidance and life-skills coaching, they help youth discover their potential and navigate housing, finances, education, and jobs.

The 614 Initiative: Rebuilding Lives

The heart of the mission is The 614 Initiative, inspired by Isaiah 61:4. This program pairs young adults with mentors who provide consistent support and encouragement. It is designed to connect these young adults to pre-existing resources, and ensure a smoother transition.

Expanding Reach: Mentorship in Schools

Make It Matter is even partnering with local schools to launch a mentorship program, connecting foster youth with mentors who can help them thrive.

A Vision for the Future: The 614 Initiative Apartment Complex

Erica and her team are on a mission: the Now Is the Time Capital Campaign, aiming to raise $7.5 million to build The 614 Initiative transitional apartment complex.

A Safe Haven with Support

This facility will be more than just housing. It'll offer a safe, stable home for foster youth ages 18-21, with apartments and wraparound services like life-skills coaching, job training, and mental health care.

"Now Is the Time": Join the Movement!

Erica emphasizes the urgency, stating, "Now is the time for our community to invest in lasting change."

A Personal Impact: Changing Lives

"This program gave me people who believed in me, taught me how to live on my own, and helped me discover my purpose," says Charles, a former foster youth.

Erica is hopeful these stories will inspire others to get involved!

Strong Slams Dems Over Shutdown Standoff!

Huntsville's own U.S. Rep. Dale Strong (R) is not holding back! He's blasting his colleagues across the aisle for what he sees as their continued refusal to fund our federal government.

Day Nine and Counting...

As the government shutdown dragged into its ninth day, Strong took to News Nation to vent. He pointed fingers at Senate Democrats, who he says are blocking resolutions to get things back on track.

National Security at Risk?

Strong didn't mince words, highlighting the potential dangers to national security. "DHS, TSA, border security...these folks are out there every day, potentially without paychecks!" he exclaimed. He emphasized support for essential workers and vowed to fight for a swift reopening.

The Obamacare Battle

Republicans have been hammering Democrats, accusing them of prioritizing expanded Obamacare subsidies – some of which, they claim, would benefit individuals who've entered the country unlawfully.

Time to End the Partisan Games!

Strong insists it's time for Democrats to ditch the partisan antics and get serious about funding the government. "They've shut down the government because they want healthcare for illegal aliens!" he argued. He also took aim at funding for National Public Radio, declaring that voters are "sick of it" and predicting midterm consequences for Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and his crew.

Alabama Republicans Cheer Israel-Hamas Agreement

Alabama's GOP congressional delegation is giving a thumbs-up to the newly-inked agreement between Israel and Hamas, aimed at de-escalating the situation in Gaza. This comes after the devastating October 7th attacks where over 1,200 Israelis were killed by Hamas.

Trump Takes Credit

Former President Trump, never one to shy away from the spotlight, announced on Truth Social that both Israel and Hamas have signed off on the first phase of his "Peace Plan." He claims this means the release of all hostages and an Israeli troop withdrawal as steps toward a "Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace," treating all parties fairly. Trump also thanked mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey.

Rogers Praises "First Phase"

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, chair of the House Armed Services Committee, shared his excitement on Newsmax, highlighting this first phase as a significant achievement. "This is the first phase that everybody's agreed to, which is a bigger step than anybody else besides President Trump has been able to achieve," Rogers stated.

"Incredible First Step"

Senator Katie Britt echoed the sentiment, calling it an "incredible first step."

Nobel Peace Prize?

Senator Tommy Tuberville went a step further, suggesting Trump deserves a Nobel Peace Prize for brokering this agreement.

Other Reactions

Representative Robert Aderholt simply stated, "This is great news." Representative Barry Moore labeled the deal "historic."

Tide Roll into Hostile Territory: Missouri Showdown Looms!

Alabama's Crimson Tide are bracing for a massive road test against the No. 14 Missouri Tigers – potentially their toughest challenge of the season so far.

Missouri's Dual Threat: A Real Problem for Bama?

Missouri, quarterbacked by the ruthlessly efficient Beau Pribula (a threat both passing and running), and powered by star running back Ahmad Hardy, poses a SERIOUS problem for the Tide. This matchup looks tricky for Bama, and with just a slim 3.5-point spread, many are betting on a Missouri upset.

The Faurot Field Factor: A Roaring Crowd Awaits

While all the factors above are concerning, maybe the biggest worry is Missouri's dominance at home. You won't believe it, but Missouri is TIED with Alabama for the second-longest home winning streak in the country at 15 games – undefeated at home since 2023, just like the Tide!

Drinkwitz's Dynasty: Home Field Advantage

Head coach Eli Drinkwitz has turned the Tigers into a force to be reckoned with, especially at home, even during seasons where they weren't quite as strong.

Streak vs. Streak: Something's Gotta Give

A win this weekend puts Alabama one step closer to having the longest home winning streak in college football. For Missouri, this is their biggest test yet. Something's gotta give on Saturday, and Bama fans are praying that streak dies instead of extending to 16 and taking sole possession of second place.

Understanding Hysteroscopy Procedures and Fertility Health in Pakistan | #health #medical #treatment

Lifeline Insurance UAE – Trusted Health Insurance Provider | #lifeline TPA