SUMMARY: News 5 Now covered several key stories on Thursday, June 19, 2025. The top headlines included continued work on the Navy’s USNS Billy Frank Jr., nearing sea trials; the end of search efforts for a missing 10-year-old in Destin; and the U.S. resuming student visa applications with new social media screening rules. The Los Angeles Lakers were sold to billionaire Mark Walter for \$10 billion. Juneteenth celebrations across the Gulf Coast were highlighted, with many free events. The show also discussed favorite Gulf Coast “hidden gems” and a poll on artificial food dyes, following recent moves to ban several by the FDA.

Work continues on Austal USA’s first steel-hulled ship. The U.S. is resuming student visas, and it’s the end of an era for the Buss family and the Lakers.

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SUMMARY: Cleburne County Commissioner Mark Truett urged Alabama residents on Facebook to arm themselves with pepper spray—or “cordless hole punchers,” a euphemism for guns—ahead of planned protests against Donald Trump. Truett shared links to pepper spray products, protest sites, and maps of Alabama protest locations. He claimed his intent was to ensure both sides were prepared for potential violence, emphasizing safety without ill will. Critics like Jim Sterling viewed Truett’s posts as threatening and inciting violence. Commenters echoed militant sentiments referencing Kyle Rittenhouse and resistance to protests, highlighting tensions and calls for armed readiness amid polarized reactions to Trump-related demonstrations.

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SUMMARY: The Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission is one step closer to awarding medical marijuana licenses after a prolonged legal battle. Initially, licenses given to applicants like Joey Robertson were delayed due to rejected applications and ongoing litigation. Applicants must now undergo investigative hearings before an administrative law judge to defend their qualifications. Though these hearings were always legislatively required, litigation caused significant delays. Executive Director John McMillan expressed disappointment but hopes the process will soon proceed smoothly. Robertson, originally awarded a license in December 2023, expects to defend his license next month, with final decisions possible in the coming months, bringing relief to patients awaiting treatment.

‘I truly feel sorry’: Medical cannabis licenses under review as patients await relief

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