West Alabama Friday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama. It is Friday August 23, 2024. Another TGIF is here!

Season opening high school football games tonight couldn't have much better weather. Clear skies will bring kickoff temperatures in the mid 80s, dropping into the 70s by game's end.

if you have any other outdoor activities planned for this weekend you are in good shape. It will be dry and warm with highs in the low 90s.

Next week will not be as pleasant as heat builds back in with forecasted highs in the 96 to101 degree range. Enjoy it while you can.

The temperatures over the next 3 to 4 weeks will remain warmer than normal while rainfall possibilities are 50-50.

The Forecast:

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If the budget presented by Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox is approved the average household in the city will spend about $12 more each month on city services. Maddox told the city council finance committee lessons learned from passed unexpected events make it imperative that the city's economy should always be strong.

The lion's share of the hikes comes from a proposed increase in water & sewer rates.

Read More: Tuscaloosa Mayor’s Recommended Budget Raises Water Bills, Gives Raise to City Employees

It has been forty years since the last ad valorem tax increase in the City of Tuscaloosa and the cost of providing a quality education makes it imperative for voters to approve an increase during the September 24^th special election. That is the message being delivered by Secure the Future Tuscaloosa, a group backing the proposed city-wide property tax hike for city schools.

Alabama 2nd Congressional District Democrat Nominee Shomari Figures was one of a number of people to get podium time during last night's final session of the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

Prior to the coronation of Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential nominee Figures put in a plug for West Alabama Democrat Congresswoman Terri Sewell's "John C. Lewis Voting Rights Act". The bill would restore and strengthen parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

A non-profit boosters program called "Walk of Champions" setup in 2023 by former Alabama Quarterback John Parker Wilson is shutting down. The plan, in the day of paying college athletes, was to raise money for that purpose.

A recent 12-page memo from the Internal Revenue Service stated non-profit collectives do not qualify for tax-exempt status, "... if their sole purpose is to pay players instead of supporting charitable work."

Official collective "Yea Alabama" and many other collectives are setup as for-profit. Opendorse, a company that tracks player endorsements and pay says $1.2 billion passed through the industry in 2023 alone.

Parents of UA students that moved into The Cottages Apartments report some progress has been made to make the apartments livable.  When students began moving in they found many apartments were nasty and numerous repairs needed to be made.

Some repairs are underway by a new management team, but some parents believe progress is not moving fast enough for the amount of money they are shelling out.

Parents of students living in off-campus housing across the country are reporting similar problems

Topping Sports News:

Just over a week before the Crimson Tide Football Team opens the season against Western Kentucky, the Tide has been accused of illegally recruiting one of its players. Miami-Ohio head coach Chuck Martin claims Alabama and head coach Kalen DeBoer illegally recruited his kicker, Lou Groza Award winning kicker Graham Nicholson.

Martin told a media conference, “We didn’t lose him. He’s at Alabama. We know exactly where he’s at,” Martin said. “Again, you media people – it’s all pretend. Like, no. Alabama stole our kicker. They illegally recruited our kicker and stole him from us. That’s a fact.”

Coach DeBoer says his program obtained Nicholson's services via the transfer portal and is dismissing Martin's claim.

Read More: Miami-Ohio Coach Accuses Alabama of Poaching Kicker

The 2024 AHSAA High School Football Season kickoff last night with several dozen games across the state but there will be a full slate of contests tonight.

The big game in West Alabama last night pitted two perineal powerhouse prep programs, Gordo and Fayette. The Green Wave made it a laugher, trouncing the Tigers 62- 12.

Tonight's Games: