West Alabama Monday Briefing

Monday, August 21, 2023, is the beginning of what forecasters are calling potentially the hottest week of the summer so far. A Heat Advisory is in effect until 9:00 tonight for all of West Alabama. Heat index values could reach as high as 109-degrees.

As has been the case over the last couple of months, be sure to take adequate heat precautions by limiting your time in the sun and hydrating frequently.

Heat related deaths are preventable. Protect yourself and others from the impacts of heat waves. Stay hydrated, take frequent breaks, check on those that may not have AC, never leave kids or pets in vehicles, and limit time outside if possible.

Also, the peak of the 2023 hurricane season is growing closer, which means we are starting to see the tropics become more active. The National Hurricane Center is currently monitoring five systems currently. None at this time looks to be a threat to the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The Forecast:

Today: Mostly sunny and very warm with highs in the middle to upper 90s.

Tonight: Clear tonight with lows in the 70s.

Tuesday: Mostly sunny and hot on Tuesday with highs 95 to 100.

Wednesday - Saturday: Highs each day will be 100-degrees with dangerous heat index values. Lows will be in the upper 70s.

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Topping the News:

Latrivia Crews, the mother seen on social media last week, fighting a police officer in Centreville while her son sits handcuffed after being arrested for fighting on a school bus, has now been charged with assault in the second degree, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct, hindering prosecution and resisting arrest. Centreville Mayor Mike Oakley says the officer involved is on suspension pending an investigation by ALEA. The officers involved were wearing body cams.

Alabama continues to resist expanding Medicaid and Alabama Hospital Association Deputy Director Danne Howard is concerned that some 300,000 Alabama residents being without health coverage not only effects them but the entire state. In Alabama, a parent or caregiver must make less than $4,000 a year to qualify for Medicaid. Those without dependents or disabilities don’t qualify at all.

The international phenomena known as “Bama Rush” ended with new UA sorority pledges rushing to their new social homes on campus. Since last year’s TikTok documentary, “Bama Rush” is not only getting national coverage, but it was picked yesterday by the London Daily Mail and other international media.

Crimestoppers is being expanded to Perry and Marengo Counties. Perry County Sheriff Billy Jones tells us the public can be important in crime fighting. Crime Stoppers gives rewards for confidential tips that help law enforcement take criminals off the street. The Crimestoppers tip line is 215-STOP.

"Good luck," that is the response Alabama Senior U-S Senator Tommy Tuberville is giving Democrat Senator Tim Kaine after the Virginian suggested that Republicans “will get their colleague ... to end his blockade" on military promotions.

Tuberville has put a hold on all upper-level military promotions because the Pentagon allows travel expenses to be paid military personnel and their dependents for abortions.

Kaine was quoted as saying. “They’ll eventually see in the mirror that this doesn’t look good, and they will figure out a way to make this right.” Kaine said Tuberville's maneuver would not be allowed in the Democratic Caucus.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell has already expressed his public disapproval of Tuberville's actions.

Two major traffic created major delays on area roadways...

All Eastbound lanes of Interstate 20/59 were closed in Tuscaloosa last night for several hours after a fiery collision that may have included one or more fatalities. The wreck reported involved a vehicle going the wrong direction and was head-on. It occurred a few minutes before 6:30 p.m. Two vehicles involved in the accident caught fire.

This morning a major crash on U-S. 82 East. Eastbound lanes at mile post 60 at Greenfield Drive in Duncanville brought traffic to a halt.

In Sports:

It is just 5 days until the 2023 college football season kick off. There are seven "Week Zero" games including Vanderbilt hosting Hawaii, Jacksonville State at UTEP, Southern Call at San Jose State and Notre Dame and Navy playing in Ireland. Bama and Middle Tennessee play next week.

High school football also kicks off Friday. Here is the West Alabama prep schedule:

Thursday Night: