West Alabama Monday Briefing

It is Monday March 11, 2024.

Technically it is still winter and technically it felt like it this morning. With overnight lows in the upper 30s across much of West Alabama it was a bit of a shock to the system walking out the door and being hit by a cold breeze after several days of spring like weather. But don't fear the warmer temperatures are just ahead. However, we have to get through another night in the 30s.

A Frost Advisory is in effect for all of West Alabama until 9:00 tomorrow morning.

The daytime high today will be in the seasonable mid 60s but warm back up tomorrow into the mid to upper 70 and near 80 on Thursday.

Showers return to the forecast Thursday with a yet to be determined risk for strong storms toward the weekend.

The Forecast:

Today

Partly sunny, with a high near 65. Calm wind becoming east around 5 mph.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming clear, with a low around 37. Calm wind.

Tuesday

Patchy frost before 8am. Otherwise, mostly sunny, with a high near 70. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Tuesday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday

Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 50.

2nd Half of the Work Week

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Topping the News:

Aggressive opposition is credited for another shake-up on Northport City Council. The unexpected resignation of Northport Council President Jeff Hogg came after days of strong criticism on social media and as reported by Hogg death threats and harassment. Hogg told Townsquare Media that he did not want to put his family and employer under continued harassment.

Northport City Attorney Ron Davis told news partner ABC3340 the worst of it started after the council voted to approve partnering with a Texas based developer to build the $350 million University Beach Water Park entertainment, residential and retail project of U.S. 82 West near Lowes.

The opposition was very vocal and aggressive with a GoFundMe account being started by Northport resident Jack Roberts to raise $100,000 to be used to fight the development and/or used to defeat the city council at the next elections. So far, just over $3,800 has been raised from 81 donations.

A bill sponsored by Cottondale Republican Senator Gerald Allen would make it illegal to display a flag, other than those on a short list, on state property. It was reported out of committee last week and now goes to the full senate for debate.

Opponents claim the bill violates free speech rights and is aimed at the Rainbow Flag flown by LGBTQ+ rallies at the State Capitol.

The lottery bill and accompanying enabling constitutional amendment passed last week in the senate. This week they must be sent back to the house because they do not match the legislation approved by the lower chamber.

The senate bills delete casinos and sports betting. They also would allow only a paper lottery not an electronic one. Additionally, senators changed the date from the November General Election to a special election in September.

Critics claim opponents of lottery and gaming want the vote scheduled away from the General Election because it would be easier to defeat with a smaller voter turnout.

Carlee Russell's fake kidnapping case from last year will not be going to trial. She will instead enter a plea at a hearing on March 21st. She is expected to plead guilty to false reporting to Hoover Police and falsely reporting a crime.

The historic, more than 100-year-old Tannehill General Store burned to the foundation late last month. The Tuscaloosa County Commission has helped remove debris and cleanup the site.

Cause of the blaze at the popular landmark is still under investigation by the Alabama Fire Marshall's Office.

3-year-old Pathyam Patel, also known as Pat Patel, has been arrested on securities fraud charges. According to the Alabama Securities Commission (ASC) Patel committed multiple state securities law violations.

The indictment alleges Patel investment funds raised $400,000 which he used for gambling on sporting events, personal expenses, and paying earlier investors.

Alabama Junior GOP U.S. Senator Katie Britt continues to be mocked for her Republican rebuttal of President Biden's State of the Union address Thursday night.

Topping Sports:

Alabama Softball (19-3, 0-2 SEC) will attempt to salvage at least one win from its opening weekend SEC series with Florida (21-3, 2-0 SEC) tonight. The Tide lost 2-0 Saturday and was run-ruled 11-2 Sunday.

Alabama committed six errors in yesterday's game. That the most in a game for Alabama since April 4, 2002, against LSU. Bama has booted the ball 19 times in 22 games so far this season.

Gametime is 6:00 tonight at the Rhodes House.

Crimson Tide Baseball (15-1, 0-0 SEC) took out the big bats against Lipscomb This past weekend. 13th ranked Bama beat the Bisons, 10-5 at the Joe yesterday after posting 20-13 and 10-1 victories Saturday.

The Tide will be at Southern Mississippi at 6:00 tomorrow night.

Alabama has won 19 straight games at Sewell-Thomas Stadium dating back to May 6 of last season.

From Stillman Athletics: Stillman College maintained the best record in NAIA softball despite splitting a Southern States Athletic Conference doubleheader at the University of Tennessee Southern on Sunday. Stillman (19-1, 3-1 SSAC) won the first game, 9-1, before having its 19-game win streak snapped with an 8-4 loss in game two.

University of Tennessee Southern took a two-game sweep from Stillman College (8-12) 12-2 and 11-5. Stillman travels to Tuskegee University on Tuesday.

Have a magnificent Monday!!