West Alabama Monday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama! It is Monday July 22, 2024, and a new work week is upon us. Hard to believe there are just nine days left in the Month of July and the beginning of school is just around the corner (sorry kids and teachers to remind you).

There is some good news for this week though. Rain each day should reduce drought conditions across West Alabama. It probably will not eliminate the drought completely but will contribute significantly to shrinking the severe and moderate drought areas.

Another positive by-product of the scattered shows and thunderstorms is knocking down the wildfires. Last week there were as many as 12 wildfires across West Alabama, this morning there are none according to the Alabama Forestry Commission Wildfire Map. There are only three in the state currently.

Further good news is over the next 6 to 10 days slightly above normal precipitation is predicted, further helping us avoid the hundreds of wildfires we experienced last year.

Temperatures should be right at normal for the next 6 to 10 days with South Alabama slight above normal.

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The Forecast:

Today

A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms likely after 10am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tonight

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday

A slight chance of showers, then showers and thunderstorms after 10am. High near 84. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Tuesday Night

A 50 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. Calm wind.

Wednesday

Showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1pm. High near 84. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%.

Wednesday Night

Showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 70. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

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Topping the News:

Alabamians are reacting to President Biden dropping out of the presidential race. West Alabama Democrat Congresswoman Terri Sewell posted on X (formerly twitter) that Biden will go down in history as one of the most consequential and transformational leaders America has ever seen.

Anticipating the VP Kamala Harris could be the new Democrat nominee, Alabama Republican U-S Senator Katie Britt wrote on X that the person put in charge of our nation’s borders, VP Kamala Harris, should not be entrusted with our nation’s future.

Alabama’s Unemployment Rate remained at a record low 2.2% in the month of June but the percentage of people without jobs in the state remains at 57.7%.

In West Alabama, Tuscaloosa County shows some 31-hundred or 2.9% were unemployed in June. The highest unemployment rates in our area are 6.8% in Perry County and 5.1% in Sumter County.

Mayor Walt Maddox, Probate Judge Rob Robertson and leaders from west Alabama are in Mobile today for an annual trip designed to bring good ideas from other cities back to the West Alabama area.

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama has taken these Benchmarking trips since 2017 and have learned from leaders in Greenville, Lexington, Chattanooga, Asheville and Raleigh.

Northport residents for and against the proposed University Beach Resort planned for U-S 82 west are expected to show up for Wednesday’s District 5 town hall at Northport Intermediate School. The meeting scheduled by Councilman Anwar Aiken will run from 5:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m.

The large-scale controversial project has been opposed by a vocal group of Northport citizens and some outsiders. Resident Jack Roberts has raised just over $8,000 of a $100,000 goal to fight the development.

Jennifer Collins, an adjunct UA professor in the American Studies department is no longer employed at the campus. Shortly after the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, Collins posted on her Facebook page that, "He had it coming" and that the shooter was a "lousy shot".

UA has issued no further comment about the issue.

Freshwater Land Trust (FLT) has announced the acquisition of 366 acres on a peninsula situated at the confluence of the Mulberry Fork, Locust Fork, and Black Warrior River. The land, located in west Jefferson County, is covered in a forest of pines, sweetgum, and white oaks, with minimally invasive species on it. This property is a prime candidate for FLT’s habitat restoration work to improve forest composition and increase species diversity.

A release from Black Warrior River Keeper stated, "Protecting the Black Warrior River basin is critically important. This watershed is home to over a million residents, is a major source of drinking water for many cities, including Birmingham, Bessemer, Cullman, Jasper, Oneonta, and Tuscaloosa, and supports over 180 freshwater species, including fish, mussels, turtles, and snails, 11 of which are listed as federally endangered or threatened."

Topping Sports News:

Former University of Alabama All-American Nick Dunlap has won the Barracuda Championship, a PGA tournament at the Old Greenwood Course at Tahoe Mountain Club in Truckee, California.

The victory made Dunlap the only golfer in history who has won as a pro and an amateur in the same PGA Tour season.

Former Alabama running back Kenyan Drake announced his retirement from the NFL after eight seasons. Drake was a free agent when he announced his retirement.

Read More: ALABAMA PLAYOFF LEGEND RETIRES FROM NFL

Former Alabama star DB Eddie Jackson is set to sign with the Baltimore Ravens, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Have a great week and don't forget the umbrella!