West Alabama Tuesday Briefing
It is Tuesday April 16, 2024.
There is a saying among many meteorologists that any forecast past 48 hours is a calculated guess. That is the case for this week's weather. Yesterday we were writing about a beautiful week but now we have a mention of rain for tomorrow.
It will remain dry through this evening but rain and even a Marginal (1 in 5) Risk for strong to severe thunderstorms in Northern Lamar County and northward is in the forecast for Wednesday.
The Forecast:
Topping the News:
A new study on credit card fraud conducted by USA Today lists Tuscaloosa as leading the nation in the percentage increase in fraud at 235% between 2019 and last year. Miami has the highest number of credit card fraud cases, but Tuscaloosa is right behind with 296 cases per 100,000 residents. Atlanta leads the nation in non-credit card fraud with Tuscaloosa just behind with 1,844 cases per 100,000 residents.
Alabama has the second to worst healthcare of any state in the nation according to a survey by Forbes. The same survey reveals that Alabama also has the third lowest number of practicing physicians in the nation. Contributing factors are the closure of 16 rural hospitals and the legislature’s refusal to expand Medicaid. The study compared all 50 states across 24 metrics spanning four key categories, including healthcare access, healthcare outcomes, healthcare cost and quality of hospital care.
ALDOT is preparing to replace the Woolsey Finnell Bridge that takes McFarland Blvd over the Warrior River. A public hearing is set for April 30th at the University Church of Christ to highlight the replacement of the bridge that was constructed in 1961.
The new bridge is part of the improvements being made to McFarland Blvd. which ALDOT’s John McWilliams tells us is close to completion later this summer. The new bridge is the last phase of new construction beginning sometime in 2025. McWilliams adds the construction will not significantly hamper McFarland traffic.
Polls are open in Walker County for the lone primary runoff election in West Alabama today. Former State Senator Charles Bishop and former Miller Roofing owner Steve Miller are battling for the Republican Walker County Commission Chair nomination. Polls will be open until 7pm.
25-year-old Lorenza Freeman Jr. has been charged with one count of 'School Employee Having Sexual Contact with a Student under the age of 19.' The Tuscaloosa County High teacher was arrested after a report led to an investigation. Freeman was placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
TPD is looking for a group of people who attacked tow truck operators Saturday during the A-Day Game. According to police the operators were preparing to remove illegally parked vehicles when they were confronted by the apparent owners and others. They were transported to DCH with head injuries. No arrests have been made but there are suspects.
Some of the Foot Soldiers of the civil rights movement in the 60s continued their message of peaceful change at the Birmingham Civil Rights Museum's annual Civil Rights Conference at the 16th Street Baptist Church.
Terry Collins was a member of the Children's Crusade. He told attendees the children's crusade came in peaceful protect but Birmingham authorities came for violence.
The conference ends today.
Topping Sports News:
To Noone's surprise, Kaitlen Clark became the latest to go No. 1 with the Fever's selection of the native Iowan. The Sparks followed it up by selected Cameron Brink second as well as Rickea Jackson No. 4. It's a scary sight in Los Angeles.
Among the biggest picks of the night, Chicago selected USC's Kamilla Cardoso and LSU's Angel Reese with the third and seventh picks of the night. The SEC rivals are now teammates.
Alabama baseball continues its homestand on this evening when the 12th-ranked Crimson Tide welcomes UAB to town. First pitch between the two in-state foes is set for 6 p.m. at "The Joe" with the game airing on SEC Network+ and the Crimson Tide Sports Network.
Alabama (30-10, 7-8 SEC) and Texas A&M (33-9, 12-6 SEC) battled back and forth in Monday's softball series rubber match. But a five-run sixth from the Aggies ultimately did the Tide in 9-4. A&M wins the weekend series.
Have a terrific Tuesday!! Meet back here tomorrow.