West Alabama Tuesday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama! It is Tuesday August 6, 2024.

When you head out the door tomorrow morning keep in mind that school busses will be back on area roadways.

For those riding the bus there are some safety rules that should be followed:

Get to the bus stop at least five minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive.
When the bus approaches, stand at least 10 feet away from the curb, and line up away from the street.
Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says that it's okay before stepping onto the bus.
If you have to cross the street in front of the bus, walk on the sidewalk or along the side of the road to a point at least 10 feet ahead of the bus, and watch for the bus driver to signal that it is safe before crossing the street.
Be sure that the driver can see you, and you can see the bus driver.
Use the handrails to avoid falls.
When exiting the bus, be careful that clothing with draw strings, and book bags with straps don't get caught in the handrails or doors.
Never walk behind the bus.
Walk at least 10 feet away from the side of the bus.
If you drop something near the bus, tell the bus driver. Never try to pick it up because the driver may not be able to see you.
Once on the bus refrain from horseplay or fighting that could distract the driver. Remain properly seated. Obey instructions given by the driver.

Tuscaloosa City Schools begin tomorrow followed by Tuscaloosa County Schools on Thursday.

The school year will start off hot, but a cool front pulled down by the rotation of the former Hurricane Debby is expected to bring cooler, dryer weather after tomorrow.

The Forecast:

Today

Sunny and hot, with a high near 97. Light north wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the afternoon.

Tonight

Mostly clear, with a low around 75. Northwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.

Wednesday

Sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Light northwest wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.

Wednesday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 74. North wind around 5 mph.

Remainder of the Week:

Sunner days with highs in the mid 90s. Clear nights with lows in the lower 70s. Much lower humidity levels.

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Topping the News:

Northport's BIG LOTS discount department store is one of 315 underperforming locations that will be closed nationwide. The announcement is part of a company filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

According to a 1st quarter Quarterly Results filing, the retailer has seen sales decline by $114.5 million in the first quarter of 2024, or 10% compared to the same time last year. The decline has been in all areas of merchandize.

BIG LOTS is based in Columbus, OH and maintains more than 1,3000 stores in 48 states. The Northport stores is located on McFarland Blvd. near WalMart.

Former Greenetrack CEO Luther Winn is urging Greene County residents to not take Mac Davis, the heads of a group of investors who would like to return dog racing to Greenetrack, seriously. Winn holds the only pari-mutuel betting license in the county and doesn’t believe one will be issued to Davis.

Winn is the CEO of Greene County Entertainment.

Area 1^st responders are looking to connect with the community tonight at the annual National Night Out. Northport, Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa County, UA and ambulance service 1^st responders will be at Palmore Park from 5:30 to 8:00. Tuscaloosa County Sheriff Ron Abernathy calls it a chance to develop understanding. The event is free.

ALDOT has begun performing bridge maintenance on the Interstate 20/59 eastbound lanes near mile marker 31. The work is to improve mobility and safety.

Drivers with wide loads need to seek alternate routes. Everyone should expect possible delays and observe work-zone speed limits. There will be lane closures.

Economists are predicting a potential recession in 2025 and expect the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates starting next month. Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt has told AXIOS News that Democrat economic policies are largely to blame for the economic downturn.

Britt says key indicators of an economic slowdown include slower job growth, industry layoffs, and housing market concerns.

DCH Regional Medical center is hosting an open house this morning for the Oncology Unit reopening. The facility was turned into a COVID19 treatment unit during the pandemic but has now been repurposed to exclusively serve individuals undergoing cancer treatment.

The event will be conducted 11AM – 12Noon today at the DCH Regional Medical Center, 2nd floor. Media Parking: Southeast Roundabout.

According to a social media post by Krystina Bonnett that was reposted by ABC 3340 Chief Meteorologist James Spann there has been another bear sighting in Tuscaloosa County. This time near Yellow Creek Road in the northern section of the county.

A bear cub was photographed in the City of Tuscaloosa in the Oak Chase neighborhood. last weekend.

Topping Sports News:

USA Today Pre-Season College Football Coaches Poll:

Here is the full Coaches Poll Bold Type indicates SEC Team):

1. Georgia
2. Ohio State
3. Oregon
4. Texas
5. Alabama
6. Ole Miss
7. Notre Dame
8. Michigan
9. Penn State
10. Florida State
11. Missouri
12. LSU
13. Utah
14. Clemson
15. Tennessee
16. Oklahoma
17. Kansas State
18. Oklahoma State
19. Miami (FL.)
20. Texas A&M
21. Arizona
22. North Carolina State
23. USC
24. Kansas
25. Iowa