Good morning West Alabama. It is a sunny and hot July 31, 2024. The last day of the month of July. Man, this year is flying by!

We will continue what some people are referring to as "the frying pan summer" today. A Heat Advisory is in effect until 9:00 tomorrow night for the entire State of Alabama. Heat indices could approach 109/110 degrees, making it dangerous to spend extended periods outdoors.

If you must be outdoors, remember to take frequent breaks, hydrate and DO NOT leave humans or pets in unattended vehicles.

Read More: Alarming Heat Index Values up to 110 Are Expected in West Alabama

That Tropical Wave near the Greater Antilles and Bahamas has a zero chance of strengthening over the next 48 hours. However, the 7-day Tropical Outlook from the national Hurricane Center gives the unnamed disturbance a 60% chance for additional strengthening. A tropical depression could form by this weekend while the
system is in the vicinity of the Greater Antilles, Bahamas, or near
Florida.

As you can tell by the map there is a lessening prospect for the storm to enter the southeastern Gulf of Mexico, but it is not a zero chance. This time of the year the greatest tropical activity is typically off the east coast of Florida.

We will keep you updated.

The Forecast:

Today
Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Heat index values as high as 107. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Southwest wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny and hot, with a high near 99. Heat index values as high as 109. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 77. Calm wind.
Friday
Isolated showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny and hot, with a high near 98. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph in the morning. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Friday Night
Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Mostly clear, with a low around 76. Chance of precipitation is 20%.
Saturday
Scattered showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Sunny, with a high near 95. Chance of precipitation is 40%.
Saturday Night
Isolated showers and thunderstorms before 1am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 74. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

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Topping the News:

That alleged racial slur by the co-owner of Nick’s Original Filet House in West Tuscaloosa continues to draw pushback in the community. At last night’s city council meet District 1’s Matthew Wilson told the council what happened last weekend is not indicative of the city as a whole. Wilson pointed out there are more similarities between the races than differences.

The Delgado family, the original owners of Nicks, has told Council President Kip Tyner they are horrified at what happened. They told Tyner the family is no was connected with the restaurant since selling it.

Current co-owner Jack Motz continues to deny he used the racially charged expression. No video evidence depicting the incident is available.

Read More: Family Allegedly Discriminated Against Speaks at Protest of Tuscaloosa Restaurant


 

The Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences backed by Gov. Ivey and approved in the last session of the state legislature is moving forward. The City of Demopolis has voted unanimously to transfer ownership of the former New Era plant property to the school’s foundation.

The school will school will focus a STEMM (science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine) based curriculum toward jobs in healthcare, especially in underserved rural areas.

Caldwell Architects, a firm with over 30 years of experience in creating Educational and Healthcare facilities, has been selected to design the new school.


 

When the contract ends on December 1st, Red Mountain Entertainment will no longer be providing acts for the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater downtown. Instead, the council has voted unanimously to contract with California based Danny Wimmer Presents. The new company has been presenting festivals nationwide since 2011.

Read More: Tuscaloosa Partners with New Promoter to Book Shows at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater


 

The Tuscaloosa City Council Public Projects Committee has approved $1.4 million for a Construction Contract with Amason Construction Company for the Springbrook Park Improvements project. The committee was information the project’s scope includes new lighting, cameras, 2 playgrounds, walking trail, fencing, and parking.

If ok'd by the full city council, work could begin on the Springbrook Park Improvement Project by August and conclude by early next spring.


UA student Gambill Colvard Gentry has been denied bond in connection to that sexual assault of a female UA student last week. Bond denial is based on the belief that the North Carolina native poses a "real and present danger to others" and is considered a flight risk.

Read More: UA Student Accused of Rape & Voyeurism, Police Seek Other Possible Victims


 

At its height in the 1980s, Greenetrack Dog Track was a happening place. Once the legislature approved parimutuel wagering in the state, the Eutaw track became one of four successful dog tracks in the state. But when Mississippi developed casinos and a statewide lottery much of the betting public began traveling to the Magnolia State.

The park gained new life as a bingo casino but back taxes and multiple state attorneys general raids and vows of shuttering the giant facility brought bad times and few tax revenues to the City of Eutaw and Greene County.

Now Pro Greyhound Racing Investors is planning to bring back the halcyon days to Greenetrack. They have announced a “multi-million-dollar investment” that will include a new racetrack, enhanced spectator experiences, improvements to the racing infrastructure, and “new gaming additions” like “advanced seating options, expanded hospitality areas including table games and other entertainment, and interactive digital features along with promotions.”

Eutaw Mayor Latasha Johnson calls the news the "best she has heard in a while."

The revitalization project has an expected completion date of May 3, 2025.


 

Badcock Furniture is closing its doors. The 120-year-old company is shuttering 380 stores in Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Virginia. This includes the Tuscaloosa location just off Skyland Blvd., next to the Tuscaloosa Area Career Center.

The bankrupt company has announced up to 50% off all merchandise. W.S. Badcock Corporation was one of the largest home furniture retailers in the United States.



 

Topping Sports News:

Kalen DeBoer's first Crimson Tide football team steps onto the practice field today to begin preparations for the 2024 season.  The Tide will work out for about two hours in shorts and helmets.


 

The UA Athletics Department has set football fan day for Saturday, August 11th at 1:30pm on Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The event will follow a morning practice which is open free to the public. Gates open at 10:30am.


 

Current Top Five Paris Olympics Medal Count:

  • United States, 27 (4 Gold, 12 Silver, 11 Bronze)
  • France, 21 (6 Gold, 9 Silver, 6 Bronze)
  • Great Britain, 17 (6 Gold, 6 Silver, 5 Bronze)
  • China, 16 (8 Gold, 6 Silver, 2 Bronze)
  • Japan, 13 (7 Gold, 2 Silver, 4 Bronze)

 

U.S. Men's Gymnastics attempt to replicate women's gold medal performance today.


 

Have a wonderful Wednesday and stay cool!

 

 

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