West Alabama Wednesday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama. It is Wednesday, February 19, 2025. This is the 50th day of the year with 315 days remaining.

In This Edition:

Morning Observations (Opinion)
Weather
Topping the News
Topping Sports News

Wednesday Morning Observations:

As of July 2024, the State of Alabama had an estimated population of almost 5.2 million. The sad fact is, of that population, our state has an incarceration rate of 898 per 100,000 people (including prisons, county jails, immigration detention centers, and juvenile justice facilities) meaning that we lock up a higher percentage of our people than any independent democratic country (not state, but country) on earth. (per: Prison Policy Initiative)

Something is wrong when a state the size of Alabama is incarcerating so many more people than entire countries. Part of it is the perennial mentality of many lawmakers to throw people in prison and toss the key, no matter what they did. Crimes against property are often not differentiated from crimes against persons.

Also, we had rather spend a fortune building massive new prisons than adequately funding education and youth programs.

Crime prevention does not originate in a cell, it originates in the home, the classroom, the neighborhoods, the churches and in community involvement. Crime prevention comes at the front end, not the backend. It is difficult but not totally impossible.

Then there is the ongoing issue with an uncaring Alabama Pardons and Paroles Board whose solution to crime is to just keep people who could be released and become a contributing member of society, in jail.

While there are some rehabilitation programs, the name Department of Corrections is a misnomer. It is more the Department of Retribution. We just want to build bigger and better jails to lock up more and more people. That doesn’t solve the crime problem, it exacerbates it.

Unfortunately, it is not just an Alabama problem, it is a southern problem. The top seven states for prison admissions are all below the Mason-Dixon Line. Only four of them (Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas and Oklahoma) lock up a higher percentage of their populations than Alabama.

Alabama is a poor state, but we don’t mind paying for lockups. One of the two new prisons under construction, a massive 4,000-bed facility in Elmore County, will cost more than $1 billion and the price tag keeps rising.

Granted, the inhumane current facilities forced a federal lawsuit against Alabama to clean up their prison act. But the state’s answer was not prison or criminal justice reform, it was to build new prisons (which will be understaffed).

The Alabama prison population dropped by some 5,400 in 2023 because of new statewide sentencing guidelines. That proves that reforms can work but it's not as popular as the “get tough on crime” mantra espoused for the benefit of voters

Much has been mentioned about reducing recidivism (one of the largest problems in Alabama prisons) during the current legislative session but the crime package under consideration looks more like getting tougher than getting smarter.

Getting smarter on crime and prisons is not about leniency, it is about providing the programs on the front end to keep prisons on the backend from being overcrowded and costing taxpayers a fortune and making Alabama look like a third world country.

(Opinions expressed in Morning Observations are those of the author and not necessarily those of the ownership, management, staff or sponsors of Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.)

Weather:

As predicted, the Tennessee Valley of Alabama received measurable wintry precipitation and driving conditions were hazardous in places. However, temperatures in West Alabama remained above freeing and there were only reports of scattered sleet in the early hours.

The sun will poke through today, but temperatures tonight will be in the 20s and even colder in the teens overnight Thursday. That will be followed by a warmup this weekend and temperatures bumping up toward 70s next week.

The Forecast:

Today

A 50 percent chance of rain before 9am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 45. North wind around 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Any new precipitation amounts should be less than a tenth of an inch.

Tonight

Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday

Partly sunny, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 37. North wind 10 to 15 mph.

Thursday Night

Mostly clear, with a low around 18. North wind around 5 mph.

Friday

Sunny, with a high near 45. North wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the morning.

Friday Night

Partly cloudy, with a low around 26.

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Topping the News:

Tuscaloosa City School Board Makes Budget Cuts

The Tuscaloosa City School Board continues to adjust from the failure of a property tax vote in the city last year. The board last night voted to cut administrative positions and alter its summer learning program. Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria is voicing disappointment that some 2,000 fewer students will be able to participate in the successful summer learning program.

Job reductions will be from attrition.

Mold and Mildew Issues Forces Residents Out of Forrester Gardens

Residents of Forrester Gardens Apartments on James I Harrison Parkway have been told to leave due to raw sewage contamination and possible mold issues. A city spokesperson said all units in the 500 building of the complex have been declared uninhabitable by city staff. The apartment complex's owners are required to relocate all tenants until repair work is completed.

Read More: Tuscaloosa Apartments Declared Uninhabitable Over Sewage & Mold Issues

Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen to run for Lt. Governor

Tuscaloosa native and son of Cottondale Republican State Senator Gerald Allen, Wes Allen, has announced his intention to run for Lt. Governor next year.

Prior to serving as Secretary of State, Allen served as Pike County’s Probate Judge for nearly a decade before being elected to serve District 89 in the Alabama House of Representatives.

In a statement Allen wrote, “I am incredibly proud of the work we have accomplished in the Secretary of State’s office. From cleaning up our voter rolls to creating and launching the most effective voter integrity database in the country to ensuring that business owners across our state have their needs met efficiently and effectively,” Allen explained. “The Lt. Governor seat will be an open seat in the 2026 election, and I believe it is time for me to take my record of conservative, effective leadership to that office.”

Tuscaloosa City Council Prepares for March Municipal Elections

The Tuscaloosa City Council last night passed an ordinance appointing election officers for the March 4^th Municipal Elections. Workers were appointed for voting in each of the city’s seven districts and for absentee ballot counting at city hall.

Brookwood Hiring Police Officers

Police agencies across the country are working with a shortfall off sworn officers. The PD in the east Tuscaloosa County Town of Brookwood is no different. Interested persons must apply in person at the Brookwood Municipal Complex by the end of this month.

Read More: Brookwood, Alabama Hiring Police Officers This Month

District 7 Cleanup Set for Saturday

Tuscaloosa City Councilor Cassius Lanier will hold a District Seven litter cleanup day on Saturday, February 22, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.This event is open to the public. Anyone wishing to join the cleanup efforts should meet at 9 a.m. at the Skyland Elementary School parking lot at 408 Skyland E Blvd.Volunteer participants will receive litter bags, grabbers and safety vests upon check-in.Read More: District Seven to Host Litter Cleanup Day on February 22

Fundraiser to Benefit Boys and Girls Club

Ross Stores, Inc. is partnering with Boys & Girls Clubs of America for the 11 th annual three-week in-Store “Help Local Kids Thrive” fundraiser. Beginning February 8 through March 2, Customers in Dalton can donate to Boys and Girls Clubs of West Alabama during checkout at their local Ross Dress for Less (“Ross”) Store. The Ross Stores Foundation will match donations, up to $500,000, in addition to support that Ross provides Boys & Girls Clubs of America throughout the year. Customers’ donations will go toward the Club’s Power Hour program, providing homework help and academic resources to Club youth.

Read More: ROSS DRESS FOR LESS HOLDS IN-STORE FUNDRAISER TO HELP LOCAL KIDS

Repair Cafe Returning to Tuscaloosa Public Library

Seems there are always problems with broken electronic devices, small appliances, torn clothing, broken jewelry, furniture, bicycles and more. Don't throw those items into the landfill, get them repaired.

The 2nd Repair Cafe will be conducted at the Tuscaloosa Public Library on Saturday, March 22nd between noon and 3:00pm.

The library is seeking volunteers with practical repair skills to make the event work! Anyone interested can contact Kayla Sikes at 205-345-5820 ext. 1255 or email ksikes@tuscaloosa-library.org.

Read More: Repair Cafe Returning to Tuscaloosa Public Library After First Event’s Success

In the Legislature:

Today is committee meeting day as lawmakers work through the third week of the 2025 regular session. Here is what is taking place:

A proposed state constitutional amendment to require a prayer consistent with Judeo-Christian values in Alabama’s public schools is being called unconstitutional by the Freedom from Religion Foundation.
The Alabama Senate voted Tuesday to give the governor the power to appoint the head of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
A bill called the “Speedy Trial Act” proposes tapping retired circuit judges to preside over specific cases to reduce violent crime and help clear a major backlog in trial cases. Aniah’s law is forcing more people to be denied bond, spend time in jail and create a longer backlog in cases.
The Alabama Senate Tuesday passed a bill that would exempt breastfeeding mothers from jury duty. The bill, known as Parker’s Law, now moves to the Alabama House.
The Alabama Senate County and Municipal Government Committee heard two bills on Tuesday that address voting identification and voting registration processes. Both bills passed with a favorable report.
The Alabama House of Representatives has advanced the initial set of bills from the “Safe Alabama” legislative package, aiming to bolster public safety and support law enforcement across the state.
The Alabama House Boards, Agencies and Commissions Committee approved several bills that would renew the existence and functions of multiple state agencies.

Topping Sports News:

Critical Road Game Looms for Bama Men Tonight

Coming off one of the most embarrassing losses of the season the 4th ranked Alabama Men's Basketball Team (21-4 overall, 10-2 SEC) is at one of the toughest places to play on the road that there is - MIZZOU Arena. All 15,061 seats will be filled, and the joint will be jumping in favor of the Tigers (19-6 overall, 8-4 SEC).

One thing positive about tonight's crucial matchup is Alabama is 4-1 this season on the road against AP Top 25 opponents. Missouri is ranked 15th in the AP Poll and 16th in the Coaches Poll.

Tipoff is set for 8:00pm on the SEC Network on TV and the Crimson Tide Sports Network on radio (95.3 The Bear, Tide 100.9 and 1230AM WTBC).

Bama Baseball Whips Middle Tennessee

Alabama baseball beat Middle Tennessee 12-2 at the Joe yesterday. The Crimson Tide moves to 4-0 on the young season after a solid all-around performance.

Crimson Tide Softball Gets Win After Rocky Weekend in Florida

The Bama Softball Team lost three of four games in the Shriner's Tournament at Clearwater, FL over the weekend but got back to their winning ways with 7-2 victory over Jacksonville State in Huntsville last night.

The Crimson Tide of Coach Patrick Murphey are now 6-5 on the season. They next play Virginia Teck at 4:00pm Friday at the Rhodes House on campus.

Click TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather. Better yet, download the app.

Have a wonderful Wednesday and ROLL TIDE!!