West Alabama Wednesday Briefing

Good morning West Alabama! It is Wednesday, March 19, 2025. This is the 78th day of the year with 287 remaining.

Wednesday Morning Observations:

As Alabamians we are often divided by politics, sports teams we back, the music we like, and even which barbeque is best. But when the chips are down and there are people in need we typically rally to the cause.

Neighbors helping neighbors is what life should always be about and since Saturday that has again been on display across Alabama. Numerous communities were ravaged by the violent outbreak of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes Saturday afternoon and evening. Lives were lost and property was destroyed and damaged but again Alabamians responded, in large numbers, to help their neighbors. In most cases they didn't know the people they were helping, they just knew there was somebody in need and they were there to help.

In widespread disasters there just are not enough first responders available, so it takes neighbors manning chainsaws to remove trees from homes and roadways, get trapped residents out of their homes, control traffic, comfort victims and put arms around survivors grieving over family members and neighbors who lost their loved ones.

Rock Solid Church in Gordo is a classic example. They prepared hundreds of meals for first responders, power linemen, and anyone else dealing with the disaster. “I’m glad to be a part of giving back to the community to be able to help the people that have been devastated by the storms,” church member Jennifer Swindle told reporters.

“In a way, we expect that because of the way we are here,” Patterson said. “But it’s amazing to see it in action,” Gordo Mayor Craig Patterson told the Steve and DC Morning Show on 95.3 The Bear.

In a near 30-year career with Tuscaloosa County and Alabama Emergency Management Agencies I saw that disaster-after-disaster, complete strangers doing what they can to make things better. Seeing it in action reinforces your feeling that people are basically good it just takes circumstances to show it.

Thanks neighbor, for being there when it counted!

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

Weather:

That low end Marginal (1 in 5) Risk for strong to severe storms this afternoon and evening is still in effect. Damaging winds up to 60 mph and hail up to a quarter inch are the main threat between 4:00pm and midnight. Plus, a Wind Advisory will be in effect from 10:00am until 10:00pm today.

However, it is weather for the second half of the week that could have the greatest impact. Roughly the northern half of the state will see temperatures plunge into the 30s with some areas seeing a late season frost. This could be especially troublesome for growers.

The Forecast:

Today

A 20 percent chance of showers after 4pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Breezy, with a south wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 35 mph.

Tonight

Showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly before 10pm. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 42. South wind around 15 mph becoming west after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Thursday

Increasing clouds, with a high near 53. Breezy, with a west wind 15 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Thursday Night

Widespread frost, mainly after 5am. Otherwise, mostly clear, with a low around 32. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph becoming light in the evening. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.

Friday

Widespread frost before 8am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 66. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Friday Night

Clear, with a low around 43.

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Topping the News:

Could Another Tax Break for Alabamians Be Ahead?

Some Alabama lawmakers are working to give greater tax breaks to Alabamians. The Alabama House of Representatives passed four bills reducing the state sales tax on food and increasing some tax breaks for Alabamians, including retirees 65 and older.

The estimated savings for Alabamians is $121.9 million.

The revenue impact to the Education Trust Fund is estimated to be $121.6 million. The State General Fund would see an annual loss of $281,750. Sponsors of the legislation believe the losses are manageable.

Additional Information Revealed About Arrested Former TPD Officer

More information has been released concerning the arrest of former TPD officer Cory Nicholas Burcham. Court documents filed Tuesday allege that the then Tuscaloosa Police Officer deliberately solicited and kept child pornography including material showing very young children.

The investigation into Burcham began September 2024, when the operators of a dating and meetup app submitted a cyber-tip to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children about a troubling chat on their platform.

Read More: Court Docs Detail Investigation of TPD Officer Found with Child Pornography

Saban Center Conducting National Search for "Ignite" Executive Director

According to a release from the planned Saban Center in downtown Tuscaloosa, the center is conducting a national search for "Ignite" the state-of-the-art science center that will be part of the Saban Center campus.

Ignite will be the new name for the Children's Hands on Museum (CHOM). Its purpose, according to the release is to, "inspire the next generation of leaders, thinkers and creators through innovative, STEM and the arts focused programming."

Ignite seeks, "...an influential leader with an educational background in museum studies, STEM education or a related field, along with extensive experience in museum management."

Today's Press Release.

Church Concerned About Liquor License for Neighboring Restaurant

Brandy Coleman an elder at First Christian Church Disciples of Christ on Bryant Blvd. voiced concerns at last night’s Tuscaloosa City Council meeting about a restaurant’s liquor license application for the old Storyville building across from the church parking lot.

The church is on the edge of campus and has had previous troubling experience with criminal activity and unauthorised parking and activities in their lot.

The council adjusted operating hours for the restaurant and approved the license for Santos Street Eats and Bar on 7th Avenue.

National "Social Workers Month" Recognized by Mayor and Council

Tuscaloosa has spent over $5 million in the last few years dealing with mental health issues which seem to be on the increase. Last night Tuscaloosa mayor Walt Maddox presented a proclamation to the UA School of Social Work recognizing March as “Social Work Month” and thanking them for the job they do in the Tuscaloosa community.

Social work students assist over 600 contacts in the city.

Local Organization Is Seeking Input on Homelessness

The West Alabama Coalition for the Homeless - Continuum of Care is looking for ideas on how to attack homelessness. The group is seeking input from landlords, private owners/property managers, non-profits, churches, businesses, healthcare providers, school social workers/coordinators, and community members during breakout sessions next Wednesday between 8:30am and 4:00pm at the McDonald Hughes Center on MLK Blvd. The coalition hopes to develop a 3-year strategy.

Read More: West Alabama Coalition Unites to Tackle Homelessness

Ivey Now Has More Control Over Veteran's Department

Gov. Ivey has signed into law a bill that makes the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veteran's Affairs an appointee of the governor and member of the governor’s cabinet.

Previously the State Board of Veteran's Affairs appointed the commissioner and had oversight of the ADVA.

Topping Sports News:

Tide Baseball Gets Walk Off Win Over USA

The 12th Ranked Bama Baseball is 21-1 on the season after walking off South Alabama last night 6-5 in 10 innings at Sewell-Thomas Stadium.

Facing a 3-0 count with one out in the bottom of the tenth, Kade Snell blasted a walk-off, solo home run over the left field fence to give Bama the win.

Alabama will play one of the biggest home Southeastern Conference series in years beginning Thursday when defending national champion Tennessee visits the Joe for three games.

The Vols are 20-1 after a 10-inning 7-6 loss to East Tennessee last night in Knoxville.

First pitch is set for 6:30 pm CDT with the game airing on ESPNU. Friday's game is scheduled for 7:00pm CDT and Saturday's getaway game will begin at 2:00pm.

The series begins on Thursday because it will be televised by ESPNU.

FSU Softball in Town to Tangle with Tide

The Florida State softball team (25-5 overall, 3-0 ACC) will be at the Rhodes House tonight for a key non-conference midweek game for the #24 Crimson Tide (21-9 overall, 1-2 SEC).

Coach Rick Murphey's Tide has their work cut out for them. FSU has won six out of the last eight matchups against the Crimson Tide including three out of the last four in Tuscaloosa.

First pitch tonight is set for 6:00pm CDT and will be televised on the SEC Network.

Another Honor for Bama's Mark Sears

Tide Basketball Guard Mark Sears has been named a 2025 Associated Press Men's Basketball All-American. By earning a spot on the first team, Sears becomes the 23^rd All-American in program history to earn the distinction and joins Brandon Miller (2023) as the only UA players to earn first team honors by the Associated Press.

Dodgers Sweep Cubs in Tokyo

After a season opening, come from behind, win yesterday the Los Angeles Dodges completed a two-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs 6-3 this morning to begin the Major League Baseball Season.

The games played in the Tokyo Dome mark the second straight season MLB has started the season in Japan. The rest of the league begins play next week.

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Have a wonder Wednesday and BEAT FSU, ROLL TIDE!