West Alabama Thursday Briefing
Good Thursday morning West Alabama. It is September 5, 2024.
The new U.S. Drought Monitor issued this morning shows drought conditions cover all of West Alabama and most of the entire state. However, some help is on the way with showers today, tonight and tomorrow, but the big factor is cooler. more comfortable temperatures are on the way
As a matter of fact, it will be almost fall-like for Alabama's home game with South Florida Saturday night as temperature drop to near 60 by the end of the game.
Cool weather was only a dream in the state 99 years ago. As hot as it has been this summer, with heat indices in the 100s on numerous days, this has not been the hottest summer on record. That title goes to 1925 when drought and extreme hit was punctuated by the highest temperature on record, then and now. Centreville hit 112° on this date that year. Records show the drought conditions then among the worst ever recorded in the state.
Read More: Discover Alabama’s Secret Fall Foliage Destinations for Autumn Colors
The Forecast:
Extra security is at Oakman schools in Walker County this morning after an online threat was posted yesterday. It was the same day as a fatal mass shooting at a north Georgia high school. Eufaula schools were cancelled today after a similar online threat.
A Facebook post by Oakman High principal Leathan Waid asks parents to remind their children to follow all safety precautions and report any unusual or concerning behavior.
The Oakman Police Department also issued a statement on Facebook, saying it is working with the school district and sheriff's department to resolve the issue.
Alabama schools are among the worst funded in the nation. That has been emphasized by the failure of several recent property tax increase referendums for schools across the state, including one earlier this year in Tuscaloosa County.
On September 24 Tuscaloosa voters will decide on a property tax increase for city schools. Board Chair Eric Wilson told reporters a "yes" vote is critical to keep from having to eventually cut critical programs.
However, some city residents are organizing an effort to defeat the 11 mills increase.
63-year-old Henry Eford has been charged with attempted murder in the shooting of a man in the 37000 Block of Sheffield Courts in Tuscaloosa Tuesday morning. The incident was sparked by an argument which left the victim with several non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Eford is being held without bond.
Read More: Man Charged with Attempted Murder After Tuesday Shooting in Tuscaloosa
Target is bringing back its car-seat trade-in program to its store in Tuscaloosa and nationwide. Customers who turn-in an old baby seat will receive a 20% discount on a new seat or other baby items. The program runs through September 28th.
The Alabama Pharmacy Board is in the midst of a flurry of series allegations that includes claims of retaliation, mismanagement of money and corruption. The board denies the claims.
Harsh criticism of the board first came during a Sunset Committee hearing of state lawmakers in Montgomery in August. Those hearings are designed to make sure agencies are doing their jobs, following the law. The pharmacy board received a negative state audit.
Read the Sunset Report regarding the Alabama Board of Pharmacy HERE.
The Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra is set to celebrate the iconic Judy Garland with a special tribute performance featuring the acclaimed Joan Ellison.
Get tickets for this and other TSO performances HERE.
Read More: Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra Will Pay Tribute to Judy Garland
Topping Sports News:
There are no high school football games scheduled for tonight that involve West Alabama teams. There will be a full slate tomorrow night with the match-up of the week being the inner-city rivalry game between Central and Paul Bryant at Central. The kickoff is at 7:00pm.
We will have the complete list of West Alabama games tomorrow morning.
The Tuscaloosa County School System is implementing new Safety Enhancements and Guidelines at each football stadium in the county system. The procedures are presented in a notice sent out by the superintendent's office yesterday.
Three Former Tide Running Backs are Listed in the Top 10 in the NFL as the new pro football season gets underway. Derrick Henry is listed 2nd, Jahmyr Gibbs is 8th and Josh Jacobs is 9th.
Read More: Three Former Tide Running Backs are Listed in the Top 10
Click on TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather updates throughout the day. Better yet, download the app.
Have a tremendous Thursday and ROLL TIDE!!