Good Monday morning West Alabama! It is Monday, February 3, 2025.

Monday Morning Observations:

Black History Month got underway Saturday, it is important because it serves as a dedicated time to recognize and celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans throughout our nation's history, highlighting their too often overlooked roles in shaping the United States, while also serving as a platform to educate people about the struggles and resilience of the Black community, promoting understanding and advocating for racial equality; essentially, it aims to ensure Black history is not marginalized and is considered a vital part of the American narrative.

The theme for Black History Month in 2025 is “African Americans and Labor”. This theme explores the many types of work Black people have done throughout history, including skilled, unskilled, free, and voluntary work.

There are those who oppose Black History Month, mostly because they don't appreciate the contributions made by Black Americans. For so much of our history any mention of black history in education basically encompassed slavery, Frederick Douglas, Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver and maybe a few other prominent blacks like the Tuskegee Airmen. The Underground Railroad might have received a mention. But there are so many more whose accomplishments impact us today.

There is Claudette Colvin: The 15-Year-Old Girl Montgomery girl who refused to give up her bus seat before Rosa Parks…There is Katherine Johnson's Contributions in Huntsville to landing man on the moon…Dr. Gladys West developed calculations that were crucial in developing Global Positioning Systems (GPS) technology. They among a few of the many others such as the Foot Soldiers whose names are lost to history but made history non-the-less.

Yes, black history is American History.

(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:

Groundhog Day was Saturday and Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsyvania saw his shadow and is predicting six more weeks of winter. However, Sand Mountain Sam in Albertville, Alabama woke up on a cloudy Saturday, didn't see his shadow, and predicted an early spring is on the way. So, take your pick.

The weather this week tends to give credence to the Alabama critter. Spring fever will prevail. Highs will be in the mid to upper 70s, even bumping up to near 60 degrees. Small rain chances at mid-week will not impact the temperatures or the ongoing drought.

The Forecast:

Today
Sunny, with a high near 74. Light south wind increasing to 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a low around 53. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 75. Calm wind.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph.
Wednesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62.
Remainder of the Week
Small to moderate rain chances (20% to 50%) through the later part of the week. Highs in the upper 70s to near 80. Lows in the upper 50s to near 60 degrees.

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Topping the News:

Sunday Night Shooting Wounds Woman on Southside

TPD has turned over a Sunday evening shooting investigation to the multi-agency Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit. Officers responded around 6:30 to a call to Creekwood Village Apartments on the city's southside. Upon arrival they found a 20-year-old woman had been shot in the leg.  She was transported to DCH for treatment of the non-life-threatening wound.

Read More: Tuscaloosa Police Investigating Sunday Evening Shooting at Creekwood Village


Former Tuscaloosa City School Bus Driver Faces Assault Charges

Former Tuscaloosa City Schools bus Driver Samuel Jones faces assault charges after police say surveillance video revealed him assaulting a special needs student on the buss he was driving. The video is said to show Jones stopping the bus and hitting a 17-year-old with his belt and his hand. No other students were reported to have been involved.


New Northport Sports Complex to Take Another Step Forward Tonight

At their meeting tonight, the Northport Council is expected to select Southeastern Network of Athletic Professionals Sports Tourism Consulting to represent the new Sports Complex at Northport Shore. The complex will include nine softball and baseball fields, basketball and football facilities and other amenities when it opens in August.


Weekend Vigil in Fayette County 

The Glen Allen community in Fayette County gathered for a weekend vigil to remember 1-year-old Kahleb Collins and his 2-year-old sister, Ryleigh. Community member Erica Marcum told news partner ABC3340 the community remembers the missing boy and his sister, who was killed a car crash with their father like they were family.

Wendy Pamela Bailey, Kahleb's mother, faces charges of criminally negligent homicide, first-degree domestic violence, and aggravated child abuse. She is due in court next week.


U.S. 82 Rebuild Project Officially Completed

The U-S 82 rebuild project is complete. The 3-laning and addition of turn and bicycle lanes, re-worked intersections, new traffic control systems is expected to improve traffic flow and safety according to Cottondale State Senator Gerald Allen

Gov. Ivey attended ceremonies to mark completion on Friday.

Next up is construction of a new McFarland Blvd. bridge across the Warrior River.


Alabama Legislative Session Convenes Tomorrow

The Alabama Legislature convenes its 2025 legislative session tomorrow in Montgomery. The regular session will run through May 15.

Among early legislation to be considered is the House Judiciary Committee's discussion of HB40 by Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) to create a board to oversee Alabama’s Bureau of Pardons and Paroles.

Rep. England also has a bill on the agenda, HB58, that would attach a misdemeanor charge for a violation of the state’s “duty to inform” law. The law requires a citizen to inform a law enforcement officer if they have a firearm on their person or in their vehicle if asked by an officer. The law stems from the revocation of Alabama’s pistol permit requirement that State senator Gerald Allen (R-Cottondale) got passed.


Northport to Set Legislative Agenda Tonight

By resolution tonight, the City of Northport will join cities and counties across the state in finalizing their agenda for the new session.

Tuscaloosa and Tuscaloosa Cout have already developed their legislative agendas.


 

Salvation Army Fundraiser "Empty Bowls" Set for Tomorrow

The Tuscaloosa Salvation Army is hosting its annual Empty Bowl Fundraiser tomorrow from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at the Tuscaloosa River Market - 1900 Jack Warner Parkway.
For just $25, you can enjoy a warm meal of soup & bread and enjoy a chance to support those facing hunger in our community. All of the proceeds stay local to support The Salvation Army’s programs right here in Tuscaloosa. Get your tickets today!


Topping Sports News:

Bama Women Lead Start to Finish in Basketball

The 22nd Ranked Alabama Women blasted Georgia 72-57 at Coleman yesterday. The Crimson Tide scored 26 points in the first quarter, its most in Southeastern Conference play this season.

The Crimson Tide controlled the scoreboard for the majority of the afternoon, leading by as many as 29 points without ever trailing

The Tide is at Florida Thursday.

Read More: Alabama Women’s Basketball Dominated the Georgia Bulldogs on Sunday


Crimson Tide Gets New Football Offensive Coordinator

The University of Alabama made a huge hire to its offensive staff on Sunday evening. Ryan Grubb, the longtime offensive coordinator under Kalen DeBoer at Washington and previous stops, has been hired as Alabama's offensive coordinator, according to Pete Nakos of On3 Sports.

When DeBoer accepted the Alabama head coaching position, Grubb went to the Seattle Seahawks as OC but that last just one season.

Nick Sheridan, who served as Alabama's primary offensive coordinator in 2024, and co-OC JaMarcus Shephard will remain with the Tide staff, according to sources.

Read More: Alabama Hires Ryan Grubb as Offensive Coordinator


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

Have a tremendous week and enjoy the spring fever!

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