West Alabama Thursday Briefing
Good morning West Alabama. It is Thursday August 1, 2024.
It is the first month of college football season. Ok, the first games are not until the end of the month but at least it is the same month we are actually in.
College, high school and pro teams are in pre-season practice camps now and they are dealing with extreme heat and humidity making it critical they allow frequent breaks and stay hydrated. The same goes for you and me.
The National Climate Center's forecast for the rest of the month doesn't give us much hope for an extended break from the above normal heat and humidity.
The one-month temperature outlook for all of Alabama shows the state and most of the south with a 50-to-60% chance for above average temperatures.
On the precipitation side through August, the NCC's forecast is for rainfall to be a 50-50 proposition.
According to the National Climate Center 2024 is on a trajectory to be the hottest year on record.
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Tropically, that large tropical wave over Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and the adjacent waters of the southwestern Atlantic and northeastern Caribbean Sea is producing plenty of rain and thunderstorms.
The potential path of the yet to be named storm shifted westward yesterday bringing anywhere between the southeastern Gulf of Mexico to the Florida Atlantic Coast into play.
There is a low 20% chance of formation over the next 48 hours but a higher 60% chance over the next seven days.
We will keep monitoring for any potential impact on the Central Gulf Coast.
Read More: Alabama Closely Monitoring Possible Tropical Depression Formation
The Forecast:
Topping the News:
After days of denial, Jack Moltz, the co-owner of Nick’s Original Filet House on U-S 11 South has admitted he used a racial slur last weekend. Customers reported he used the slur to describe a group of black customers celebrating a birthday at the iconic restaurant.
In a Facebook post Moltz apologized, “There is no excuse or justification that can be made for my characterization nor the hurt it has caused.”
Moltz plans to personally apologize to each person present last Friday night.
Read More: Tuscaloosa Restaurant Manager Admits to Using Slur, Apologizes; Customer in Viral Video Speaks
Tuscaloosa does not have commercial air service, but the city’s national airport does handle numerous commercial air charters each year. After the council voted to seek federal funds to rebuilding the aging passenger terminal building, Council President Kip Tyner told news partner ABC30 the money would help construct a new modern terminal that could help attract an airline which would be a benefit to UA since the majority of students on campus are from out of state.
Tuscaloosa was previously served by Southern Airways and Republic Airlines.
A hearing at the Hugo L. Black Federal Courthouse in Birmingham did not produce a ruling by the judge. At issue is a legal challenge to Alabama's Absentee Voting Application Law. Under the new law, anyone paying someone for assistance could also be charged with a felony. Plaintiff’s claim it is unconstitutional and violates the Voting Rights Act.
Alabama Republican Senator Katie Britt says a bi-partisan Child Tax Credit Bill she is co-sponsoring will reduce childcare costs in the U-S. The current temporary act was passed during the COVID19 pandemic and will expire on Dec. 31, 2025.
Britt's proposal includes expanding tax credits and childcare tax deductions for parents. It would also provide tax credits for businesses that provide childcare for employees.
The Northport Police Department needs your help locating, a man named Jason Lainberger. No additional information has been provided at this time. If you have any information, you may contact Lt. Powell at (205) 469-1313.
Read More: Missing person in Northport
Topping the Sports News:
The highly contentious Olympic boxing match between Algeria's Imane Khelif and Italy's Angela Carini came to an abrupt end after just 46 seconds when Carini suffered a suspected broken nose.
Khelif, who failed a testosterone test at last year's World Championships, was allowed to compete despite being banned from a gold-medal bout in Delhi by the International Boxing Association.
Critics say Khelif should not be allowed to box as a female and could have killed Imane.
Current 2024 Paris Olympics Medal Count:
- USA, 31 (6 Gold, 13 Silver, 12 Bronze)
- France, 26 (8 Gold, 10 Silver, 8 Bronze)
- China, 21 (11 Gold, 7 Silver, 3 Bronze)
- Great Britain, 20 (6 Gold, 7 Silver, 7 Bronze)
- Australia, 17 (7 Gold, 6 Silver, 4 Bronze)
Freshmen caught the eye of sports media attending yesterday's first Crimson Tide football practice. Especially, freshman Ryan Williams who would actually still be in high school at Saraland if he had not reclassified.
Checkout what Coach DeBoer had to say about his first fall practice as the Tide's new head coach.
Have a good "Friday Eve"!