Archives: April 2021

Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Hosts Firearms Safety Classes

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Steven Greenlow TUSCALOOSA: The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office is holding firearm safety classes from now through October. The classes, which are held on Saturdays, are an effort to raise awareness about firearm safety. They are free and lunch is provided. To submit an application, stop by the sheriff’s office in

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Statewide Mask Order Ending April 9

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey today issued her 26th supplemental emergency proclamation regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning the state from its Safer at Home order to a new Safer Apart order. The new order, which goes into effect at 5 p.m. April 9, means masks will no longer be mandated statewide but residents are strongly encouraged

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Tuscaloosa City Schools Employees Getting One-Time Supplement

Tuscaloosa City Schools employees are getting a one-time retention supplement. The announcement came during Tuesday’s school board meeting, and system employees will get $400 for all their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tuscaloosa City Schools Superintendent Mike Daria said the board discussed this concept for employees back in December. The supplement is being given

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Alabama Senate Expected to Delay Lottery Bill

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama senators are expected to debate a lottery bill. Senators say they expect to debate the bill by Republican Sen. Jim McClendon of Springville on Wednesday. The bill would authorize a lottery where tickets could be sold at stores, kiosks and through a phone app. McClendon said the issue of a

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Distracted Driving Bill Crashes After Alabama House Debate

By KIM CHANDLER Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama House of Representatives has rejected a proposal to impose fines for using a smartphone while driving. The bill by Republican Rep. K.L. Brown of Jacksonville failed on a narrow 47-48 vote. The proposal would have fined drivers for holding, watching or recording with a

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TIDER INSIDER: 4-6-21

Gary Harris and Rodney Orr discuss Alabama football’s scrimmage, Alabama basketball’s recruiting class with the addition of Charles Bediako, Alabama gymnastics moving onto the National Championships, Alabama baseball’s rough start to SEC play and more, plus we take your phone calls, emails and tweets live.

Bill Would Let Students Enroll in Schools Outside Districts

By KIM CHANDLER Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – A legislative committee has advanced a proposal that would let parents let enroll their children in schools outside of their current districts. The Senate Education Committee voted 7-3 to approve the bill Tuesday. The bill advanced by Sen. Del Marsh would require public school districts to

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More Vaccines Available, But Fewer are Rushing for an Appointment

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Lacey Beasley Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced last week anyone 16 or older is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine as of April 5. DCH Health System immediately opened registration availability, and slots initially filled up fast. However, fewer people are rushing to get a vaccine compared to earlier this year.

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Alabama Opposing Amtrak Restart Linking NOLA, Mobile

MOBILE, Ala. – Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey says the state will oppose an Amtrak plan to resume passenger train service between New Orleans and Mobile without a study of its potential impact. Amtrak has asked federal regulators to force CSX and Norfolk Southern Railway to let passenger trains run on its track linking the two

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UA-Led Survey Aims to Assist the Needs of Women Veterans

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Harrison Holland The transition to civilian life is often not easy for veterans, especially women, who for the first time are the focus of a comprehensive survey regarding certain challenges of life after active duty. Led by the University of Alabama, the survey asks women about their time in the

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April is Autism Awareness Month

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Shanaya Daughtrey TUSCALOOSA, AL– Throughout the month, the Alabama Department of Mental Health will spread awareness, promote acceptance and ignite change to foster inclusivity for those affected by autism. This year’s theme, Light up with Kindness, encourages individuals to help create a world where all people with autism, across the

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Piedmont Man Sentenced to 50 years in Prison for Possesion and Production of Child Pornography

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Shanaya Daughtrey TUSCALOOSA, AL– A federal judge sentenced a Piedmont man to 50 years in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for possession and production of child pornography. Matthew Allan Smyth, 37, pleaded guilty in December to one count of production of child pornography and one count of

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Ivey Awards Grant for Bevill State Certification Program

By WVUA 23 Digital Reporter Anne Houtz Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded $20,000 to establish a building operator certification program at Bevill State Community College in Jasper. The building operator certificate training is geared toward people who manage and maintain equipment in commercial buildings including heating and air systems and lighting. “This program will ensure

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Habitual Offender Sentenced to Life in Prison on Attempted Murder, Public Intoxication Charges

A man who attempted to shoot Aliceville Assistant Police Chief Tony Thrasher outside a convenience store has been sentenced to serve life in prison with no possibility of parole. John Robert Taylor, 65, was sentenced Monday for convictions of attempted murder, public intoxication and resisting arrest. The judge noted Taylor’s criminal history during his sentencing,

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All Alabamians 16-Plus Qualify for COVID-19 Vaccine

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Kayla Smith Gov. Kay Ivey announced COVID-19 vaccine eligibility will include all Alabamians ages 16 and older beginning April 5. “Our goal is simple, and that is to get shots off the shelf and into the arms of Alabamians,” Ivey said. The governor visited Wilcox County on Friday, where the

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Study: Moderna Vaccine Lasts at Least 6 Months

By The Associated Press BOSTON – New research suggests the protection the Moderna vaccine gives against COVID-19 lasts for at least six months. The report Tuesday in the New England Journal of Medicine echoes what Pfizer said last week about its vaccine, which works in a similar way. Both reports were based on follow-up tests

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More than a Simple Story: The Significance of Easter

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Karris Harmon When some people think of the Easter holiday, many may think of chocolate bunnies or egg hunts, but in the Christian faith, Easter is seen as much more. Director of Missions of the Fayette County Baptist Association John Killian said Easter is the most important day of the

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Union, Coal Company Reach Tentative Deal to End Strike

BROOKWOOD, Ala. (AP) – An Alabama coal company has reached a tentative deal with labor to end a strike that idled more than 1,100 workers in Tuscaloosa County. The United Mine Workers of America announced the agreement with Warrior Met Coal Inc., where members have been on strike at two mines and adjoining facilities since

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Featured Teacher, January 2021: Katie Guy, Gordo Elementary School

Congratulations to first-grate Gordo Elementary School teacher Katie Guy, who received the WVUA 23 Featured Teacher award for the month of January. Guy was nominated by a student’s parent, who wrote: “This is our son’s first year at Gordo Elementary. Starting a new school during a pandemic with anxiety made this mom super nervous, but

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Lottery Vote Could Come this Week in Alabama Legislature

By KIM CHANDLER Associated Press MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama senators could vote on a lottery bill this week. Republican Sen. Jim McClendon of Springville said he hopes to get a Senate vote on his bill that would authorize a lottery where tickets could be sold at stores, kiosks and through a phone app. The

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Bibb County Communities Continue Post-Storm Cleanup

Several communities in Bibb County continue cleaning up after an EF3 tornado barreled through the county on March 25. The tornado hit Brent, Centreville and other surrounding cities, but no major injuries or deaths were reported. In Brent, large trees were uprooted, homes were damaged, and debris was strewn around for miles. Similar scenes were

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State Senator Thinks DCH Should Hire More Local Workers

By WVUA 23 News Reporter Aajene Robinson The DCH Health System plays a vital role in Tuscaloosa County and West Alabama. According to State Sen. Bobby Singleton, DCH administration has contracted many out-of-state companies to provide services and employees. Over the past decade, the number of out-of-state physicians has increased, and Singleton said that’s concerning

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The Legacy of a Leader: Remembering Bama Superfan Luke Ratliff

By WVUA 23 Sports Anchor William Galloway TUSCALOOSA — Alabama senior student, Luke Ratliff, better known as “Fluffopotamus” died suddenly on Friday April 2, from COVID-19 complications. Luke was a senior from Wadesboro, North Carolina, set to graduate this upcoming August with a degree in public relations. Ratliff was the biggest and most outspoken Alabama

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Pet of the Week, April 5, 2021: Meet Jaxson

This precious 2-year-old Labrador/pit bull mix looking for his forever home is Jaxson. He’s available from the Humane Society of West Alabama. Just check out that infectious smile! Jaxson loves nothing more than getting attention and giving hugs, and he’s a loving and sweet boy who enjoys playing with his toys. He’s got plenty of

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