Health Matters: Childhood obesity

As children grow up, their bones, muscles and bodies are doing the same thing. That means their body mass index and weight undergoes rapid changes, making it harder to determine if children are overweight or obese. Instead, doctors look at percentiles, said University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences Pediatrics Assistant Professor Dr. Shawn Cecil. “Overweight is any child…

Spring Games celebrate achievements, local athletes

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Chaney Scott Throwing a softball, running around a track, or playing games with friends might not seem like anything out of the ordinary. But for students in the Tuscaloosa County School System’s Special Education program, it’s cause for a celebration. More than 150 athletes competed at TCSS’s annual Spring Games for special needs students….

Tuscaloosa County Jail moving ahead with temporary site during improvements

Construction is moving forward on a temporary site for the Tuscaloosa County Jail while improvements are under way.  On Wednesday, the Tuscaloosa County Commission approved a bid for the temporary site’s construction. Funding covers sewer, electrical and infrastructure for units where inmates under minimum security will be temporarily housed.  “As soon as this unit gets operational, hopefully by the summer…

On the road to Louisville? Here are some fun-filled stops ahead of Tide tipoff

university of alabama basketballIf you’re driving to Louisville to see the Crimson Tide play in the Sweet 16, there are some pretty cool places to stop along the way. The WVUA 23 team rolled out early Thursday morning from Bryant-Denny Stadium, headed to the Bluegrass State. We stayed in sweet home Alabama for our first stop.  This one was for…

Tuscaloosa Police Department searching for new recruits

  The Tuscaloosa Police Department is searching for its newest officers, and they’re hosting a career fair next week offering candidates a chance to come check out what the job entails. Tuscaloosa Police Chief Brent Blankley said the department is currently short about 32 officers, and that’s a major reason for this latest recruitment push. Not to mention, working for…

Alabama Baseball defeats UAB Blazers 12-2

A midweek win for the Tide started out slow, but Alabama baseball scored in four of the final five innings for the 12-2, eight-inning win over UAB at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. The Crimson Tide is now 18-4 on the season. UAB took an early lead, scoring one in the first inning, and kept Alabama off the board until the fourth. Then,…

Alabama assistant Bryan Hodgson named head coach at Arkansas State

By WVUA-23 Sports Reporter Riley Theis Bryan Hodgson, Alabama’s assistant basketball coach is expected to relocate to Arkansas State as the next head coach. Hodgson has been with the Tide for the past four seasons and has spent the last eight seasons on Nate Oats’ coaching staff, along with assistant coaching experience at Buffalo, Midland College, and Jamestown Community College….

Recovering addict shares story of struggle, survival

By WVUA 23 Student Reporter Emily Benito According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, more than 80,000 people died from an opioid overdose in 2021. On Wednesday at the Bryant Conference Center, Stephen Hill shared his experience with substance abuse, saying he hopes the lessons he’s learned can save others from what he endured. Hill said he’s been in…

Tamp down on those pollen allergies with simple, effective tips

  With the sunny weather and flowers in bloom, allergy season has left many people feeling the effects with sneezing, nasal congestion and itchy eyes and throat. St. Vincent’s Health System OR Pharmacist Ryanne Spivey said certain over-the-counter drugs can help. “The most common ones are Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin. Some people find that Zyrtec works the best for them…

Cypress Inn has new owner, potential new future

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Savannah Denton A longtime Tuscaloosa staple may be getting some new life after closing the doors of its restaurant several years ago. The Cypress Inn Restaurant, located on Rice Mine Road with gorgeous views of the Black Warrior River, spent decades as one of the most popular restaurants in Tuscaloosa since its 1984 opening….

How early spring cold weather could affect crops

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Chaney Scott The first day of spring certainly didn’t feel like it this year. A sudden cold snap across the state has some farmers worried about their crops, especially fruit like peaches and blueberries. West Alabama agriculture experts said temperatures falling below freezing might damage some plants, but the cold didn’t last long enough…

Tuscaloosa City Schools approves code of conduct changes

The Tuscaloosa City Schools Board of Education unanimously approved changes to the parent/student code of conduct Tuesday, meaning students getting into trouble like fighting in school no longer have a first warning before an extended stay at alternative school or expulsion are on the table. This after a Northridge High School parent was left with many questions and few answers…

Tuscaloosa’s One Place collecting donations for job readiness drive

By WVUA 23 News Student Reporter Avery Lake Tuscaloosa’s One Place is helping people get the items they need to make job-hunting a breeze. The organization’s job readiness drive, happening at 10 a.m. March 29 at Jaycee Park, is focused on getting essential hygiene items and professional clothing to people searching for jobs. Anyone interested in dropping off items for…

Paul Bryant star signs to play basketball at the next level

By WVUA 23 Student Sports Reporter Sam Holley Paul Bryant High School celebrated one of its own who is getting the opportunity to compete at the college level.  Jonathan Crawford, who plays point guard for the basketball team, signed to Marion Military Institute and plans to play basketball for the Tigers. Crawford earned All-Region team honors as a senior. He…

McFarland Boulevard resurfacing project begins Sunday

More road work is on the way for Tuscaloosa. This time it’s a monthslong repaving project from the Alabama Department of Transportation, encompassing McFarland Boulevard from near Julia Tutwiler Drive to Hargrove Road and from Skyland Boulevard to near 12th Avenue East. The project’s goal is improving mobility and safety, said ALDOT West Central Region Public Information Officer John McWilliams….

Tider Insider: March 21, 2023

Gary Harris and Rodney Orr discuss Alabama basketball advancing to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA tournament. Also, Alabama women’s basketball lost a heartbreaker to Baylor in the first round of their tournament. Crimson Tide football began their spring practice on Monday. The Alabama gymnastics team heads to NCAA regionals this weekend. Also, a former Alabama great, Dont’a Hightower retires…

Monday Muster: Nursing careers at Tuscaloosa VA

If you’re a nurse and looking for a new job, the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center is looking for applicants. Working for the Tuscaloosa VA comes with a lot of benefits, said Patient Care Services Associate Director Chuck Gills, including generous annual and sick leave, health and retirement benefits. “But really more importantly, it’s being able to serve the veterans who…

Lead testing, abatement grant extended for Tuscaloosa residents

Families living in Tuscaloosa who have young children may qualify for lead testing and funding for getting rid of lead hazards in their homes. Lead-based paint was commonly used in homes until it was banned from residential use in the 1970s, but it’s still present in millions of homes. If it’s been painted over, it’s usually not a problem, but…

Bryant High names room after beloved band director

By WVUA 23 Student News Reporter Caleb Aguayo After working for years to honor beloved band director Ethime Emonina, Paul W. Bryant High School has renamed its band room after students’ late mentor. The school and Emonina’s family held a dedication ceremony and reception March 20 in honor of Ethime’s life and legacy, and the auditorium was packed with school…