West Alabama Tuesday Briefing
Good morning West Alabama! It is Tuesday, March 11, 2025. This is the 70th day of the year with 295 remaining.
Tuesday Morning Observations:
The deadline for obtaining a STAR ID is fast approaching. What is it? STAR ID, which stands for Secure, Trusted and Reliable ID. It is the state's version of the federal REAL ID program, designed to enhance the security of state-issued identification cards. It is a step beyond a standard Alabama driver's license or non-driver identification card, offering enhanced security features.
The REAL ID Act of 2005, which was enacted after the September 11th terrorist attacks to improve the security of state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards. Its implementation has been postponed several times, most notably due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.
It is a big deal because beginning May 7th, all domestic air travelers 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant license (like a STAR ID) or another acceptable form of ID, such as a passport, to board a domestic flight or enter most federal facilities.
Getting a STAR ID will require more information than a normal driver's license. You will need to present four documents to verify your identity, date of birth, Social Security number, and address.
There will be a difference in the way you license looks if you do not have a STAR ID.
If you plan to travel, have business at a federal agency or plan to visit a military base you will need a STAR ID. It will not cost you any more than a normal driver's license.
(Opinions expressed in Morning Briefing are those of the author and not necessarily those of the ownership, management, staff or sponsors of Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa.)
Weather:
Thursday through Saturday could be severe weather days across West Alabama. The Storm Prediction Center has highlighted the area under a Marginal (1 in 5) Risk for strong to severe storms between 9:00am and 6:00pm Thursday. There is a Slight (2 in 5) Risk for severe storms and tornadoes between 9:00pm Friday and Saturday at 7am. The threat bumps up to an Elevated (3 in 5) Risk for some strong tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail Saturday afternoon into early Sunday morning. Stay tuned to Operations Storm Watch for updates.
Read More: Alabama Braces for Weekend Storms: Hail, Damaging Winds, & Tornadoes
Read More: Thursday’s Threat Brings Damaging Winds & Large Hail to Alabama
The Forecast:
Hearing in Kahleb Collins Disappearance Case Postponed
A hearing that had been set for today for Wendy Bailey and her father has been postponed at the request of the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office. The case revolves around the disappearance of 1-year-old Kahleb Collins, who is believed to be dead.
Wendy Bailey, the child’s mother faces several charges, John, the boy’s grandfather is charged with failure to report a missing child.
Duncanville Fire Sends Two to DCH
An early morning fire in Duncanville sent two people to DCH Regional Medical Center for treatment.
According to Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue Service the front porch of the mobile home was burning upon their arrival to assist Duncanville Volunteer Fire Department.
No further information has been released about the condition of the two people injured.
Voters Casting Ballots in Special Election
Voters in Alabama Senate District 5 are casting their ballots in a special primary election today. The district encompasses portions of Fayette, Jefferson, Lamar, Tuscaloosa, and Walker Counties.
The seat was vacated by Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Reed when Governor Ivey appointed him as a Senior Advisor to Workforce Transformation.
Ryan Cagle and Sarah Watkins are opposing each other in the Democratic Party primary while Matt Woods is the lone Republican on the ballot.
The winner of the Democratic Primary will face Woods in November
Walker County Sheriff Reminds Deputies are Innocent Until Proven Guilty
Tony Mitchell died while in custody of the Walker County Sheriff’s Office. 10 people involved with the Walker County Jail have pleaded guilty to various mistreatment charges. Two deputies, Carl Lofton Carpenter and James Mathew Handley, are currently on paid leave.
During a meeting yesterday, citizens asked why the county commission has not exercised more control. They were told by the commission; under Alabama law they have little authority to act.
Walker County Sheriff Nick Smith is defending his deputies reminding that they should be considered innocent until proven guilty.
Deputy Handley will be arraigned Thursday.
Tuscaloosa Election to be Certified Today
The Tuscaloosa City Council will meet at noon today to canvass the votes from the March 4th Municipal Elections. They then will issue certificates to the winners of mayoral, council and board of education elections. There is one runoff still be conducted. That is in Council District 1 where incumbent Matthew Wilson is facing a challenge from Shelton State Dean Joe Eatmon.
Battle Over THC Hemp Products Ongoing in Legislature
There continues to be push back on a bill regulating the sale of THC hemp products. Senate Bill 132 initially added psychoactive cannabinoids, such as Delta-8 THC, Delta-9 THC, and Delta-10 THC, to the Schedule I controlled substance lists, effectively outlawing the sale of the products.
Carmelo Parasiliti, CEO and Founder of Green Acres Organic Pharms, told news partner ABC3340 the revised version of SB 132 is a "ban by regulation.
SB132 has been carried over twice in committee.
Tuberville OK With Trump Tariffs and Impact on Market
Alabama’s Senior U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville has told Fox Business Channel, he has no problem with President Trump’s tariffs that many financial experts fear could lead to recession.
"We were probably over-bloated with the stock market here for a while. We went up quite a bit," he told the television audience. Tuberville admonished Donald Trump's pre-tariff days when stocks were still climbing. "But at the end of the day, it's about fairness, about having fair tariffs, everybody on the same page."
The Dow Jones continues to tumble, dropping 890 points Monday.
Stillman Choir Performs on the Road
The nationally recognized Stillman College Choir performed yesterday at the George W. Bush Presidential Library in Dallas. This is the third year for them to perform at the library. The choir is on its spring break tour.
Topping Sports News:
Tide Baseball Hoping to Roll Again
The 17th ranked Alabama Baseball Team hopes to get back in the win column tonight at 6:00 when they face UAB in Birmingham. The Tide is 16-and-1 after an upset loss to Presbyterian on Sunday at "The Joe".
According to UA, the pitching matchups will be RHP JT Blackwood (UA) vs. RHP Braxton Shelton (UAB).
Crimson Tide Softball Also on the Road
The Alabama softball team (19-7) is in Mobile to face South Alabama (11-14) at Jaguar Field for the first time since 2018 this afternoon. First pitch is set for 5:00pm.
Alabama is coming off a 3-1 weekend at the Spring Break Showdown, beating Iowa twice and splitting two games against Louisiana.
Tide Men's Basketball Honors
Tide star guard Mark Sears was named Southeastern Conference First Team All-SEC with Labaron Philon selected to the conference All-Freshman Team.
Read More: Two Tide Stars Earn All-SEC Recognition
Auburn's Pearl is SEC Coach of the Year
Auburn Head basketball Coach has been selected as Southeastern Conference "Coach of the Year" after guiding the Tigers to the regular season Championship and #1 seed in the SEC Tournament.
Read More: Auburn’s Head Coach Bruce Pearl Wins SEC Coach of the Year
Big Day for Baseball Buc
From Shelton State: Buc sophomore left fielder Trenton Shirley recorded a school record five hits, as the fifth-ranked Bucs blasted Wallace State - Selma 18-5 Monday afternoon.
The former Tuscaloosa County High standout was 5-for-5 with four runs scored, three RBIs and two doubles.
Click TuscaloosaThread.com for the latest West Alabama news, sports and weather. Better yet, download the app.