![Headlines for Friday in West Alabama](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/04/attachment-Your.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Headlines for Friday in West Alabama
Former Alabama QB Bryce Young became the Crimson Tide’s first ever No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft last night, being selected by the Carolina Panthers. Bama defensive star Will Anderson went third to Houston and running back Jahmyr Gibbs was taken at No. 12 by Detroit in the draft’s first round.
![Tuscaloosa Thread logo](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2020/07/512-1.jpg?w=100)
--
West Alabama Republicans' Gerald Allen, April Weaver and Greg Reed, along with Democrat Bobby Singleton have joined every Alabama State Senator in backing a bill to gradually repeal half of the 4 percent state sales tax on groceries. Alabama is one of only three states collecting its full sales tax on groceries. The bill, which has the backing of Gov. Ivey now goes to the house for action.
--
Gov. Ivey has signed into law legislation that mandates sentencing for possession of the deadly drug fentanyl.
She also put her signature to a law that will keep hospitals and nursing homes from banning visitors, as was done during the height of the pandemic. Dane Howard with the Alabama Hospitals Association says her organization backed the legislation. Facilities cannot require proof of vaccination from visitors. Instead, patients can now appoint a designated caregiver who gets a mandated two-hour visit.
--
The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama Board of Directors has approved Kyle South to serve as their President and Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2023. He is replacing Jim Page who resigned earlier this year to take a position in the private sector in Huntsville. South is a Fayette native and represents a portion of Tuscaloosa County in the Alabama House of Representatives.
--
According to a release from the City of Jasper the former Crump Nissan site will be developed into a Starbucks, Whataburger, and Mavis Discount Tire. Jasper mayor David O’Mary told news partner ABC 33/40 the new businesses prove Jasper is bouncing back from the economic downturn. O’Mary also identified Rural King will be the new resident of the former K-Mart and another business, which has not been announced yet, will move onto Industrial Parkway.
--
Both Alabama Baseball and Softball teams take on powerful LSU teams in three games beginning tonight. Softball will be at home while the baseball team travels to Baton Rouge, LA.
Top Stories from the Tuscaloosa Thread (4/17 - 4/24)
29 Tuscaloosa Restaurants and Retailers Opened or Announced This Year
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
![Representatives File Criminal Justice Reform Bill](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/06/attachment-county-courthouse1-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Northport Welcomes Dickens Downtown Tonight](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/12/attachment-osman-rana-BltXOAu8Ckw-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ivey Sets Special Election for West Alabama House Seat, Qualifying Ends July 25th](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/04/attachment-IMG_0410.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![False Alarm About Shots Fired Draws Heavy Police Presence to DCH](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/01/attachment-attachment-2-dch-to-limit-visitors-again-as-covid-cases-climb.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ivey Signs Bill Prohibiting Phone Use While Driving](http://townsquare.media/site/241/files/2021/08/attachment-GettyImages-1098270098.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Governor Ivey Pledges to Prioritize Economy and Education in Annual Address in Tuscaloosa](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/05/attachment-IMG_0058.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![City of Northport to Hold Memorial Day Ceremony](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2022/08/attachment-attachment-img_8776.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Thursday Morning News Briefing](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/04/attachment-Your.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Wednesday Morning News in West Alabama](http://townsquare.media/site/993/files/2023/04/attachment-Your.jpg?w=980&q=75)