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.

Get our free mobile app

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.

An 18-hole mini-golf venue called “PopStroke” is coming to Alberta just off McFarland Blvd. The project is designed by Tiger Woods and will include a restaurant and bar and other entertainment. It should be open by September.

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.

A bill has been introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives would outlaw all drag shows in K-12 public schools, public libraries or any public space where minors are present. The bill has been denounced by Central Alabama Pride, a non-profit advocacy group for LGBTQ+ rights.

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.

29 Tuscaloosa Restaurants and Retailers Opened or Announced This Year

2022 has been exciting for residents of and visitors to the Tuscaloosa area as dozens of new restaurants and retailers either opened new spaces here or announced plans to do so soon. As the year winds down, here's a look back at all the new spaces the Druid City can enjoy in 2023!