There is a marginal, one-in-five, risk for severe weather across West Alabama tomorrow.

The low-end threat runs from 10 a.m. until about 4 p.m. in our area. The main hazard will be damaging winds to 60 mph and large hail.

There is a greater risk for tornadoes in South Alabama tomorrow.

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Former Tuscaloosa City Council President Harrison Taylor addressed his concerns for the future of the Weaver Bolding Library and the potential for reducing the size of the Benjamin Barnes YMCA Branch in West End to the city council last night.

Taylor also emphasized the need for including minority contractors in all projects. Council members representing West End assured Taylor they are looking out for their constituents' interests.

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Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue and Public Works Departments assisted the City of Eutaw with removing the body of Eutaw city employee Tony Rice, 46, from a collapsed hole around 4:15 a.m. this morning. He had been attempting to repair a pipeline break at the Branch Community Center in the Greene County city when the collapse occurred.

Crews worked thru the night to pump water out and reinforce the walls of the hole in order to remove the body. Tuscaloosa Fire Chief Randy Smith supervised operations throughout the night. 

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The first court hearing for the six suspects in the Dadeville mass shooting revealed at least one of the weapons used, a Glock, had been modified for rapid fire.

Investigators also testified they found 89 shell casings at the scene where four people died and 32 were wounded during the attack on a Sweet 16 birthday party. Dadeville Councilwoman Brownie Caldwell told reporters at last night’s council meeting, "it is ok to mourn but also return to normal life."

Family of the suspects allege the six suspects are being railroaded by authorities and that the community has turned on them.

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It will take about $10 million dollars to bring the now closed Pickens County Medical Center up to codes. But officials there say you cannot put a price tag on what reopening the rural hospital would mean to the health of Pickens County residents. Officials have been working with U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-7) and state leaders to identify any available federal money.

Currently patients must be transported to either Tuscaloosa or Columbus, MS for hospital treatment. One plan would reopen the facility as a mental health treatment facility and then would later add emergency room services. 

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The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama's 2023 State of the State presentation will feature Gov. Kay Ivey. Her keynote address at the 11:30 a.m. to 1:00pm event will cover the state's goals, challenges and future.

Readers can register for the Monday, May 15 event at the Tuscaloosa River Market by clicking on the chamber's website. Attendance is $40 for chamber members, $50 for non-members.

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