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Dennis Franchione spent two years coaching the Crimson Tide before a surprise move to Texas A&M in December 2002. WVUA 23 News Producer Jay Donahue was there during Franchione's last hours with the Tide -- he just didn't know it yet.
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www.wvua23.com/news/looking...
Looking back: WVUA 23 producer was there at pivotal moment in Franchione's career
Editor's Note: A WVUA 23 Digital Producer requested Jay recount this story for our Digital audience after hearing the anecdote during a newsroom discussion following the news of former University
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 10:15 PM
Dennis Franchione spent two years coaching the Crimson Tide before a surprise move to Texas A&M in December 2002. WVUA 23 News Producer Jay Donahue was there during Franchione's last hours with the Tide -- he just didn't know it yet.
www.wvua23.com/news/looking...
www.wvua23.com/news/looking...
With more than 860,000 adults in Alabama reporting experiencing a mental illness in 2024, it is more important than ever to relay the risks the illness can have on not only you, but the people around you.
Alabama Department of Mental Health promotes Mental Illness Awareness Week
Mental health affects how we live our lives everyday, yet the topic remains among one of the least discussed.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 9:15 PM
With more than 860,000 adults in Alabama reporting experiencing a mental illness in 2024, it is more important than ever to relay the risks the illness can have on not only you, but the people around you.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama has been named to Time’s 2026 Time100 Next list, which recognizes 100 rising figures across several fields.
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www.wvua23.com/news/us-sen-...
US Sen. Katie Britt named to 2026 TIME100 Next list
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama has been moved to Time’s 2026 Time100 Next list, which recognizes 100 rising figures across several fields.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 8:45 PM
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt of Alabama has been named to Time’s 2026 Time100 Next list, which recognizes 100 rising figures across several fields.
www.wvua23.com/news/us-sen-...
www.wvua23.com/news/us-sen-...
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that 34 grants totaling nearly $55 million were awarded statewide to improve health care access, quality and outcomes in rural communities.
Rural health grants to support projects across West Alabama
Several West Alabama counties are benefiting from new grants awarded through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 8:15 PM
Gov. Kay Ivey announced Thursday that 34 grants totaling nearly $55 million were awarded statewide to improve health care access, quality and outcomes in rural communities.
Around West Alabama, the lowest prices as of Tuesday are:
Bibb County: $3.99
Fayette County: $3.99
Greene County: $4.09
Hale County: $3.99
Pickens County: $4.06
Tuscaloosa County: $3.68
Walker County: $3.75
www.wvua23.com/news/weekly-...
Bibb County: $3.99
Fayette County: $3.99
Greene County: $4.09
Hale County: $3.99
Pickens County: $4.06
Tuscaloosa County: $3.68
Walker County: $3.75
www.wvua23.com/news/weekly-...
Weekly gas roundup: Prices down 10.6 cents in Alabama, average of $3.95/gallon
The average price for a gallon of gas in Alabama dropped 10.6 cents over the past week, down to an average of $3.95 as of Tuesday, according to GasBuddy‘s survey
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Around West Alabama, the lowest prices as of Tuesday are:
Bibb County: $3.99
Fayette County: $3.99
Greene County: $4.09
Hale County: $3.99
Pickens County: $4.06
Tuscaloosa County: $3.68
Walker County: $3.75
www.wvua23.com/news/weekly-...
Bibb County: $3.99
Fayette County: $3.99
Greene County: $4.09
Hale County: $3.99
Pickens County: $4.06
Tuscaloosa County: $3.68
Walker County: $3.75
www.wvua23.com/news/weekly-...
Alabama football alumni once again excel in the NFL week 4, with Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young leading the way. bit.ly/4hwxPqv
Crimson Tide alumni make their mark in NFL Week 4
Week 4 of the NFL season featured several standout performances from former Alabama players, with Bryce Young leading the way on Sunday Night Football.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 7:15 PM
Alabama football alumni once again excel in the NFL week 4, with Carolina Panthers QB Bryce Young leading the way. bit.ly/4hwxPqv
More than a year into President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, a poll finds that voters in rural parts of the country are divided on whether those immigration policies have benefited or harmed their communities.
Trump’s immigration crackdown divides rural voters as midterms approach, AP-KFF poll finds
An AP-KFF poll finds that rural voters are divided on whether President Donald Trump's sweeping immigration crackdown has benefited or harmed their communities. Trump promised tough immigration enforcement on the
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 6:45 PM
More than a year into President Donald Trump’s sweeping immigration crackdown, a poll finds that voters in rural parts of the country are divided on whether those immigration policies have benefited or harmed their communities.
Hale, Fayette and Walker counties are getting more than $1 million of nearly $3.9 million allocated for 13 road projects across the state through the Rebuild Alabama grant program.
West Alabama counties get $1.4 million for road improvements
West Alabama is getting more than $1 million of nearly $3.9 million allocated for 13 road projects across the state through the Rebuild Alabama grant program.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Hale, Fayette and Walker counties are getting more than $1 million of nearly $3.9 million allocated for 13 road projects across the state through the Rebuild Alabama grant program.
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says the escalating volume of emergency appeals before the court isn't a good thing, but he adds there's little the court can do to change the trajectory.
Alito says Supreme Court can’t stem emergency appeals and voices concern over Trump’s rhetoric
Some of President Donald Trump's rhetoric about members of the Supreme Court isn't sitting well with one of his favorite justices. Samuel Alito tells The Associated Press that personal criticisms
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito says the escalating volume of emergency appeals before the court isn't a good thing, but he adds there's little the court can do to change the trajectory.
Romulus Fire Department in Buhl is getting more than $1.1 million to uphold the recruitment and retention of firefighters.
Romulus Fire Department getting $1.1M from FEMA grant
Romulus Fire Department in Buhl is getting more than $1.1 million to uphold the recruitment and retention of firefighters.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Romulus Fire Department in Buhl is getting more than $1.1 million to uphold the recruitment and retention of firefighters.
Dennis Franchione, the longtime college football coach whose career included stops at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, has died, TCU said in a statement. He was 75.
Dennis Franchione, football coach at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, dies at 75
Dennis Franchione, the longtime coach who had one of the most decorated coaching careers in college football with stops at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, has died, TCU said in
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 4:45 PM
Dennis Franchione, the longtime college football coach whose career included stops at TCU, Alabama and Texas A&M, has died, TCU said in a statement. He was 75.
Alabama freshmen Xavier Griffin and London Simmons earned SEC Player of the Week honors following their performances in the Tide’s week 5 win over Mississippi State. bit.ly/4hIhq18
Alabama's football's Griffin, Simmons earn SEC weekly honors
Alabama freshmen Xavier Griffin and London Simmons earned SEC Player of the Week honors following their performances in the Crimson Tide’s Week 5 win over Mississippi State.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 4:15 PM
Alabama freshmen Xavier Griffin and London Simmons earned SEC Player of the Week honors following their performances in the Tide’s week 5 win over Mississippi State. bit.ly/4hIhq18
Skydance-owned Paramount has closed its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The merger brings two of America’s oldest moviemaking studios together. bit.ly/4rROwAc
Paramount and Warner Bros are now one Hollywood giant: Skydance. Here's how we got here
Skydance-owned Paramount has closed its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery on Tuesday. The new Hollywood giant will have a shorter nametag: “Skydance.” But it marks one of the
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Skydance-owned Paramount has closed its $81 billion takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. The merger brings two of America’s oldest moviemaking studios together. bit.ly/4rROwAc
Northport has invested nearly $5 million into Big Mike's Steakhouse and despite some residents being upset, Northport City Council said they're excited about the economic opportunities it could bring to Northport. bit.ly/4rRCgQi
Northport City Council heard first reading on cooperative district for Big Mike's
During Monday's Northport City Council meeting, they discussed Big Mike's move from Moundville to Northport.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 3:15 PM
Northport has invested nearly $5 million into Big Mike's Steakhouse and despite some residents being upset, Northport City Council said they're excited about the economic opportunities it could bring to Northport. bit.ly/4rRCgQi
Justices declined to hear Roy Moore’s appeal of a lower court decision that vacated the large verdict. The outcome keeps in place the decision by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that erased a jury's decision that Moore had been defamed by the ad. bit.ly/4zhRBfw
Supreme Court rejects Roy Moore's push to restore $8.2M defamation verdict
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Roy Moore’s push to restore an $8.2 million defamation verdict awarded to him over a 2017 Senate ad. Justices declined to hear Moore’s appeal
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 2:45 PM
Justices declined to hear Roy Moore’s appeal of a lower court decision that vacated the large verdict. The outcome keeps in place the decision by the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that erased a jury's decision that Moore had been defamed by the ad. bit.ly/4zhRBfw
The victory marked Alabama’s eighth shutout of the season and its fourth shutout in SEC play. It also kept the Crimson Tide undefeated in conference action as the team continues to build momentum heading into the second half of the SEC schedule. bit.ly/4rQ70RG
Alabama women’s soccer continues dominant run
Alabama women’s soccer continues to make a statement in the SEC, and the Crimson Tide showed once again that its success travels with it.
www.wvua23.com
October 6, 2026 at 2:15 PM
The victory marked Alabama’s eighth shutout of the season and its fourth shutout in SEC play. It also kept the Crimson Tide undefeated in conference action as the team continues to build momentum heading into the second half of the SEC schedule. bit.ly/4rQ70RG
Various medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say children and teens should avoid energy drinks altogether. Yet many are not. According to a recent survey, 23% of 12th graders, 20% of 10th graders and 18% of eighth graders reported consuming energy drinks daily.
Doctors warn about the risks energy drinks pose to kids. What families need to know
Doctors nationwide have warned for years that energy drinks contain high levels of caffeine that can seriously harm children. Effects can include abnormal heartbeats, increased heart rate, sleep disturbances, high
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 9:45 PM
Various medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, say children and teens should avoid energy drinks altogether. Yet many are not. According to a recent survey, 23% of 12th graders, 20% of 10th graders and 18% of eighth graders reported consuming energy drinks daily.
The month-long dedication is intended to raise awareness of the connection between postsecondary education, workforce preparation, and Alabama’s continued economic growth.
October designated Alabama Goes to College Month
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed October as Alabama Goes to College Month to emphasize the opportunities available to Alabamians seeking to pursue postsecondary education and training.
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 9:15 PM
The month-long dedication is intended to raise awareness of the connection between postsecondary education, workforce preparation, and Alabama’s continued economic growth.
Federal health officials say their data on dengue outbreaks is limited. But available information from state health departments and medical journals suggests the Florida outbreak marks the most cases in a calendar year for any state since at least the 1940s.
Florida's dengue outbreak is now the largest in the continental US in decades
Florida is experiencing its largest dengue outbreak in decades, with over 250 locally acquired cases reported this year. Most cases are in Hillsborough County, home to Tampa. Officials declared local
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 8:45 PM
Federal health officials say their data on dengue outbreaks is limited. But available information from state health departments and medical journals suggests the Florida outbreak marks the most cases in a calendar year for any state since at least the 1940s.
The Tuscaloosa County School System has launched its annual Passion Project, giving students the opportunity to learn about needs in their community and find a cause they want to support.
Huntington Place students put service into action
For students at Huntington Place Elementary School, giving back is becoming part the lesson
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 8:15 PM
The Tuscaloosa County School System has launched its annual Passion Project, giving students the opportunity to learn about needs in their community and find a cause they want to support.
Catch up on all of the high school football you may have missed around West Alabama with Football Friday.
Gary Harris will catch you up all the high school highlights, scores and exciting plays from Friday.
#[bit.ly/46Xlm9j
Gary Harris will catch you up all the high school highlights, scores and exciting plays from Friday.
#[bit.ly/46Xlm9j
Football Friday: October 2, 2026
Football Friday from October 2nd, 2026.
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 8:00 PM
Catch up on all of the high school football you may have missed around West Alabama with Football Friday.
Gary Harris will catch you up all the high school highlights, scores and exciting plays from Friday.
#[bit.ly/46Xlm9j
Gary Harris will catch you up all the high school highlights, scores and exciting plays from Friday.
#[bit.ly/46Xlm9j
Despite the economic angst among young people, at first blush the picture does not look that bad for them. The unemployment rate for those age 22 to 27 is 7.2%, higher than the broader rate of 4.1% but lower than some other moments of economic calm.
Despair over future fuels political anxiety for college students on the cusp of adulthood
Many college students today are feeling anxious about their future. They have concerns about their job prospects, homeownership and impending adulthood. Michigan State University student Frankie Llerandi has struggled to
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 7:45 PM
Despite the economic angst among young people, at first blush the picture does not look that bad for them. The unemployment rate for those age 22 to 27 is 7.2%, higher than the broader rate of 4.1% but lower than some other moments of economic calm.
For many, claiming the name came along with sharing personal accounts of being sexually abused and assaulted, joining the wave of solidarity that has surged since journalists at the college's independent student newspaper reported on the lawsuit filing late last month.
'Jane Doe' solidarity posts flood social media after Cornell rape lawsuit
A wave of solidarity has surged on social media in support of a young woman who is suing Cornell University and seven fraternity members she accuses of raping her. Countless
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 6:45 PM
For many, claiming the name came along with sharing personal accounts of being sexually abused and assaulted, joining the wave of solidarity that has surged since journalists at the college's independent student newspaper reported on the lawsuit filing late last month.
Verner Elementary School and Rock Quarry Elementary are the only West Alabama schools this year selected for the grant. Both schools intend to use the funding to support hands-on learning activities for students.
2 Tuscaloosa elementary schools are getting Be Healthy School Grants
Two Tuscaloosa City Schools elementary schools are getting money from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama to help fund projects that encourage healthy habits, physical activity, outdoor learning, and
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 6:15 PM
Verner Elementary School and Rock Quarry Elementary are the only West Alabama schools this year selected for the grant. Both schools intend to use the funding to support hands-on learning activities for students.
Many of the bans took place in Florida and Texas, where restrictive laws have been passed and both politicians and conservative activists have pushed for removals. PEN has also found that school district administrators rely increasingly on AI to determine which books should be pulled.
PEN America: Nearly 12,000 school book bans in a year, a record high
A new study from PEN America reveals that there were nearly 12,000 book bans in public schools over the past year, the highest since tracking began five years ago. Stephen
www.wvua23.com
October 5, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Many of the bans took place in Florida and Texas, where restrictive laws have been passed and both politicians and conservative activists have pushed for removals. PEN has also found that school district administrators rely increasingly on AI to determine which books should be pulled.