Week In Review: Football In Question, 'Project Unity,' And More

TUSCALOOSA, AL. — Here's a look at the top headlines from Tuscaloosa over the last week.

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City Renames Street For Fallen TPD Officer

The Tuscaloosa City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted in favor of renaming a stretch of 35th Street in memory of Tuscaloosa Police Officer Dornell Cousette, who was killed in the line of duty after exchanging gunfire with a suspect on Sept. 16, 2019. The portion of the road that will be renamed runs from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to Greensboro Avenue.

Maddox Unveils Community Policing Initiative

Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox on Tuesday rolled out plans for sweeping effort geared toward promoting community policing in the city and improving relationships with the community. The measures range from policy changes within the Tuscaloosa Police Department to addressing issues like blight and youth sports. Apart from local proposals, certain components of the initiative would require approval of the Alabama Legislature, including an amendment that would allow police to write citations as opposed to making custodial arrests for low-level misdemeanor offenses, such as minor marijuana possession.

Tourism Officials Dig In For Uncertain Fall

More collegiate athletic conferences this week announced plans to cancel or postpone fall sports, with all eyes currently on the Southeastern Conference. Considering the prospect of a fall without football in Tuscaloosa, local tourism officials are working to promote the area's other offerings for visitors and locals alike. Patch reported this week that Alabama football generates $137.2 million over the course of a single season, representing the single-largest economic driver for Tuscaloosa tourism.

Police Still Searching For Carjacking, Kidnapping Suspect

Investigators with the Tuscaloosa Police Department are still working to identify a man seen stealing a Ford Expedition with a 16-month-old boy inside from a gas station on Crescent Ridge Road last weekend. The suspect was seen wearing a white tank top and shorts after exiting a sedan in the parking lot of the Lucky Dollar store, before then taking the SUV with the child inside. The abandoned vehicle and child, who was unharmed, were both located on Shaw Drive a short distance away from the store.

UWA's Football Season Postponed

The University of West Alabama's football program will not have a 2020 season as the Gulf South Conference announced its plan on Wednesday to postpone competition in basketball, football, soccer, and volleyball until at least Jan. 1, 2021. Patch caught up with UWA head coach Brett Gilliland and Athletic Director Bobby Wallace to gain perspective on the decision and current operations at the university.