Ken Roberts, Tuscaloosa News Journalist Profile

Articles

Tuscaloosa marks Juneteenth with parade, celebration and more

1 week ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

Dozens of people gathered June 14 in Tuscaloosa for a celebration of the Juneteenth holiday. A parade, organized by the Tuscaloosa branch of the NAACP, began at Westlawn Middle School, 1715 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., and concluded at the McDonald Hughes Center. The parade featured floats, marching bands, dance teams and more. Educator Virgie Green, Municipal Court Judge Ricky McKinney and Tuscaloosa City Council member Joe Eatmon served as the parade’s grand marshals. U.S. Rep.
Search for new University of Alabama president set to conclude

1 week ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

The search for a new University of Alabama president appears to have reached a conclusion. According to an email from the UA System, the board of trustees will meet June 16 to consider the appointment of UA’s new president. The email, sent June 15, says a special called meeting will be held at 1:30 p.m. in the Catherine and Pettus Randall Welcome Center Theater on the UA campus.
Families gather for fun during Fathers in the Park in Tuscaloosa

2 weeks ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

Tuscaloosa One Place hosted a free "Fathers in the Park" event at Snow Hinton Park on June 7. The event featured games, food, children's activities, giveaways, and an art auction. The event, part of TOP's CHAMPS program, aims to strengthen father-child relationships. Featured artist Jarvis Jackson credited the CHAMPS program with helping him rebuild relationships with his six children. Snow Hinton Park in Tuscaloosa played host June 7 to a free event that celebrated the vital role of fathers.
Group linked to 10 shootings, $1 million in fraud, Tuscaloosa police say

3 weeks ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

Tuscaloosa law enforcement officials say they’ve linked a group of suspects to at least 10 shootings, including one homicide, and more than $1 million in financial fraud. During a June 6 news conference, Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit detailed the group’s alleged crimes and the cooperation among law enforcement agencies that led to arrests in the more than yearlong investigation.
Group linked to 10 shootings, $1 million in fraud, Tuscaloosa police say

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Ken Roberts

Tuscaloosa law enforcement officials say they’ve linked a group of suspects to at least 10 shootings, including one homicide, and more than $1 million in financial fraud. During a June 6 news conference, Capt. Jack Kennedy of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit detailed the group’s alleged crimes and the cooperation among law enforcement agencies that led to arrests in the more than yearlong investigation.
Tuscaloosa Farmers Market expands with Tuesdays in June and July

3 weeks ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

The summer months will bring more opportunities to buy freshly grown produce, crafts, baked goods and more at the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market. The city of Tuscaloosa announced the market will be open from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. each Tuesday in June and July at 1900 Jack Warner Parkway. “Last year, we brought back Tuesday afternoon markets in just July, but this year we’re excited to add June,” said Alexis Clark, the Tuscaloosa River Market's operations manager, in a news release.
Classic elephant logo returns to University of Alabama license plates

4 weeks ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

The University of Alabama is releasing a new license plate featuring the retro "Vault A" logo. The new plates will be available starting June 2nd and cost $50 more than standard tags. Revenue from UA tag sales funds undergraduate and graduate scholarships. Current UA tag holders can switch to the new design beginning June 1st. Motorists will soon be able to buy University of Alabama license plates that feature a classic look.
Former astronaut released from prison after serving time for fatal Tuscaloosa crash

1 month ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

A former U.S. astronaut has been released from a north Alabama prison after serving a four-year sentence in connection with a fatal crash in 2016 that killed two young sisters in Tuscaloosa County. According to WAFF in Huntsville, James Halsell Jr. was released from a Decatur prison on Memorial Day. In May 2021, Halsell pleaded guilty to manslaughter and first-degree assault DUI charges in the crash that killed 11-year-old Niomi James and 13-year-old Jayla Parler.
Memorial Day: Tuscaloosa pays tribute to fallen military members

1 month ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

The threat of rain moved Tuscaloosa's Memorial Day ceremony indoors to University Mall. The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority’s Veterans Memorial Park Association organize the annual Memorial Day program in conjunction with the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center and the University of Alabama Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. The holiday honors those who died as a result of battle while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces.
Scott Huffman chosen as Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation president

1 month ago | tuscaloosanews.com | Ken Roberts

Tuscaloosa resident Scott Huffman appointed as president and CEO of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation. The foundation will support the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences, opening in Demopolis in 2026 with a focus on rural health care. Huffman, an experienced fundraiser, aims to expand the foundation's board and secure funding for the school's construction and operation.