Stephen Dethrage

A lifelong Alabama resident, Stephen has spent 12 years reporting for various media outlets in the Tuscaloosa area, including stints at the Crimson White, the Birmingham News and AL.com, the Tuscaloosa News and more before joining the team at Townsquare Media, where he now serves as the editor-in-chief of the Tuscaloosa Thread.

13-Year-Old Arrested for Threatening Tuscaloosa Middle School

A 13-year-old has been arrested and charged with a felony after she allegedly made a post on social media threatening a middle school in Tuscaloosa

University of Alabama Boasts Record Enrollment, Surpassing 40,000 For First Time

The University of Alabama is celebrating a series of record-breaking enrollment numbers this week after the final tallying of the 2024-2025 student population, which has surpassed 40,000 for the first time.

Proficiency Rising in Tuscaloosa Elementary Schools, Stagnant in Middle, Low in High Schools

Academic proficiency is climbing steadily at every elementary school in the city of Tuscaloosa, relatively stagnant in middle schools and very low in its three high schools.

Brookwood Schools Beef Up Security After Threat from Student Outside Tuscaloosa County

A threatening post made online led to an enhanced law enforcement presence at Brookwood Middle and High Schools Friday, where an investigation thankfully found no credible threat.

Alabama Business Leader William F. O’Connor Jr Dies

A leading consultant and business leader died this week at 73 and will be laid to rest in Tuscaloosa next week.

Tuscaloosa Police Identify Woman Fatally Hit by Semitruck on I-359 Wednesday

Police in Tuscaloosa have identified a 30-year-old woman who was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler on I-359 Wednesday morning.

West Alabama Schools Announce Delay Ahead of Hurricane’s Impact

Some West Alabama schools will delay the start of class Thursday as they brace for the local impact of Hurricane Francine.

Tuscaloosa Father Charged with Abusing Infant with Brain Bleed

A Tuscaloosa father was arrested this week and charged with aggravated child abuse after allegedly admitting to shaking his infant daughter, causing major injuries.

Police Say Fishermen Illegally Sold Some of Alabama’s Biggest Catfish in Kentucky

Some truly huge freshwater trophy fish have been systematically stolen from Alabama waterways and sold to a pay lake in Kentucky, according to wildlife police there.

Senator Seeks Support for Alabama to Buy Tuscaloosa Bypass Toll Bridge

A state senator is pushing to see the state of Alabama purchase the Tuscaloosa Bypass toll bridge over the Black Warrior River and stop charging drivers to use it.