Tuscaloosa
Today
Friday, January 2nd, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 2nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ A local company donated protective vests to the Tuscaloosa PD K-9 team today, boosting safety for the unit’s working dogs+ the donation reflects strong community backing. WBRC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ On New Year’s Day at 3:24 a.m., DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa County welcomed West Alabama’s first baby of 2026 when William Metz Gaither was born to parents Brady and Stephanie Gaither, who enjoyed a New Year’s Eve bowling outing before the baby's arrival. ABC 33/40
- ➤ ACA subsidies expired at midnight, leaving over 200,000 West Alabama residents with doubled or tripled health insurance premiums—nearly half a million subsidy-reliant residents risk losing coverage as Congress remains in recess until Jan. 6 and lawmakers have yet to act. Tuscaloosa Thread
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After Ty Simpson was benched in the Rose Bowl against Indiana on Jan. 1, Austin Mack completed 11 of 16 passes for 103 yards, including a 26-yard reverse flea flicker before multiple sacks slowed his momentum. Alabama settled for a field goal as Indiana built a large lead. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ The Crimson Tide faced No. 1 Indiana in the CFP Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 1 in Pasadena; kickoff was 3:10 p.m. CT. The projected lineup included QB Ty Simpson, RB Jam Miller, and TE Josh Cuevas (among others). Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Yesterday, Alabama faced Indiana at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena (kickoff was 3:10 p.m. CT) with a depth chart naming Ty Simpson at quarterback, Jam Miller at running back, and Germie Bernard among the wide receivers as the team faced a squad led by Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Tide 100.9
- ➤ At halftime in the Rose Bowl, the Crimson Tide trailed Indiana 17–0 after a failed fourth down attempt and a Ty Simpson fumble, and the team was set to regroup for a strong comeback in the second half. WBRC
- ➤ Austin Mack entered the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 when injured Ty Simpson left during the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against Indiana — the California-native transfer, who played in three earlier games, remains ready for more snaps. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ A century ago today, Alabama came from behind (in a historic comeback) to win a close Rose Bowl game against Washington in Pasadena, starting southern football's rise. The Crimson Tide is back at the Rose Bowl this afternoon (chasing another national title) as fans rally behind the team. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was sidelined in the Rose Bowl after a right elbow injury forced his removal in the second half, leaving backup Austin Mack to lead the team and keeping Simpson out for the upcoming game vs Indiana. The Tuscaloosa News
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Jackson Chase: Acoustic Performance at Innisfree
3-7 p.m. — Innisfree Irish Pub — Cost not specified — Enjoy the acoustic sounds of local talent Jackson Chase in a cozy pub setting.
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Bridgerton High Tea and Craft Night
5:30-11:30 p.m. — Tuscaloosa Public Library — Registration required — Celebrate the upcoming season of Bridgerton with tea, crafting, and delightful discussions.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Tuscaloosa Today
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