Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

William Metz Gaither was born at 3:24 a.m. on New Year’s Day at DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa, marking the hospital’s first newborn of 2026 and bringing joy to local families.

University freshman Matthew Polaski was seriously injured in a fall during a family vacation in the Dominican — he was flown to Miami where doctors performed emergency brain surgery, and he remains in critical condition while his family raises funds through a GoFundMe campaign.

Joseph Ionata, a reserve center who played in 16 games with Alabama, submitted his NCAA Transfer Portal paperwork after the Tide lost to Indiana in the Rose Bowl.

The 6-foot-5 center from Calvary Christian High School (Clearwater, Florida) joins seven other Tide players in this transfer cycle.

The Tide tip off against Kentucky takes place today at Coleman Coliseum (11 a.m. CT) as fans can watch on ESPN via Fubo, Sling, and ESPN+.

Alabama's football team lost by a score of 38 to 3 to Big Ten opponents on Jan.

1, prompting local fans to question coaching decisions and consider former local coach Curt Cignetti for future leadership. Fans hope a new approach will boost the team's performance.

Alabama running back Richard Young entered the transfer portal after his role on the team decreased this season.

He became the fourth player to do so (as the coaching staff shifted focus to other athletes).

A die-hard Crimson Tide fan expressed concern after Alabama’s 38 to 3 loss to a Big Ten team, saying weak coaching left the team vulnerable.

He questioned if local leaders would consider former coach Curt Cignetti to help revive the storied program.

Alabama wide receiver Jaylen Mbakwe entered the transfer portal on Jan.

2 after playing 12 games last season. He told reporters he would not transfer and now has two seasons of eligibility (On3 Sports).

Alabama offensive lineman Olaus Alinen (6-foot-6, 325-pound player from Finland who logged 32 games) entered the transfer portal on Friday, Jan.

2. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining and joins five other players making the move.

Jaylen Mbakwe, a former Alabama five-star recruit who switched positions for 2025, entered the NCAA transfer portal on Jan.

2 after playing two seasons at Alabama — joining four other players in similar moves.

Jalen Hale, an Alabama football wide receiver, is entering the NCAA transfer portal after three seasons with the Crimson Tide.

He confirmed his move on Instagram with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

Alabama football is seeing roster moves as the NCAA transfer portal stays open from Jan.

2 to Jan. 16; safety Kameron Howard enters the portal while former Oklahoma State tight end Josh Ford joins the team for his final three seasons.

Alabama redshirt sophomore wide receiver Jalen Hale entered the transfer portal following a season marked by a knee injury and limited play with the Tide.

The portal opened Jan. 2 and remains open for 15 days for players seeking new opportunities (he joins several other Tide athletes making similar moves).

Jalen Hale, a redshirt sophomore wide receiver for Alabama, entered the transfer portal on Jan.

2 after rehabbing a season-ending knee injury. He has played in five games in 2025 as he seeks a fresh opportunity during the 15-day window.

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.

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.