Tuscaloosa
Today
Thursday, January 8th, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 8th of January.
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Tuscaloosa City Council approved $35 million in incentives for Alberta City Land, LLC and developer Stan Pate to redevelop the old Leland Shopping Center. Pate said work will begin next week when the lot is restored to grass (details remain confidential) to boost local commerce. WBRC
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Students returned to school Wednesday after the holiday break as officials implemented extra cleaning – especially in high-contact areas – and advised sick students to stay home. Both Tuscaloosa and nearby county school systems monitored flu trends to protect student health. WBRC
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ Tuscaloosa officials approved on Tuesday an amendment that removes the $65.1 million cap on tax revenue for developer Stan Pate’s secret Project X at the McFarland Mall site on Skyland Boulevard — Pate has five years to secure a tenant for the 20-acre parcel. Tuscaloosa Thread
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alabama coach Nate Oats said Vanderbilt’s unbeaten 4-0 record comes from playing an easy schedule (they have yet to face a ranked team), remarks made before the Crimson Tide’s test in Nashville on Jan. 7. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Several Alabama and Auburn standouts will compete at the Senior Bowl in Mobile on Saturday, Jan. 31. The event at Hancock Whitney Stadium offers a week of practices and drills that give the players one last chance to boost their NFL draft stock. WBRC
- ➤ Alabama’s women’s basketball team won 77 to 48 against Arkansas at Coleman on Sunday as senior guard Ta'Mia Scott reached a career best with 16 points, and the Crimson Tide will tip off against Kentucky today at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network Plus. Tide 100.9
- ➤ Alabama football has added USC defensive tackle transfer Devan Thompkins to boost its defensive line, with confirmation via social media on Tuesday, Jan. 6. The 6-foot-5, 285-pound player is set to compete for a starting role as he joins four other transfers following a mass exodus after the 2025 season. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Senior guard Ta'Mia Scott scored a career-high 16 points as the Crimson Tide beat Arkansas 77-48 at Coleman on Sunday, lifting the team's record to 15-1. The Tide will host Kentucky today (6 p.m. CT) on SEC Network Plus. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Nick Saban supported Kalen DeBoer's hiring despite the Tide's CFP loss to Indiana and noted the challenge of managing a transition with many players leaving. The team will open the season against East Carolina on Saturday, Sept. 5. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson announced he will enter the NFL Draft, according to ESPN, after informing his coaching staff on Wednesday. Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. rated him as the No. 3 quarterback in the class, a move that impacts Crimson Tide offseason planning. ABC 33/40
- ➤ The Crimson Tide announced Derrick Nix as its new wide receivers coach after he spent two seasons at Auburn and played for Southern Miss. He joined head coach Kalen DeBoer to boost the team with extensive SEC coaching experience. 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.
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Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert
1-4 p.m. — The Historic Bama Theatre — Tickets from $104 — Enjoy timeless big band classics with the Glenn Miller Orchestra in a historic venue.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.
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