Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.