Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

The 55th Kentuck Festival of the Arts will take place Saturday and Sunday, Oct.

17 and 18 at Snow Hinton Park and is expected to draw over 270 artists and thousands of visitors. Artist applications (opening in March) reflect the city’s partnership through 2039.

Following coach Nick Saban’s retirement, local businesses are reporting strong game day revenue under coach Kalen DeBoer—Bama Stuff Apparel noted that revenue from seven home games topped $200 million, while VisitTuscaloosa anticipates sports tourism will boost hotels, restaurants and shops.

A flash flood watch is in effect from 6 a.m. Friday until 12 noon Saturday for Tuscaloosa, Pickens, Bibb, Jefferson, Hale, Greene, and Walker counties as up to five inches of rain is expected; residents should monitor local updates (rain may continue through Saturday morning).

Tuscaloosa leaders met with state representatives ahead of next week’s legislative session to ask for support for mental health care and reducing homelessness.

Councilman Busby and Police Chief Blankley said Hope Pointe’s voluntary service worsens the issues — state lawmakers are working on legislation for secured beds.

Alabama football announced Bryan Ellis as the new quarterbacks coach for 2026 after Nick Sheridan left for Michigan State.

Ellis spent the past two seasons as head coach Kalen DeBoer’s tight ends coach (and previously coached at UAB and Western Kentucky).

Alabama football is reshaping its 2026 roster via the NCAA transfer portal with incoming transfers like Syracuse long snapper Ethan Stangle and USC defensive tackle Devan Thompkins joining the team while players including Kameron Howard and Arkel Anugwom are leaving (the portal is open until Jan. 16).

Alabama football lost a key receiver as Isaiah Horton entered the NCAA transfer portal after posting 42 receptions, 511 yards + eight touchdowns in 2025.

He transferred from Miami before last season and has one season of eligibility remaining.

Alabama basketball lost its first SEC road game against Vanderbilt on Jan.

8 at Memorial Gymnasium plus the team went dunkless as Aiden Sherrell missed the game with a knee injury; coach Nate Oats praised forward efforts as London Jemison and Taylor Bol Bowen stepped up.

No. RV/24 Alabama women's basketball upset No. 6/7 Kentucky 64-51 Thursday night at Coleman Coliseum with Jessica Timmons scoring 24 points and a strong defense securing the largest win over a ranked opponent since 2019+ the victory boosts the Crimson Tide's momentum.

Crimson Tide shortstop Justin Lebron was named to Perfect Game’s Preseason All-American first team 36 days before Alabama Baseball’s season launch (he improved his power numbers last season) and is expected to guide the team through a tough SEC schedule.

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.