Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

The SCLC Tuscaloosa County Chapter announced three MLK Unity Day events on Monday, Jan.

19: a breakfast at 8 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Church, a march at 11:30 a.m. from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary to City Hall, and a rally at 5 p.m. at First African Baptist Church.

Yesterday, ALDI opened its third store in Northport on U.S. Highway 43 North, converting a former Winn-Dixie into a discount grocery store.

The festive grand opening offered gift bags to the first 200 customers who sampled products and received an ALDI Golden Ticket gift card.

The last Winn-Dixie store in Tuscaloosa on University Boulevard East in Five Points will close permanently, and final clearance sales are underway with discounts of 20-40+ percent.

The future fate of the site remains unknown.

Today, Tuscaloosa County celebrated Warrior Met’s completion of the Blue Creek Mine when a $1 billion investment (adding over 300 jobs) marked a key development in local coal operations.

Regional partners, including Norfolk Southern, are making major upgrades to support the project.

The University of Alabama invites Tuscaloosa sophomores to apply for its Leaders to Legends program (formerly the Forerunners program) that offers mentorship, leadership training and community service.

Applications run Jan. 15-Feb. 26, with interviews Mar. 23-Apr. 16 and decisions announced in May.

A tornado watch is in effect across several counties including Tuscaloosa until 10 a.m. today as a line of thunderstorms moves through the area.

Residents are advised to stay alert to local weather updates.

House Bill 129 will be discussed in the legislative session starting Jan.

13 and would let licensed midwives order and perform newborn screening tests to avoid delays for home births (keeping current safety mandates). If passed, the law will take effect Oct. 1.

Rep. Leigh Hulsey’s Youth Athlete Protection Act will require youth sports organizations to have all coaches—including volunteers—pass criminal background checks and complete mandatory reporter training, with DHR certifying compliance starting Oct.

1 and developing a model policy by Jan. 1; noncompliant groups will be suspended from offering programs.

Austin Mack and Keelon Russell have re-signed as backup quarterbacks for the Crimson Tide's 2026 season, setting up a new quarterback battle after Ty Simpson declared for the NFL draft.

Alabama basketball (11-4 record) is favored by 13.5 points against Texas in today’s game at Coleman Coliseum; betting odds show a rebound after a loss while Texas has not beaten Alabama in Tuscaloosa since 1960.

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.