Tuscaloosa
Today
Saturday, January 17th, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 17th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Martin Luther King Jr. Day will be observed on Monday, Jan. 19 with events across Central Alabama including community cleanups, museum programs, an MLK unity breakfast at Beulah Baptist Church and a service project by the Boys and Girls Clubs in Tuscaloosa — all reflecting Dr. King's legacy. ABC 33/40
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Iconic Oasis Bar and Grill in Cottondale marks 75 years of serving classic cheeseburgers, live music, pool and karaoke. The restaurant welcomes customers Tuesday through Saturday (maintaining its old-school style with indoor smoking policy) and remains a local favorite. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Francesca’s is closing nine stores in Alabama, including its Tuscaloosa location at 1800 McFarland Blvd; liquidation sales for remaining inventory are set to begin Friday + vendors reported unpaid invoices and delayed payments. The Tuscaloosa News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Ivey signed an executive order on Friday to join a federal scholarship program (which offers tax credits for qualifying school expenses) that will begin in January 2027 as part of efforts to expand school choice in Alabama. ABC 33/40
- ➤ On Wednesday, a 6-year-old missed his stop on a special needs bus and was later found crying at Echols Middle School. Tuscaloosa County Schools placed the bus driver on leave — and began a full review of safety protocols to ensure incidents like this do not happen again. WBRC
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Governor Ivey said during her State of the State address that Alabama may use Starlink satellites later this year to expand broadband in low income areas—targeted counties include Wilcox, Marengo, Perry, Sumter, and Greene—with expert Reed Sharkey noting the service may be slower than fiber. Alabama Public Radio
- ➤ Congresswoman Sewell has urged the Department of Homeland Security to exempt healthcare workers from a 100,000 fee on H-1B visas, which could worsen Alabama’s nursing shortage as thousands are set to retire. The move follows shortages that harken back to the era when Filipino nurses first helped meet community needs. Tuscaloosa Thread
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Will Roberts, a 14-year-old fighting osteosarcoma, is receiving strong support from the community. His dad spoke on local radio today, saying a recent doctor visit showed encouraging signs and warning everyone to rely only on information from trusted sources. Tuscaloosa Thread
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alabama football added Texas transfer Nick Brooks for the upcoming season. The 6-foot-7 offensive lineman (a former Longhorns player) will bring size and versatility to the Crimson Tide's offensive line. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Florida gymnastics opened its SEC season on Friday at the O’Connell Center facing fourth-ranked Alabama. The top-ranked Gators jumped to first in the Road to Nationals ranking with a record score of 197.725 while Alabama retains its overall series lead. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Alabama head coach Nate Oats said Latrell is improving in practice, Keitenn is out indefinitely with a right ankle injury, and Taylor Bol Bowen is being monitored after a hand issue ahead of the game against Oklahoma tonight — the Tide had eight scholarship players in their recent win. Tuscaloosa Thread
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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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Jackson Chase: Innisfree Night Live
9 p.m. – 1 a.m. — Innisfree Irish Pub — Check for entry fee — Enjoy an evening of live music with full band performances by local artist Jackson Chase.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The chains of habit are too light to be felt until they are too heavy to be broken.
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Reveal the authorAbout Tuscaloosa Today
Welcome to the Tuscaloosa Today, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Tuscaloosa, Alabama community. If you like the Tuscaloosa Today, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Tuscaloosa.
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