Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

A Tuscaloosa teen has been named Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of West Alabama, recognizing exceptional local leadership.

The club announced the honor recently (celebrating community impact) as part of its annual awards.

The University of Alabama athletics department returned to a surplus with a $33 million gain in fiscal 2024–25 after two years of deficits.

Alabama football spent $82.9 million and earned $148 million, with the report crediting cost savings and timed support (institutional funding) for the turnaround.

On Tuesday night, the Tuscaloosa City Board of Education approved a contract extension that keeps Dr. Mike Daria as superintendent through December 2027; his planned retirement on June 30 was postponed to support ongoing school stability.

Alabama starts processing 2025 tax refunds on March 1 — taxpayers can check myalabamataxes.alabama.gov for status updates.

Federal refunds may be tracked on IRS.gov or via the IRS2Go app after e-filing, with timing dependent on how the return was submitted.

Talladega-based Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind has secured a $15 billion contract to supply tools, parts & equipment to the Air Force at Robins Air Force Base over the next four years.

The award reinforces the institute’s role in serving people with disabilities at its campuses, including Tuscaloosa.

Twelve former Tide players earned NFL combine invites and will undergo workouts and drills in Indianapolis from Feb.

23 to Mar. 2 to showcase their skills ahead of the draft on Apr. 23.

Aubrey Walker, who once wrote a book claiming he would play for Alabama (his prediction coming true), signed with the Crimson Tide for the 2026 class after a 4.4 40 yard dash in Birmingham.

He joins a roster of nine scholarship receivers and is ready to break records.

Rep. Jeremy Gray introduced House Bill 340 to let high school athletes earn money from using their name and likeness, which will take effect on Oct.

1 if approved. Local coaches and sponsors worry that limited funds could shift from struggling programs (funding remains tight).

Alabama and its NIL collective Yea Alabama announced that the free A-Day scrimmage will take place on April 11 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The game will give fans a first look at the revamped Crimson Tide team as head coach Kalen DeBoer begins his third season.

Twelve former Crimson Tide players have been invited to attend the NFL combine in Indianapolis from Feb.

23 to March 2 — where scouts and coaches will evaluate their drills ahead of the draft on Apr. 23.

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.

Little Mania Mini Wrestling Show

1:30-3:30 a.m. — Two Dimes — Tickets required — Witness epic battles at the biggest little wrestling event of the year with pint-sized powerhouses!

Alabama Crimson Tide Women's Basketball vs. South Carolina Gamecocks

1:30-9 p.m. — Coleman Coliseum — Check for ticket prices — Catch an exciting matchup as the Crimson Tide take on the Gamecocks in women's basketball.

Arsenic & Old Lace

7:30-10:00 p.m. — Theatre Tuscaloosa — $21.00 — A classic comedy where family quirks meet unexpected surprises in Brooklyn.

The Princess Ball

6-9 p.m. — Bryant Conference Center — Tickets required — Celebrate the special bond between fathers and daughters at this elegant evening of connection and affirmation.

A Special Evening with Allen Levi

5-7 p.m. — Bryant-Denny Stadium — Ticket includes autographed book — Engage in a heartwarming conversation with bestselling author Allen Levi about his novel, Theo of Golden.

Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball

8-10 p.m. — Coleman Coliseum — Check for ticket details — Experience thrilling college basketball action as the Bulldogs take on the Crimson Tide.

T-Mobile Crimson Classic - Friday

6:30-10:30 p.m. — Rhoads Stadium — Check local listings for ticket information — Celebrate community spirit and local storytelling at this engaging event.

Arsenic & Old Lace Performance

2:00–4:30 p.m. — Theatre Tuscaloosa — $21.00 — Enjoy a classic comedy that highlights the eccentricities of family life in a quirky Brooklyn home.

Jacksonville State Gamecocks vs Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball

4-6 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Check event host for cost — Witness an exciting college baseball matchup between local rivals.