Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Pastor Woodson Long is named the 2026 Black History Maker of Alabama for his visionary work at Kingdom Experience Church.

He built the ministry from a garage gathering in 2020 to a hub at 375 Bear Creek Road that reaches over 7,600 homes weekly (supported by local partners).

A WalletHub study found that Alabama ranks sixth among states where residents spend a high share of income on groceries, with typical households paying about 2.33% of their earnings on essentials due to lower wages.

The report suggests that even moderate prices can stretch budgets in our community.

Classes for aspiring at-home daycare providers are underway in west Alabama as Shelton State Community College and Tuscaloosa’s One Place offer a four-week course meeting four times a week to teach business basics, child development, and licensing steps.

Campaigning for the 2026 SGA General Election began Monday as candidates from several colleges filed to run – Social Work and Law School have no candidates while the Graduate School has only two for seven seats.

Darren K. Indyke, an attorney linked to Jeffrey Epstein, made three donations totaling at least $1,600 to the College of Communication and Information Sciences between spring 2019 and spring 2022.

University officials confirmed that the funds were fully spent on campus programs + support services.

The 2026 Alabama Emergency Preparedness Tax Holiday will start one second past midnight Thursday and end at midnight Sunday, letting families buy emergency supplies like flashlights, radios & portable generators ahead of severe weather; Gov. Ivey urged residents to stock up.

The Englewood Hulls Volunteer Fire Department is seeking Fire Protection District status to improve emergency services and faster response times for over 7,000 homes in southern Tuscaloosa County — residents will cast their vote when the county commission sets the date.

Alabama basketball returned to the rankings at No. 25 (18-7, 8-4 SEC) after winning a fourth SEC game that featured victories over Ole Miss and South Carolina; they will face Arkansas on Wednesday, Feb.

18.

Alabama Football announced former Louisville OL coach Richard Owens as its new tight ends coach Monday, replacing Bryan Ellis who shifted to coaching quarterbacks.

Owens said he is honored to join Coach DeBoer’s staff and help boost the Tide’s offense.

12 former Tide players will work out at the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis beginning Thursday, Feb.

26, and they will try to earn NFL spots in events running through March 1.

High school soccer coaches released the first AHSAA poll for the 2026 season; Florence led Class 7A boys and Homewood topped Class 6A girls as teams surged since the season began Feb.

5, and postseason play starts April 23 with the state tournament in Huntsville (May 6-9).

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.

North Florida Ospreys vs Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball

6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Check for ticket prices — Experience a thrilling collegiate baseball matchup in Tuscaloosa.