Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 18th of February.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. died at 84 on Feb. 17, leaving a legacy in Alabama where his fight for voting rights and coalition building shaped his national influence — moments like his work in Selma still inform local discussions today. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Tuscaloosa native LeAnna Roberts, who earned three college degrees by age 16, and UA alumnus McKinley Hatcher will speak at the Black History Celebration on Feb. 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Weaver-Bolden branch of the Tuscaloosa Public Library (2522 Lanier Ave. and adjoining McKenzie Court Community Center). The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Jesse Jackson, a civil rights leader who made many visits to Tuscaloosa, died today at his Chicago home, surrounded by family, and his work for voter rights left a lasting mark + inspires local community events. Tuscaloosa Thread
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The FDA is recalling over 20,000 peanut butter packs made by Ventura Foods LLC for potential blue plastic contamination (Class II alert) and the recall affects Alabama along with 39 other states; consumers should check labels and follow return instructions. The Tuscaloosa News
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy said on his ESPN podcast that the Crimson Tide are aiming for a national title in the upcoming 2026 season at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with a chip on its shoulder under coach Kalen DeBoer as spring practice starts soon. Tide 100.9
- ➤ Stillman College will host the HBCUAC Basketball Championships from Feb. 23 to Mar. 1 at Birthright Alumni Hall, featuring a cheer competition on Feb. 23 and men’s and women’s tournaments culminating in championship games on Mar. 1 — the event is expected to generate significant economic impact for Tuscaloosa. Tide 100.9
- ➤ Alabama softball remains unbeaten at 9-0 & is ranked in the top 10 nationally after winning shutouts at the Easton Bama Bash at Rhoads Stadium. The team will begin its road test at the Dugout Club Classic in Tallahassee on Friday, Feb. 20. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Alabama women's basketball fell in both coaches and AP polls after a 79-71 loss to Oklahoma on Feb. 15. The Crimson Tide (20-6, 6-6 SEC) will host No. 3 South Carolina on Thursday at Coleman Coliseum. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Alabama hired Brad Aoki as a pass game specialist for its football staff on Tuesday. A former USC offensive analyst who coached at Colorado State, he will add expertise to the quarterback program. Tuscaloosa Thread
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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.
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Arsenic & Old Lace
7:30-10:00 p.m. — Theatre Tuscaloosa — $21.00 — A classic comedy where family quirks meet unexpected surprises in Brooklyn.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Auburn Tigers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball
7:30-9:30 p.m. — Coleman Coliseum — Check with venue for ticket information — Rival college basketball teams clash in an exciting SEC showdown.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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