Saturday, February 21st, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Saturday, the 21st of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Druid City Brewing is hosting a chili cook-off tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. with a $20 entry fee for competitors and a $10 cover fee for tasters, and the event will feature live music at 7 (supporting Table of Grace Food Pantry at Grace Presbyterian Church on Hargrove Road). Tuscaloosa Thread
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Martin S. Fisher became IGNITE's new executive director on Feb. 2 — as ongoing construction at the Saban Center continues — and he will bring over 30 years of museum experience to spark local interest in STEM for all ages. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ University of Alabama began construction on its new ROTC training center today (its first such facility in years) on campus, and the project will expand training opportunities for students. WBRC
- ➤ High school students in Alabama can apply to college for free from Feb. 23–27 during a statewide fee waiver campaign hosted by the Alabama Department of Education. Participating institutions include public and private universities, community colleges and selected out-of-state schools. ABC 33/40
- ➤ The University of Alabama is breaking ground on a ROTC facility and student veterans center (nearly 20,000 sqft) to offer modern training and academic support on the east side of campus near the Student Recreation Center. Construction will be complete in spring 2027. ABC 33/40
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ HB 400, carried over by the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee, would require insurers to pay a set Medicare percentage for rural ambulance services and ban balance billing to strengthen emergency care in Pickens County and West Alabama, lawmakers say may help ease critical staffing shortages. Tuscaloosa Thread
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alabama baseball looks to claim its second series as it hosts Rhode Island today at 2 p.m. at Sewell-Thomas Stadium, and fans can watch the game on SEC Network+ via ESPN+. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Tuscaloosa Christian School senior Ryder Edmondson returned to the basketball court in mid-December after breaking both kneecaps in September during a school retreat + he completed daily rehabilitation and is set to help his team in the state semifinals on Friday night. WBRC
- ➤ On Feb. 20, Labaron Philon scored 35 points in a double-overtime win against Arkansas and later reached a career-high (10) rebounds against No. 1 Arizona during the C.M. Newton Classic despite a 96-75 loss. Coach Nate Oats emphasized that stronger rebounding improves Alabama's defense. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Tuscaloosa County boys basketball won 75-73 in overtime against No. 4 James Clemens at Tom Drake Coliseum on Friday and will face Thompson at 10:45 a.m. Tuesday at Wallace State in pursuit of a state title. The Tuscaloosa News
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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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Troy Trojans vs Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball
6-9 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Check for ticket details — Enjoy an exciting baseball matchup between local college teams.
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Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Softball
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Rhoads Stadium — [Cost Info Not Provided] — Witness a thrilling matchup as the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Alabama Crimson Tide on their home turf.
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K-POP Warriors
7-8:30 p.m. — Bryant Conference Center — Free parking — Experience a high-energy K-Pop show filled with dance, music, and colorful characters.
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
What looks like talent is often careful preparation.
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