Thursday, March 19th, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 19th of March.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Government Plaza will host BookStock 2026 on Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Organized by the Literacy Council of West Alabama, the free event will feature a scavenger hunt, hands-on bookbinding, crafts, and a Wild Symphony character parade at 12:30 p.m. (costumes encouraged). Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Boys & Girls Clubs of West Alabama received multiple awards at the Alabama Area Council event last week, with youth leader Abriyah White earning second runner up and CEO Kim Turner named Alabama CEO of the Year, while Lemonade Day Tuscaloosa was honored for academic success. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ A big plant event is scheduled for Saturday, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the outdoor area of Everlasting Gifts at 401 Main Ave. in Northport and will feature huge ferns, fruit trees, geraniums, roses, blueberry bushes and tropical flowers+ privacy screens. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ The Tuscaloosa Chapter of The Links is hosting its 3rd Annual Black Family Wellness Expo on Saturday, March 21 from 9 a.m. to Noon at McDonald Hughes Center (3101 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd), offering families resources, education and essential services for healthier living and stronger communities. Tuscaloosa Thread
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Tuscaloosa’s Margarita Festival returns Saturday, Apr. 11 offering tastings and live music at local bars - visitors can sample 10 margarita pours, vote for the best drink, and enter a raffle for a trip to Mexico benefiting children’s charities. Tuscaloosa Thread
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Gasoline in Tuscaloosa County is $3.53 a gallon today while diesel is $5.64 amid global supply issues — impacting local farmers and raising food prices. Businesses and consumers may soon face higher costs. Tuscaloosa Thread
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ James Paul Gracey, a 20-year-old UA student, went missing in Barcelona after a night out at the club Shôko and was last seen before dawn Tuesday; UA staff are working with his family to find him. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ The University of Alabama announced that its running park near the Arboretum will close to the public in April + new fences and gates will be installed in March to reserve the area for student training; visitors will still enjoy the Arboretum along Veterans Memorial Parkway. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ High school seniors will receive grad bags today at local schools to celebrate graduation, and officials say the bags contain essential supplies for next steps (final details pending). WBRC
- ➤ Authorities continue searching for a UA student missing in Spain, with university officials coordinating efforts + international partners assisting as details remain limited. Updates will be provided as the investigation moves forward. WBRC
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Recover Now is set to open its first Alabama rehab facility for men in McCalla this spring. The 2.2-million-dollar campus will offer a sober living residence and a partial hospitalization program, with a community open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursday. AL.com
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alabama guard Labaron Philon, who averaged 21.7 points (per game) and 4.7 assists this season, was named Third Team All-American by four major sports organizations. He will lead the Crimson Tide against Hofstra on Friday, Mar. 20 at 2:15 p.m. CT. Tide 100.9
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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.
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Tuscaloosa Spring Craft & Vendor Market
10 a.m. - 8 p.m. & 1 - 5:30 p.m. — University Mall — Free entry — Celebrate spring with local vendors and unique seasonal finds.
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Samford Bulldogs vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball
6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Cost information not provided — Catch the local college baseball rivalry in action.
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Arkansas Razorbacks vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Baseball
6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Check local listings for ticket prices — Enjoy thrilling college baseball action featuring local teams.
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Tuscaloosa Margarita Festival
12-6 p.m. — The Venue — Ticket required — Sample the best margaritas in town while dancing to a live DJ and enjoying delicious food options.
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Swan Lake Ballet
1-4 p.m. — The Historic Bama Theatre — Tickets $27.60 - $97.75 — Experience the timeless tale of love and enchantment in this classic ballet performance.
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Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Softball
6:59-10:59 p.m. — Rhoads Stadium — Check event host for latest details — Come cheer on the Alabama softball team as they face off against Kentucky in a thrilling SEC matchup.
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