Tuscaloosa
Today
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Friends of Hurricane Creek will host an annual litter cleanup on Saturday, Apr. 25 at Watson's Bend Campground off Holt Peterson Road. Volunteers are to gather (8:30 a.m.) to remove trash from the creek and nearby roads, with a barbecue lunch to follow. Tuscaloosa Thread
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Downtown coffee shop Comfort Grounds opened after a Monday ribbon-cutting by owners Carl and Christi Bielstein and will host a grand opening event today from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 2218 University Boulevard (featuring free drip coffee, discounted pastries, and live music). Tuscaloosa Thread
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Morgan Wallen’s Still the Problem Tour will perform at Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Apr. 18 — the first concert held in 43 years, with warm, overcast skies and a chance for showers later. Tuscaloosa Thread
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Reggie Clifton, a transfer student at UA, earned the Outstanding Transfer Student Award on Honors Day and became a campus leader as a Culverhouse College Ambassador and student government member; he will spend the summer on Capitol Hill + return for graduate studies and CPA exam prep. The University of Alabama
- ➤ Tuscaloosa City Schools earned a recommendation for a new international board certification from Cognia after a multiday review that interviewed board members+ parents and teachers; the board’s final decision will come in several weeks. ABC 33/40
- ➤ Alabama REACH helped first-generation college student Zach Cole overcome obstacles by connecting him with mentors and scholarship opportunities at UA. Cole went from struggling with math to traveling abroad and accepting a project manager role in Nashville (the program boosted his confidence and access to resources). The University of Alabama
- ➤ A billboard by United Campus Workers appeared on University Blvd and Peter Bryce Blvd on April 15 criticizing low wages at the university. The union will hold a rally at 4:30 p.m. on the Quad on Thursday (seeking $20/hr) to push for higher pay for campus workers. The Crimson White
- ➤ Trussville Rep. Danny Garrett introduced a bill that would let UA change its stand-alone School of Social Work to a department, troubling 644 students and faculty who fear cuts in funding and accreditation. UA says the change will bring needed flexibility (Gov. Ivey already signed the law). Tuscaloosa Thread
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Drought in Alabama worsened quickly as moderate conditions (D2) jumped from covering 22% to 42% of the state from last week, raising fire risks and stressing crops statewide. Local farmers remain alert as dry weather continues. ABC 33/40
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ After finishing spring practice with its final scrimmage last Saturday, Alabama has projected a strong starting defense for its upcoming game against East Carolina this Saturday. The lineup includes new transfers and returning starters—details that set the stage for an aggressive game plan. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ AHSAA announced the 2026-27 sports calendar on April 15, detailing key dates from Aug. 3 fall practice to May playoffs. The schedule covers football, volleyball, basketball events and more, with some formats still pending. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ The upgraded Tuscaloosa Tennis Center (in Alberta) will host a series of tennis tournaments secured by Visit Tuscaloosa, starting with the ITA Summer Points Race Series on July 17-18 and continuing with USTA events this summer plus state championships in August 2027 and August 2028. Tide 100.9
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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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Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Alabama Crimson Tide
6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Watch college baseball as the Commodores take on the Crimson Tide in a thrilling match.
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Alabama vs. Ole Miss Baseball Game
6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Great community event — Experience an exciting baseball showdown between the Crimson Tide and the Rebels.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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Reveal the authorAbout Tuscaloosa Today
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