Thursday, May 15th, 2025

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Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of May.
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ Hannah Smith—a 22-year-old Miles College summa cum laude graduate—fell off a boat during a Bahamas day excursion on Monday and was flown to a US Level 1 trauma center after two surgeries; her family said she remains in critical condition with a long recovery ahead. AL.com
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Police charged 28-year-old Wynton Q. Rice with first-degree rape, sodomy & second-degree assault after he allegedly raped a woman at knifepoint in the restroom of the Intermodal Facility parking deck on 23rd Avenue early Saturday. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Circuit Judge Brad Almond denied Luther Watkins' motion to drop the capital murder charge for killing TPD Investigator Dornell Cousette in September 2019—he said Watkins did not prove he acted in self-defense, and Watkins will remain in Tuscaloosa County Jail pending a jury trial on September 2nd. Tuscaloosa Thread
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The first ever law enforcement luncheon in Tuscaloosa featured Capt. Gary Michael Rose — a Vietnam War hero and Medal of Honor recipient who discussed his time as a medic and the heavy cost of sacrifice. Law enforcement members from Tuscaloosa County and west Alabama gathered to learn from his firsthand account of honor and duty. WBRC
- ➤ Nursing mothers may soon be exempt from jury duty after Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Sen. April Weaver, passed the Senate on Wednesday and now awaits Gov. Ivey’s signature. Under the bill, mothers who provide written proof and valid documentation will receive a 24-month exemption—if signed, the law will become known as Parker's Law after Kandace Brown’s child. ABC 33/40
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Coach Nate Oats said that following his ruptured Achilles tendon in November, Latrell Wrightsell Jr. is recovering ahead of schedule as athletic trainer Clarke Holter confirmed he cleared his jump — though concerns remain about his readiness for the season opener. Surgeon Norman E. Waldrop III also expressed his satisfaction with Wrightsell's progress. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Labaron Philon will remain in the NBA Draft and not return to Alabama, according to NBA insider Jeff Borzello. The Crimson Tide guard averaged 10.6 points this season — his decision leaves an open roster spot for coach Nate Oats. Tuscaloosa Thread
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Supporting our sponsors is one of the best ways to support Tuscaloosa Today.
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Adam Hood Concert
7-11:59 p.m. — Government Plaza — Tickets required — Enjoy a soulful evening of country and American roots music from Adam Hood.
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Live at The Plaza Concert Series
6-9 p.m. — Government Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy free live local music in a family-friendly atmosphere with fun activities for the kids.
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Interviewing Skills Workshop
1-2 p.m. — Goodwill Store & Donation Center — Free entry — Prepare for success with tips and strategies to ace your next interview.
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A+ College Ready Leadership Institute 2025
3:30 AM - 10:30 AM — Bryant Conference Center — Registration required — Equip and empower educators to foster innovation in Alabama schools.
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Live at The Plaza Concert Series
6–9 p.m. — Government Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy free live music every Friday with family and pets welcome.
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Jackson Chase Live Performance
6-10 p.m. — 43 Prime — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with Jackson Chase, a talented local vocalist from Tuscaloosa.
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Old Dominion Concert
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Tickets from $43 — Enjoy a night of country music with Old Dominion in Tuscaloosa, AL.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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