Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 8th of July.
Good morning, Tuscaloosa.
🏘️ Community
A few weeks ago amid bad weather, Chef Michael Harris and his family handed out free hot meals from the River City Breakfast food truck in downtown Tuscaloosa—serving favorites like Grit Cakes and Totcho Bowl while warming community spirits.
Tuscaloosa firefighters demonstrated water rescue techniques by rappelling from a bridge as part of their mandatory Monday training (specialized units practiced lowering personnel with ropes and pulleys) to prepare for emergency responses in the region.
At a Tuesday meeting, West Alabama nonprofit leaders in Tuscaloosa said they are preparing to support BFGoodrich workers and families affected by the announced plant closure while details about severance and benefits remain pending.
🎓 Education
Skilled Trades of West Alabama is accepting apprenticeship applications in electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and carpentry at its Tuscaloosa campus on James I Harrison Parkway, with mandatory orientation on Aug.
10 at 5:00 p.m. and classes from 5 to 8 p.m. one night per week from August 2026 through July 2027.
UA’s Institute for Social Science Research is launching THRIVE 2.0 this fall to support researchers, while COMPASS offers free evaluations for traumatic brain injuries and the TRIP Lab upgrades its simulator for teen safety in Tuscaloosa.
The center is also building the Research Engine to guide projects (boosting local impact).
🏈 Sports
Alabama point guard commit Anderson Diaz has reclassified from the 2027 class and will join the Crimson Tide this Fall, making him the fourth member of the 2026 class (he averaged 19.3 points with Overtime Elite in Atlanta).
The Crimson Tide men’s basketball team will face St. John’s in the C.M.
Newton Classic in Birmingham on December 12. This rematch follows last season’s contest at Madison Square Garden and tip-off time will be announced later.
SEC Championship odds for 2026 show Texas as the favorite with +300 odds while Georgia is close behind as teams prepare for action; Missouri starts play on Thursday, Sept.
3 and others follow on Saturday, Sept. 5.
Alabama men's basketball will face St. John's in the C.M.
Newton Classic on Dec. 12 in Birmingham. The game is a rematch of last season's top-15 contest (with the Tide winning 103-96) and will kick off the 2026-27 season.
Auburn and Alabama released a joint statement on Monday urging Washington lawmakers to reconsider the Protect College Sports Act, saying the proposal might affect roster decisions and game scheduling in college athletics.
At Alabama, quarterback Austin Mack (battle-tested after years of patient development) is set to compete with redshirt freshman Keelon Russell for the starting role this season.
He remains focused on refining his skills to earn the trust of his coaching staff.
The Tuscaloosa News named All-Area teams with an Athlete of the Year in each sport.
Fans can vote for the top high school athlete in a contest that ends at noon Tuesday, July 14.
The SEC odds show Georgia is favored for a three-peat while Alabama aims to rebound after a 2025 setback (Missouri will kick off SEC football on Sept.
3 and the rest on Sept. 5).
🎉 Tuscaloosa Events
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Lauren Daigle Concert
7-9 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful music of two-time GRAMMY winner Lauren Daigle live in Tuscaloosa.
Jackson Chase Live at The Rabbit Hole
7-11 p.m. — The Rabbit Hole — Ticket prices vary — Experience Jackson Chase's unpredictable music with the Dogwood Bayou Band in a fun, lively venue.
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