Tuscaloosa
Today
Thursday, July 17th, 2025
Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 17th of July.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Big River will open tomorrow, giving local residents a new spot for outdoor fun & family gatherings. City officials say the opening is part of a plan to boost tourism and add more community activities. WBRC
ACCIDENTS NEWS
- ➤ A four-vehicle crash on Highway 43 just south of Highway 171 in Northport occurred on July 16 at 12:39 p.m., resulting in one death and three minor injuries—police are investigating the cause—and traffic was detoured for several hours. CBS 42
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Marriott Hotels will build a luxury hotel at Northport’s University Beach resort offering 144 rooms, 12 waterfront suites, a private beach and an infinity pool—construction begins early 2026 and the hotel will open Fall 2027, creating 700 new jobs and boosting the local economy. Tuscaloosa Thread
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ Tuscaloosa police charged 22-year-old Frederick Dewayne Lewis with murder for the Oct. 19, 2021 shooting death of Trevoris Sheppard — investigators re-examined new evidence that led to his indictment after his July 5 arrest and subsequent $75,000 bond posting. The Tuscaloosa News
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ University professors formed a chapter of the American Association of University Professors to protect academic freedom in higher education. Sara McDaniel is the chapter’s president and Richard Fording is its vice president — twenty-two faculty joined as teaching restrictions tied to Senate Bill 129 raised free speech concerns — and they are working together to support open academic discussion. The Crimson White
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ On Tuesday, Tuscaloosa City Council approved key changes to guide city growth by updating the Elevate Tuscaloosa Fund to balance a $57.6 million budget and increase allocations for the Saban Center and Sokol Park. The council also extended entertainment hours for Oktoberfest on Sept. 20, set aside $100,000 for club renovations, delayed rezoning of a 583-acre site, and annexed two properties into city limits—marking several steps to shape future development. The Crimson White
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer is confident that his quarterback room—composed of Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell with limited game snaps—will gain the practice experience needed to replace Jalen Milroe for the upcoming season. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer faced intense criticism after the team fell short of the playoffs with losses to Vanderbilt, Oklahoma and Michigan—raising questions about the Tide’s mojo in the post-Nick Saban era. In his second season, DeBoer said he will address disrespect and work to improve performance in key moments as the team aims to meet high expectations. The Tuscaloosa News
- ➤ Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said if the season started today, Ty Simpson would be the starting quarterback—he praised Simpson’s growth under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb and noted the team is preparing despite limited collegiate game experience. He stressed that building trust among teammates is key as the quarterback room continues to develop. Tuscaloosa Thread
- ➤ Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson said he will address all disrespect after FSU quarterback Thomas Castellanos made brash comments at SEC Media Days. Lawson is nearing full recovery from a knee injury — and he is focused on the season opener at Florida State on Aug. 30. The Tuscaloosa News
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Masters of the Mic
6-7:30 p.m. — Tuscaloosa Amphitheater — Check event host for ticket pricing — Experience the classic beats of Doug E. Fresh in a lively outdoor setting.
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Save a Life Training Workshop
9-11 a.m. — Employee Resource Center — Free entry — Gain essential life-saving skills in this transformative workshop at The University of Alabama.
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Jackson Chase: Rhythm & Brews
9 PM - 1 AM — Rhythm & Brews — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the full band performance of Tuscaloosa native Jackson Chase, a talented singer on stage since elementary school.
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Hot Hundred Cycling Event
12 AM – 2 PM — Tuscaloosa — Registration fee required — Experience scenic rides through the rolling hills while supporting mental health initiatives.
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Hydroponic Systems Workshop for Gardeners and Educators
2-7 p.m. — Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Annex Auditorium — Free — Learn about hydroponics and build your own system to take home while enjoying lunch.
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Rhythm & Brews Concert
7 PM – 1 AM — Rhythm & Brews — Tickets available — Experience Glen Templeton’s country music live in Tuscaloosa.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
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