Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 16th of October.
Good morning, Tuscaloosa.
John Cassimus revived the popular Zoë’s Kitchen by opening Zoë’s and Marky’s Kitchen on Tuesday in Tuscaloosa, drawing loyal former customers and new fans to the restaurant.
The eatery at 1665 McFarland Boulevard North in the Galleria shopping center serves fresh Mediterranean dishes with dine-in, drive-through, and delivery options.
UA sophomore Myles Morgan will open for country star Blake Shelton tomorrow at Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater in Tuscaloosa—Morgan, who built his music career from local gigs and has a debut single with over one million streams, will perform before a growing audience.
Head coach Kalen DeBoer said Derek Meadows will be out and Jam Miller is questionable after they suffered concussions last Saturday against Missouri (this update came during the SEC call).
The news comes as Alabama prepares for its game against Tennessee on October 18 (kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m.).
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson and center Parker Brailsford were named midseason All-Americans by The Sporting News—making them the only Tide players honored so far.
Simpson has shown strong play with high passing numbers while Brailsford has kept the pocket safe for the offense.
Keon Keeley, a redshirt sophomore defensive lineman for Alabama, logged 13 snaps and sacked Missouri's quarterback in the Week 6 game as he showed steady growth.
Coaches praised his patience and progress with Alabama’s schemes — they expect he will have a bigger role this season — after noting his hard work during his limited appearances.
Freshman offensive lineman Michael Carroll impressed coaches and teammates with his steady work ethic as he competed with Wilkin Formby for the starting right tackle spot this season, noted Ryan Grubb and Kadyn Proctor.
He showed accountability in a recent game—taking full responsibility for a pressure pickup while explaining the play, which boosted his chance for an every-down role.
Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was projected as the No. 1 overall pick by the New York Jets in PFF’s mock draft after completing 70.9% of his passes for 1,678 yards with 16 touchdowns and adding two rushing scores this season—his strong play has raised his draft stock for the upcoming NFL draft. His performance has led analysts to note he has the highest overall passing grade among the first-round quarterbacks this season.
Birmingham native Jordan Ross, a five-star defensive player, chose to play for the Tennessee Vols instead of the Crimson Tide because he said the Tide staff did not recruit him well—he recorded one and a half sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery in his recent game.
Both teams (each with a 5 to 1 record) will face off on Saturday in a high-stakes football game where the loser may have to win all its remaining matches to earn a playoff spot.
Coaches and players are expected to test new strategies (including a key corner matchup) as the contest moves forward.
On Wednesday, On3 listed two Alabama games in the top ten most-watched college football matchups so far this season—one against Georgia on September 27th drawing 10.42 million viewers and the season opener with Florida State with 10.7 million viewers.
More notable games for the Tide will take place as they face Tennessee, LSU, Oklahoma and in the Iron Bowl later this season.
Loud Luxury Concert
6-11 p.m. — Druid City Music Hall — General Admission — Experience electrifying dance music from the Canadian duo Loud Luxury.
Tennessee Volunteers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Football
1-4 p.m. — Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tickets required — A classic SEC rivalry showdown in the heart of Alabama.
Drake White Live Performance
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Two Dimes — Check with the host for the latest info — Experience the raw sounds of Drake White as he showcases music from his debut album.
Dance Alabama! Fall 2025 Concert
7:30-9:30 p.m. — UA English Building - Dance Theater — Cost info unavailable — Experience an evening of engaging dance performances by Alabama students.
Jackson Chase: Full Band Performance
9 PM – 1 AM — Copper Top — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the talents of Tuscaloosa's own Jackson Chase, a rising star in the music scene.
Doug Stone Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Historic Bama Theatre — Cost info not provided — Experience the heartfelt ballads and country hits of contemporary star Doug Stone.
T-Town Witches Ride
4-6:30 p.m. — Parker-Haun Park — Fun for the family — Join a whimsical ride to raise money for The Arc of Tuscaloosa while enjoying music, games, and raffle prizes.
Priscilla Block Live in Concert
6:00-9:30 p.m. — Druid City Music Hall — Cost info not provided — Experience the rising star Priscilla Block as she captivates with her unique sound and heartfelt lyrics.
TSO Bridgerton Ball
Step into a Regency-era masquerade for the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra’s Bridgerton Ball on Thursday, October 30, 2025! Enjoy live classical and pop music, a silent auction, and a costume contest, all while delighting in sumptuous hors d'oeuvres and specialty drinks at the Historic Dearing-Swaim Home.
TSO Bridgerton Ball
Step into a Regency-era masquerade for the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra’s Bridgerton Ball on Thursday, October 30, 2025! Enjoy live classical and pop music, a silent auction, and a costume contest, all while delighting in sumptuous hors d'oeuvres and specialty drinks at the Historic Dearing-Swaim Home.
Freaky Friday 8K Run
8-10 p.m. — Dreamland BBQ — Registration fee varies — Experience a spooky 8K run followed by festive awards and treats.
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