Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Alabama softball players partnered with Toys for Tots and West Shore Home to shop for Christmas gifts with a $3,000 donation at an Academy Sports and Outdoors store in Tuscaloosa.

The gifts will benefit 600 children across seven counties and brighten the holiday season for many families.

A new I Dream Big Charter School at Stillman College is set to serve underserved students after receiving a $20 million donation from Bloomberg Philanthropies.

The tuition-free academy started with grades 6–8 this fall and will add a grade each year (745 students now, aiming for 1,000 by 2030).

Tuscaloosa Academy received a 1 million dollars gift from local philanthropist Ric Mayers and his wife, advancing the school’s campaign to reach over 70 percent of its 7 million dollars goal for a new 23,000 sqft athletic center at its Rice Valley Road campus.

University Medical Center will expand neurology care on Dec.

12 when Alabama Neurology and Sleep Medicine joins the practice at its Rice Mine Road Loop facility—patients will receive added treatment for neurological and sleep disorders.

A local bar in Tuscaloosa is gearing up for the SEC Championship by planning special promotions and events to welcome fans and create a festive atmosphere, with more details coming soon.

Alabama football signed four‑star offensive tackle Bryson Cooley on Dec.

5 after he flipped his commitment from LSU—he joins the 2026 recruiting class to strengthen the Crimson Tide.

Former SEC commissioner Roy Kramer (96) died Thursday; he led the conference from 1990 to 2002 and started the SEC Football Championship Game in 1992, while current commissioner Greg Sankey praises his innovation in college sports.

EJ Crowell, an Alabama commit and Jackson running back, made key plays during the AHSAA Super 7 Class 4A title game in Anniston, boosting his team's performance on Saturday.

Alabama's injury report shows two defensive linemen (Kelby Collins, LT Overton) will miss today's SEC Championship game against Georgia at 4:00 p.m. ET while several key players remain questionable; Georgia will also be without starting center Drew Bobo due to a lower-body injury.

Jackson won the Class 4A Super 7 championship on Friday, Dec.

5 when Alabama RB signee Ezavier Crowell ran 304 yards and scored multiple touchdowns in the 52-0 win over Anniston. He set a record for most rushing yards in a 4A state title game.

UTSA Roadrunners vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Basketball

3:30 – 9:30 a.m. — Coleman Coliseum — Ticket prices vary — Catch the action as the Crimson Tide takes on the Roadrunners in a thrilling basketball showdown.

Holidays on the Plaza

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with festive activities and community cheer.

Holidays on the Plaza 2025-2026

11 AM – 3 PM — Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown by IHG — Free entry — Experience festive fun with a seasonal ice skating rink suitable for all ages.

Jackson Chase: New Year's Eve Celebration

9 PM – 1 AM — Roll Call — Cost not specified — Celebrate the New Year with live music from Tuscaloosa's own Jackson Chase.

Controller

Filter of Hope is seeking a skilled Controller to manage all accounting operations and ensure financial integrity across our growing global ministry. This full-time position oversees general ledger, reporting, compliance, and supports leadership with budgeting and analysis. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, experienced in nonprofit accounting, and passionate about advancing our mission to provide clean water and share the gospel worldwide.