Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

If a misdelivered package arrives, do not open it but mark it 'Return to Sender' for USPS items, while packages from other carriers may be treated as larceny in Alabama—residents should contact the delivery service.

Gordan Sullivan, executive director of One Roof, joined CBS 42 Morning News to explain how his organization helps people facing homelessness in our community (focusing on local solutions).

Tuscaloosa’s Tinsel Trail — which began in 2013 — was named among USA Today’s top 10 best public light displays after residents helped it rank fourth; the event lights over 200 trees at Government Plaza and has raised over $150,000 to benefit local families.

Shelton State held its 2025 Fall Commencement on Dec.

12 with about 200 graduates receiving their diplomas in Tuscaloosa. The ceremony featured remarks by president Jonathan Koh and trustee Llevelyn Rhone.

The state board approved a new K-12 digital literacy and computer science course study that schools will start using voluntarily next year before it becomes mandatory in the 2027–28 school year, with computer science becoming a graduation requirement for the class of 2032 — the framework will adapt to fast-changing technology.

An Alabama state agency issued $730 million in bonds to finish a four-lane highway expansion on Highway 69 in Hale County, part of the Rebuild Alabama project connecting Mobile and Tuscaloosa.

The project aims to boost rural growth — though some officials worry over the funding strategy.

Today, Whatley Health Services is hosting a healthcare open house at 10 a.m. to noon at their office on Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard to showcase new service expansions.

Attendees will be entered in a raffle to win a 65-inch TV.

The U.S. Senate recently rejected bills to extend COVID-era health care subsidies, which could push average premiums from $888 in 2025 to $1,904 in 2026 if tax credits expire Dec.

31. Alabama Hospital Association CEO Danne Howard warned that about 100k Alabamians may soon lose coverage (affecting local hospitals).

The Crimson Tide practiced Friday in Tuscaloosa ahead of a first round playoff game versus Oklahoma next week.

Running back Jam Miller, recovering from a lower-body injury, and linebacker Justin Jefferson, returning after a twisted ankle, both participated.

Alabama is searching for a new wide receivers coach after JaMarcus Shephard left for Oregon State; former Auburn and Ole Miss assistant coach Derrick Nix has been linked to the role + insiders say more staff changes are expected soon.

Alabama basketball plays Arizona today at 8:30 p.m. in the C.M.

Newton Classic. Early betting odds show that the Crimson Tide may have a chance against the top-ranked team while local experts say strong rebounding could make the difference.

Southwest Airlines is adding two nonstop flights from Birmingham to Oklahoma City to help fans reach the Crimson Tide playoff game in Norman; departures are on Dec.

18 and Dec. 19 with return flights on Dec. 20 (each flight takes just over two hours and includes two free checked bags).

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.

Jackson Chase: Acoustic Performance at Innisfree

3-7 p.m. — Innisfree Irish Pub — Cost not specified — Enjoy the acoustic sounds of local talent Jackson Chase in a cozy pub setting.