Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Northport’s Cookie Plug — known for its Pixie Junkie cookie — will close on December 17 after a year of serving local fans.

Established in August at 1425 McFarland Blvd, the shop leaves its sweet legacy as its treats continue at a new location in Hoover.

The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama elected new board directors and re-elected returning members to lead the organization into 2026.

Heyward Gould is named board chair and Jill Stork serves as chair-elect to guide local business policies.

The Nutcracker returns to the historic Bama Theater this weekend as Tuscaloosa Community Dancers perform Tchaikovsky's classic ballet.

Tickets are available for a 5:00 p.m. show tonight and a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

The University of Alabama held its Fall Commencement at Coleman Coliseum on Dec.

12, awarding 2,200 degrees to graduates from 61 counties, 45 states, and 20 countries while family members celebrated the milestone (a proud local achievement).

Former U.S. Sen. Doug Jones launched his gubernatorial campaign on Friday at a Birmingham rally (featuring musician Jason Isbell) and vowed to address health care and education while challenging Sen. Tommy Tuberville.

A Zumper analysis shows Tuscaloosa apartment rents rose 12% from last year's median of $1,250, with November's typical listing at $1,395 and overall prices 5% lower than October (subsidized units excluded).

Alabama football linebacker Justin Jefferson is graduating from UA this weekend and will start his NFL career next season; he said he plans to coach high school football when his playing days are over.

Alabama wide receiver Ryan Williams said the team will shake off a moment of disrespect (Oklahoma players hopped a rope protecting the Crimson Tide logo on Bryant-Denny Stadium) and prepare to face Oklahoma on Dec.

19 in Norman at 7 p.m. CT.

The Arizona Wildcats beat the Crimson Tide in the CM Newton Classic in Birmingham on Saturday by out-rebounding Alabama 52–32 and scoring 96–75.

Alabama will face South Florida Bulls on Wednesday as it seeks to bounce back after its lowest scoring game so far.

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.