Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, 2000, an F4 tornado struck Tuscaloosa, killing 11 and injuring 144 while causing $12 million in damage along an 18-mile path (9 fatalities occurred at Bear Creek Trailer Park).

Retail chains will be closed on Christmas Day, Dec.

25, while many operate reduced hours on Christmas Eve (Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco and Kroger close at 6 p.m.) as local shoppers are advised to check store schedules (hours vary by location).

Sen. Gerald Allen is funding a University of Alabama scholarship in honor of Charlie Kirk for Tuscaloosa County undergraduates who show leadership and civic engagement, with awards starting in 2027; donations for continued funding are welcomed (checks accepted at the UA Alumni Association).

UA held its fall graduation on Dec.

13 at Coleman Coliseum, where President Peter Mohler conferred degrees on about 2,200 students. Classes will resume Jan. 7 for the spring term.

Students and professors at public universities are appealing a state law that bans state funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs by asking an appeals court to stop the measure because they say its vague language restricts classroom discussion and forces changes in course content.

Alabama senior wide receiver Germie Bernard accepted a Senior Bowl invitation Tuesday, joining four other Crimson Tide players set to play in Mobile on Jan.

31. Bernard led the team this season with 57 receptions+seven touchdowns.

Alabama's College Football Playoff availability report from Tuesday shows that Jam Miller is on the active list, while key players like DB Kam Howard (injured) are listed as out and TE Josh Cuevas (questionable) for Friday’s game against Oklahoma in Norman.

Alabama prepares for the contest despite injuries and adjustments.

Alabama football coach Ryan Grubb expects Ryan Williams to be a key playmaker in all roles during the College Football Playoff game vs Oklahoma on Friday at 7 p.m. in Norman.

Williams recently had mixed production — he remains a critical part of the offense.

Former Alabama golfer Justin Thomas donated $1 million to support the Crimson Reserve facility for men's and women's golf, pending UA Board of Trustees approval.

Alabama wide receiver Germie Bernard has accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl in Mobile on January 31, 2026, joining four teammates invited to work out for NFL scouts.

He led the Crimson Tide in 2025 with 57 receptions and seven touchdowns under coach Kalen DeBoer.

Alabama has added Oklahoma State transfer Josh Ford (a 6-foot-6, 265-pound tight end) to its 2026 recruiting class; more moves are expected once the 2025 season concludes.

The shift follows planned roster changes amid upcoming eligibility losses.

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.