Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Ace Hardware offers last-minute holiday finds with its Ready in 15 service, letting you pick up online orders in 15 minutes, flexible payment options via Affirm, and exclusive Ace Rewards deals including a free $10 gift card when you buy a $50 Ace gift card, running through Dec.

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Initial unemployment claims in Alabama fell to 1,788 last week from 2,285 while national claims dropped to 224,000 from 237,000+ Georgia saw the largest percent drop and Rhode Island experienced the highest increase, according to the U.S. Labor Department.

The University of Alabama updates its holistic admissions review process by requiring ACT or SAT scores (if GPA below 3.0 for August 2026 applicants and for all applicants starting in August 2027) and is launching Tide to Success and UA ACTivate programs to help students prepare.

Former legislator Samuel Alan Harper died Thursday morning in Northport at age 68 from prolonged health issues; he played a key role in local economic growth and secured major projects in several counties.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 30 at Magnolia Chapel North.

Tuscaloosa developer Stan Pate proposed changing a tax deal with Encore LLC to extend tax-free status for the Old McFarland Mall site.

The finance committee approved the amendment Tuesday and the full council will meet Jan. 7 to vote on Project X (a secret big box plan).

Alabama women’s basketball won 81-52 over Tulane on Wednesday evening as four players scored in double digits—and coach Kristy Curry praised the team’s 20 assists.

The undefeated squad will face Troy Sunday at 2:00 p.m. CT on SEC Network to extend its 12-0 run.

After Alabama's 104-93 win over USF, head coach Nate Oats said his team started strong — later struggling with rebounds in the second half as USF secured more boards.

The Tide will regroup ahead of their game against Kennesaw State on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Propst Arena in Huntsville.

Former Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron has been named head coach of the UFL's Birmingham Stallions after Skip Holtz stepped down; he ended his Lt. Governor campaign earlier this month and played in the league in 2023 and 2024.

Alabama women’s basketball defeated Sam Houston 73-36 at Coleman Coliseum on Tuesday night.

Coach Kristy Curry praised her team's quick 12-2 lead and strong defense that helped secure the Crimson Tide’s 12th straight win.

Alabama football updated fans on player injuries ahead of their College Football Playoff game against Oklahoma.

Quarterback Ty Simpson said he feels great, running back Jam Miller returned to practice after a leg injury, tight end Josh Cuevas is set to play, and LT Overton is ruled out.

Alabama offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (named a first-team All-American by FWA, Walter Camp and AFCA) has officially become a consensus All-American.

He is the first honoree since Dallas Turner in 2023 and the 38th All-American since 2000.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its third high school basketball rankings for boys and girls for the 2025-26 season on Dec.

18, 2025 — the list shows Hoover topping class 7A and Park Crossing leading class 6A — among teams from classes 1A to AISA.

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.