Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa City Schools will offer a fully virtual learning option for high school students starting fall 2026, initially accommodating 125 students up to a cap of 250.

Only zoned students with strong academic records will qualify and receive dedicated teaching with strict accountability measures.

From Dec. 26 to Jan. 6, residents can recycle live Christmas trees and holiday greenery for free at Curry Environmental Services Facility (3440 Reese Phifer Avenue) and at Verner Elementary School.

Items must be free of decorations, and holiday light strands can be recycled onsite.

Alabama officials boost road safety as holiday travel grows.

The Department of Transportation is halting lane closures from noon tomorrow to midnight Friday and from Tuesday to midnight January 2 & ALEA has launched its 12 Days of Safety campaign through January 1 while urging drivers to obey traffic laws.

Health officials warn that hospital visits for respiratory illness have increased as flu season picks up amid holiday gatherings and a new Influenza A variant, urging residents to get a flu shot since peak months run from December to February.

After a 2-0 week, Alabama basketball moved up one spot to No. 15 in the USA Today Coaches Poll, winning 104-93 over USF at home and 92-81 against Kennesaw State in Huntsville on Monday, Dec.

22. The wins left Auburn out of the poll after an 88-60 loss to Purdue.

Alabama commemorated the 100th anniversary of its first Rose Bowl appearance on Monday, Dec.

22, marking a century-old milestone in its football legacy (uniting fans in Tuscaloosa).

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said injured defensive tackle Tim Keenan III and Red Morgan are expected to be ready for the Rose Bowl against Indiana on Thursday, Jan.

1 — he did not rule out key defensive end LT Overton, whose status will be monitored.

Alabama football coaches are shifting player roles by emphasizing trust and performance as they study snap counts, blocking, and execution to refine running back and receiver duties during upcoming games in Tuscaloosa.

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.