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Wednesday, December 31st, 2025

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Good morning, Tuscaloosa. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 31st of December.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • Last night, United Way of West Alabama announced it had raised nearly $5 million—surpassing its record goal—to support over 30 local nonprofits that help families with health, education, housing, and financial stability, aided by major contributions from donors including Hunt Refining Company and Tuscaloosa City Schools.  Tuscaloosa Thread
  • Family and friends gather at Magnolia Chapel North on Highway 69 North today at 1:00 for a celebration of Alan Harper’s life service — a former state representative known for boosting local economic growth.  Tuscaloosa Thread
  • Tuscaloosa's warming stations are open from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. nightly through Friday to offer refuge from freezing temperatures for vulnerable residents, run by the Compassion Coalition and Tuscaloosa County Emergency Management (residents may call 311 for help).  Tuscaloosa Thread

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • Bryant Melton Jr., a long-serving legislator and pastor who reshaped Tuscaloosa’s local government, passed away at 85. A public viewing is set for Friday, Jan. 9 at Van Hoose & Steele Funeral Home, with visitation on Saturday and funeral services on Jan. 10 before interment on Monday.  Tuscaloosa Thread

SPORTS NEWS

  • Alabama freshman cornerback Dijon Lee, who has recorded 31 tackles, four pass breakups and two interceptions, now prepares for the CFP quarterfinal against Indiana at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 3:00 p.m. CT in Pasadena.  Tuscaloosa Thread
  • Alabama practiced at El Camino College in Los Angeles as part of its sixth session in preparation for the Rose Bowl against Indiana on Jan. 1 at 3:00 p.m. CT. Key early enrollees impressed ahead of today's media call with coaches Kalen DeBoer (Alabama) and Curt Cignetti (Indiana).  Tuscaloosa Thread
  • Alabama redshirt sophomore quarterback Austin Mack says 2025 is his biggest leap as he readies to be one play from the College Football Playoff quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl against Indiana on Jan. 1 at 3:10 p.m. CT, building on two touchdown passes + a rushing score.  The Tuscaloosa News
  • Alabama freshman cornerback Dijon Lee (6-foot-4, 202-pound) will compete against Indiana in the CFP quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl on Thursday, Jan. 1 at 3:00 p.m. CT; he has made key plays this season with 31 tackles and two interceptions that show his strong growth.  Tide 100.9
  • Red Morgan, Alabama’s starting nickelback, is texting his former high school teammate Cam Coleman, a top transfer portal prospect, urging him to join the Crimson Tide as the portal opens Friday, Jan. 2 — reinforcing their long-time bond from their days at Central.  The Tuscaloosa News
  • Alabama’s defense will face Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Rose Bowl tomorrow in Pasadena — LT Overton returns to strengthen the lineup as the team aims to pressure Mendoza’s pocket presence for a strong playoff push.  WBRC
  • No. 9 Alabama will face top-ranked Indiana in the Rose Bowl game on New Year's Day in Pasadena as the winner moves to the Peach Bowl, with teams coping with key player absences and rainy conditions. Fans attending should note strict bag policies at the stadium.  WBRC

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • 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.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event
  • Bridgerton High Tea and Craft Night

    5:30-11:30 p.m. — Tuscaloosa Public Library — Registration required — Celebrate the upcoming season of Bridgerton with tea, crafting, and delightful discussions.

    Thu, 1/29/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT

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