The Tuscaloosa News
A coffee shop visit changed author Allen Levi’s life
Allen Levi, the author of “Theo of Golden,” never intended to become a best-selling writer. Levi was a lawyer, a musician, a probate judge and was looking for a new pursuit in life when a visit to his favorite coffee shop changed his perspective and...
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Northridge student plays Carnegie Hall
A Northridge High School student has made school history by performing in a prestigious ensemble at Carnegie Hall. Maxwell Morgan, a sophomore at Northridge High School who plays the trumpet, was one of only 87 students selected worldwide to perform...
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Stillman opens tuition-free charter school on its campus
Stillman College has opened a new charter school offering K–12 students tuition-free education on its west Tuscaloosa campus. Stillman faculty, staff, community members and others gathered Feb. 23 on the Stillman College campus to celebrate the...
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‘It was the place to be’
As Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. poured in 49 points in a 117-115 double-overtime loss to Alabama basketball on Feb. 19, it felt like the kind of night that bends a building’s memory. h Forty-nine should be historic, but in Coleman Coliseum, it’s not...
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HISTORY ON A ROLL
It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and a man in a sharp gray suit and a red, patterned tie heaves open the door to 138 Dexter Ave. in downtown Montgomery. He slides against the wall behind the blue barstools, a string of “sorry” and “excuse me” falling from his...
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BACK FOR A BAKER’S DOZEN OF FUN
It’s time to eat the doughnuts. h After taking a break in 2025, the Tuscaloosa Krispy Kreme Challenge returns Feb. 28 for the 13th time in the Druid City. h According to the organizers’ website, the competition will be held at Government Plaza, 618...
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Mom opens preschool for special needs children
A new preschool designed to support children with special needs has opened in Northport. Archway Academy, an inclusive preschool for children, including those with autism and other special needs, opened its doors in January. The school, at 1302 Main...
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Ignite names its first executive director
Ignite, formerly the Children’s Hands-On Museum, has named Martin S. Fisher its first executive director, under its new name and direction. Chosen from a pool of applicants, Fisher has worked for decades in science centers and museums, including...
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CAPITOL UPGRADE
The new Alabama State House will be ready for use by the end of the year, officials managing the project have confirmed. The project has been in progress for some time, with serious inquiries into the project becoming tangible beginning around 2023....
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UA nursing program enrollment to double
The University of Alabama plans to double enrollment in its nursing program to address a statewide shortage of nurses. Alabama faces one of the most severe nursing shortages in the nation, experts say. According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, about...
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BUILDING CHANGE
Andrew Blake grew up watching hurricanes and earthquakes destroy the lives of people in his native Jamaica. Little could be done to thwart the forces of nature, but the problems nature created never left his mind. Blake, now a build site supervisor for...
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HIDDEN GEM
One of Pike Road’s treasures is also a hidden gem in the area’s food scene — a restaurant with a full menu, daily specials and amazing burgers, set in a Cecil community landmark. “I’m coming up on our four-year anniversary (April 15),” said Grib...
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The tide of doubt
In a Feb. 17 meeting sometimes punctuated by sighs, disbelieving laughter, and the kind of edged “Are you listening?” applause that’s plagued Northport government in recent years, University Beach developer Kent Donahue answered roughly 90 minutes of...
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Spiciest competition crowns champions
More than 30 teams put their chilimaking skills to the ultimate test during the Exchange Club‘s 18th annual Great Tuscaloosa Chili Cookoff. The event, held Feb. 14 at the Paul W. Bryant Conference Center on the University of Alabama campus, allowed...
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Northport Bunny Trail returns with new host, free events
The downtown Northport Bunny Trail will return this spring under the Junior League of Tuscaloosa. In 2023, the Junior League of Tuscaloosa was announced as the new hosting organization for the Northport Bunny Trail. Previously, the event was hosted by...
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Bill could boost health care access, Alabama PAs say
A bill that has already passed in the Alabama House of Representatives has the potential to bring better access to health care in the state, advocates say. H.B. 156 aims to make Alabama part of the PA Licensure Compact, an interstate occupational...
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City of Tuscaloosa drops online sales tax lawsuit
The city of Tuscaloosa has dropped a lawsuit designed to address a shortcoming of an estimated $15 million annually, in favor of working with the Alabama Legislature to correct what the city sees as inequitable distribution of online tax...
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‘Best of the best’
Abriyah White, a homeschooled 10th grader who is a member of the Jaycee Park Boys and Girls Club in Tuscaloosa County, was named the Youth of the Year for 2026. h Abriyah, who was a finalist for the award last year, said that one of the things the Boys...
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Records from Brown shooting released
PROVIDENCE, RI –The Rhode Island city of Providence and its police department have released a significant number of public records relating to the Dec. 13 mass shooting at Brown University that killed two students, Ella Cook and MukhammadAziz...
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FROM CART TO HEART
One might think the color of Valentine’s Day is red and the flavor is chocolate, but for Tuscaloosa area businesses, it’s a very green day. Florists and chocolatiers see dramatic increases in business in the days leading up to America’s official...
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Stillman College parade marks homecoming week festivities
Stillman College celebrated homecoming with a parade Feb. 7 down Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Tuscaloosa. The parade capped a full week of activities as Stillman College welcomed alumni back to campus. In addition to the parade, Stillman hosted...
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A look at Tuscaloosa’s historically Black colleges
Alabama has at least 14 historically Black colleges and universities, the most of any state in the country. Two of those HBCUs call Tuscaloosa home. Here’s a look at Stillman College and Shelton State’s C. A. Fredd campus:: Shelton State C. A. Fredd...
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CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HONORS JONATHAN KOH
Jonathan Koh, president of Shelton State Community College, has earned the highest honor bestowed by the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama to an individual member. Koh on Feb. 5 was named the 2025 Charles H. Land Member of the Year during the 125th...
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Alabamans audition for ‘American Idol’ season 24
Kiera Howell of Geneva, Alabama, has been a singer since she could speak. When she turned 16, Howell decided to put her voice and confidence to the test. She must be doing something right because the nation will get to watch her audition for season 24...
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HISTORIC RENOVATION
On Jan. 25, a Sunday, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church reopened after extensive renovations to the historic building. h “It was the anniversary of the dedication, 180 years to the exact date. January 25th of 1846, the church was dedicated to the...
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MAGA vs. Bad Bunny splits Super Bowl
Sen. Tommy Tuberville was thrilled to attend the Super Bowl in 2025 when he hitched a ride on Air Force One, joining President Donald Trump and several other Republican lawmakers for the big game. “Happy Super Bowl Sunday,” the Republican senator for...
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Garden & Gun names this bookstore the best in the state
In an era when independent bookstores often struggle to stay afloat, one small shop in Alabama has found success by ignoring nearly every convention of modern bookselling. This shop was recently named one of Alabama’s most unusual and best bookstores...
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Princess Ball aims to bolster father-daughter bonds
An annual dance filled with Disney princesses and father-daughter bonding will return to Tuscaloosa. The Princess Ball, organized by Tee Anderson of Tuscaloosa and his event planning company, JustTee, will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 21 at the...
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Sticking to your resolutions
Did you make a New Year’s resolution to get in shape in 2026? Then you’re in luck: Tuscaloosa has several events this spring that encourage participants to get some exercise while helping a worthy cause. Here’s a rundown of four events that will help...
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Children’s theater has grown prior to move
The $120 million Saban Center has numerous donors and supporters, from the state and University of Alabama to the Poarch Creek Indians, from CocaCola, Alabama Power and of course Nick’s Kids foundations, from the city of Tuscaloosa to Mercedes-Benz,...
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Stillman College kicks off spring semester with convocation
Stillman College students received a message of hope, courage and liberation during a convocation ceremony Jan. 29 at the Tuscaloosa campus. Jamal Watson, an award-winning journalist and author, delivered the convocation’s keynote speech. “I am...
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TAKE A BITE FOR A CAUSE
Are you hungry, Tuscaloosa? Food takes top billing at five upcoming events in the Tuscaloosa. The best part is attendees at these events can enjoy delicious dishes while helping out with worthy causes. Here’s what you need to know: Great Tuscaloosa...
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Is it legal to drive with headphones on in AL?
Many drivers love blasting music or podcasts on the road, but can you listen to them while driving with headphones? Across the U.S., states differ on whether drivers can use headphones. While some ban them entirely, others permit one earbud. What does...
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Countdown to spring break
Thousands of students and their teachers will enjoy a weeklong vacation from school during spring break in Tuscaloosa. This year, spring break falls on March 16-20 for schools in the Tuscaloosa area. No classes will be held, and schools will be closed...
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Children’s Hands-On Museum building for sale
As the Children’s Hands-On Museum celebrates four decades serving Tuscaloosa, the University Boulevard building it’s been housed in for 38 of those years has gone on the market. CHOM will close those doors Aug. 1 as it prepares to move, and rebrand as...
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‘Thank you, Claudette Colvin’
Claudette Colvin was remembered at her funeral Saturday as a hero in life, and not just for her stance against Montgomery’s segregation rules from the mid-1950s when she was just a teenager. h Colvin died Jan. 13, and for those she left behind the...
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Cicis in Northport to reopen after temporary closure
Cicis Pizza, a buffet-style pizza restaurant, will reopen its Northport location after temporarily closing its doors in 2025. The restaurant at 929 McFarland Blvd. closed in June 2025, but the site is expected to reopen for business “soon,” according...
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Cuban rhythms highlight combined concert
Classical music fans could be dancing — in their seats — at the side-byside teaming of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra. The night is titled “Danzón,” 7 p.m. Jan. 26 in the University of Alabama’s Moody Concert...
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‘This feels like the right thing’
After a baker’s dozen years working as a professional actor, from New York City to Florida, around the country, and onward to Japan, Michael Thomas Walker has come back home a number of times ... depending on which place you call home. h Earlier this...
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Icy roads ahead
Alabama braces for a winter storm this weekend that could potentially leave thousands without power. When the power goes out, your fridge becomes a ticking time bomb, and your freezer has its own countdown. How long will your food be safe? Will you...
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WIRED FOR WEATHER
Alabama is preparing for a major winter storm this weekend that will bring freezing rain, ice and dangerously low temperatures. Officials warn that roads will be slick, power outages are likely and hazardous conditions could linger even after the...
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Winter storm predicted to sweep across US
A significant winter storm is about to hit Alabama, bringing dramatic changes. The state is bracing for a potentially significant winter storm this weekend. The National Weather Service urgently warns of snow, ice and bitterly cold temperatures likely...
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Realizing the Dream
Actor Alfre Woodard was the keynote speaker for the Realizing the Dream events in Tuscaloosa, an annual tradition that honors the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr. This is the 17th year of Realizing the Dream, which includes an...
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U.S. Space Command moving to Huntsville
Gen. Stephen Whiting was alive for the lunar landing, but he doesn’t remember it. h What he does remember is being 4 or 5 years old when his father was stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery. h “Back then, we didn’t wear seatbelts, and we...
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Building from the ground up
During the first Tuscaloosa City Council and committee meetings of 2026 on Jan. 6, subjects covered include a handful of projects reshaping the look and lifestyle of the Druid City, including major revamps of 20th-century properties that were once...
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Ivey calls for broader use of death penalty
Gov. Kay Ivey Tuesday called for expansions to a voucher-like school program and broader use of the death penalty in her State of the State address. In the Old House Chambers in the Alabama State Capitol, Ivey’s ninth and final State of the State was...
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2026 Kentuck Festival to be held Oct. 17-18
The 55th Kentuck Festival of the Arts will be held Oct. 17-18 in Tuscaloosa's Snow Hinton Park. The application window is approaching for artists wishing to be part of the renowned festival. Artists can apply beginning March 1 until 11:59 p.m. June...
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Alfre Woodward to speak at Realizing the Dream banquet
Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Smokie Norful and actor Alfre Woodard will be featured in the Realizing the Dream events in Tuscaloosa, an annual tradition that honors the life and legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King. Jr. This is the 17th year of...
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Furor continues over ICE shootings
Tensions remained high Jan. 9 as shootings involving immigration agents in Minneapolis and in Portland, Oregon, drew protesters to the streets and deepened fractures between federal and state officials. In Portland, a U.S. Border Patrol officer shot...
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IT’S SHOWTIME!
Although the year is still new, 2026 is shaping up to be an entertaining one in Tuscaloosa. Here’s what to know about some of the festivals, concerts and shows you can expect as the year unfolds. Festivals Tuscaloosa is home to two notable art...
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Councilman creates bust of George H.W. Bush
Lee Busby finds a little clay under his fingernails from time to time. The retired U.S. Marine Corps colonel has served as a Tuscaloosa City Council member for about seven years, but the clay comes from his art: He creates sculptures in his...
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Tuscaloosa City Schools earns highest-ever score on report card
The Tuscaloosa City Schools system is one step closer to reaching its goal of becoming a grade “A” school system. The system earned an 86 on the 2025 Alabama State Department of Education report card, which is Tuscaloosa City Schools’ highest-ever...
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Bringing a vision to life
Adept adjustments continue to be made by the University of Alabama Department of Theatre and Dance, as it transitions into the in-progress $177 million, 103,088 square-foot Smith Family Center for Performing Arts. h Recent seasons have been truncated,...
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‘Trump’ is everywhere in his second term
WASHINGTON – As a New York businessman, President Donald Trump put his name on real estate, golf courses, vodka, steaks, bottled water and his own university. As president in his second term, he is merging his personal brand with national institutions...
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United Way of West Alabama exceeds 2025 goal
The United Way of West Alabama raised more than $4 million for 30 nonprofit agencies during its 2025 campaign. Campaign chair Josh Hayes and a group of "Live United" children announced this year's fundraising total Dec. 29 during halftime at the...
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Big events on calendar for 2026
As a new year dawns, many Americans are reflecting on 2025, a year marked by historic events including the inauguration of a president, the appointment of the first American pope, and major pop culture moments like the release of “Wicked: For Good” and...
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Niche ranks best college food for 2026
Alabama colleges aren’t just competing in academics this year, they’re battling it out in the dining halls. Niche’s 2026 Best College Food rankings highlight which campuses give students the best mix of taste, variety and value. h The rankings are...
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How to ring in 2026 in Tuscaloosa
It’s almost time to ring out 2025 and ring in 2026. Here’s a look at some ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Tuscaloosa: New Year’s for Kids The Children’s Hands-on Museum will host New Year’s for Kids from 9:30 a.m. until noon....
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TAKING SHAPE
As 2025 draws to a close, one of the future’s brightest lights continues to grow downtown across from the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, on the former site of The Tuscaloosa News’ building, and facing Parker-Haun Park, which will someday hold a...
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‘DEEP CONNECTION’
The places Indigenous peoples call home have intertwined with their ways of life for millennia. Their stories, foodways and cultures relate directly to their homelands. Lands, waters, plants and animals, the creatures that inhabit the waters below and...
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Grand opening date set for Northport’s third Aldi store
Aldi will open its third Northport grocery store in 2026. The grand opening for the new Aldi will begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 8 in the former home of Winn-Dixie at 13620 U.S. Highway 43 North. The first 200 customers will receive a gift bag filled with a...
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Where you can eat out in AL on Christmas Day
If you’re hoping to skip the kitchen this Christmas, you’re in luck. While many restaurants close on Christmas Day, several national chains in Alabama will open their doors, serving food whether you’re traveling, scrambling up a last-minute meal or...
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Library puts bookmobile on its Christmas list
The Tuscaloosa Public Library needs a new sleigh, and Saint Nick is nowhere in sight. The library’s aging bookmobile needs to be replaced, but with a budget more aligned with Ebenezer Scrooge than the jolly, gift-giving saint, the library is looking...
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Health care hikes could cost Republicans
WASHINGTON – Republican worries about losing their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives next year erupted last week when four moderates joined Democrats in a last-ditch effort to prevent a spike in health care costs for 24 million Americans...
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A CENTURY OF GROWTH
Imagine the sellout capacity of Bryant-Denny Stadium being so few that attendance could be counted by hand. h Imagine enrollment at the University of Alabama at just 4,334 − about one-ninth of its size today − and an academic faculty that numbered...
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Brown student to be laid to rest in AL
The funeral for Ella Cook, a Brown University sophomore from Mountain Brook who died last week in the Brown University shooting in Providence, RI., will be held Dec. 22 in Birmingham, her family announced. Cook, 19, was fatally shot on the Brown...
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Tinsel Trail one of country’s best holiday light displays
A national spotlight is shining on Tuscaloosa’s Tinsel Trail. The downtown attraction was named one of the Best Public Holiday Lights Display by USA TODAY’s 10BEST readers’ choice awards. The Tinsel Trail, which opened Nov. 24 and continues through...
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Tuscaloosa couple donates $1M for athletic center
Tuscaloosa Academy has received a $1 million gift to support the development of a new state-of-the-art athletic center. The donation was made by Chloé and Ric Mayers, a Tuscaloosa couple known for their philanthropic commitment to children and...
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Winners named in 49th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade
The Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority has named winners among the participants in the 49th annual West Alabama Christmas Parade. Thousands of people attended the parade, held Dec. 8 in downtown Tuscaloosa. The parade featured dozens of...
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‘WHERE IT ALL STARTED’
Kalen DeBoer always enjoys an Alabama football history lesson. h “I love understanding kind of where it all started,” DeBoer told The Tuscaloosa News. h But time is limited. DeBoer was weeks away from opening his second season with the Crimson Tide...
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SUGARPLUM SEASON
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky wrote “The Nutcracker” ballet in 1892, and it has become one of the most beloved traditions of the Christmas season. The Tuscaloosa Community Dancers will perform the holiday classic Dec. 1114 at the Bama Theatre, 600...
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’Bama softball players shop for Toys for Tots
A quartet of Alabama softball players joined with Toys for Tots and West Shore Home to buy Christmas gifts that will help 600 children have a happy Christmas. Jocelyn Briski, Victoria Moten, Katilyn Pallozzi and Audrey Vandagriff shopped Nov. 20 in...
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New outdoor pickleball, basketball courts open
The city of Tuscaloosa has opened a pair of outdoor recreational facilities this fall, places where children and adults can have fun while keeping physically fit. One of the facilities gives kids the opportunity to sharpen their basketball skills,...
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Nick’s Kids Foundation honors 70 AL teachers
Nick and Terry Saban honored 70 teachers on Dec. 3 during the Nick’s Kids Foundation 14th annual Teacher Excellence Awards at Tuscaloosa River Market. h The Sabans said they believe strongly in education and supporting teachers because that is their...
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