🌱 New ALDI Opens In Northport + Walkout Protest In Tuscaloosa

Good morning, neighbors! Get all caught up with us on this Thursday morning.

In today's Daily, we have these stories and more ...

• Tuscaloosa native returns to lead Stillman choir
• Tuscaloosa walkout protest planned.
• New Anchor Tuscaloosa cohort.

First, a look at today's weather: Low clouds and very warm. High: 72 | Low: 64 🌥

🗣Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Thursday morning goes to Derrick Nix, who has joined the Crimson Tide football to serve as wide receivers coach. (More)

👏 Thanks to our sponsors 👏

Our mission to bring quality, independent journalism to Tuscaloosa would not be possible without the support of our friends at DCH Health System, United Way of West Alabama, Strange Brew Coffeehouse, Right Space Commercial and BankFirst. Interested in becoming a local Tuscaloosa Patch sponsor? Please email me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. Stillman College Names Alumnus Willie E. Williams Jr. As New Choir Director: Stillman College on Wednesday named Tuscaloosa native and distinguished alumnus Willie E. Williams Jr. as its new choir director. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. 'Free America Walkout' Protest Planned For Later This Month In Tuscaloosa: Tuscaloosa residents are invited to join a “Free America Walkout” protest on Jan. 20 at the Federal Building downtown, part of a coordinated national demonstration to speak out against recent actions by President Donald Trump. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Anchor Tuscaloosa Announces Students Selected For 2026 Cohort: Anchor Tuscaloosa on Wednesday announced the members of its 2026 cohort of a program designed to connect talented students with key people, places and opportunities shaping West Alabama. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. Tuscaloosa's Finance Department Honored By Government Finance Officers Association: The City of Tuscaloosa announced this week that its Finance Department has earned the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 37th consecutive year. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. PHOTOS: First Look Inside New Northport ALDI: ALDI's newest grocery store in Northport officially opened Wednesday morning and will host a grand opening event Thursday to celebrate. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

🗓 Today In T-Town 🗓

• Karley Nichols @ The Sanctuary on 25th (6 p.m.)
• Line dancing @ PAL Gym (6 p.m.)
• Something From Nothing - An Intro to Improv (6:30 p.m.)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey to deliver State of the State Address Jan. 13 (AJ Holliday, CBS 42 News)
2. Alabama faces major political fight after state’s larger cities sue over online sales tax (Mike Cason, AL.com)
3. Sources: Ty Simpson to forego final season in Tuscaloosa, declare for NFL Draft (Ashlee Winborne, WBRC Fox 6 News)
4. UA professor studies changing history of Notre Dame cathedral (Olivia Declercq, Assistant Culture Editor)
5. Northport police seek public's help to identify individuals (ABC 33/40)

🙏 Obituaries 🙏

*Our obituary section is generously sponsored by our friends at Dorroh & Mills, P.C.

Rohn Quince Rhodes (Ronny), 84, of Tuscaloosa (Heritage Chapel)

Sylvia Kimberly Miles Corbett, 61, of Fayette (Nelson Funeral Home)

James Doyle Baker, 83, of Berry (Norwood-Wyatt Chapel)

Faye Terrell Hudson, 75, of Cottondale (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! And if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

- RP

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