NYT Defamation Trial | United Way Fundraising Goal | Former Tide Star's Big Contract

Good morning, neighbors! Here's a look at the biggest headlines from around town.

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

• Latest on NYT defamation trial.
• Former Tide star inks big contract.
• United Way of West Alabama announces fundraising goal.

First, a look at today's weather: Sunny and dangerously hot. High:95 | Low: 72 🥵

🗣Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Wednesday morning goes to Crimson Tide defensive back Bray Hubbard for being among 13 student-athletes named to the 2026 Allstate Wuerffel Trophy Watch List, which is considered college football's premier award for community service. (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 Commericialand 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. Kai Spears, NYT Defamation Trial Slows Amid Debate Over Admissibility Of Newspaper's Actions: Here's our latest in-depth courtroom coverage from the defamation case brought against the New York Times by a former UA basketball player. Follow us for more trial coverage today. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. United Way Of West Alabama Sets Historic $5M Fundraising Goal For 80th Campaign: The United Way of West Alabama (UWWA) kicked off its 80th annual fundraising campaign Tuesday with a historic goal of raising $5 million to support communities across the region. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Tuscaloosa Municipal Court Collecting Supplies For 'Pack The Campuses' Drive: The Tuscaloosa Municipal Court is asking residents to help local college students start the fall semester with essential food, household and hygiene supplies as part of this year's "Pack the Campuses" drive. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. Tuscaloosa VA To Participate In Psilocybin Clinical Trial For Veterans With Depression, PTSD: The Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center announced this week it will be one of five sites nationwide participating in a new clinical trial examining whether psilocybin can safely and effectively treat veterans with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. Dallas Cowboys, Former Tide Star Quinnen Williams Agree On $105.9M Extension: The Dallas Cowboys and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams have agreed on a $105.9 million, three-year extension going into his first full season with the team. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

🗓 Today in T-Town 🗓

• Chamber In Session: State Of The Community @ Bryant Conference Center (11:30 am)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Tuscaloosa man facing child sex abuse material possession charges (WVUA 23 News)
2. City of Brookwood approves rezoning recommendation for 374 acres (Charlize Ramos, Alabama's 42)
3. Tuscaloosa schools plan $13M reserve drawdown to maintain student programs (ABC 33/40)
4. Controversial former Alabama basketball player resurfaces in foreign pro league (Creg Stephenson, AL.com)
5. How Good Can Yhonzae Pierre Be? The Joe Gaither Show (Joe Gaither, Bama Central)

🙏 Obituaries 🙏

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

James Angelo Fletcher, 78, of Tuscaloosa (Heritage Chapel)

Stephen Alfred Cooper, 92, of Tuscaloosa (Magnolia Chapel)

Frances Aldridge, 75, of Kennedy (Nelson Funeral Home)

John David Hyche, 75, of Tuscaloosa (Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel)

Now you're in the loop about what's happening today.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you in your inbox next time! And if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch!

- RP